Department of Parks
Plenty of Halloween Events At Kentucky State Parks In October
FRANKFORT, Ky. – Halloween will soon be here and the Kentucky State Parks have plenty of activities – some scary and some not -- planned for families.
They include costume contests, haunted trails, hayrides, storytelling, games, campground decorating and more.
Below is a listing of Kentucky State Park Halloween events with dates, times and phone numbers. (Please note that some activities are limited to campground guests.) Visit www.parks.ky.gov for more details about parks or to make lodging or camping reservations.
Barren River Lake State Resort Park, Lucas
13th Halloween Spookout, Oct. 15-17
The 13th Annual Spookout Weekend will be held in the campground at Barren River Oct. 15-17. This fun Halloween- themed weekend includes fun activities for the entire family. Campers are encouraged to decorate their campsites for the weekend. Prizes will be awarded to the best decorated site. There will also be a scarecrow competition with the most creative scarecrow winning a prize. Creativity and the use of recyclable items are encouraged. Activities throughout the weekend include a skeleton scavenger hunt, tie-dye t-shirts, games and crafts. There will also be the traditional pumpkin roll contest, costume contests for all ages and trick or treating. Saturday night will conclude the activities with spooky songs and scary stories. For more information, call the recreation office at 1-800-325-0057 or email Lisa Deavers at lisa.deavers@ky.gov
BIG BONE LICK STATE PARK, Union
Halloween Spook-Fest: Oct. 20-24 and Oct. 27 – 31
Help us scare away the evil spirits here at Big Bone Lick by bringing all your little ghouls, ghosts, witches and skeletons to the park for our annual Halloween Scare-fest! Campers will be treated to Halloween games, crafts and special events. Bring the scariest decorations you can find for the campsite decoration contest where you can win fabulous prizes. Don’t forget your pumpkins so you can enter our traditional, no pattern allowed, pumpkin carving contest. Special note: be advised that the scare-fest has a traditional scary/spooky setting and theme and parental discretion is advised. Only open to park visitors camping in the campground. Call 859-384-3522.
BLUE LICKS Battlefield State Resort Park, mount olivet
Family Fright Day & Fright Night!, Oct. 23
This day will have frightening fun that is appropriate for all ages at the Pioneer Museum. Programming includes: children’s mask making, family jack-o-lantern carving, children’s games & activities. Cost is $4/children 13 & under; adults are free. Later in the evening there will be tall tales and ghost stories in the Pioneer Room at the museum. These stories are sure to strike fear in the hearts of the bravest souls. We encourage parents to keep this in mind when bringing children. Not everyone likes to be scared! As day turns into night, the Poltergeist Movie Theatre Experience at the Worthington Lodge is free for everyone & includes popcorn. The movie, Poltergeist, is rated PG. Bottomless sodas will be available for $1. Come join us, if you DARE. 1-800-443-7008
Halloween Campout Celebration, Oct. 30-31
Quickly becoming one of Blue Licks’ largest events, visitors can enjoy all things scary and spooky in this Halloween extravaganza! Participate in the jack-o-lantern carving contest and the costume competition. Decorate your site for a chance to win a weekend stay in the campground. Haunted mini golf available and so much more! Call 859-289-5507 or 800-443-7008 for reservations and information.
BUCKHORN LAKE STATE RESORT PARK, BUCKHORN
Dinner Entertainment, Oct. 30
Buckhorn Lake presents musical entertainment with your meal by David Stahl, the Piano Man, along with Freddy Helm, saxophone player. Dinner show begins at 6 p.m. in the dinning room. Bowlingtown Country Kitchen is open 5-8 p.m. Contact Sue Thomas for more information at 800-325-0058.
Trail of Scarecrows Oct. 10-31
Come and enjoy a trail of scarecrows sponsored by local schools. This festive trail will go from the lodge entrance by the swimming pool to the beach area. Fun created for the whole family. Contact Sue Thomas for more information at 800-325-0058.
Carter Caves State Resort Park, Olive Hill
Haunted Trail, Oct. 15-16; Oct. 22-23
The ghouls and goblins have risen from the underground world at Carter Caves to scare you silly on these two weekends. If you dare, come and take the walk through our 1/2 mile haunted trail and don't forget to bring your “Mummy.” Our past trail survivors consider Carter Caves Haunted Trail as one of the best haunted trails in the region. Admission is $8 per person for the trail. Concessions will be available at the beginning of the trail. The trail is not recommended for young children. Transportation to and from the trailhead will be provided by the park. Tickets are on sale each night from 7:30-10 p.m. at Carter Caves Public Pool.
6th Annual Halloween Camp-out Celebration and Ghost Stories, Oct. 29-30
Some of the special activities include site-to-site trick or treating, pumpkin carving contest, costume contest, spooky mini golf and a campsite decorating contest. On Saturday night you can imagine yourself encased in total darkness with only the sounds of bats flying through the air. Sounds like a perfect place to spend your Halloween evening with our Ghost Stories in a Cave Program. Bring along a chair and your imagination.
Columbus-belmont state park, cOLUMBUS
Un-boo-lievable Weekend, Oct. 29-31
Enjoy a fun-filled weekend with campsite trick or treating. Prizes for best-decorated campsite, best costume and scariest ghost story. Follow up with a “Civil War Ghost Ride.” 270-677-2327.
DALE HOLLOW Lake State Resort park, burkesville
Haunted Hallow Hotel, Oct. 23
Good Evening, welcome to Dale Hollow Lake State Resort Park. We’ve been expecting you. Brave souls can experience first hand the horrors deep within the woods of the hollow on this very scary night. Ghoulish activities will be offered throughout the day on Saturday such as pumpkin carving contest, costume contest, campsite decorating contest, and hayrides (a fee will be charged for rides) Campers don’t forget to bring candy for those little trick-or-treaters. We’ll be waiting for you, ha, ha, ha... For more information call 1-800-325-2282.
E.P. “TOM” Sawyer state park, louisville
After Dark in the Park, Geo-Ghost Walk, Oct. 8
Explore the grounds of the former Lakeland Asylum built in 1873. Actual cases and stories surrounding the property will be your clues to finding as many lost souls (also known as caches) as you can. We’ve rounded up some great prizes for the quickest and most prolific soul seekers. All new route and stories will be included this year. If you don’t know what Geocaching is-don’t worry! Call ahead and we can arrange to meet one hour before the event to explain. Open 8-11 p.m.; must register by 10 p.m. Located at Shelter No. 1; fee is $10 per person. For more information contact Laura Rissler at 502-429-7270 or laura.rissler@ky.gov
Paranormal Excursions, Oct. 29
Have you ever wanted to be a Ghost Hunter? Here is your chance! E.P. “Tom” Sawyer State Park sits on the former grounds of the 1873 Lakeland Asylum, also known as the Old Central State Hospital. The evening will begin by showcasing previous captured evidence. Then trained Paranormal Investigators will guide you along hot spots, allowing you to use the equipment to gather more evidence. We will explore the unclaimed cemetery, trails, lake and Sawyer-Hayes Community Center. Open 8 p.m.-midnight. Meet at Sawyer-Hayes Community Center. Price is $55 per person and includes a DVD and audio of evidence collected. For more information call 502-429-7270 or email laura.rissler@ky.gov.
FORT boonesborough state park, richmond
Halloween Fest XVI, Oct. 19-31
Come early and join us for our biggest Halloween Party yet as we celebrate with 13 days of fun and frights. We will have scheduled times for haunted putt-putt, camper decoration contests, costume contests, ghost walks, bean supper, pancake breakfast, Halloween parade, crafts, Pumpkin Express hayrides, Pirate golf, live entertainment, trick or treating and lots, lots more. This event is for registered campers only. For more information call (859) 527-3131, ext. 218 or email booncamp@bellsouth.net.
The public is invited to drive through the campground to see the approximately 100,000 lights and decorations in the campground. We are asking for a donation of $2 to the Fort Boonesborough Foundation to drive through. The lights will begin on Friday Oct. 1 and go through Oct. 30 each night from 7:30 to 9:30 p.m.
GENERAL BURNSIDE STATE PARK, BURNSIDE
Oct. 23
Spook-Out Weekend
Join General Burnside State Park, if you dare. This is a weekend of spooky fun. Campers are asked to decorate their sites. The parks will also have games and activities for all ages. 606-561-4104.
General Butler State Resort Park, carrollton
Halloween Weekend of Spooky Times, Oct. 22-24
Jump Start your Halloween experience at General Butler State Resort Park! This weekend is back by popular demand; events for both evenings include the Haunted Halloween Train & Castle of Doom and Mini Golf. Campsite decorating and Saturday’s Trick or Treating in the Campground will highlight this weekend for all resort guests staying at General Butler State Resort Park
Spirits of Butler Paranormal Weekend, Oct. 23-24
Study and investigate paranormal activity at the Butler-Turpin State Historic House, cemetery and grounds along with Ghost Hunting 101 and more. Package price: $99 per single, $159 per couple (prices do not include tax.) Tour of the Butler-Turpin State Historic House, evening meal, program instruction, night investigation of the historic house and cemetery, overnight accommodations and Sunday brunch. Call 866-462-8853 for additional information. Non-package: $30.
Halloween Family Fun Weekend, Oct. 29-31
Who’s afraid of the dark? Calling all brave souls to join us for a howling good time! Evening activities are open to the general public and located in the park’s front entrance. Haunted Train Rides, 18- Hole Mini Golf, plus other haunting surprises. Resort guests staying the weekend at General Butler State Resort Park (lodge, cottage or campers) can participate in the other activities and entertainment planned on Saturday like Creepy Fingers Pottery Workshop with Albert Bauman and Trick or Treating just to name a few! Evening activities will charge admission fees. 1-866-462-8853.
Green River Lake State Park, campbellsville
Halloween in the Park, Oct. 22-24
The whole weekend will be filled with fun and enjoyment for the whole family! The first 20 campers will receive a free pumpkin to use in the pumpkin decorating contest on Saturday. Activities include: Free mini golf and ghost golf for when the full moon comes out! Campsite decorating contest includes first place prize of two nights free camping; second place wins one night free camping; third place gets a choice of free T-Shirt. Pumpkin decorating contest. Trick or Treating for the kids camping (treat bags will be supplied.) Corn Hole Tournament-$5 entry fee. 270-465-8255.
GREENBO LAKE State Resort Park, greenup
Camper Halloween, Oct. 22-23; Oct. 29-30
Two fun-filled weekends with ghosts, goblins, witches and more! There will be a scavenger hunt, hayrides, costume contest, pumpkin carving, and site decorating contest and campsite trick or treating. Don’t miss out on this weekend of ghoulish fun. Do not forget the haunted trail available both weekends from dark until 10:30 p.m. We dare you to take the trail of horror. Haunted Trail walks begin at the community pool parking lot. Admission fee is $5 per person and includes hayride back to parking lot. The haunted trail is definitely not for the faint of heart. 1-800-325-0083.
Jenny Wiley State Resort Park, prestonsburg
Haunted Hayride, Oct. 15-16; Oct. 22-23
If you like to be scared, then Jenny Wiley State Resort Park is the place to be! Come join this annual event and take a tractor-pulled hay ride that you soon won't forget. The Haunted hay Ride will be held in the campground and will begin at dark. Fee is $4 per person. The park is also sponsoring a pumpkin-carving contest for school children. Deadline is Oct. 26. The judging will take place at 5 p.m. on Oct. 28. Pumpkins will be displayed at the park through Halloween weekend. Call 1-800-325-0142.
Haunted Campground Halloween, Oct. 22-23
Come join the Recreation Staff for an evening of ghosts, ghouls and spooks! The evening activities will consist of a costume dance, a live ghost hunt, costume contest and much more! While you are there, take part in the Haunted Hay Ride. Happy Haunting! 1-800-325-0142.
John James Audubon State Park, henderson
Ghost Hunters, Oct. 25
Just in time for Halloween the Paranormal Investigators of Henderson are at the Audubon Museum at 6 p.m. to give an overview of their latest spooky research into ghost stories and sightings. Learn more about this group, their mission, and their experiences with researching scientific paranormal activity at Ellis Park, Angel Mounds, the Daviess County Courthouse and more! Cost: Free.
Halloween Spooktacular, Oct. 30
Bring your little Goblins to visit the enchanted courtyard of the John James Audubon Museum for the annual Halloween Spooktacular from 4-9 p.m. Hayride, games, costume contest, pumpkin painting, magicians, Halloween photos, animal presentations, food and a haunted trail produced by the Henderson County High School Drama Club. Children must be accompanied by an adult. No pre-registration required. Cost is $2 per person; ages 3 and under free. (270) 826-2247.
Kenlake State Resort Park, aurora
Little Spooky Spooks & Campers Celebration, Oct. 30-31
Dress up in your costume and come join us at Kenlake State Resort Park’s Campground to celebrate Halloween. Make a unique craft, go spider sniffing and much more this Halloween with us. For you campers it’s pay one night, the next night free. 800-325-0143.
KENTUCKY DAM VILLAGE STATE RESORT PARK, GILBERTSVILLE
Halloween Paranormal Investigation, Oct. 22-24
If you are a fan of the popular TV show Ghost Hunters and have an interest in the unknown, then this event is for you! Join us on an investigation for paranormal activity in the lodge lobby where the recreation crew has been informed that front desk evening workers have heard noises like shutting doors, groaning and walking sounds. We will also investigate the Village Green (lodge) where the Recreation crew has had personal experiences of their own on a prior investigation! This event will consist of a PowerPoint presentation and tips and tricks to investigating session at 10 p.m., then we will offer and demonstrate HANDS-ON investigations! Spaces are limited to 50 people and pre-registration can be made in advance by visiting the lodge and registering with the Recreation department in person or by calling 1-800-325-0146 ext. 412. The cost for the event is $30 per person! First come, first serve, and we encourage you to bring any investigation equipment you may own!
Halloween Howl – Campers Weekend, Oct. 29-31
Come and camp Friday night and get Saturday night FREE! (If you’re not SCARED!!) We will have activities throughout the weekend! Dress up in your trick or treat costume and go campsite to campsite!
LAKE MALONE STATE PARK, DUNMORE
Campground Party, Oct. 23
The Lake Malone State Park campground will hold a party starting at 6:30 p.m. There will be hayrides, a witch hat tossing contest, coloring, coffee and hot cocoa. Wear your favorite costume and decorate your campsite. 270-657-2111 or 270-657-2858.
LEVI JACKSON STATE PARK, london
Camp Spook, Oct. 22-23
Camping amidst the ghosts and goblins, beautiful sights of fall decorations, costume contests and trick-or-treating is all a part of the Halloween festivities. Nightly activities will lead up to a chili cook-off and chili supper on Friday evening that all campers can enjoy. Hayride, crafts, games, haunted walks and other contests are planned for the big and little goblins. Prizes for decorated campsites include best autumn, animated, most creative and scariest. A mystical array of lights and animation is a hallowing sight to see. This event is for campers only. Call 606-330-2130.
NOLIN LAKE STATE PARK, BEE SPRING
Halloween in the Campground, Oct. 30
Children 13 and under can trick or treat in the campground from 5 to 7 p.m. Enjoy seeing how different sites have decorated for the season. For campers only. The park will provide the fire and you furnish the hot dogs and s’mores. 270-286-4240.
OLD FORT HARROD State park, HARRODSBURG
Haunted Frontier, A Settler’s Nightmare, Oct. 28-31
Come to a haunted house 236 years in the making. Actually it’s a haunted fort. One of the most popular events of the year returns to scare the pants off of the brave crowds who dare to enter the Old Fort at night. Not recommended for children under 6. Call 859-734-3314.
OLD MULKEY MEETING HOUSE STATE HISTORIC SITE, TOMPKINSVILLE
Halloween in the Park, Oct. 23
The evening will consist of a pet costume parade, children’s costume parade (up to 12 years old), pumpkin smashing, jack-o-lantern contests, fortune telling, haunted trail, ghost storytelling contests and more! Ghost stories are limited to 10 minutes and must be appropriate for all age listeners. Prizes will be given to all parade participants, as well as the winners in the jack-o-lantern and ghost storytelling contests. Admission is $4 and includes a hot dog dinner. Register by calling 270-487-8481.
Paintsville Lake State park, PAINTSVILLE
Camper’s Halloween, Oct. 29-30
Camp with us on Halloween weekend and we’ll treat you to a camper’s cookout. You’ll also want to spook up your campsite for our best decorated Halloween campsite contest. First and second place winners in both RV and tent camping will win free camping! The staff will have treats for the kids and they can also visit other campsite for treats! 606-297-8487.
Pennyrile Forest State Resort Park, DAWSON SPRINGS
Halloween Campout, Oct. 15-17
During this spooky campout all registered campers will receive two nights camping for the price of one. A full schedule of Halloween programs will be available for the weekend. 800-325-1711.
Rough River State Resort Park, FALLS OF ROUGH
Halloween Spectacular, Oct. 22-24
Join the ghoulish staff of Rough River for a fun Spooktacular Weekend! Kids and adults both will enjoy hayrides, contests, trick-or treating, glow in the dark haunted mini golf, cakewalk, games, a bonfire with a Special Guest Storyteller, and much more! If you are camping be sure to bring your Halloween Decor for our campsite decorating contest! Call Rough River Dam State Resort Park at 1-800-325-1713 or email sheila.jones@ky.gov for more information.
Taylorsville Lake State Park, TAYLORSVILLE
Happy Halloween Evening, Oct. 30
Taylorsville Lake offers a safe and spooktacular way to celebrate the Halloween holiday at Happy Halloween. Activities include hayrides, campsite decoration, trick or treating, the ever-popular outdoor scary movie. Activities begin at 5 p.m. on Friday. Call 502-477-8713.
Waveland State Historic Park, LEXINGTON
Murder, Madness and Mayhem: Waveland’s Haunted House and Trail, Oct. 15-16
Open from 8 – 11:30 p.m. both days. Groups of 10 or more need to call for reservations at 859-272-3611. Admission is $7 adults and $4 for students.
WHITE HALL State Historic site, richmond
Ghost Walk, Oct. 28-31
This is a must-see theatrical experience performed by Eastern Kentucky University’s Theater Department. “Spirit Guides” lead guests from room to room and introduce the spirits of the past, who come out of the dimness to tell the tender and incredible stories of the illustrious Clay family. Each tour is limited to 20 people. First performance is at 7 p.m. with 12 tours a night. Tickets are $10 per person, by reservation only. Call (859) 623-9178 for information and reservations.
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The Kentucky State Park System is composed of 51 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. For more information on Kentucky parks, visit our website at http://www.parks.ky.gov