- Barren River Lake State Resort Park (Lucas) hosts Glasgow Highland Games on the first weekend in June. The festival celebrates Scottish heritage and attracts thousands each year.
- World famous Mammoth National Cave Park (with the longest recorded cave system in the world) is located just 27 miles north of Barren River Lake State Resort Park (Lucas).
- In 1991, the Historic Boone Station Site (established by Daniel Boone and his family) was willed to the Kentucky Park System by Robert C. Straden. It was his wish for the site to become part of the Kentucky Park System. In 1992, his wish was granted as Boone Station State Historic Site became a reality.
- Nolin Lake State Park (Bee Spring) is located along the edge of Mammoth Cave National Park. Bass, catfish, crappie, and walleye are in Nolin Lake. The park is about 30 minutes north of Mammoth Cave National Park.
- Lake Barkley State Resort Park (Cadiz) has one of the most beautiful lodges in the entire Kentucky State Park System. Lake Barkley Lodge was designed by Edward Durell Stone, the same man who designed Busch Stadium, the home of the St. Louis Cardinals baseball team from 1966-2005 and the St. Louis Cardinals football team from 1966-1987. Read more about Lake Barkley Lodge, Lake Barkley State Resort Park, and even Edward Durell Stone by clicking the link!
- Fort Harrod was the first permanent white settlement in Kentucky, established by James Harrod in 1774. Harrod actually created a settlement before Daniel Boone – although Boone (and Fort Boonesborough) get all of the recognition? What’s up with that?? One reason may be the fact that Harrod lived a particularly tragic life and had a great deal of mystery surrounding his death. Several members of his family were killed in American Indian raids. Harrod actually knew several Indian languages (in addition to French) which enhanced his leadership qualities. Harrod acquired a lot of land and became quite wealthy. He began to go off on long hunting trips and his whereabouts were often unknown. When his stepson was abducted by Indians and burned at the stake (can’t believe I just typed those words), Harrod became almost entirely unhinged. Soon after (1792) he went on one of his infamous, long hunting expeditions and never returned. He was never seen or heard from again. At Old Fort Harrod State Park (Harrodsburg), you can see a full-scale replica of the fort James Harrod built in 1774.
- Lake Cumberland State Resort Park (Jamestown) is situated on beautiful Lake Cumberland. This lake has a certain distinction that it wears like a badge of honor: Lake Cumberland is the Houseboat Capital of the World.
- Lake Cumberland State Resort Park (Jamestown) has the only Disc Golf Course in the Kentucky State Park System. The 18-hole Disc Golf Course, set on beautiful rolling hills, is a converted 9-hole golf course.
- General Burnside State Park (Burnside) is the only island park in the Kentucky State Park system. Like the rest of our state parks, General Burnside has a fascinating history. Read about it here!
- You can see the majestic beauty of eagles as they make a comeback in numbers at Kentucky Dam Village State Resort Park (Gilbertsville)! KY Department of Parks holds three Eagle Weekends during the year. Click here for more information.
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