Kentucky Dam Village State Resort Park Lodge
While we haven’t, recently, visited as many Kentucky State Parks as we used to, we still have a great, great deal of love for them as well as a great sense of pride that our much loved home state has such phenomenal parks.
If you’re a regular reader of Genuine Kentucky (we very much appreciate you!), you know that we used to blog about the Kentucky State Parks regularly. The past few years, what with the pandemic and the fact that I have to follow a very strict diet for my health (dairy free, gluten free, and red meat free.. I eat a lot of catfish and potatoes, y’all), we haven’t been able to enjoy the Kentucky State Resort Parks and their amazing restaurants like we used to.
If only they offered grilled catfish and dairy and egg-free sides! I’d love to dine in their beautiful restaurants again.
We do visit Kentucky Dam Village State Resort Park, Kenlake State Resort Park, Rough River Dam State Resort Park, Lake Barkley, John James Audubon State Park, and Pennyrile State Park regularly. They’re scenic, beautiful, and always so relaxing and peaceful to visit.
We absolutely love them!
Rough River Dam State Resort Park: Gorgeous Lake for Boating!
Four of Kentucky State Parks were recognized as part of this year’s Kentucky Living 2023 Best in Kentucky awards. I always love reading these and greatly appreciate the spotlight they shine on these beautiful parks.
“We are blessed to have so many incredible state parks across Kentucky for our families and visitors to enjoy, and I am thrilled to see four recognized by Kentucky Living Magazine. These four parks offer outdoor adventure, history and more – but most importantly, they offer a fun escape for families to create memories. As a dad who takes my own kids to our Kentucky State Parks, I recognize just how special these places are and I am glad to see others do too.” ~ Gov. Andy Beshear
Green River Lake State Park in Campbellsville claimed a first place showing in the category of the best camping or RV spot in this year’s Best of Kentucky awards.
In addition to winning first place, Green River Lake State Park also received second place rankings for best public hunting/fishing and water tourism spots! It’s a gorgeous state park and well worth the drive from anywhere to visit!
The Beautiful and Historic Lodge at Kenlake State Resort Park
My Old Kentucky Home State Park in Bardstown also received the second-place award for best historic attraction. This is one of my personal favorite parks – I absolutely love visiting it any chance we get.
Two Kentucky State Parks claimed a third place showing in the categories for best road trip and water tourism spot:
- Cumberland Falls at Cumberland Falls State Resort Park, Corbin Third Place, Best Road Trip
- Rough River Dam State Park, Falls of Rough Third Place, Best Water Tourism Spot
While I can’t argue with the inclusion of these wonderful parks, I do have to say I’m surprised that Kentucky Dam Village State Resort Park and Kenlake State Resort Park aren’t on the list. Both sit on one of Kentucky’s crown jewels, the extraordinary Kentucky Lake.
I hope you’ll visit as many of the Kentucky State Parks as possible soon – they’re as lovely and beautiful in the fall and winter as they are other times of the year. In fact, there are extra qualities that come out during the colder months…
- They’re even more cozy… imagine escaping to a beautiful Kentucky State Resort Park lodge with dinner followed by sitting by the fire.
- They’re less crowded in the colder months. I love people as much as anyone, but sometimes the key to “getting away” is as few humans as possible!
- The coffee in the Kentucky State Resort Parks is always outstanding.
- Photo opportunities! You can light social media up but good with pictures you can take at any and all of our Kentucky State Parks.
- They’re especially festive during the holidays! I always love seeing the Christmas and Thanksgiving decorations – the parks really get into the spirit and make it extra fun for kids of all ages.
- Very often, the lodge, itself, is the most spectacular draw of all! Take for example the stunning lodge at Lake Barkley’s State Resort Park. It has to be seen to be believed.
Lake Barkley State Resort Park Lodge: An Absolute Work of ART
Kentucky is home to 44 state parks, including 17 resort parks and 13 golf courses. For more information about Kentucky State Parks, visit parks.ky.gov.
Bamboo Kentucky-Shaped Cutting Board (Amazon Affiliate link)