FRANKFORT, Ky. – Kentucky State Parks are getting out the pumpkins and ghoulish decorations to prepare for one of the most popular times at parks – Halloween.
Many of the park system’s campgrounds will be having special activities for campers, including decorations, costumes, hayrides and games for the kids. And other resort parks, recreation parks and historic sites will also have special events in late October -- a great time to be outside with family and friends.
Parents of young children should check in advance – some parks have age recommendations for their events.
Don’t forget that resort parks have lodge rooms and cottages available as well as excellent restaurants with your favorite meals. For more information about state park events or to make lodging or camping reservations, visit www.parks.ky.gov
Here is the list of Halloween events:
Barren River Lake State Resort Park, Lucas
Trail of Scarecrows
Oct. 1-31
The trail of scarecrows is the fundraiser for Kentucky Employees Charitable Campaign (KECC). Entries will be displayed from Oct. 1 - Oct. 31 along the paved trail at the park for everyone to see. Prizes will be awarded to the best scarecrows. Plan early and show off your talents. All scarecrows must be up by Oct. 1st. We will be taking appointments to put them up on Sept. 29 and 30. 1-800-325-0057.
13th Annual Halloween Spookout at Barren River
Oct. 16-18
Visit Barren River for this annual spooktacular weekend where the ghosts and goblins take over the campground. There will be costume contests, pumpkin roll contests, trick or treating and a variety of other activities for ghouls of all sizes. 1-800-325-0057.
Big Bone Lick State Park, Union
Home Haunters Spooktacular
Oct. 3
Get into the Halloween spirit during this frighteningly fun day at the park. Participants during this event will learn how to cleverly turn cheap everyday items into spooky and scary Halloween decorations. From these hands on and how-to demonstrations, beginners and long time haunters alike will absolutely freak out over these clever ideas to spook up your yard or haunt your Halloween party. Registration required and spots limited. Cost: $20 per person or $30 per couple. Event lasts 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Contact Todd Young at Todd.young@ky.gov or 859-384-3522.
Halloween Scare-fest
Oct. 21-25, Oct. 28-Nov. 1
Help Big Bone Lick State Park scare away the evil spirits 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 for the campsite decoration contest where you can win fabulous prizes. Don't forget those pumpkins so you can enter our traditional, no pattern, pumpkin carving contest. Special note: be advised that the Scare-fest has a traditional scary setting and theme, parental discretion is advised. Open to campground visitors only. 859-384-3522.
Blue Licks Battlefield State Resort Park, Mount Olivet
Scarecrows in the Park
Oct. 1-31
This event encourages families, schools, businesses, and other groups to apply their imaginations to design and build scarecrow displays for all to enjoy. The scarecrows, along with laminated signs advertising the builders of the figures, will be placed along the paved drive to Worthington Lodge. There is a $20 fee per scarecrow display for families, schools, and youth groups. The fee for businesses is $40. Half of all display fees will be donated to charity through the Kentucky Employees Charitable Campaign. Display must be in place by Oct. 1. All entries will be judged on October 2nd and the builders of the winning scarecrow will receive a $75 Kentucky State Park Gift Card. Call Stefanie Gaither at 859/289-5507 or 800/443-7008 for information.
Family Fright Day & Fright Night!
Oct. 24
This day will have frightening fun that is appropriate for all ages at the Pioneer Museum beginning at 1 p.m. at Blue Licks Battlefield. 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 & 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 to night, the Poltergeist Movie Theatre Experience at the Worthington Lodge is free for everyone and includes popcorn. The movie: Poltergeist is rated PG. Bottomless sodas will be available for $1. Call 800/443-7008 for more information.
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
Trail of Scarecrows
Oct. 11-31
Come and walk our "trail of scarecrows" that local businesses and groups have made. 800-325-0058.
Murder Mystery--Trouble at the Tropicabana
Oct. 30-Nov. 1
This special event at Buckhorn Lake will be presented by Fantastical Theatricals of Lexington. Friday evening includes a dance/costume party, with Halloween appropriate songs and dances. You will even have the opportunity to learn the dance from "Thriller." On Saturday the park will host a murder-mystery called "Trouble at the Tropicabana" -- a spoof of the "I Love Lucy" show. It takes place in the nightclub, so there is lots of fun, Latin song and dance and of course loads of Ricky, Lucy, Fred and Ethel zaniness! 800-325-0058.
Carter Caves State Resort Park, Olive Hill
Carter Caves Haunted Trail
Oct. 16, 17, 23, 24
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. Ticket sales are each event night from 7:30 p.m. – 10 p.m. at Carter Caves Public Pool. 1-800-325-0059.
Halloween Campout Celebration & Ghost Stories
Oct. 30-Nov. 1
Campers come join Carter Caves for our 6th Annual Halloween Campout Celebration. 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. Admission is $2 a person. 1-800-325-0059.
Cumberland Falls State Resort Park, Corbin
Howling at the Moon
Oct. 31
Cumberland Falls will host the “Howling at the Moon” starting at 8 p.m. at the park visitor center. Telescopes will be set up for moon viewing. Costumed stargazers will get trick or treat candy. The event will end about 9 p.m. Camper decorating contest with prizes being awarded for: scariest campsite, 1st, 2nd and third place. 1-800-325-0063.
Dale Hollow Lake State Resort Park, Burkesville
Haunted Hollow Hotel
Oct. 24
Dale Hollow Lake State Resort Park dares you to enter on Oct. 24. Brave souls can experience first hand the horrors deep within the woods of the hollow. Frightfully fun activities will be offered throughout the day on Saturday such as make your own smelly jelly monster ($) or Tie-Dye Boodanas ($). We will also make art with some Halloween magic; enter in our pumpkin carving contest; costume contest; or campsite decorating contest. Hayrides will venture out Saturday night beginning at 6:30 p.m. and going approximately every half hour until 9 p.m.($). Don’t miss the ELVIS tribute artist Caleb Brown Saturday night in the Convention Center. Ask about special package offers for rooms, meals, and discounts to see Elvis. And campers, don’t forget to bring candy for those little trick-or-treaters. We’ll be waiting for you. For information call 1-800-325-2282.
E.P. “Tom” Sawyer State Park, Louisville
The Possessed- Film Primer for Sci-Fi Channel-
Oct. 8
The Sci-Fi Channel is coming to E. P. “Tom” Sawyer State Park! Join us for the Premier of The Possessed, a paranormal production by the Booth Brothers from the spooked series. The evening will be hosted by Keith Age, one of the lead investigators. The premier is complete with accounts, captured paranormal footage, interviews and much more. The event will be aired on Thursday, Oct. 8th from 7 p.m. to midnight at the New Sawyer-Hayes Community Center. Meet the investigating team and see a live feed to Hollywood and various locations! The event is free. Get in the season and have the chance to meet the real Ghost Hunters. Contact Laura Rissler at 502-429-7270 or email at laura.rissler@ky.gov.
Paranormal Excursions
Oct. 30
Have you ever wanted to be a Ghost Hunter? Here is your chance! On Friday, Oct. 30 from 8 p.m. to midnight, E. P. “Tom” Sawyer State Park will be hosting Paranormal Excursions. The park sits on the former grounds of the 1873 Lakeland Asylum, also known as the Old Central State Hospital. Having already done the preliminary investigation with premier ghost hunters AfterDark PI, 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 located directly over the old hospital. Registration is required; price is $55 per person and will include a DVD and audio of evidence collected throughout the evening. Meet at the community center. Please call Laura Rissler at 429-7270 or email at laura.rissler@ky.gov for more information.
Fort Boonesborough State Park, Richmond
Halloween Fest XV
Oct. 13 - 25
Come early and join us for our biggest Halloween Party yet as we celebrate with THIRTEEN 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 hikes, 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.
General Burnside State Park, Burnside
Spook Out Weekend
Oct. 23-24
Come join the park if you dare. This is a weekend of spooks and fun. Campers please decorate your sites. Lots of games and activities for all ages. 606-561-4104
General Butler State Resort Park, Carrollton
Jump Start Your Halloween
Oct. 23-25
Jump Start your Halloween experience at General Butler State Resort Park! This weekend is back by popular demand; events include, for both evenings 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. Make a reservation at General Butler State Resort Park if you would like to Jump Start Your Halloween! 866-462-8853.
Spirits of Butler Paranormal Weekend
Oct. 24-25
Study and investigation of 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). Includes 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. 30-Nov. 1
Who's afraid of the dark? Calling all brave souls to join General Butler State Resort Park 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 the lodge, cottages or campground 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. 866-462-8853.
Greenbo Lake State Resort Park, Greenup
Camper Halloween
Oct. 23-24, Oct. 30-31
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. 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. 800-325-0083.
Green River Lake State Park, Campbellsville
Halloween in the Park
Oct. 23-25
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! Prizes offered for campsite decorating and pumpkin decorating. Trick or Treating for the kids camping (treat bags will be supplied). Corn Toss Championship-$5 entry fee. 270-465-8255.
Jenny Wiley State Resort Park, Prestonsburg
Haunted Hay Ride
Oct. 16, 17, 23, 24
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, 7:30 p.m.-11 p.m. Fee is $4.00 per person. 800-325-0142.
Haunted Campground Halloween
Oct. 23-24
Come join the Jenny Wiley Recreation Staff for an evening of ghosts, ghouls and spooks! The evening’s activities will consist of a costume dance, a live ghost hunt, costume contest and much more!
John James Audubon State Park, Henderson
Halloween Bash
Oct. 24
Moms, dads, grandparents and little goblins, don't miss the Halloween Bash at the John James Audubon Museum from 10:30 a.m.-Noon. Bring your little ones dressed up if they wish, ages 3-7, for fall photos, art, a visit from the owl, treats and magic acts. Fee: $7 for class; extra photo fee optional. (270) 827-1893.
Kenlake State Resort Park, Aurora
Little Spooky Spooks and Campers Celebration
Oct. 31
Dress up in your costume and come join us at Kenlake State Resort Park's Campground as we celebrate Halloween. Make a unique craft, see some spooky animals. Hunt for a 1,000 Halloween Eggs with prizes and candy! Refreshments will be available. Weekend is pay for one night of camping and get the next night free. Enter our best decorated campsite contest. All ages welcome. 800-325-0143.
Kentucky Dam Village State Resort Park, Gilbertsville
Halloween Howl
Oct. 30-31
Come to Kentucky Dam Village and camp Friday night and get Saturday night free. (If you’re not SCARED!) While enjoying the campers' weekend, you can enjoy one of the many haunted houses in the area. For more information on camping or attractions in the area, call Anthony Lawrence at 1-800-325-0146 ext. 430 or email: Anthony.Lawrence@ky.gov
Lake Malone State Park, Dunmore
Halloween Camping
Oct. 30-31
Don't forget to make your Halloween reservations! Prizes for best campsite decorations, best carved or painted pumpkin and best costume. The park will have a good old fashioned hayride and bonfire for all campers and guests alike. Bring your children to a safe Halloween party at Lake Malone State Park. 270-657-2111.
Levi Jackson State Park, London
Camp Spook
Oct. 19-24
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 on Friday evening that all campers can enjoy. Registration to enter a pot of chili is required prior to the event. Hayrides, crafts, games and other contests are planned for the big and little alike. Prizes for decorated campsites include best autumn, animated, most creative, scariest and best overall. A mystical array of lights and animation is a hallowing sight to see. Call the park for more information at 606-330-2130.
Old Mulkey Meeting House State Historic Site, Tompkinsville
Halloween in the Park
Oct. 24
The evening will consist of a Pet Costume Parade, Children's Costume Parade (0 to 12 years), 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. Please pre-register by calling 270-487-8481.
Paintsville Lake State Park, Paintsville
Camper’s Halloween
Oct. 30-31
Camp at Paintsville Lake State Park 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! 606-297-8486.
Pennyrile Forest State Resort Park, Dawson Springs
Halloween Campout
Oct. 23-25
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. Costume contest will be held at 7 p.m. on Oct. 23 at the park’s amphitheater. Campsite and jack-o-lantern decorating contest will be judged beginning at 5 p.m. on Saturday October 24th. 800-325-1711.
Rough River Dam State Resort Park, Falls of Rough
Halloween Spooktacular
Oct. 30-31
Join the ghoulish staff of Rough River for a fun Spooktacular Weekend! Kids and adults both will enjoy hayrides, contests, trick-or treating, games, 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 information.
Taylorsville Lake State Park, Taylorsville
Happy Halloween
Oct. 30-Nov. 1
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, plus prize-winning contests for groups and individuals. Activities begin at 5 p.m. Friday. Call 502-477-8713 for details.
Waveland State Historic Site, Lexington
Ghost Walk, Paranormal Workshop and Costume Competition
Oct. 16, Oct. 17 and Oct. 24
Waveland will host a Ghost Walk on Friday, Oct. 16 from 7-10 p.m. and Saturday, Oct. 17, from 6-10 p.m. Admission is $7 for adults $4 for students. Groups of ten or more should call for reservations. 859-272-3611.
On Oct. 17, from 10 p.m. to 1 a.m. the park will host a paranormal workshop. (The program will be repeated Oct. 24 from 9 to midnight) Admission is $15 per person.
On Oct. 24, a children’s Halloween costume competition will be held from 5-7 p.m. The fee is $2 per child. Children are to be accompanied by a parent or guardian. Suggested ages for children 1 to 12. Prizes will be given for originality, design, and subject. Call 859-272-3611.
White Hall State Historic Site, Richmond
Ghost Walk
Oct. 29-31
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. Tickets must be purchased in advance. A portion of the proceeds benefit the Eastern Kentucky University Theater Department scholarship fund. First performance is at 7 p.m. with 12 tours a night. Tickets are $10.00 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 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. For more information on Kentucky parks, visit our Web site at http://www.parks.ky.gov