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Kentucky’s Wonderful State Parks: Four Honored in Kentucky Living 2023 Best in Kentucky

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Kentucky Dam Village State Resort Park Lodge

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!

Boat on Rough River Lake

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!

 

Beautiful Lodge at Kenlake State Resort Park

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 Lodge

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.


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You Never Know What You’ll See at Kentucky Dam Village State Resort Park (Painted Rock Snake!)

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Painted Rocks Snake at Kentucky Dam Village State Resort Park

Kentucky Dam Village State Resort: A Colorful Visitor!

One of our favorite places to visit in all of Kentucky is the beautiful Kentucky Dam Village State Resort Park. I mean, it’s almost unfair all that this Kentucky State Park has going for it…

  • Positioned on beautiful Kentucky Lake
  • Gorgeous Lodge
  • Within a short drive of Cracker Barrel in Calvert City (HUGE plus in my book)
  • Within a short drive of the Land Between the Lakes
  • Wonderful Golf Course
  • Stunningly beautiful landscaping… consistently among the most beautiful in any of the parks

The landscaping and “extra” charisma at Kentucky State Resort Park always stands out to me. There’s always something cool to see!

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Painted Rocks Snake at Kentucky Dam Village State Resort Park

Painted Rocks Snake at Kentucky Dam Village State Resort Park

That’s why, on a recent trip, I wasn’t too surprised to see this amazingly beautiful and creative painted rock snake. Whenever we park and get out at this beautiful park, I always, always, always have my eyes wide open and my camera in hand.

And here’s the thing, they never disappoint.

Painted Rocks Snake at Kentucky Dam Village State Resort Park

Painted Rocks Snake at Kentucky Dam Village State Resort Park

I forgot to mention it above, but Kentucky Dam Village State Resort Park also has extraordinary coffee in their restaurant! I have to eat gluten-free, so it’s been a while since I was able to eat in one of their restaurants, but many people absolutely swear by dining in our State Parks.

Painted Rocks Snake at Kentucky Dam Village State Resort Park

Kentucky Dam Village State Resort Park

As I mentioned in a previous post, I was away from the Kentucky blog for months due to a serious health storm (sometimes storm is the only word that’ll suffice!) but, thanks to a Loving God and a wonderful family, I made it through the storm and am back on my feet. In other words, ready and willing to hound you day after day about visiting our Kentucky State Parks, the LBL, and all the other glorious attractions our amazing state has to offer.

You’ve been warned!

I hope you’ll visit Kentucky Dam Village State Resort Park very soon. The grounds are gorgeous year-round, of course, but when the trees are dressed in their Autumn colors, it’ll take your breath away. ~ Joi (“Joy“)

Kentucky Dam Village State Resort Park 

166 Upper Village Drive
Gilbertsville, KY 42044
Phone: 270-362-4271

Painted Rocks Snake at Kentucky Dam Village State Resort Park

Painted Rocks Snake at Kentucky Dam Village State Resort Park

Kentucky State Parks Offering Discounts to Current Military, Retirees, Veterans

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Kentucky Dam Village State Resort Park Lodge

Kentucky Dam Village State Resort Park’s Lodge (Facing Kentucky Lake)

From the Kentucky State Parks:

Current and former members of the nation’s armed forces can receive lodging discounts at Kentucky State Parks with the “USA Military Discount” program from Nov. 1, 2019, to March 31, 2020.

Those on active military duty, retired members of the military, veterans, members of the National Guard and reservists, are eligible for the program.

With the USA Military Discount, lodge rooms are available starting at $59.95 a night; one-bedroom cottages for $79.95 a night; two-bedroom cottages for $89.95 a night and three-bedroom cottages for $99.95 a night. Tax is not included in these rates. These rates are good at resort parks and the cottages at John James Audubon State Park.

The rate is $5 more per night at these parks: Barren River, Cumberland Falls, Kentucky Dam Village, Lake Barkley, Lake Cumberland and Natural Bridge.

The Kentucky State Parks have 17 resorts that offer golf, fishing, hiking on scenic trails, beautiful scenery and restaurants. Many resorts are near or include historic sites and museums and offer programs during the fall and winter, such as elk tours, eagle watching tours and entertainment.

This offer may not be used in conjunction with other special discounts or packages. The discount is based on availability, for leisure travel only, and may exclude special events and holidays. Proof of military service is required at check-in.

For more information about Kentucky State Parks and to make reservations, visit www.parks.ky.gov. For online reservations, look for the promotion code under special codes and enter “USA” to receive the discount for November-March.

During the months of April through October, current and former members of the military can get a 15 percent lodging discount. When making online reservations, use the code “MILI” to get the April-October discount.

Kentucky State Resort Parks: Coffeehouses Can’t Compare When it Comes to Scenery!

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Rough River Dam State Resort Park
My husband, Michael, and I are known to eat at Kentucky State Resort Parks pretty often. We ate at the parks more frequently before I had to stop eating gluten/wheat – but, as it is, I pretty much just order food I’m sure are “safe” for me to eat. For example, I feel completely confident ordering one of their delicious burgers off of a bun and I have no qualms whatsoever about making a salad off of their always colorful and delicious salad bars.

Whenever we DO eat at a Kentucky State Resort Park, we always, always, always enjoy a cup of coffee after our meal. The Kentucky State Parks have some of the most consistently delicious coffee you ever tasted.  Whereas Starbucks coffee is generally a 6, Ky State Park coffee is a perfect 10. Each and every time.

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Kentucky State Resort Park Coffee
We’re so fond of their coffee, in fact, that sometimes when we aren’t even hungry, we stop by a State Park simply to enjoy a cup of coffee in an especially relaxing atmosphere.  There’s nothing quite like great coffee with great conversation (usually about UK basketball or football or St. Louis Cardinals baseball!), followed by a walk around the beautiful park.

It’s an experience I highly recommend.

Not only is the coffee simply better, but coffeehouse can’t even begin to compare with a state park when it comes to scenery.

The pictures in this post are from a trip this past summer to Rough River Dam State Resort Park.

Rough River Dam State Resort Park
Now that the weather’s warming up, I can’t wait to get out and visit as many Kentucky State Parks as possible.

One thing is for certain…. the coffee will be flowing!

Rough River Dam State Resort Park

Autumn and Winter at Kentucky State Parks: As Beautiful and Relaxing as Ever

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Cumberland Falls State Resort Park in Winter Cumberland Falls State Resort Park in Winter
There is no place in the state quite like a Kentucky State Park. They’re always fun to visit – whether you go during the summer, spring, fall or winter.

You could actually make a case for the parks being EVEN more relaxing and enjoyable during the fall and winter, simply because they’re less crowded. Some of my favorite times to visit our Kentucky State Parks are during the Autumn and Winter. The parks are stunning when the leaves are changing and the resort parks could not be cozier than when winter is outside the window and you’re sitting beside a fireplace inside!

The picture below is from this past winter at Cumberland Falls State Park – as you can see, the beauty takes on a whole other dimension in winter and it makes for wonderful pictures.

Kentucky Dam Village State Resort Park

Kentucky Dam Village State Resort Park at Christmas

I also love visiting the parks around Christmas – the decorations are always so festive and beautiful, they really help make the season even more special.

Kentucky State Parks Commissioner Donnie Holland has announced that 16 Kentucky State Park resorts will remain open for lodging seven days a week this winter.

During previous winters, some resort parks were open four days a week. Holland said all functioning resort parks would be open for lodging to encourage more use and visitation.

“We want to encourage Kentuckians and our guests from out of state to stay at a Kentucky State Park any time of the year,” Holland said.

The winter remains a busy time for Kentucky State Parks with many outdoor and indoor events scheduled.

These events include wildlife viewing weekends for elk, eagles and sandhill cranes; guided hikes and annual events such Winter Adventure Weekend at Carter Caves State Resort Park. There are more than 300 miles of hiking trails at Kentucky State Parks.

There are special events planned for Thanksgiving Day, the Christmas holidays, New Year’s Eve, and Valentine’s Day as well as dinner theaters, gift shops and two indoor pools, at Lake Cumberland State Resort Park and Lake Barkley State Resort Park. There’s even an indoor tennis center at Kenlake State Resort Park!

Resort park restaurants may have different schedules. Visitors should check in advance for dining times and schedules.

The resort parks also have conference facilities that make excellent locations for conferences, weddings and other gatherings. Many resort parks serve alcoholic beverages at their restaurants and have them available for conferences.

Groups interested in lodging, meals and meeting space should call the parks’ sales department to check on availability.

Cottages at all resort parks and John James Audubon State Park in Henderson are available for rental seven days a week.

The park system’s golf courses remain open, weather permitting. Six park campgrounds will also remain open during winter months: Carter Caves, Columbus-Belmont, Fort Boonesborough, General Butler, Paintsville Lake and Levi Jackson. Some campgrounds may turn off water lines during winter months.

Recreational and historic site parks will have hours that vary by park during the winter. Check the parks website or call the park for hours and information. Many of these parks can also accommodate groups interested in visiting.

For more information about park hours and special events, visit www.parks.ky.gov or call 1-800-255-7275. To make a reservation, visit www.parks.ky.gov and click on the “Reserve a lodge/cottage” link at the top of the page.

"When reading about a Kentucky event, please be sure you check the date. Old events are not always deleted from the website. If you have an event you'd like to see on Genuine Kentucky or a 'Made in Kentucky' food or product you'd like reviewed, please contact us! " ~ Joi ("Joy")

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