E.P. "Tom" Sawyer State Park in Louisville is hosting its "Birding for Beginners" program on March 17

Kentucky State Parks
E.P. "Tom" Sawyer State Park in Louisville is hosting its "Birding for Beginners" program on March 17. For anyone interested in picking up the hobby of bird watching, this is the hike for you! Meet at the Activities Building at 9 a.m. We will discuss what birds that you are likely to see in this region, where they are most likely to be found, and other interesting facts about these species of birds. We will then go on a short hike to see what birds we can discover that day. No equipment is necessary, unless you have an identification book or binoculars you would like to use. Hike costs $2.00 per person, children 5 and under are free!

Cumberland Falls State Resort Park is hosting a “First Saturday of the Month Hike” starting Feb. 4

Cumberland Falls State Resort Park is hosting a “First Saturday of the Month Hike” starting Feb. 4. The 10 a.m. trek will be a guided, interpretive hike on the Blue Bend Trail, a 4.5-mile loop. The first 3 miles of trail follow the Cumberland River along a hemlock grove and then ascend the hill leading to a “surprise” at the top.

Participants should bring a lunch and drinking water and should dress appropriately for the weather. This event is free. Participants should meet in the Great Room of Dupont Lodge at 10 a.m. Call the park at 1-800-325-0063 for information.

Getting ready for some golf? Check out the Kentucky State Park discount cards as well as annual passes. We also offer overnight packages that include golf and meals.

Kentucky is famed for bluegrass, bourbon, beautiful mountains and thoroughbreds. And, spurred by a renewed focus from the State Park system, golf now is becoming a larger part of Kentucky's recreational reputation. With 18 State Park golf courses, there is sure to be something for everyone.

Exciting championship golf amid the pastoral beauty of the "nation’s finest" state parks awaits you.

If you love to travel, our golf packages offer the perfect mix of championship play and escape to the peaceful surroundings of our Kentucky State Resort Park lodges. Each resort features a full-service lodge and dining room giving rise to our reputation as "the nation’s finest state park system". Kentucky's resort parks were developed to bring unexpected comfort and recreational opportunity in the midst of unspoiled nature.

Our golf packages include overnight lodging and 18-holes with a golf car. The all inclusive package includes overnight lodging, breakfast and dinner, 18-holes with a golf car,  welcome gift card and preferred tee times. With 19 State Park golf courses, there is sure to be something for everyone. Our 18-hole and 9-hole courses situated in every region of the state, offer exciting championship play amid the pastoral beauty of the "nation's finest" park system.

Each course offers an outstanding golf experience for players of all ages. Four of our 18-hole courses; Grayson Lake, Pine Mountain, Dale Hollow, Yatesville Lake, have received national awards from Golf Digest as "Best New Affordable Public Courses".

Discounts & Packages

Looking for a challenge? Consider the 2012 Kentucky State Park’s Family Adventure Quest that you complete at your own pace.

Challenges will take your team across the state to parks and historic sites in search of your next adventure and photo op.  While some challenges will require seeking answers through park visits, most will require use of a digital camera.  In order to be eligible for prizes upon completion, Quest photos will need to be submitted in electronic format on CD.

The more you complete, the more you win!

Park gift cards: 25 correct = $50 or 20 correct for $25!

Every team that turns in at least 10 completed quests will receive a certificate for a free lodge room stay (Sun. – Thurs. nights) and passes to park museums!

Download a registration form today or call 1-800-255-PARK to request a registration form by mail.

Registration fee of $15 (2-6 people/team) gets you:
Information packet containing your 25 challenges
Commemorative insulated tote
2012 Park-themed planner calendar

Only those correctly completing the challenges are eligible for prizes.

Photos submitted as part of this challenge become the property of KY State Parks.

What Past Participants Are Saying

"We had an awesome time trying to complete the Quest.  It was a great family bonding experience!"
- Team Green '10, Lawrenceburg, KY

"We definitely enjoyed visiting the different and fantastic parks & shrines of Kentucky. It has been an awesome educational experience."
- Hourigan/Tinker Team '10, Louisville, KY

We loved it!  Out family had lots of fun.  We plan to do it again!
- Team Stotts '09, Louisville, KY

"What a story to tell at the Perryville Battlefield State Historic Site.  I thought I would never pull my husband and son away to leave….This was quite an adventure."
- Jo Ellen Stephens '09, Crofton, KY

"We love FAQ.  Its been great doing this challenge & going to parks we probably would not have visited otherwise."
- The Brunsons '09, Somerset, KY    

"We truly enjoyed this Quest! I believe we visited twelve state parks this year. We learned alot and created many great memories. Thank you for creating this program."
- Team Havens '08, Louisville, KY

"Wow – what a great park system we have in our Commonwealth. My wife & I have been visiting a lot of them over the past couple years. We did the Family Adventure Quest with my mom and dad last year, and did our own this year. We had great fun! Just wanted to thank you guys for the good work you are doing for our parks and our people. We have a state park system that is the envy of the nation."
-The Deans '07, Louisville, KY

Cumberland Falls State Resort Park is hosting a “First Saturday of the Month Hike” starting Feb. 4.

Cumberland Falls State Resort Park is hosting a “First Saturday of the Month Hike” starting Feb. 4. The 10 a.m. trek will be a guided, interpretive hike on the Blue Bend Trail, a 4.5-mile loop. The first 3 miles of trail follow the Cumberland River along a hemlock grove and then ascend the hill leading to a “surprise” at the top.

Participants should bring a lunch and drinking water and should dress appropriately for the weather. This event is free. Participants should meet in the Great Room of Dupont Lodge at 10 a.m. These hikes will be held monthly on the first Saturday of the month.

Cumberland Falls State Resort Park has a lodge, Riverview Restaurant, cottages, campground, hiking trails, fishing, horseback riding, rafting, other recreational activities and a great view of Cumberland Falls. Call the park at 1-800-325-0063 for information.

Kentucky Event Calendar

Several Kentucky State Parks are included in the new travel promotion "There's Only One" unveiled today by the Department of Travel and Tourism.

FRANKFORT, Ky. – It started not with a stroke of a pen, but with the stamping of a hoof.

The 2012 marketing campaign aimed at attracting visitors and tourism dollars to Kentucky ceremonially started today when 2003 Kentucky Derby winner Funny Cide “Hoof-o-graphed” the newest version of the Official Kentucky Visitors Guide. The campaign being conducted by the Kentucky Department of Travel and Tourism is called “There’s Only One,” and focuses on the one-of-a-kind attractions and travel opportunities that exist only in Kentucky.

“There are many reasons that the successful promotion of tourism, and therefore that this campaign, is important to our state,” said Marcheta Sparrow, secretary of the Kentucky Tourism, Arts and Heritage Cabinet. “Tourism’s economic impact in Kentucky is $11.3 billion and supports some 170,000 Kentucky jobs. That is the bottom-line reason that we invest time, energy and resources in promoting Kentucky tourism.”

“The foundation of ‘There’s Only One’ is very simple and at the same time, extremely compelling,” said Commissioner Mike Cooper of the Kentucky Department of Travel and Tourism. “Travelers are seeking memorable and authentic experiences that exist in only one place. Kentucky is blessed with many of those and they form the basis for our ‘There’s Only One’ campaign.”

The campaign kickoff took place at the Kentucky Horse Park, where Derby and Preakness winner Funny Cide resides. Also in attendance was Jack Knowlton, managing partner of Sackatoga Stable, Funny Cide’s owners, as well as John Nicholson, executive director of the Kentucky Horse Park.

The campaign will roll out during the course of the year on radio, TV, print and Web-based advertising. It also is being incorporated into all facets of the Department of Travel and Tourism, including the Official Visitors Guide, website, e-newsletters, social media, welcome centers and other communications efforts. Local tourism organizations throughout Kentucky are being encouraged to adopt the “There’s Only One” theme as well.

So far, 31 Kentucky attractions have been designated “There’s Only One,” with others to follow. A listing of those, as well as samples of the TV, radio and, print materials can be found by going to KentuckyTourism.com and clicking on the “There’s Only One” icon.

The 2012 Official Visitors Guide can be picked up at all welcome centers in the state, as well as local tourism offices, and can be viewed online at kentuckytourism.com.

Carter Caves' Winter Adventure Weekend is Jan. 27-29.

 The weekend includes hiking, canoeing, recreational tree climbing, cave tours, winter survival, rappelling and other adventures.

Guests will be able to select from a list of trips they want to take – for beginners and advanced winter adventurers alike. All of the trips and events are led by guides.

The list of the trips, along with registration information and other details for the 2012 event are available at www.winteradventureweekend.com.

All participants must register online at this site. The nonrefundable fee for adults (age 13 and older) is $25, and the nonrefundable fee for children ages 6-12 is $20. (All participants must be at least 6 years old. Some trips have additional age requirements.).

For more information, call Carter Caves at 1-800-325-0059.

Three Kentucky State Resort Parks are offering special bison meals during the month of January

Three Kentucky State Resort Parks are offering special bison meals during the month of January. Natural Bridge, Jenny Wiley and Lake Cumberland will have buffets featuring bison, along with other favorites.

The Kentucky State Parks have 17 resorts that include full-service restaurants that serve breakfast, lunch and dinner. For more information about these restaurants and their hours, visit www.p...arks.ky.gov

Here is more information about the bison dinners in January:

Natural Bridge State Resort Park at Slade is hosting Appalachian Heritage Buffalo Night on Jan. 14. An all-you-can-eat buffet will be served from 4-8 p.m. The menu will include buffalo chili, snapping turtle soup, roast buffalo rounds, venison ragout, buffalo meatloaf, buffalo ribs, wild boar sausage with onions and peppers, and fried catfish. Side items will include country-style green beans, baked potatoes, salad bar and assorted desserts. The price for adults is $17.95 plus tax, and for children ages 6-12 the price is $8.95 plus tax. Children age 5 and under are free. The band Brushfire will provide bluegrass music in the Hemlock Lodge lobby from 5:20-7 p.m. For more information or for room reservations, phone 1-800-325-1710.

Jenny Wiley State Resort Park in Prestonsburg is hosting its Buffalo Night on Jan. 28 from 4-8 p.m. Enjoy a festive buffet meal of buffalo meat and all the fixings, including carved buffalo, fried chicken, buffalo chili, assorted vegetables and desserts. Planned nature and recreation activities are available as well. Bring the whole family to this annual event. The price for adults is $17.95 and children ages 6-12 are $8.95. Kids age 5 and under are free. Guests can enjoy the cowboy tunes of Rob McNurlin as he sings songs of the Old West and much more. You can also learn of the Cherokee Indians’ ways and culture as Jeff Hatmaker, in full attire, will demonstrate and discuss many Native American subjects. Call the park at 1-800-325-0142 for information.

Lake Cumberland State Resort Park at Jamestown is featuring its Pioneer Prairie Bison Feast on Jan. 28 from 5-8 p.m. CDT. The feast includes carved “Kentucky Proud” round of bison, Southwest-style buffalo chili, smoky barbecued buffalo, chuck wagon buffalo stew and other bison entrees. The cost is $19.95 a person for the buffet. Children ages 6-12 are $9.95 and under 5 are free. Native American flutist Mark Barfoot will perform in the Lure Lodge lobby. For more information, call the park at 1-800-325-1709.

If you’re looking for some winter adventure, the Kentucky State Parks have numerous outdoor events planned in January and February to get you outdoors and moving.

They include elk viewing tours, hikes, looking for eagles at the Land Between the Lakes and watching sandhill cranes as they migrate through Kentucky.

 

One of the most popular events is the Winter Adventure Weekend Jan. 27-29 at Carter Caves State Resort Park at Olive Hill. The weekend includes hiking, canoeing, recreational tree climbing, cave tours, winter survival, rappelling and other adventures. Guests will be able to select from a list of trips they want to take – for beginners and advanced winter adventurers alike. All of the trips and events are led by guides. The list of the trips, along with registration information and other details for the 2012 event are available at www.winteradventureweekend.com. All participants must register online at this site. The nonrefundable fee for adults (age 13 and older) is $25, and the nonrefundable fee for children ages 6-12 is $20. (All participants must be at least 6 years old. Some trips have additional age requirements.). For more information, call Carter Caves at 1-800-325-0059.

 

Pine Mountain State Resort Park in Pineville is hosting the Hike the Highlands Winter Getaway Jan. 13-15. Join the expedition to hike 8 miles on three guided hikes in one weekend. Gaze out across the Cumberland Mountains from Knobby Rock in the midst of the celebrated Blanton Forest. Stand on the mountain peak where Kentucky, Tennessee and Virginia adjoin and feel the weight of history in the saddle of the Cumberland Gap Pass. Investigate a Native American camp in a sandstone rockhouse, relive the folk history of the legendary Chained Rock and examine a natural arch on the vaulted south slope of Pine Mountain. Registration is required. The park is offering a lodging package for $170 for two. Call 1-800-325-1712 for information.

 

Cumberland Falls State Resort Park near Corbin is hosting its Arches and Waterfall Weekend Jan. 13-15. Enjoy a weekend of guided hikes to explore some of Kentucky’s natural treasures: natural arches and waterfalls. There will be a daily morning hike and a daily afternoon hike to different natural features. Relax in the lodge and enjoy evening programs. Call the park at 1-800-325-0063.

 

Jenny Wiley State Resort Park at Prestonsburg and Buckhorn Lake State Resort Park at Buckhorn resume elk viewing tours in January. This is one of several excellent wildlife viewing tours offered by the Kentucky State Parks. Call the parks for details and reservations or visit www.parks.ky.gov (Jenny Wiley is 1-800-325-0142; Buckhorn Lake is 1-800-325-0058.)

 

Three parks in western Kentucky will offer Eagle Watch Weekends in January and February. The parks and dates are: Kentucky Dam Village State Resort Park at Gilbertsville, Jan. 20-22; Lake Barkley State Resort Park near Cadiz, Jan. 27-29; and Kenlake State Resort Park near Aurora, Feb. 3-5. Tours are conducted by van and by boat with wildlife guides. Call the parks or visit www.parks.ky.gov for more information and reservations.

 

Barren River Lake State Resort Park will offer its Nature Watch Weekends for sandhill cranes, Jan. 20-21 and Feb. 17-18. Participants can register for morning or afternoon trips led by naturalists. Registration is $30 per person and includes an evening session, a sunrise or sunset field trip, boxed meal and a T-shirt. Call the park at 1-800-325-0057 for information and reservations.

 

John James Audubon State Park at Henderson will host several Owl Prowls during January and February. These free trips begin at 3:30 or 4 p.m. Guests should bring cameras or binoculars to see avian predators like short-eared owls, great horned owls, prairie merlins, rough-legged hawks, northern harriers, bald eagles and red-tailed hawks. The hikes are scheduled for Jan. 8 and 22 and Feb. 5 and 19. Meet at the main boat ramp at Bluegrass Fish and Wildlife Area in Warrick County, Ind. Call 1-270-826-2247 for information.

 

For more information about these events and Kentucky State Parks, visit www.parks.ky.gov

All of the Kentucky State Park resorts are planning New Year's Eve events! Enjoy a good meal, dance, entertainment and more.

The Kentucky State Parks are gearing up for 2012 with several New Year’s Eve parties and events planned at resort parks across the state.

A dinner buffet, entertainment, dancing and theater are among the options on Dec. 31 at the parks. Many are offering lodging packages that include entertainment and meals.

Barren River Lake State Resort Park
New Year's Eve Dance
Celebrate New Year’s Eve with Barren River Lake State Resort Park on Dec. 31. Dance the night away before ringing in 2012 with a variety of your favorite music provided by a DJ. Make a reservation for our special room package for only $149.95, which includes one night’s lodging, dinner, breakfast and dance for two. If you would like a cottage instead, ask for the cottage package starting at $229.95 per couple per night. Other packages available are dinner and dance for $75 per couple or dance only for $35 per couple. The dance will be held from 8 p.m.–1 a.m. CST. Limited seating is available, so call Barren River Lake State Resort Park at 1-800-325-0057 and make reservations today.

Kenlake State Resort Park
Motown New Year's Eve
Enjoy a Motown New Year’s Eve at Kenlake. Step back in time with us and groove to the sounds of Motown. The dance starts approximately 9 p.m. and carries through the New Year up to 1 a.m. Refreshments provided and fun guaranteed! The park is offering a package for $149.95 plus tax that includes a lodge room for two, dinner, dance and continental breakfast. A package for a one-bedroom cottage is $179.95 plus tax. For more information, call 1-800-325-0143.

Kentucky Dam Village State Resort Park
New Year's Eve for Couples
Kentucky Dam Village State Resort Park is offering a special package for New Year’s Eve. The package includes a lodge room for one night, dinner for two at Harbor Lights Restaurant and breakfast for two – all for $109.95 plus tax. The dinner buffet will include grilled marinated flank steak, baked catfish with shrimp and roasted pork loin, as well as a soup and salad bar and a variety of desserts. Call 1-800-325-0146 for information.

Lake Barkley State Resort Park
Barkley Bash
Ring in the New Year and dance the night away with family and friends along the shores of beautiful Lake Barkley. All-inclusive packages include overnight lodging in a lake view room, dinner buffet for two, Barkley Bash dance tickets, drinks during dance, and breakfast buffet for two. This year Pink Cadillac, a high-energy band from Nashville, will keep you on your feet during the annual Barkley Bash dance. The all-inclusive packages are $245 per couple and include a lodge room, dinner, dance and breakfast. Dinner and dance tickets are $165 per couple, and dance-only tickets are $135 a couple. Please note that this event is for ages 21 and older, and no outside alcohol will be permitted. For more information and reservations call 270-924-1131 or email mary.schmidt@ky.gov.

Pennyrile Forest State Resort Park
It’s a New Year’s Eve Celebration!
Help celebrate the New Year at Pennyrile Forest with a dinner and dance. A package for $140 per couple plus tax will include dinner (5-8 p.m.) and dance with a DJ (8 p.m.-midnight) as well as a continental breakfast on Sunday, 7-10 a.m. Get a second night’s lodging for half price with the package. Call 1-800-325-1711 for information and reservations.

Rough River State Resort Park
New Year's Eve Celebration
Rough River will host a New Year’s Eve Celebration with a prime rib dinner and dance. Music will be provided by Starr Mountain Band. A package is available for $165 plus tax for two people, one night’s lodge room, the buffet and breakfast. (Cottages are also available with two couples per cottage). Tickets for the dinner and dance only are available for $85 plus tax per couple. Call 1-800-325-1713 for reservations.

Blue Licks Battlefield State Resort Park
Dec. 16-17
New Year's Eve Comedy
Join Blue Licks as we laugh in the New Year with a grand buffet in the Hidden Waters Restaurant, with Lee Cruse. An all-you-can eat buffet will be available from 5-8 p.m. featuring carved beef roast, cedar planked salmon and other traditional favorites. Then laugh in the New Year with Lee Cruse from 7:30-8:30 p.m. in the Arlington room. Afterwards, join in the euchre tournament. Space is limited, so please call ahead: 800-443-7008. The price is $55 plus tax per couple (includes dinner and show) or $134.99 plus tax for a couple’s overnight stay (includes dinner, show, breakfast and a room for two). Call 800-443-7008 to save your seats now.

Dale Hollow Lake State Resort Park
New Year's Eve Party
Join Dale Hollow Lake State Resort Park as we greet the New Year. The band Klassyc Tymes is back by popular demand and will play 9 p.m.-1 a.m. Doors open at 8 p.m. A special dinner buffet will be served beforehand, and appetizers will be available during the dance. A package for $179.95 plus tax per couple includes dinner, the dance, breakfast and one night’s lodging. The dinner and dance only is $84.95 plus tax per couple. Call 1-800-325-2282 for reservations.

General Butler State Resort Park
New Year’s Eve Dinner and New Year’s Day PJ Breakfast
Enjoy the last day of the year with a special buffet dinner at Two Rivers Restaurant for $16.95 plus tax per person. The park will host a PJ breakfast special from 7-10:30 a.m. on New Year’s Day – wear your pajamas and enjoy some games. The breakfast buffet is $6.99 plus drink and tax for adults and $4.99 plus drink and tax for children ages 6-12. Under 6 is free. Guests wearing PJs can pay one adult price and get one free. Call 1-866-462-8853.

Lake Cumberland State Resort Park
'Proud to be an American' New Year’s Dance
This year Lake Cumberland will be rockin’ and ringing in the New Year with The Phoenix Band, wearing our red, white, and blue. There will be live music, dance contest, and fun for everyone. The cost is $84.95 per couple, which includes dance tickets and overnight stay at the lodge. Dance-only tickets are $30 per couple or $20 per individual. Call 1-800-325-1709.

Buckhorn Lake State Resort Park
New Year's Eve Special
Awake to the New Year amid mountain tranquility at Buckhorn Lake. The park is offering a special lodge room rate of $50 plus tax per night. A special plated dinner from 5-8 p.m. will feature choice of sliced prime rib platter ($21) or a seafood platter ($14) with sides and delicious hot fudge cake. (Price does not include beverage, tax, or gratuity). Offer good only Dec. 31, 2011. For more information, call Buckhorn Lake at 800-325-0058.

Carter Caves State Resort Park
Pickin’ In the New Year
Sit back by the fire and enjoy a mix of bluegrass and country tunes during the final clock ticks of 2011. Local musicians along with their friends will be jamming in the lobby of Lewis Caveland Lodge from 9 p.m. until midnight. If you play, bring along an instrument. Or just come and stomp your feet and help us welcome in the New Year! Tierney’s Cavern will have dining specials from 5-8 p.m. Ask about the $39.95 (plus tax) lodge room special New Year’s Eve rate. Call 1-800-325-0059.

Cumberland Falls State Resort Park
New Year’s Weekend Getaway
Bring your special someone for a weekend of entertainment and relaxation. Your weekend begins with a ‘50s and ‘60s themed dance on Friday, 8 p.m.-midnight. Enjoy appetizers and an old-fashioned soda fountain. On Saturday evening, enjoy our annual New Year’s Eve Bash from 9 p.m.-1 a.m. A variety of dance music will be provided by our local favorite DJ, Jeff Petrey of Radio Active Sounds. Packages for two for two nights are available for $199.95 plus tax for a lodge room or $235 plus tax for a cottage. Single night packages and dance-only tickets are also available. Call 800-325-0063 for reservations.

Greenbo Lake State Resort Park
New Year’s Eve Party and Buffet
Friends of Greenbo will be holding a New Year’s Eve party from 8 p.m.-1 a.m. The $79.95 package includes one night’s lodging and two tickets to the party. The park will also offer a special dinner buffet for $12.95 a person. For reservations, call 1-800-325-0083.

Jenny Wiley State Resort Park
New Year’s Eve Celebration
Jenny Wiley State Resort Park invites you to dinner and a concert for New Year’s Eve. The concert will feature country-bluegrass artist Ken Mellons and country artist Tim Michaels starting at 7 p.m. The park is offering a package for $125 per couple that includes a lodge room for one night, dinner and tickets to the concert. The cost for the concert and dinner only are $80 per couple and the concert only is $40 per couple. For information and reservations call 1-800-325-0142.

Natural Bridge Resort Park
New Year’s Eve Package
Natural Bridge State Resort Park is offering a New Year’s Eve package. The rate of $99.95 plus tax includes a lodge room for one night, dinner and breakfast for two. Call 1-800-325-1710.

Pine Mountain Resort Park
Classic New Year’s Eve Dance
Revel to classic dance party favorites from the ‘70s, ‘80s, ‘90s and ‘00s and ring in the New Year beneath our balloon drop at the stroke of midnight. We'll provide an assortment of snacks. Live DJ, sound and light show provided by Dance Traxx. A special all-inclusive package for two featuring dance admission, one night’s lodging, evening buffet meal and New Year’s Day brunch is available for $129 plus tax. A dinner and dance package for two is also available for $64 plus tax. For reservations, call 800-325-1712.