Department of Parks
Celebrate Memorial Day Weekend At Kentucky State Parks

FRANKFORT, Ky. – With the Memorial Day weekend just a few weeks away, now is the time to make plans to visit a Kentucky State Park for camping, hiking, golf, swimming, boating, fishing or enjoying a meal and overnight stay at one of the system’s 17 resort parks.

All 17 state park resorts and selected recreational parks begin daily recreation and nature programming starting with the holiday weekend through Labor Day.

The state park system’s golf courses are open and ready for play. Several state park golf courses recently received recognition from Golf Digest and Golfweek magazines.

The course at Mineral Mound State Park located near Eddyville in western Kentucky was ranked #5 in the state in the “Best Courses You Can Play” public-access category by Golfweek Magazine. Eagle Ridge Golf Course at Yatesville Lake State Park, located in eastern Kentucky, and Dale Hollow Lake State Resort Park, located in south central Kentucky were ranked #6 and #9 as “Best In State” by Golf Digest Magazine.

In addition, Wasioto Winds Golf Course at Pine Mountain State Resort Park in Pineville, My Old Kentucky Home State Park at Bardstown and Dale Hollow Lake State Resort Park at Burkesville were rated four stars by Golf Digest for “Best Places to Play” in 2008-09.  These courses were evaluated by approximately 20,000 Golf Digest readers on a five point scale. The Kentucky State Parks offer Chip Shot and Tee’s and Zzz’s golf packages that include overnight lodging.

All Kentucky State Park campgrounds are now open. You can make reservations by visiting www.parks.ky.gov or by calling 1-888-459-7275.

All state park historic sites and museums are also open. And if you have children, you’ll be interested in state park playgrounds. Several state parks will be holding special events during the holiday weekend of May 22-25.  Below is a list of events planned at state parks. The park phone number is included. For more information, visit www.parks.ky.gov

Barren River Lake State Resort Park, Lucas

Memorial Day Weekend
May 23-25

Create memories that will last a lifetime as we officially kickoff the summer season.  There will be a variety of recreational and nature related activities offered throughout the weekend at the campground and lodge.  Activities for all ages will be provided.  Call 800-325-0057.

Big Bone Lick State Park, Union

Spear Throwing Demonstration
May 25

The spear and atlatl have been primary weapons for thousands of years, and are still being used even in modern times. Join the park naturalist at the atlatl field to learn and experience first hand the grace and power of these two weapons that would end up shaping human culture. This is a free event and no registration is required. 859-384-3522.

Blue Licks Battlefield State Resort Park, Mount Olivet

Blue Licks Cornhole Tournament
May 25

Winning team receives a $100 Unbridled Spirit Gift Card, 2nd place team receives a $50 Unbridled Spirit Gift Card. Gift cards can be used at any Kentucky State Park, Kentucky Artisan Center, Kentucky Horse Park or Kentucky Historical Society. Teams consist of 2 people and cost is $10/team. Pre-registration is required. Call Paul Tierney at 859/289-5507 or 800/443-7008 to register your team.

Buckhorn Lake State Resort Park, Buckhorn

Memorial Day Weekend

May 22-25

Come celebrate the beginning of summer at this park that features rooms overlooking a 23-mile lake, known as a trophy muskie lake. The weekend will feature games, arts and crafts, trail walks, and other activities for children and adults. On Sunday, May 24, the Appalachian Troubadours will be in concert at the lodge at 2 p.m. This group is known for their singing of pop, country and jazz. Call 1-800-325-0058 for information.  

Carter Caves State Resort Park, Olive Hill

Memorial Day Weekend

May 22-25

Carter Caves is the place to be during Memorial Day Weekend, with a jammed packed recreation schedule that will be fun for the whole family.  On Saturday and Sunday recreation programs will include tie-dye t-shirts, a scavenger hunt, homemade ice cream social, games and nature hikes.  During the weekend we will have several canoe trips on Smoky Valley Lake, cave tours of Cascade Cave and X-Cave, lantern tours of Cascade Cave and a guided flashlight tour of X-Cave.  Friday night will feature dances led by local clogger Steve Kitchen.  A live animal show will be held on Saturday night by the Kentucky Natural History Company.  The miniature golf course will have a glow in the dark mini golf program Sunday night. All recreation facilities will be open including, guided horseback rides, mini golf course, swimming pool, a 9-hole golf course and 26 miles of hiking trails, including the 10 mile multi-use trail that can be accessed for hiking, mountain biking and horseback riding.  For information, call 1-800-325-0059.

Cumberland Falls State Resort Park, Corbin

Family Spring Adventure
May 23

Cumberland Falls is a nature-lovers' paradise. Get the family out this spring with these adventurous activities: Canoeing, archery, bird walks, wildflower walks, fire tower tours, astronomy, wildlife programs, and hikes to other waterfalls and arches. Some activities are limited and offered on a first-come, first-served basis. 800-325-0063.

Star Party
May 23

Enjoy an evening of astronomy at Cumberland Falls. Learn to read a star map and view the moon, planets, and other astronomical features through telescopes.

Fort Boonesborough State Park, Richmond

18th Century Trade Fair & Rifle Frolic
May 23-24

Visit a social, political and business gathering of merchants, traders, artisans, Native Americans, militia members, beggars, long hunters, scouts and other characters. Listen to period music, visit camps and shop for 18th century goods as you compare life today to life 225 years ago. See a weekend of 18th century history come to life! This event is free with a paid admission to the Fort. The event is 9 a.m.-5:30 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. 859-527-3131.

General Burnside State Park, Burnside

Memorial Day Weekend
May 23-25

Come join us at the recreation yard for a weekend full of fun. There will be games for all ages. 606-561-4104.

General Butler State Resort Park, Carrollton

Play It Again Concert Series
May 23

The band known as Nora, Ben & Eli plays an eclectic mix of music including Irish and Appalachian folk, jazz, old time music and original tunes. They kick off the Play Er Agin’ Concert Series now in its 8^th season held on the grounds of the Butler-Turpin State Historic House. The concert series is free and open to the public. Bring your own chair or use one of ours. The May 23^rd concert is the first in a series of six. One concert each month May through October. Call for more details. 866-462-8853.

Greenbo Lake State Resort Park, Greenup

Sasha Colette Concert
May 23

Recording artist and songwriter Sasha Colette and her band, The Last Dance, will perform at the Greenbo Lake Amphitheatre at 7 p.m. Sasha’s music is rich in heritage from her Eastern Kentucky roots and can be described as Folk, Americana, and Blues. Bring your lawn chairs and blankets with you. Admission is adults $5, children 12 years to 6 years $2, and children 5 years and under free. 800-325-0083.