Department of Parks
Kentucky State Parks Announce “Choose Your Own Adventure Series”

FRANKFORT Ky.— Looking for a bit more adventure as you plan your spring and summer trips? Take a look at the Kentucky State Parks new “Choose Your Own Adventure Series” that offers something for everyone.

The Family Adventure Quest is back by popular demand and is accompanied by two new adventures this year: the Backcountry Adventure Series and the Kentucky History Adventure Quest.

“We believe there is something for everyone at our state parks,” said Parks Commissioner J.T. Miller. “The Adventure Series we’re offering in 2007 will help our visitors experience all aspects of our parks regardless of their interests.”

            The Family Adventure Quest is similar to a scavenger hunt where participants must complete “quests” that can include anything from answering trivia questions to taking part in activities such as canoeing, pottery making, and photography.

Show us your Unbridled Spirit as your family explores our unique and breathtaking state to earn $25 to $50 park gift certificates and other prizes!

The entry fee is $15, which is a bargain since it includes a commemorative day pack, a disposable camera, and information packet containing 25 challenges to complete.

The Backcountry Adventure Series is designed for the adventurous type who isn’t afraid to get a little dirty.  Participants can climb and crawl through dark, muddy caves, enjoy a canoe excursion or pretend you’re an early Kentucky explorer, hiking through Kentucky’s beautiful forests. 

Participants can choose four types of adventures -- one-day excursion, one- overnight backpack trip, one-overnight canoe camp, and a two-overnight backpack or backpack/canoe combo trip. 

          If you participate in three of the four types of excursions, each adventurer receives a $50 Kentucky Unbridled Spirit gift card.  Do all four types and receive a $100 gift card.

            The adventures are scheduled at six parks across the state: Barren River, Blue Licks Battlefield, Carter Caves, Cumberland Falls, Greenbo Lake and Natural Bridge. There is a fee to participate and spots are limited.

            The Kentucky History Adventure Quest challenges you to put on your thinking cap as you answer questions that can be answered on day trips or overnight stays across the state. The 30 questions relate to a state park or nearby historic site.

            Participants will be asked to bring back a photograph or receipt to verify answers. Teams can earn $25 to $50 in state park gift certificates for correct answers. The entry fee is $15. Teams will receive a booklet of challenge questions, two maps, a Kentucky travel guide and a disposable camera as well as a haversack; a shoulder pouch that American pioneers and soldiers carried for food and other items.

More information about these three programs is available online at www.parks.ky.gov  (click on the link for “Choose Your Own Adventure”). The web site also lists the dates for all Backcountry Adventure trips along with contact information. Or call 1-800-255-PARK for more information. Entries must be postmarked by Dec. 3, 2007.

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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