Department of Parks
Easter Celebrations Hoppin’ at State Parks

     FRANKFORT, Ky. – As sure as spring lingers right around the corner, Kentucky State Parks will serve the annual Easter Buffet on Sunday, April 4, at all state resort parks.  Many have “hopped to” with special events that include egg hunts for the kiddos and one has scheduled adventures for canine family members. 

Each of the 17 state resort park restaurants will serve the buffet beginning at noon to 8 p.m. The all-you-can-eat menu has a variety of selections including choice carved roast beef, baked Kentucky country ham, roast leg of spring lamb, fried catfish and garden salad and vegetables.  The meal is topped off with a variety of desserts.

The price for adults is $16.95, while children age 12 and under are $7.95 (includes beverage).

Celebrate the rites of spring by taking advantage of the affordable value at Kentucky State Parks with a weekend or spring break getaway.  The map at www.parks.ky.gov shows there is no need to travel far to get away from it all.  In addition to restaurants at each resort park, accommodations include lodges, cottages and camping,  gift shops have Kentucky hand-crafted items and hiking trails and endless activities—some unique to the destination—provide plenty to investigate.  Additional information about each park, directions, amenities and special events is available at www.parks.ky.gov  .

The following state parks have planned special egg-citing events in March and the first weeks of April (listed by date).  Make plans now to welcome spring surrounded by the natural beauty of Kentucky State Parks.

Fort Boonesborough State Park – Thursday, March 25, kicks off the Egg-citing Easter Fest for registered campers.  Crafts, bingo, putt-putt and other seasonal activities and a complimentary continental breakfast Sunday.  

John James Audubon State Park – Eggstravaganza of a good time on Saturday, March 27, 10:30 to noon (CST), for children ages 3 to 7 years.   Story-telling, bunny art and egg-stra goodies.  $7 per child.  Advanced registration.

My Old Kentucky Home State Park – Saturday, March 27, the egg hunt begins at 1 p.m. with the big bunny who will pose for photos. 

Big Bone Lick State Park – Saturday, April 3, children 3 to 11 years of age hunt eggs.   Park “bunnies” hide lots of surprises; bring-your-own-baskets for the event that begins at noon.

Blue Licks State Resort Park – Saturday, April 3, thousands of eggs filled with surprises wait for children under the age of 12 to hunt. Categories for different ages on the lawn of the Pioneer Museum beginning at 11 a.m.

Carter Caves State Resort Park – April 3 and 4, annual egg hunt is for children 12 and under starts at 2 p.m.  Color eggs, nature walk and games at the welcome center.  Regular tour schedules for Cascade Cave and X-Cave.

Old Fort Harrod State Park – Saturday, April 3 is the community Easter egg hunt, sponsored by the Harrodsburg Kiwanis Club.  Photos, games, treats and more on the park front lawn.  Reduced admission to the park for the events that begin at noon.    

Rough River State Resort Park – April 3 is eggs-actly the egg hunt you are looking for, sponsored by the Friends of Rough River. The big bunny will be there and may play a round of mini-golf (reduced fee for the day).  Registration begins at 1:30 p.m. (CST) and the egg hunt at 2 p.m.

Jenny Wiley State Resort Park – The Saturday, April 3, hunt for eggs begins 2 p.m. at the campground for children age 12 and under.

Buckhorn Lake State Resort Park – Sunday, April 4, egg hunt and celebration begins at 2:30 p.m.

Greenbo Lake State Resort Park – Sunday, April 4, Annual Easter Egg Hunt at the amphitheatre includes three lucky eggs worth an Easter Basket.  Begins at 1:30 p.m. for children 12 years and under.

Kenlake State Resort Park– Sunday, April 4, is the Easter egg hunt at 2 p.m. (CST) on the front lawn.

Kentucky Dam Village – Park employees put on this egg hunt at 2:30 p.m. (CST) on Saturday, April 4. Snap pictures with the bunny or just visit with the big-eared one beginning at 12:30 p.m.
Lake Barkley State Resort Park -- Egg-ceptional egg hunt April 4 at 1 p.m. (CST), at the park fitness center, sponsored by the park staff and the Friends of Lake Barkley.  The Easter bunny will attend for goodie gathering and more.

Old Mulkey Meetinghouse -- Dog-Gone Egg Hunt is hilarious fun for the pooches in your life.  The April 10 hunt for doggie treats includes an optional Dog-gone Best Bonnet contest for the pups. $3.00 per dog (must be on leashes).  Festivities kick off at 11 a.m. (CST).

Pennyrile Forest State Resort Park – Egg-citing bunny fun and egg hunt begins at 1:30 p.m. (CST), Sunday, April 4, at the lodge. Different categories for ages up to 12 years.

For more details, locations and directions for these and other Kentucky State Park events, visit each park location at www.parks.ky.gov or click the events tab.  A phone number for each park is available on the Web site as well.  Event schedules are subject to change; calling ahead to confirm is recommended.

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Kentucky State Parks include 52 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--and a rich variety of historic sites.  For more information on Kentucky parks, visit our Web site at http://www.parks.ky.gov

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