Tree Silhouetted During Winter Sunset in Kentucky

People in Kentucky (and most places, for that matter) make the mistake of thinking that winter is JUST for sitting inside, eating, and watching college basketball.  I don’t have anything against sitting or eating and I love college basketball (how could you NOT when you live in the state of Kentucky – home to two of the most exciting programs in the country?!?!). However, humans don’t need to hibernate with the bears. Doing so just leads to extra pounds.. for us and them!

There’s still plenty of beauty to get out and see, and plenty of places to visit. In fact, you’ll find the crowds smaller and traffic much more agreeable. Plan a trip to a Kentucky State Park this weekend – and don’t forget your camera. If you visit one of the Kentucky State Resort Parks, you’ll be able to enjoy a delicious hot meal in the dining room.  Most offer gorgeous views, buffet bars as well as menus, friendly staff, and some of the best coffee you’ve ever had.

Below are some of the winter events you can take advantage of at Kentucky’s State Parks.

If you’re looking for some winter adventure, the Kentucky State Parks have numerous outdoor events planned in January and February to get you outdoors and moving.

They include elk viewing tours, hikes, looking for eagles at the Land Between the Lakes and watching sandhill cranes as they migrate through Kentucky.

One of the most popular events is the Winter Adventure Weekend Jan. 27-29 at Carter Caves State Resort Park at Olive Hill. The weekend includes hiking, canoeing, recreational tree climbing, cave tours, winter survival, rappelling and other adventures. Guests will be able to select from a list of trips they want to take – for beginners and advanced winter adventurers alike. All of the trips and events are led by guides. The list of the trips, along with registration information and other details for the 2012 event are available at www.winteradventureweekend.com. All participants must register online at this site. The nonrefundable fee for adults (age 13 and older) is $25, and the nonrefundable fee for children ages 6-12 is $20. (All participants must be at least 6 years old. Some trips have additional age requirements.). For more information, call Carter Caves at 1-800-325-0059.

Pine Mountain State Resort Park in Pineville is hosting the Hike the Highlands Winter Getaway Jan. 13-15. Join the expedition to hike 8 miles on three guided hikes in one weekend. Gaze out across the Cumberland Mountains from Knobby Rock in the midst of the celebrated Blanton Forest. Stand on the mountain peak where Kentucky, Tennessee and Virginia adjoin and feel the weight of history in the saddle of the Cumberland Gap Pass. Investigate a Native American camp in a sandstone rockhouse, relive the folk history of the legendary Chained Rock and examine a natural arch on the vaulted south slope of Pine Mountain. Registration is required. The park is offering a lodging package for $170 for two. Call 1-800-325-1712 for information.

Cumberland Falls State Resort Park near Corbin is hosting its Arches and Waterfall Weekend Jan. 13-15. Enjoy a weekend of guided hikes to explore some of Kentucky’s natural treasures: natural arches and waterfalls. There will be a daily morning hike and a daily afternoon hike to different natural features. Relax in the lodge and enjoy evening programs. Call the park at 1-800-325-0063.

Jenny Wiley State Resort Park at Prestonsburg and Buckhorn Lake State Resort Park at Buckhorn resume elk viewing tours in January. This is one of several excellent wildlife viewing tours offered by the Kentucky State Parks. Call the parks for details and reservations or visit www.parks.ky.gov (Jenny Wiley is 1-800-325-0142; Buckhorn Lake is 1-800-325-0058.)

Three parks in western Kentucky will offer Eagle Watch Weekends in January and February. The parks and dates are: Kentucky Dam Village State Resort Park at Gilbertsville, Jan. 20-22; Lake Barkley State Resort Park near Cadiz, Jan. 27-29; and Kenlake State Resort Park near Aurora, Feb. 3-5. Tours are conducted by van and by boat with wildlife guides. Call the parks or visit www.parks.ky.gov for more information and reservations.

Barren River Lake State Resort Park will offer its Nature Watch Weekends for sandhill cranes, Jan. 20-21 and Feb. 17-18. Participants can register for morning or afternoon trips led by naturalists. Registration is $30 per person and includes an evening session, a sunrise or sunset field trip, boxed meal and a T-shirt. Call the park at 1-800-325-0057 for information and reservations.

John James Audubon State Park at Henderson will host several Owl Prowls during January and February. These free trips begin at 3:30 or 4 p.m. Guests should bring cameras or binoculars to see avian predators like short-eared owls, great horned owls, prairie merlins, rough-legged hawks, northern harriers, bald eagles and red-tailed hawks. The hikes are scheduled for Jan. 8 and 22 and Feb. 5 and 19. Meet at the main boat ramp at Bluegrass Fish and Wildlife Area in Warrick County, Ind. Call 1-270-826-2247 for information.

For more information about these events and Kentucky State Parks, visit www.parks.ky.gov

Photo Credit: The gorgeous Photographic Print at the top of the page is available from Allposters.com.  More Kentucky Posters and Prints

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Before getting to the fun Barren River Lake State Resort Park event, let me just say that I’ve fixed the e-mail form to the right. It was brought to my attention that the form decided to stop working (thanks again!), so I ditched the trouble-making form and hired a new one.  Out with the old, in with the new.  Sign up for e-mail alerts and you’ll know as soon as something new has been added to the website.  You can also sign up for our RSS feed, also on the right – or follow me on Twitter.

Heck, why not just do all three?!?

Beautiful Barren River Lake State Resort Park never fails to impress.  Maybe you’re a photographer looking for incredible photo ops or a diner looking for great catfish in the lodge’s restaurant.  Maybe you’re a boater, fisherman (or woman), or golfer looking for their next great challenge.

Or maybe you’re simply looking for rest and relaxation surrounded by Kentucky’s awe-inspiring beauty.  Whatever you’re looking for, you’ll find it.. and more… at Barren River Lake State Resort Park.  They have something special in store for bird lovers in January and February.

Each year thousands of sandhill cranes make Barren River Lake a stop on their journey back home.  Join Barren River Lake State Resort Park during its Nature Watch Weekends to get up close to these beautiful cranes as they migrate through the area.

The weekends, Jan. 20-21 and Feb. 17-18, 2012, will consist of educational sessions conducted by Wayne Tamminga, a wildlife biologist with the Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources, on Friday evenings at 7 p.m. CST.

Participants can register for one of two trips. The morning sunrise trip takes guests to the roosting site before sunrise to experience the beauty of the cranes leaving the roost as they journey to nearby cornfields to spend the day. The sunset trip begins by viewing the birds in the cornfields and ends at the roosting site so you may view the magnificence of thousands of cranes circling overhead as they get ready to settle down for the night.  Each of these trips will be led by naturalists from the Kentucky Department of Parks.

Registration is $30 per person and includes the evening session, a sunrise or sunset field trip, boxed meal, and a T-shirt.  Registration forms are available online at http://parks.ky.gov/calendar/details/nature-watch-weekend–sandhill-cranes/16254/ or by contacting Jamie Avery at 1-800-325-0057.

Please note that the dates selected are based on historical records under normal weather conditions in January and at the end of February, and past trends of the cranes’ arrival in this area.  Please be aware that this narrow window of opportunity can vary by several days based on weather and the cranes’ migration schedule.

Barren River Lake State Resort Park, near Glasgow, has a lodge, cottages, Driftwood Restaurant (amazing catfish!), golf course, fitness center, gift shop, fishing, picnic areas and hiking trails. The resort is located 44 miles southeast of Bowling Green and 15 miles south of Glasgow. Take I-65 to the Cumberland Parkway east, to US 31E south.

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Barren River State Resort Park Lodge

Barren River State Resort Park is feeling musical and they’d love for you to join in the fun.  Trust me, whenever you get a chance to eat at Barren River State Resort Park’s Restaurant, it’s an opportunity you should jump at. With both feet!

Listen to sweet sounds of tenor, lead, baritone and bass in barbershop harmony, as several quartets from The Caveman Chorus perform at Barren River Lake State Resort Park on Nov. 19.

For the grand finale, it’s a “Blast From the Past” as The Caveman Chorus unites with singers from years gone by and with youths from surrounding schools to sing in perfect harmony.

Barren River State Resort Park is offering dinner from 5-7:45 p.m. and the 8 p.m. show for $35 per couple (plus tax and tip), or $20 per person (plus tax and tip). Tickets for the show only are $8 per person. Receive a $2 discount for pre-purchase of a package. Contact Jamie Avery at 1-800-325-0057 or jamie.avery@ky.gov for more information.

Barren River State Resort Park is surrounded by rolling, tree-covered hills, on the edge of a beautiful 10,000-acre lake. The park has 51 lodge rooms, 22 cottages and 99 campsites. Enjoy the relaxing atmosphere of an upscale fish camp in the Driftwood Restaurant. If you are looking for something to do during your visit, you can play on the 18-hole golf course, hike along a nature trail, visit the marina to rent a boat, check out a fishing pole or sports equipment, browse the gift shop, or just enjoy a peaceful seat overlooking the lake.

The resort is 44 miles southeast of Bowling Green. Take Interstate 65 to the Cumberland Parkway east, to US 31E south.

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My husband and I ate at Barren River Lake State Resort Park this past weekend. Whenever we’re in the vicinity of a Kentucky State Resort Park around mealtime, we seldom even discuss where we’re eating. Our state parks meals are that good.

Since I LOVE photography, I snapped a few pictures. Places as gorgeous as Barren River Lake State Resort Park provide photographers (amateur, like me, or professional) with a gazillion and one photo opportunities.

I added the pictures to a new gallery, Barren River Lake State Resort Park Pictures, so be sure and check them out. I’ll add more pictures to the gallery tomorrow. Believe me, we have plenty!

Supper at The Driftwood Restaurant (in the beautiful lodge) was exceptional as usual. Our hostess, Katie, was unusually sweet and helpful. That always warrants a shout out on Genuine Kentucky. I LOVE to come across people, like Katie, who represent our state just as we’d want it represented. Happy, sweet, and uncommonly friendly.

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The Kentucky State Parks will be in full swing with events and activities during Labor Day Weekend.

All 32 campgrounds will be open and many parks are planning special festivities for guests. The park system’s 17 resort parks – all with lodges, full-service restaurants, hiking trails, playgrounds, picnic areas and other amenities – will be open.

The recreational parks and historic sites will also be open. Most have hiking trails, picnic areas, camping, fishing and other recreational opportunities for guests.

Golfers have 18 courses across the state from which to choose. Several courses have received national honors for being among the best places to play. The Kentucky State Parks also offer golf packages that include overnight stays.

For more information about all 51 state parks and to make lodging or camping reservations, visit www.parks.ky.gov. Information about lodging discounts and coupons is also available on the website. Below is a listing of events scheduled during Labor Day Weekend 2010:

Blue Licks Battlefield State Resort Park, Mount Olivet

Sept. 3

Tomahawk Throwing at the Pioneer Museum

While the tomahawk was a formidable weapon, unlike the movies, it was probably never actually thrown in frontier warfare. However, games of skill were common on the frontier. Join the park “expert” for a talk about the history of games of skill and a chance to test skill with a tomahawk. This program is open throughout the day and is part of the Pioneer Museum Summer Series. It is free with paid admission to the museum. 1-800-443-7008.

Blue Licks Battlefield State Resort Park, Mount Olivet

Sept. 4

Labor Day Blood Drive

You can be someone’s hero! The Central Kentucky Blood Center Blood Mobile will be just outside the Blue Licks Battlefield State Resort Park Pioneer Museum. All blood donors will receive complimentary passes for the Pioneer Museum and be eligible to win door prizes. Donate blood between 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. on Saturday. Call the park at 859-289-5507 or 800-443-7008 for overnight accommodations, directions and additional information.

General Butler State Resort Park, Carrollton

Sept. 4

Goldenrod Gala

The park will host a one-day juried Arts & Crafts Festival featuring handmade items. The gala includes a variety of demonstrators, all-day entertainment, food concessions, Farmer’s Market and activities for kids. 866-462-8853.

Fort Boonesborough State Park

Sept. 4

CKBC Mobile Blood Drive
The Central Kentucky Blood Center will be conducting a blood drive in the Recreation Hall of the campground from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. All donors will receive a t-shirt, a gift and will be entered into the door prize drawings for gift certificates from the park and area businesses. Open to the public. 859-527-3131.

Jefferson Davis State Historic Site, Fairview

Sept. 4

Civil War Flag Exhibit

Spend part of your holiday weekend visiting Jefferson Davis State Historic Site to see an impressive collection of reproduction Civil War flags, both Confederate and Union, by Spencer and Linda Brewer of Central City. 270-889-6100.

John James Audubon State Park, Henderson

Sept. 3-4

Plein-Air & Studio Workshop

Artists, are you ready to learn how to construct a good composition? This two-day adult workshop is designed for beginning-to-advanced artists seeking more knowledge to enhance and create a beautifully composed painting. The workshop will consist of students learning the fundamentals of a composition and compositional studies in the studio. Don’t miss the instruction by the award winning wildlife artist Devere Burt, of Cincinnati. Registration is required. A supply list will be provided. Fee: $60 for both days. Times: Friday 9-4 p.m.; Saturday 9–noon. 270-826-2247.

John James Audubon State Park, Henderson

Sept. 2-6

Labor Day Weekend

John James Audubon State Park will be celebrating Labor Day Weekend throughout the park. The fun starts with Fishing Fun on Thursday, Sept. 2 at the boat dock on Recreation Lake and ends with Recycled Bird Feeders on Monday, Sept. 6.  There will be nature crafts, wildlife games and guided hikes throughout the weekend. The highlights of the weekend will include a Labor Day Campground Parade, Live Raptor Show and Ice

Cream In-A-Bag. Call for programs, times, and location at (270) 826-4424.

Barren River Lake State Resort Park, Lucas

Sept. 3-5

Labor Day Weekend Activities

Join the recreation staff at Barren River for a weekend full of fun.  The park will be ending the “summer season” with a variety of activities for campers, guests and visitors.  There will be a Leave No Trace Awareness workshop at 10 a.m. on Saturday, Sept. 4.  Participants will learn how to be good stewards of the land and will receive a discount card for 10 percent off lodging or camping valid through September 2011.  Dave Stahl will be providing live musical entertainment in the campground on Sunday, Sept. 5 at 7 p.m. Nature hikes, reptile shows, fabulous fossil activities and more all weekend long. 800-325-0057.

Greenbo Lake State Resort Park, Greenup

Sept. 3-5

Labor Day Getaway

Close out the summer with lots of family fun at Greenbo Lake State Resort Park.  There will be crafts, hayrides, a scavenger hunt, mini golf and all sorts of fun-filled activities to keep you busy.  Don’t forget the community pool will be open through Sept. 6, so come out and enjoy that last swim of the summer. 800-325-0083.

Jenny Wiley State Resort Park, Prestonsburg

Sept. 3 – 5

Labor Day “Fun in the Sun”

Jenny Wiley State Resort Park will be celebrating Labor Day with several activities.  Come build your own “Pine Derby Car” on Saturday morning and then race it Saturday evening.  The park will also have a reptile show with the Kentucky Reptile Zoo on Saturday at 5 p.m.  Don’t forget to wear your dancing shoes as we will have a “heel-clicking” good time Friday, Saturday and Sunday nights with folk and country line dancing.  Other activities include a pet show, tomahawk throwing, arts and crafts, archery, primitive fire starting demonstration, tie-dye t-shirts and much more. 800-325-0142.

Lake Cumberland State Resort Park, Jamestown

Sept. 3-5

Labor Day Weekend Activities

The end of summer is near so let’s spend the holiday weekend together at Lake Cumberland. The park’s recreation department has plenty of fun activities planned for the entire family.  The park will have activities such as bingo, youth archery, balloon launcher, pool games and a magic show featuring Dave Cottrell.  For information, contact Robert Myers at RobertA.Myers@ky.gov or call 1-800-325-1709.

Buckhorn Lake State Resort Park, Buckhorn

Sept. 3-6

End of the Summer Celebration

Buckhorn Lake is having its annual End of the Summer Celebration filled with lots of fun and excitement for guests. Cool off from the summer heat by enjoying the pool and water games. Have fun drying off during the many yard games and sport activities that will continue throughout the weekend. Evening activities will include a campfire and s’mores and much more. 800-325-0058.

Cumberland Falls State Resort Park, Corbin

Sept. 3-6

Labor Day Weekend

Cumberland Falls State Resort Park’s recreation staff will offer a variety of programs Labor Day Weekend, including a hike to Pinnacle Knob Fire Tower, archery, folk dancing, craft programs and more.  The community pool will be open from 12 p.m.-8 p.m.  800-325-0063.

E.P. “Tom” Sawyer State Park, Louisville

Sept. 3-6
NBL/BMX Grand Nationals

Join E.P. “Tom” Sawyer State Park for the annual NBL/BMX Grand Nationals. Watch the best of the best riders from all over the world. This event is sponsored by Derby City BMX, www.derbycitybmx.org.  502-429-7270.

Kenlake State Resort Park, Aurora

Sept. 3-6

Labor Day Weekend Celebration

Kenlake State Resort Park’s Labor Day festivities will begin Friday night, Sept. 3. Come help the park say farewell to Summer. This will be the last weekend of daily recreation/naturalist led activities until May 2011. Activities include Friday night beginning at 7:30 p.m. in the back lobby. Scott Shupe, an old friend of the park, will bring many of his animals for his live animal presentation.  Other activities include junior naturalist programs, guided nature hikes, campfire programs, sports activities, and arts and crafts. End the summer with a live band Sunday night on the front lawn. 800-325-0143.

Kentucky Dam Village State Resort Park, Gilbertsville

Sept. 3-6

Labor Day Weekend – Say Goodbye to Summer

Kentucky Dam Village State Resort Park’s Labor Day festivities will begin Friday night, Sept. 3. Say farewell to Summer and all the heat and enjoy the last weekend of scheduled daily recreation activities for the year. Activities include tie-dye, an all-you-can-eat Ice Cream Social, Ping Pong Tournaments, Nintendo Wii Tournaments, arts and crafts. Heath Eric will perform to close out the weekend on Sunday night at 7 p.m. at the campground! Fees for some events. For details contact Anthony.Lawrence@ky.gov or call 1-800-325-0146.

Lake Barkley State Resort Park, Cadiz

Sept. 3-6

Labor Day Celebration

Lake Barkley State Resort Park says farewell to summer with a Labor Day weekend celebration.  Activities will start on Friday evening at the campground and continue through Monday afternoon at the lodge.  The recreation staff has packed this last weekend of summer with lots of activities for the entire family. Activities include a snake presentation, tie-dye shirts, corn-hole games, trap shooting and an owl prowl. And don’t forget to stop by the beach on the last few days it will be open for the summer.  For more information contact Mary Schmidt at mary.schmidt@ky.gov or 1-800-325-1708

Pennyrile Forest State Resort Park, Dawson Springs

Sept. 3-6
Labor Day Weekend Celebration

Pennyrile Forest State Resort Park’s Labor Day festivities will begin Friday night, Sept. 3. Come help the park say farewell to Summer. This will be the last weekend of daily recreation/naturalist led activities until May 2011. Activities include junior naturalist programs, guided nature hikes, campfire programs, sports activities, and arts and crafts. Don’t miss Music in the Park on Friday, Sept. 3 at 7 p.m. with local artist Heath Eric. 800-325-1711.

Carter Caves State Resort Park, Olive Hill

Sept. 6

Pickin’ at the Caves
Bring your instruments out to Carter Caves State Resort Park to gather and play music with other local musicians. Don’t play? No problem! Come and enjoy the tunes that local talent has to offer. The pickin’ will be in and around the lobby of Lewis Caveland Lodge from 7-9 p.m. Visit early and enjoy a country meal in the Tierney’s Cavern Restaurant. This event is held on the 1st and 3rd Monday of each month. 800-325-0059.

The Kentucky State Park System is composed of 51 state parks plus an interstate park shared with Virginia. The Department of Parks, an agency of the Tourism, Arts and Heritage Cabinet, operates 17 resort parks with lodges — more than any other state. For more information on Kentucky parks, visit our Web site at http://www.parks.ky.gov

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If you’re thinking about getting a little boating in before summer ends, Barren River Lake State Resort Park has a great deal for you.

Rent a pontoon boat for all day for $175 plus tax and the park will throw in a lodge room for free. The lodging offer is good for Sunday, Monday and Tuesday nights with the boat use for the following day. The park is also offering a two-night package with the use of the boat for two days for an additional $150 plus tax.

The park also has overnight packages that include a john-boat for fishing or ski-boats.

The offer is good through Oct. 15, 2010 and does not include holidays. Gas is not included. The offer is based on availability. To view the coupon, visit http://parks.ky.gov/findparks/resortparks/br/ and click on “Summer Boating Offer.”

Barren River Lake State Resort Park near Glasgow has a lodge, cottages, Driftwood Restaurant, golf course, fitness center, gift shop, fishing, picnic areas and hiking trails. The resort is located 44 miles southeast of Bowling Green. Take I-65 to the Cumberland Parkway east, to US 31E south.

For more information and to make reservations. Call 1-800-325-0057.

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I was recently sent a link to an article extolling the virtues of state parks (from someone who knew just how much my husband and I LOVE state parks).   This particular article’s stance is after my own heart – it even mentions one of Kentucky’s State Parks: E.P. “Tom” Sawyer State Park in Louisville.

The article points out the negative effect the economy could potentially have on our country’s beautiful state parks.  None of us want to see cutbacks, layoffs, or any negative changes befalling our beloved state parks.  A state’s state parks are like crown jewels.  They allow newcomer’s to the state to get a “feel” for what that state is all about, a glimpse at it’s history, and a feel for what makes that state special.

This is why, in my opinion, it’s so important for State Parks to hire only the friendliest, warmest, and most capable individuals – they represent us!

Not only are State Parks vital for acquainting new visitors to a state, they’re vital for the natives as well.  They provide a place where we can go, relax, play, eat, take pictures, enjoy the scenery, and reconnect with what makes our state and its people so special.

Please read the article that was e-mailed to me (The National Identity of State Parks) and, more importantly, please make a point to visit state parks more regularly.   When in the vicinity of a State Resort Park, such as Kentucky Dam Village State Resort Park, have your meals at the resort’s restaurant, shop in the gift shop, and see all that the Resort State Park has to offer.

To further celebrate and promote Kentucky’s beautiful State Parks, we’re working on a Kentucky State Parks section of the website.  We hope to add slideshows and many more pictures.  If you have any pictures from Kentucky’s State Parks that you’d like to donate to the website, we’d be very grateful  (E-mail them to joisigers@aim.com)

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Mark your calendars! Barren River Lake State Resort Park has two outdoor events set for April that will help guests get out and get moving.

Family Night Out(side) in the campground April 9-11 is a great opportunity to experience camping, whether in a tent or an RV. The weekend will begin with a campfire program on Friday evening followed by some stargazing. How relaxing does that sound?

Saturday, registered participants will be able to choose from a variety of workshops including archery, fishing, canoeing, nature crafts and more. Saturday evening will conclude with the outdoor cooking potluck and the campground Olympics’ friendly games of competition.

Sunday morning, participants will be able to participate in one more workshop before the event’s closing.

Registration fee is $50 for a family up to four members ($5 per additional person) and includes two nights camping, scheduled programs and the outdoor cooking potluck. Participants must pre-register for the event through the recreation department at Barren River.

For a complete schedule and to register, please contact Lisa Deavers, parks program services supervisor at 1-800-325-0057 or lisa.deavers@ky.gov.

Nature Fest Weekend April 23-25

Barren River Lake State Resort Park will hold Nature Fest Weekend April 23-25. This weekend will be filled with outdoor activities, games and crafts for visitors of all ages. Get your feet wet with an introduction to canoeing offered by Kentucky State Parks staff. See if you can catch the “big one” during the fishing program offered by Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources and learn about Kentucky trees with the Kentucky Division of Forestry. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers will also be offering a session. All sessions are age appropriate, but there will be child specific sessions such as “Bird Buffet for Tots” and “Eco Arts.” Other sessions include campfire programs, wildflower identification hikes, introduction to backpacking, beginning birding and more.

Activities will take place at different locations and times throughout the park so be sure to stop by the information booth located at the entrance of the campground near the entrance of the park. Signs will be posted.

For a complete schedule and times, please contact Lisa Deavers, parks program services supervisor at 1-800-325-0057 or lisa.deavers@ky.gov.

Spend the weekend and camp in our campground two nights for the price of one for Camper’s Appreciation. Ladies – looking for a girlfriend getaway with nature? Then mention this weekend to receive 20 percent off lodge rooms or lodge vicinity cottages.

Barren River Lake State Resort Park, located 15 miles south of Glasgow on Hwy 31E, has a lodge, cottages, Driftwood Restaurant, golf course, fitness center, gift shop, fishing, picnic areas and hiking trails. The resort is also located 44 miles southeast of Bowling Green. Take I-65 to the Cumberland Parkway east to US 31E south.

Information courtesy of http://www.parks.ky.gov

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Barren River Lake Info:

The name “Barren,” in Barren River Lake, can be traced back to the days of the early pioneers. They called the area that is now Barren River Lake State Park “The Barrens.” Why? Because the area often appeared barren thanks to Indians who periodically burned the vegetation to provide grasslands. These grasslands attracted grazing buffalo. Given the fact that this is a personal favorite animal, I’m going to pretend that the Native Americans were interested in the buffalo solely as pets.

Archaeologists prove that there were apparently several large Indian settlements near Barren River.

Fishermen (and women) absolutely love Barren River Lake. With an abundance of largemouth, smallmouth, white, and hybrid striped bass, bluegill, channel catfish, crappie, and rough fish, few go home empty handed.

Barren River Lake State Resort Park is located in a prime location for tourists: near Kentucky’s famous cave area, which includes Mammoth Cave National Park, the longest cave system in the world!

To read more about Barren River Lake State Resort Park, read our review HERE.  You’ll also find valuable information and up to date news on Kentucky State Parks Web Site  (this link will take you directly to Barren River Lake State Resort Park’s page).

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Michael took some fantastic pictures recently when he and a few friends teed it up on the golf course at Barren River Lake State Resort Park. According to him, the golf course offers a challenging test of golf in a relaxing setting.

When he writes a review on his golf blog, I’ll link to it from within this post.

Enjoy!

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