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Winter Events in January and February at Kentucky State Parks

January 4, 2012 By Leave a Comment

Tree Silhouetted During Winter Sunset, Kentucky, USA

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

Filed Under: Barren River Lake SRP, Buckhorn Lake State Resort Park, Carter Caves State Resort Park, Cumberland Falls State Resort Park, Jenny Wiley State Resort Park, John James Audubon State Park, Kenlake State Resort Park, Kentucky Dam Village State Resort Park, Kentucky State Parks, Lake Barkley SRP, Pine Mountain State Resort Park, Winter in Kentucky Tagged With: , ,

Kenlake and Kentucky Dam Village State Resort Park Celebrate Autumn’s Colors

October 10, 2011 By Leave a Comment

Autumn at Kenlake State Resort Park

The husband (also known as Michael) and I visited Kenlake State Resort Park yesterday.  Aurora was busier than I’ve ever seen it, thanks to the Fall Festival. It was a real rush to see tons of people enjoying Aurora BBQ, The Hitching Post & Old Country Store, The Brass Lantern, and Willow Pond – 4 of Kentucky’s best-kept secrets… all within walking distance of one another!!!

We ate at Kenlake – I had the catfish, of course.  LOVE their catfish. Their onion rings are and rolls are also out of this world.   My only problem was the little dark brown hush puppies. I love the Kentucky State Parks dearly and we throw our support to them at every possible opportunity but, their hush puppies have become a bit of a personal challenge.

I keep looking for the State Resort Park restaurant that has really good hush puppies!  Just about every restaurant (even the great ones) has at least one thing you wish was a little better, don’t they?  I just have a personal aversion to anything that’s overdone in the kitchen.  Some people might not realize that food continues to kind of “cook,” even after it’s taken out of the oven or off of the stove. So if you let it get really brown, it’s going to be darn near black when it’s brought to the table.

At a Cracker Barrel, once, the manager strolled by our table, took one look at the overdone onion rings, and her eyes popped out.  She took them, apologized, and said, “These should never have been brought out!” I loved her for that.  We hadn’t even complained (and we weren’t going to). SHE caught it.  Yay, her.

I’m sure I’ve mentioned it on this site before, as well as my food blog, but I am hush puppy picky. Willow Pond in Aurora has the best hush puppies in the entire world, which makes it hard for everyone else because I’m always comparing their hush puppies to the Willow Pond’s big fat yummy golden delicacies.  The other Willow Ponds also have good hush puppies, but they aren’t quite as good as the ones you’ll find in Aurora.  I don’t hate Cracker Barrel’s hush puppies either.  Truth be told, I’m kind of enjoying my pursuit for hush puppies equal to Aurora’s Willow Pond. I’m not convinced they exist, but if they do, I’ll find them!

Oh well, when catfish is on my plate, hush puppies aren’t the star of the show anyway, and the Kentucky State Parks restaurants know precisely how to fix catfish. It’s always breaded and seasoned to perfection.  The rolls are worth writing home about as well. SO tasty!

We also stopped by Kentucky Dam Village State Resort Park (pictured above) and got a kick out of their beautiful Autumn decorations. Both of these very special state resort parks looked as lovely as ever.  I hope you never make the mistake of thinking that Kentucky State Parks are only for warm weather enjoyment because nothing could be further from the truth. They’re always decorated and festive, ready to celebrate the season and/or holiday at hand.

Make a point to visit more Kentucky State Parks and Kentucky State Resort Parks. I’d LOVE to see more Kentuckians keeping their money in the state by taking more in-state trips, vacations, and mini-vacations.  I’d also LOVE to see more people support state parks.  They’re something we should all be proud of and should want to support in any way we can.  Most of us are within reach of at least one Kentucky State Resort Park, certainly close enough to visit for lunch or supper.   The food really is excellent (the Kentucky Hot Brown, Catfish, Catfish sandwich, and Country Ham are as good as you’ll in other restaurants) and the prices are outstanding.  If you’d rather go “buffet style,” that’s certainly a viable option. The salad bars, vegetables, and meats always look (and smell) extraordinary.  I can’t say that I do the buffet often…. have I ever?…. but that’s just because the fried catfish and I have an understanding.

I’ve added more pictures of Kenlake State Resort Park and Kentucky Dam Village State Resort Park to the photo albums, so be sure to take a look.

Filed Under: Aurora, Autumn Fun, Kenlake State Resort Park, Kentucky Dam Village State Resort Park Tagged With: , ,

Kentucky State Parks: Labor Day Weekend Events!

August 14, 2010 By 1 Comment

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

Filed Under: Barren River Lake SRP, John James Audubon State Park, Kenlake State Resort Park, Kentucky Dam Village State Resort Park, Kentucky State Parks, Lake Barkley SRP, Pennyrile Forest State Resort Park Tagged With:

State Parks Offer Weekday Lodging Discounts in July, August and September

July 22, 2010 By 1 Comment

There’s still plenty of summer left and the Kentucky State Parks would like to invite you to visit before it ends.

Several parks are offering special rates during July, August and September 2010.  With the kids out of school, this would be a perfect time for a few days to get away to a park for some swimming, boating, fishing, hiking or just some relaxing.

Kentucky State Resort Parks offer recreational programming in the summer months and many have marinas. All have restaurants open daily.

For more information about Kentucky State Parks, visit www.parks.ky.gov. Here are the parks and the discount offers: (Note-Please call the specific parks for these discount offers unless otherwise noted)

Carter Caves State Resort Park, Olive Hill: Carter Caves is offering special rates to allow its neighbors a chance to visit and spend a few days exploring caves, walking trails and enjoy some planned recreation activities.  Call the park at 1-800-325-0059 and ask for the “Neighbor Special” Sunday through Thursday night good through Aug. 15. This features a lodge room in Lewis Caveland Lodge for $64.95 a night plus tax. If available, you can get a two-bedroom cottage for $99.95 a night plus tax. Rates are subject to availability.  Offer is good for a Sunday through Thursday night stay only and cannot be used with any other discount.

Rough River Dam State Resort Park, Falls of Rough: Call the park and ask for the “Neighbor Special” Sunday through Thursday night good through Aug. 15. Get a lodge room for $64.95 a night plus tax. If available, you can get a two bedroom cottage for $99.95 a night plus tax. Rates are subject to availability.  Offer is good for a Sunday through Thursday night stay only and cannot be used with any other discount. 800-325-1713

Kentucky Dam Village State Resort Park, Gilbertsville: Call the park and ask for the “Neighbor Special” Sunday through Thursday night. Get a lodge room for $64.95 a night plus tax. If available, you can get a two-bedroom cottage for $99.95 a night plus tax. Rates are subject to availability.  Offer is good for a Sunday through Thursday night stay only and cannot be used with any other discount. Call 800-325-0146.

Cumberland Falls State Resort Park, Corbin: Is offering lodge rooms at $64.95 Sunday through Thursday during July and August as well as offering Woodland rooms at $79.95 during August.  Moonbow nights are excluded from this “Neighbor Special.” Call (800) 325-0063 for reservations.

General Butler State Resort Park, Carrollton: The park is offering special rates in August on Sunday through Thursday nights. You can reserve a lodge room for $59.95; a one-bedroom cottage for $79.95; a two-bedroom cottage for $99.95; and a three-bedroom cottage for $119.95 a night. This “Neighbor Special” is available if you call 1-866-462-8853.

Lake Cumberland State Resort Park, Jamestown: During August, the park is offering rooms in the Lure Lodge for $64.95 a night Sunday through Thursday. This “Neighbor Special” also includes two-bedroom cottages for $139.95 on those same days.  To get this special, call 800-325-1709

Dale Hollow Lake State Resort Park, Burkesville: On Sunday through Thursday during August, you can reserve a lodge room in the picturesque Oaken Lodge for $64.95 a night. Call for your “Neighbor Special” at (800) 325-2282

Blue Licks Battlefield State Resort Park, Mount Olivet: The park is offering $10 off accommodations when a guest presents a ticket stub from the Maysville Balloon Race July 30th and 31st. The offer is good on those dates only. Blue Licks Battlefield is also offering a “Neighbor Special” from Aug. 23 to Sept. 30 Sunday through Thursday with a $59 a night lodge room. Call 800-443-7008.

Discount starting in August. The Kentucky State Parks have an online coupon good for a $59.95 lodge room Sunday through Thursdays from Aug. 15-Sept. 30 at selected parks. Get the coupon by visiting www.parks.ky.gov The parks where this coupon is good include: Blue Licks Battlefield, Greenbo Lake, Pennyrile Forest, Buckhorn Lake, Jenny Wiley, Rough River, Carter Caves and Kenlake. Call the park or make the reservation online and use the code “BACKYARD.” Holidays are excluded. There are a limited number of rooms for this offer at each park.

Filed Under: Cumberland Falls State Resort Park, Kentucky Dam Village State Resort Park, Kentucky State Parks, Kentucky Vacations, News Tagged With: , ,

Bird Watching at Land Between the Lakes

July 14, 2010 By 1 Comment

As you can probably tell,  we’re pretty much obsessed with wildlife, birds, and butterflies at Genuine Kentucky.  Truth be told, I’m becoming more than a little intrigued with insects as well -dragonflies, lady bugs, stick bugs, lightning bugs… such cool little guys.  Even more reason to love living in Kentucky.  We have such a beautiful variety of these fascinating animals.

One of my favorite things to do when in the Land Between the Lakes area (in addition to eating catfish  – another obsession) is to look for and observe wildlife.  Whether we’re at the outstanding Woodland’s Nature Center, the equally outstanding Elk & Bison Prairie or hanging out at one of the beautiful state parks – my eyes are always peeled for extra-special locals.

When you’re in the Land Between the Lakes area, I hope you’ll take in all the beauty around you – including the amazing array of birds.  At many of the travel brochure stands in the area, you’ll find a pamphlet titled “LAND BETWEEN THE LAKES AREA BIRD CHECKLIST.”  This extremely handy little guide lists the different birds you could potentially see while at Land Between the Lakes.

If you’d like to print out your own guide, you can do that too!  LBL.org has thought of everything and has an online version of the Land Between the Lakes Bird Checklist.

The pamphlet lists the places below as “Recommended Birding Spots”

  • Kentucky Dam
  • Hematite Lake and Trail
  • Honker Lake, Bay, and Trail
  • Woodlands Nature Station Backyard
  • North/South Trail – Sugar Bay to Rhodes Bay
  • Shaw Branch Road – (153/134) from Hwy 68/80 to Energy Lake
  • Elk & Bison Prairie
  • South Oak Grassland Demonstration Area
  • The Homeplace
  • Fort Henry Trails
  • South Welcome Station and Bear Creek

I’d add the following Birding Opportunistic sites in the Land Between the Lakes Region:

  • Lake Barkley State Resort Park
  • Kentucky Dam Village
  • Kenlake Lodge
  • Grand Rivers Jetty at Sunset – At Lighthouse Landing on Kentucky Lake, Grand Rivers, Kentucky
  • Little Lake Park (Grand Rivers) – Located on Commerce Street behind the Badgett Playhouse

For more information on any of these areas (including maps), visit the links below:

Grand Rivers Attractions

Land Between the Lakes

Kenlake State Resort Park

Kentucky Dam Village

Lake Barkley State Resort Park

Filed Under: Blog, Grand Rivers, Kenlake State Resort Park, Kentucky Birds, Kentucky Dam Village State Resort Park, Kentucky Lake, Kentucky Wildlife, Lake Barkley, Lake Barkley SRP, LBL

The Beauty and Magic of State Parks

June 17, 2010 By Leave a Comment

Barren River State Resort Park

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)

Filed Under: Barren River Lake SRP, Blog, Featured, Kentucky Dam Village State Resort Park, Kentucky State Parks Tagged With: , ,
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