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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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Works Starts on New Universal Access Trail at Lake Barkley State Resort Park

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Work began last week on a new 750-foot paved universal access trail at Lake Barkley State Resort Park near Cadiz.

“This trail is an excellent example of the tremendous support we receive from our friends groups,” Parks Commissioner Donnie Holland said. “This trail provides better access, and means more people and families can enjoy this beautiful park.”

The project was initiated by Friends of Lake Barkley, a volunteer group that works to support the park. Universal Access Trail Lake Barkley State Resort Park

The group has raised $20,000 for the project and plans to do more so it can add trees and landscaping, Friends of Barkley president Efraim Arrastia said. Other supporters include the Cadiz Rotary, Pennyrile Realtors, and the Cadiz-Trigg County Tourist Commission. Cadiz Mayor Todd King and Trigg County Judge-Executive Hollis Alexander have also assisted with the project.

“I think it will help out the park,” Arrastia told WKDZ radio. “More than that, it will help out the entire community.”

The trail is located near the park’s fitness center and offers a view of Lake Barkley and the marina. Arrastia said the friends group would eventually like to expand the trail so it can be connected to the park’s lodge. The non-profit group will accept donations, which can be mailed to: Friends of Barkley SRP, Universal Access Trail, P.O. Box 1505, Cadiz, Ky. 42211.

Lake Barkley State Resort Park is the largest state resort park in Kentucky and features a lodge, cottages, Windows on the Water Restaurant, a seasonal campground, 18-hole golf course, fitness center with indoor pool, marina, fishing, tennis courts, hiking trails, gift shop, and recreational and nature programming.

The park is located at 3500 State Park Road in Cadiz. From I-24, take the Highway 68 exit west toward Cadiz.

Lake Barkley State Resort Park’s Dinner Theater Presents “Death by Disco”

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Lake Barkley at Sunset
Lake Barkley at Sunset: Always Beautiful!
When Lake Barkley State Resort Park’ has one of their Dinner Theaters, there’s only one thing you need to do… clear your calendar. They are, without exception, outstanding. Great food, lots of laughs, and memories you’ll chuckle at for years to come.

From Lake Barkley State Resort Park:

Lake Barkley State Resort Park’’s dinner theater series is presenting another “murder mystery” where you, the audience, try to figure out “who done it!”

Make plans to enjoy “Death by Disco” on Oct. 3 at 7 p.m. This murder mystery – about a new club opening — will be performed by Wild Card Productions of Nashville.

This dinner theater will take place at Lake Barkley State Resort Park’s convention center. Reservations are required. Doors open at 6:30 p.m.

While piecing the clues together you will also enjoy a special buffet. Tickets are on sale for $45 per person. Limited seating is available, so get your tickets now!  For tickets or additional information call the lodge at 1-800-325-1708 or email nick.edmonds@ky.gov

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Lake Barkley State Resort Park features a lodge, cottages, the Windows on the Water Restaurant, a seasonal campground, 18-hole golf course, fitness center with indoor pool, marina, fishing, tennis courts, hiking trails, gift shop, and recreational and nature programming. 

Lake Barkley State Resort Park Hosts St. Patrick’s Day Buffet

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View of Lake Barkley

View of Lake Barkley, from Windows on the Water Restaurant’s Patio

Any time you have a reason to visit Lake Barkley State Resort Park, grab the opportunity. The lodge, alone is worth the trip. The park’s restaurant (Windows on the Water) is one of the best among the resort parks. The people are extra friendly, the setting is gorgeous, the food’s great, and the lodge is a work of art.

This is one of my own personal favorite parks… could you tell?

The following event has passed, but you can find up-to-the-minute Kentucky Events on our Events Page. Also, check out some of the best things to do in Kentucky… most importantly, just get out there and enjoy our beautiful state!

Lake Barkley’s St. Patrick’s Day Buffet

Lake Barkley State Resort Park’s Windows on the Water Restaurant is offering a St. Patrick’s Day buffet from 4-8 p.m. on Tuesday, March 17, 2015.

Menu highlights include beer-battered fish, shepherd’s pie, corn beef and cabbage, potato gnocchi, fried chicken, boiled red potatoes, beer-battered waffle fries, and potato soup, along with a selection of vegetables, salads and desserts.

The price is $13.99 a person plus tax. A nonalcoholic beverage is included. Reservations are not required. Call 270-924-1131 for more information.

Lake Barkley State Resort Park (click the link for the official website) features a lodge, cottages, the Windows on the Water Restaurant, a seasonal campground, 18-hole golf course, fitness center with indoor pool, marina, fishing, tennis courts, hiking trails, gift shop, and recreational and nature programming. The park is near Cadiz and the Land Between the Lakes, at 3500 State Park Road just off Interstate 24.  Exit at Highway 68. From the exit go west toward Cadiz and the park.

See more pictures of Lake Barkley State Resort Park!

Sunset Jazz at Lake Barkley State Resort Park

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View of Lake Barkley from Windows on the Water

View of Lake Barkley from Windows on the Water

Although this event has expired, there is always something to see and do in Kentucky. Visit our Kentucky Events  page for up to the minute happenings and be sure to check out our Things to Do in Kentucky  page.

 

I love any and every chance to spend time at Lake Barkley State Resort Park – especially if there’s food involved. Lake Barkley’s Windows on the Water is one of my favorite restaurants in the Kentucky State Park system. They have consistently great food, served in a gorgeous setting.

Everything about Lake Barkley State Park is first rate, from the gorgeous lodge to the breathtaking views of Lake Barkley.  They also do a bang up job when it comes to special events and extra special performances, like the one detailed below.

From Lake Barkley Resort State Park:

With the sunset as a backdrop, The Friends of Lake Barkley State Resort Park are sponsoring an evening of jazz at the Lake Barkley Lodge’s Windows on the Water restaurant on Saturday, May 17, 2014. Under the direction of Ms. Beth Stribling, eighteen seventh and eighth grade members of the Murray Middle School Jazz Ensemble will present two sets of music beginning at 6 p.m. Musical choices will include Rock Around the Clock, Jazz Police, St. Louis Blues, September- the Earth Wind and Fire Chart, Sway (made popular by vocalists form Dean Martin to Michael Buble), and Velvet Rain, written in the Miles Davis style, featuring trumpet soloist Luke Armstrong. Ninth grade song birds Anna Cate Brown and Brynn Jones will be singing 20th Century standards. Dining options for purchase include a buffet dinner or items from the restaurantââ?¬â?¢s regular menu. There is no extra charge for the entertainment.

Families and individuals can enjoy other entertainment and lodging opportunities at the park. Lake Barkley State Resort Park is the largest state resort park in Kentucky and features a lodge, cottages, the Windows on the Water Restaurant, a seasonal campground, 18-hole golf course, fitness center with indoor pool, marina, fishing, tennis courts, hiking trails, gift shop, and recreational and nature programming. The park is located at 3500 State Park Road in Cadiz. From I-24, take the Highway 68 exit west toward Cadiz.

For more information and to make your reservations contact Nick Edmonds, nick.edmonds@ky.gov or call the lodge at call 1-800-325-1708

Also See: Pictures of Lake Barkley State Resort Park

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