Department of Parks
State Parks Taking Part In "See America Week"

FRANKFORT, Ky. -- With the largest state park resort system in the nation, Kentucky relies greatly on the tourism industry.

That’s why during the week of May 13-21 state park officials will be calling attention to the importance of tourism in the Bluegrass State. That week has been designated by the Travel Industry Association of America as “See America Week.” In Kentucky, the week will be designated as “See America Week in Kentucky.”

At welcome centers throughout Kentucky, the state parks and other groups will have displays during the week to remind visitors about the millions of dollars of business that the state park system brings into the state.

For example, on May 20-21 the welcome center along I-24 (westbound) in Western Kentucky’s Christian County will feature representatives from KenLake State Resort Park and Lake Barkley State Resort Park to promote golf and other activities at the nearby parks.  Throughout the week other local groups and officials will be on hand to tout tourist attractions and history in the area.

At the welcome center along I-75-71 (southbound) in Florence in Northern Kentucky, representatives of Natural Bridge, General Butler and Big Bone Lick State Parks will be on hand to talk to visitors about their parks. Along I-65 at the welcome center at Franklin, representatives of Barren River State Resort Park will be on hand. Other nearby attractions will also be displayed during the week.

“Kentucky has a lot to offer,” said Commerce Secretary George Ward. “We have the largest waterfall south of Niagara Falls at Cumberland Falls, nationally-recognized golf courses, beautiful hiking trails and some great fishing and boating. There’s also plenty of history to see at parks like My Old Kentucky Home, Perryville Battlefield and Lincoln Homestead.”

Nearly eight million people visit Kentucky’s 52 state parks every year. Those tourism dollars help the state’s economy and provide jobs to thousands of Kentuckians.

For more information about Kentucky State Parks, call 1-800-255-PARK or go to www.parks.ky.gov.

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The Kentucky State Park System is composed of 52 state parks plus an interstate park shared with Virginia. The Department of Parks, an agency of the Commerce Cabinet, operates 17 resort parks with lodges -- more than any other state. Each year, Kentucky parks draw 7 million visitors and contribute $317 million to the economy. For more information on Kentucky parks, visit our Web site at http://www.parks.ky.gov