Heavner Nature Connection has a unique wilderness experience for you. Visit the marina to rent jet skis, ski boat, fishing boat, or pontoon. Explore over 700 acres of forests, fields, fens, and swamps. The state park gets its name from Natural Bridge, an impressive sandstone arch that stands 65 feet high and 78 feet long. Rent a boat from Lake Barkley Marina. CLICK HERE for a compiled list. All groups, regardless of size, are encouraged to pre-register. Mats placed on the sand provide beach access. Boats may be docked beginning May 1. A 2 mile shaded trail of compact gravel, with several wooden boardwalks. 14 Jaw-Dropping Waterfalls in Kentucky (+ Map!) - Virginia Travel Tips Mammoth and mastodons used to live in this area. Winter catches include bluegill, black crappies, yellow perch and the occasional northern pike. Outside the fort walls is the Mansion Museum, where visitors can view Civil War artifacts and Lincoln memorabilia. Here are some things to know before you go and some tips to get you started on your own adventure. Tee times can be made up to 14 days in advance. Bardstown, KY 40004, 1551 Kentucky Rte 2275 A 1.75 mile trail of compact gravel, with wooden boardwalks and wooden bridges. Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore. This weekend? No alcoholic beverages permitted in the area. An elevator is available in the Main Barn to navigate between floors. Spin on by and try your hand at one or both. Explore Kensingtons events below. Visit the nature center wildlife displays. Located at Martindale Beach, this playground has play features for kids ages 2-5 to 5-12. Food and beverages are available. But, apart from its historic significance, the town is also a popular vacation spot that offers a lot of fun and [], Paducah, located at the convergence of the Ohio and Tennessee river, is the largest city in the Jackson Purchase region. Please walk up all sledding and snowboarding hills using the designated pathways, being cautious of others using the runs and hills. Junior rates are available for guests age 20 and younger. Maximum six-horsepower motor allowed on a 12 rowboat. Two large swimming pools (one is indoors), 6 miles of hiking trails, various sports areas, a fitness room, and an 18-hole golf course offer plenty of opportunities for exercise. Tours run each hour, on the hour from Noon to 6 p.m. Memorial Day Weekend Labor Day: Open 11 a.m. 7 p.m. daily, weather permitting. Please call the park in advanced for conditions. HWY 15 Visitors often include a tour of the Federal Hill mansion while exploring the historic region. Americas first pop star rocks the stage during The Stephen Foster Story, the official outdoor musical of Kentucky and the states longest-running outdoor drama that includes such timeless tunes as Camptown Races, Beautiful Dreamer, and Kentuckys state song, My Old Kentucky Home. Take a guided tour of the mansion museum, with 75 percent of its contents original to the home built 200 years ago. You can see it most spectacularly from the Eagle Falls Trail. State of Wyoming Parks, About Americas State Parks | Contact Us | Americas State Parks Blog. The lottery will take place on Wednesday, February 22, 2023 with winners being contacted starting at 8 a.m. on Thursday, February 23, 2023 to choose their boat slip. State of Washington Parks Dockage decals expire October 15. Take a dip at either Maple Beach or Martindale Beach on a hot day. May Lodge pleasantly overlooks the lake; two campgrounds are also available. All Rights Reserved. If you have questions about Boat Slip Rentals or the Boat Slip Lottery, please call the Kensington Metropark Office at(810) 227-8910. Many are held in high acclaim for their incredible offerings that keep visitors returning year after year. Enjoy a game of baseball or softball at one of our fields located at Playfield picnic area, as well as North Martindale picnic areas. Martindale Food Bar, located at Martindale Beach One of the few places in the world to see a rare double elephant folio edition of John James Audubons masterwork, The Birds of America (1827-1838), which showcases the artist/ornithologists life-sized watercolors of NorthAmerican birds, is at this state park. If your boat (canoe, kayak or rowboat) is transported into the park inside or on top of your vehicle, you do not have to purchase a Boat Pass. There are 93 slips available for rent each season. A. n accessible golf cart is available for use at each golf course, please call 24 hours in advance to reserve. Those wishing to participate in the drawing can sign up at no cost to be eligible for this drawing. Barbourville, KY 40906, 314 Grayson Lake State Park Rd of Fish and Wildlife Resources. The Splash n Blast will not be available for private rental on Memorial Day, the week of July 4thand Labor Day. Along with the usual recreational activities such as hiking, birding, camping, and kayaking, some of Kentuckys state parks entertain visitors with outdoor amphitheaters, top-ranked golf courses, and living history. State of Oklahoma Parks Natural Bridge State Park is as celebrated by Kentuckians as it is by out-of-state visitors. The playground has play features for kids ages 2-5 and 5-12. KensingtonMetropark. Book your favorite camping, boat-slip or picnic spot today. The geologic stunner for which this park is named is a natural sandstone arch that stretches out across 78 feet and sits 65 feet above the ground. A Kentucky Fishing License is required. My Old Kentucky Home State Park is also home to an 18-hole golf course and campground. Illinois State Parks | List + Map of State Parks in IL Bass, walleye, catfish and crappie are the prize catches. Know before you go: Occasionally woodland trails may be blocked with debris such as fallen tree limbs. Limited reservations available. You can often spot Sandhill Cranes and Deer on this trail. There is a $3.50 fee for adults to enter the park. HURON-CLINTON METROPOLITAN AUTHORITY An 8.5-mile paved hike-bike trail traverses the picturesque landscapes circling Kent Lake. State of Ohio Parks Accommodation includes Fieldstone Lodge, 12 cottages, and 129 campsites (some are equestrian-friendly). Slips are located in three separate areas; East Boat Launch (no pontoon boats), Mitten Bay (pontoons only) and Boat Rental. A nearbypicnicshelter has tables and grills. Please contact the park directly for available resources if traveling during months that are conducive to freezing temperatures. Choose your adventure then pick your park or vice versa; either way is a win when planning a Kentucky state park vacation. Annual Boat Passes can be purchased at any Metropark toll booth or online. Tag your photos when posting to Instagram, Discover More of Kentucky's Natural Wonders, The Official Site of Kentucky Department of Tourism, Hunting/Fishing Licenses Available/For Sale, Perryville Battlefield State Historic Site, Search the Kentucky State Parks Directory, Pennyrile Forest State Resort Park - Camping, Noble Pine Cabins & Horse Camp Tulip A Frame (STR), Old Mulkey Meetinghouse State Historic Site. Funny name, fascinating place! Fishing is prohibited in ice skating areas. Saucers and inflatables are not permitted on the advanced and intermediate hills. Enjoy one of Kentuckys most famous (and delectable) culinary sensationsthe oh-so-cheesy Hot Brownat Two Rivers Restaurant, overlooking the confluence of the Kentucky and Ohio Rivers. Wrist adaptation is available for those who are not able to grasp the paddle shaft. The Battle of Perryville on Oct. 8, 1862, was a bloody one that led to the Confederate force's withdrawal from Kentucky for the remainder of the war. Hike to a softly illuminated underground waterfall on the scenic Cascade Cave tour at this resort parkone of only two state parks with guided and wild cave tours. Dogs and biking are not permitted on the trails. Groups of 50 or more, those bringing in special equipment or hosting a special event are required to make reservations in advance. https://parks.ky.gov/parks/pet-friendly-info. The park is located in the Central Kentucky Bluegrass Region along the Kentucky . Park and lake hours are 6 a.m. to 10 p.m.; renters must be off the lake and out of the park by 10 p.m. Kensington Metropark has a limited number of slips available on Kent Lake. Tour the Museum and Diorama pit.3. Or simply enjoy 33 miles of scenic multi-use trails set within 3,300 acres of forestland. Maximum 10-horsepower motor allowed on a 14 rowboat. Relax on the patio Caves, Lakes & Corvettes Big Bone Lick State Historic Site 1. Hike Trail #1 directly to the 30-foot-wide sidewalk known as Natural Bridge or ride the Sky Lift for treetop views. State of Mississippi Parks Crossing the river gets hikers up close to the 44-foot-tall Eagle Falls and provides different viewpoints. A release waiver and bridle tag is required, call the Kensington Metropark Office at (810) 227-8910for details. The Metroparks do not rent them. Two competitive discgolfcourses are located atKensingtonMetropark. Kensington Metropark - Huron-Clinton Metroparks Bald eagles are also commonly spotted. For the youngest downhill enthusiasts, we even offer a bunny hill lined with padded trees. This trail travels through wetlands and mixed forest habitats. Pets on a six-foot leash are permitted. For more information and to reserve, contact the Kensington Metropark Office at, Kensington Metropark canoe group camp is the perfect place to stop for an overnight paddling excursion. FINANCIAL INFORMATION Plan your visit to catch that rarest of phenomena: the ghostly white arc of a moonbow. National Monument Camp Nelson KY The US Army established Camp Nelson as a fortified supply depot in April 1863. Visitors can hike, fish in nearby Laurel Lake, and join elk-spotting tours that boast a 100-percent success rate. Lounge on the beach, play disc golf on an 18-hole lakeside course, and practice navigational skills on the orienteering courseone of the few state parks with such a courseat Kentuckys smallest resort park. Family changing rooms are located nearby. Swimming is permitted only at park beaches on Kent Lake. Metropark vehicle and boat passes are required all year. The Black Locust disc golf course is located off a gravel lot across from the Martindale Beach parking lot. There must also be an appropriate adult-to-child ratio. Kensington Metropark boasts a 380-acre rustic group camp area, complete with wells and pit toilets. Click here to purchase your pass online. is located at Boat Rental. State Park Entrance Passes (All 50 States) - TripSavvy As we look to the future, we will develop, update and improve facilities to meet or exceed ADA requirements and look for ways to remove barriers to access so that individuals of all abilities have equitable access to Metroparks facilities, programs, services and activities. Copyright 2023 Kentucky Department of Parks. State of Louisiana Parks If you have questions about Boat Slip Rentals or the Boat Slip Lottery, please call the Kensington Metropark Office at, Reunions, graduations, anniversaries, birthdays and any other way your family gets together make your event more eventful with the Metroparks! Weekends are often very busy and waiting lists are used as needed. Take a tour aboard the Island Queen; hit the tees for a round of golf; or spin through a game of disc golf. For more information and to reserve, contact the Kensington Metropark Office at, Two competitive discgolfcourses are located at. Visit the Bison herd.2. Carr Creek State Park 606-642-4050 Get Directions Reservations Carter Caves State Resort Park (606) 286-4411 Get Directions Reservations Columbus-Belmont State Park 270-677-2327 Get Directions Reservations Cumberland Falls State Resort Park 606-528-4121 Get Directions Boats are not permitted onWildwingLake or Kingfisher Lagoon. State of Wisconsin Parks Take advantage of a snowy day as you race down the hills, from beginner to advanced, at Kensington Metropark. Maps are in Adobe PDF format. Prices are already reflected online in our online booking tool. It features belt swings, tot swings and larger harness swings, as well as a small climbing structure with slides. A paved, wheelchair-accessible trail (0.5 miles) meanders by recreated scenes of stuck animals. Enjoy lakeside dining at Windows on the Water Restaurant, where you can pair Kentucky fare with Kentucky wine and spirits. 03 of 50 Arizona State Parks edwindavila via Flickr Arizona offers a "Standard Annual Pass" that allows day-use access at all Arizona State Parks for pass holder and up to three additional adults in the same vehicle, with the exception of weekends (Friday-Sunday) and state holidays at the River Parks. Challenge yourself on the Black Locust disc golf course, named for the Black Locust trees found near Martindale Beach. You may bring your own outboard motor. The golf course is set in wooded, rolling terrain . A permit is required. Kentucky is home to many impressive caves, and while Carter Caves State Resort Park may be on the opposite side of the state from Mammoth Cave National Park (the longest cave system in the world), it still boasts a high concentration of caves. Kentucky State Parks haveyear-round campgrounds. An outdoor theater entertains guests with performances, and an interpretive nature center teaches about flora and fauna in the surrounding area. MetroparkOffice on the day of thepicnic. Click here to explore pricing, hours and more. It has only happened a . Hike the Waterfall Loop on Brier Creek Trail. 2023 The 18th hole, on the north course, also features a basket in a tree stump for added fun. Click here to view all accessibility features at the Farm Center. Thats ok! Choice from over 30 different locations. Come enjoy a multitude of recreation opportunities throughout the year, from biking and boating to cross-country skiing and ice fishing. Signing up for this lottery does NOT guarantee a slip for the 2023 season. And, the Amphitheater is an accessible outdoor learning space for Nature Center programs. They are: Pennyrile Forest, Dale Hollow, Taylorsville Lake and Carter Caves. The beach is open from Memorial Day to Labor Day. Bass, bluegill, northern pike, black crappie and yellow perch are all here waiting for you. It sits in the three-gallery museum inside a turreted stone chateau, in a fairytale setting surrounded by forest. State of Maryland Parks The Stephen Foster Story has been seasonally performed in an outdoor amphitheater within the state park since 1958. Department of Parks - Kentucky.gov Various terrain accommodates all skill levels. State of Vermont Parks Enjoy two 18-hole courses that feature fairways lined with rolling meadows and thick woods. Start planning your vacation today! What are you doing this week? Pets are prohibited on the Island Queen. Kensington Metropark and Island Lake State Recreation Area is connected via a paved connector going underneath I-96. For more information and to reserve, contact the Kensington Metropark Office at(810) 227-8910. Copyright 2023 Kentucky Department of Parks. Click here to watch video. 13000 High Ridge Drive Camp or swim lakeside on the sandy beach. Steer your mountain bike down 2 miles of unpaved trail. Chance upon mute swans, Canada geese, mallard ducks and cormorants and even an occasional osprey. The steepest hill is located near the Playfield Picnic Area. All school and camp groups wishing to rent boats must make prior arrangements with the Kensington Metropark Office. Many of the other. Visit the Kentucky State Parks Press Room. Passing through prairies, wetlands and mixed forest habitats, this trail offers opportunities to see abundant wildflowers, pileated woodpeckers and the remains of a historic homestead. Special rates apply for seniors and children 12 and under. State of New Mexico Parks Playground features include climbing structures, slides, spinners and transfer stations. Don't miss the scenic pool complex with zero-depth pool, stone bathhouse, and wading pool with fountain and floor bubbles. All Rights Reserved. Its golf, island style, at this serene state park surrounded by Lake Cumberland. The entire campground at this nature lovers paradiseall 167 RV campsites and 60 primitive/tent sitessits along the shoreline of Green River Lake. Explore the islands and tributaries that wind through Kensington Metropark on beautiful Kent Lake. They offer sailing classes on 18-foot Interlake Sailboats at Kensington Metropark. No Dump station available.Park Office has restrooms open 24/7.Electric available at each RV campground site. Advance reservation is required. Springfield, KY 40069, 2998 Brier Creek Rd East Fork State Park - 3294 Elklick Road Bethel, OH, 45106. Enjoy the hiking, restaurant, camping, and more at this park. The site evolved into a massive recruitment and training center for African American soldiers (United States Colored Troops) and a refugee camp for their families. Visitors can hike the 10 miles of trails, join elk tours, and fish in the pristine Dewey Lake. The KensingtonMetroparkcourse. For details and to make reservations, please call(810) 227-8910. Seasonal public programming is available year-round, including festivals, maple sugaring, sheep shearing and a you-pick pumpkin patch. To help stop the spread of forest pests and diseases, we strongly encourage campers to purchase campfire wood at the park. Also known as the Gateway to the South, Louisville []. The equipment is on a solid, rubber safety surfacing. Trails vary in length from half a mile to two miles and can be combined for an even longer walk. Your Huron-Clinton Metroparks offer hundreds of events and program all year long, so youll never run out of things to do. A 1.5 mile trail of compact gravel with wooden boardwalks and wooden bridges. This park has a pool, restaurant, lodging and more. Whatever your interests, our campgrounds have the facilities to meet your needs and offer some of the best camping in Kentucky. This large park is known for its exciting hiking trails and 2,160 acre lake that is ideal for any water activity. Top Five Things to Do 1. Campbellsville, KY 42718, 113 Administration Dr. Kentucky's system of 44 state parks has been referred to as "the nation's finest" and experiences more repeat business annually than those of any other U.S. Dawson Springs, KY 42408, Williamstown, Kentucky, founded in 1820, is a friendly quaint town thats steeped in history. No alcoholic beverages permitted in the area. A parent or guardian may rent additional watercraft for children under their care. Discover Salt Springs along the Big Bone Creek trail.4. The salt lick and sulfur springs located there attracted prehistoric animals, many of which became stuck in the mud and perished. Campgrounds and Camping Reservations - Kentucky State Parks We havepicnic shelters availableatKensingtonMetroparkfor all your event and gathering needs. JOB OPPORTUNITIES Click here to explore and reserve picnic shelters. Kentucky's 24 "rec parks" span the state from Columbus to Pikeville. Pets on a six-foot leash and running are permitted on the rustic trail. DEER RUN TRAIL 1.5 MILES Find a State Park Lodge, Campground, Cottage, or Cabin near your next adventure. Brighton, MI 48114-9058 As the name hints, visitors come to Carter Caves State Resort Park for the many cave tours, but there are plenty of activities to enjoy on the surface, too. Kathy Witt is an award-winning travel and lifestyle writer with 20 years of experience and highly regarded in the travel industry. Junior rates are available for guests age 20 and younger. Visit the Bison herd.2. Click here to view the Eat Safe Fish Guides from MDHHS. State of Illinois Parks Grab a souvenir t-shirt. From tent and RV campsites with plenty of elbow room and cabins tucked away in the woods to resort lodging, a stay at one of the state's 45 parks17 of them classified as resorts with lodges and restaurantsis all about possibilities. for all your event and gathering needs. Go horseback riding on nearly 30 miles of all-purpose trails. The park is unique for its combination of salt springs and late Pleistocene fossils. Shanties must also comply with all Michigan regulations and are to be removed before the ice becomes unsafe or by March 1st. State of Georgia Parks State of Kentucky Parks You can book a cave tour or canoe tour at this park. and forest land along the Huron River. KensingtonMetroparkprovides the perfect setting for your nextpicnic. Half the Park After Dark. State of California Parks The 63-room Lure Lodge lives up to its name with enticing lakeside views from Rowena Landing Restaurant, the lobby with its cozy stone fireplace and private balconies, plus indoor swimming pool complex that includes a hot tub. 11 Best State Parks To Visit Near Louisville Posted in Louisville February 06, 2022 by Meg Archer 11 Amazing State Parks Near Louisville That Will Blow You Away Kentucky has some stunning parks, but Louisville is pretty lucky to be surrounded by many of the most beautiful parks that our state has to offer! Children (ages 3 12) and Seniors: $4/person. State of New Jersey Parks State of Michigan Parks Find educational exhibits and live animal displays to enhance your understanding and enjoyment of the ecosystems, wildlife, and history of the park. If youre having difficulty with our online rental process, click here for a quick reference guide on how to rent ski equipment online. Cumberland Falls State Resort Park Top Five Things to Do1. Please use only marked ski trails. Reservations can be made no more than 5 days in advance. December through February. From mountain lakes to expansive caves to forests teeming with wildlife, park-goers have their choice of attractions, and they are all within a day's . Golf, weddings, cottages, this park has it all. Click here to rent ski equipment. Resort Parks Barren River State Resort Park Blue Licks Battlefield State Resort Park Buckhorn Lake State Resort Park Carter Caves State Resort Park Cumberland Falls State Resort Park Dale Hollow Lake State Resort Park General Butler State Resort Park Greenbo Lake State Resort Park Jenny . Your Huron-Clinton Metroparks are committed to removing barriers, creating and improving access and increasing recreational opportunities for all. Phone: 800-525-7077 Email: [email protected] Golden Pond Visitor Center 238 Visitor Center Drive Golden Pond, KY 42211 The "interstate" in Breaks Interstate Park isn't referring to the interstates cars drive onit refers to a congressional interstate agreement between Kentucky and Virginia. Late arrivals may not be accommodated. Never cross-country skied before? Clickhere to learn more or to book a tee time. Our Farm Center is home to a host of historic and educational experiences like the Kensington Living History Village, a restored 150-year-old-barn, Kids Cottage, stone labyrinth and much more. Playground features include sensory-friendly equipment, transfer-stations onto the playscape, spaces for quiet independent play, dignity landings on slides and more. Learn about a key ingredient used in making gunpowder found in one of the caves that links Carter Caves to the War of 1812. Late arrivals may not be accommodated. An adjacent playground was designed using universal design principals. Full details are available by contacting the Kensington Metropark Office at (810) 227-8910. This par 71, 6624 yard well-manicured golf course features open fairways and soft greens which give both beginners and experienced golfers the challenge they are looking for. Cookies collect information about your preferences and your devices and are used to make the site work as you expect it to, to understand how you interact with the site, and to show advertisements that are targeted to your interests. state. Opened in 1961, KensingtonMetroparkssprawling 6,624, is one of seven regulation Metroparksgolfcourses. State of Alaska Parks The hiking trails offer several species of ferns, mosses, and lichens, the flowering rhododendron, "lizard head rock," and the unusual combination of beech-hemlock trees. Senior rates are available for guests age 55 and older. In addition to natural beauty and splendid views of the Kentucky landscape, Kentucky State Resort Parks offer full-service lodges and cottages, Kentucky Proud cuisine and amenities like marinas and equestrian camps. Play our beautiful award winning 18-hole golf course3. The Tom Sawyer State park is known for its great facilities and programs. Personal flotation devices (life jackets) must be worn by every boat passenger. THE 10 BEST Kentucky State Parks (Updated 2023) - Tripadvisor The trails are not lit. Pets, bicycles and running are not permitted on the nature trails. Most U.S. state park systems date to the 1930s, developed with assistance from Great Depression-era federal programs including the Civilian Conservation Corps and the Works Progress Administrationbut Pine Mountain was ahead of the curve. Due to weather, Kentucky State Parks cannot guarantee the availability of water or other resources at our campgrounds during inclement weather months when freezing temperatures are possible. A release waiver and bridle tag is required, call the Kensington Metropark Office at. Enjoy a leisurely cruise on Kent Lake aboard the Island Queen III. The Kentucky State Park system encompasses over. Swim year-round in the heated indoor pool, part of the parks fitness center, which also includes machines, a free-weight room, racquetball court, sauna, and wet-steam room. A rustic trail loop is located near the Spring Hill picnic area. Advance reservation is required. State of Pennsylvania Parks Please bear in mind that you must provide adequate slip protection for your boat, plus, be able to navigate in and out of the slip. Lake Barkley State Resort Park occupies 3,700 acres of an area in Western Kentucky known as the Land Between the Lakes. The region is a paradise for boating and offers some of the best fishing in Kentucky, particularly for bass and crappie. Hike the Waterfall Loop on Brier Creek Trail. Located near Land Between the Lakes National Recreation Area, this park has plenty of recreational options. All Rights Reserved. No reservations are taken. Show more. Senior: $8/hour (Maximum $20) Monday thru Thursday (except holidays), To rent boats, you must be 18 years of age or older and one of the users at all times. n a summers day, look for turtles basking in the sun. There are links below to view maps of the dockage areas within the park as well as rules, which stipulate the Rules and Regulations each slip renter is responsible for adhering to. 15 Best State Parks In Kentucky For Any Adventure - Southern Living Accessible tables are located at the plaza near the concession area and restroom facilities. Equipment is on engineered wood fiber (wood mulch) safety surfacing. Canoes, kayaks and paddle boardsare available to rent atBoat Rental. The park is highlighted by the John James Audubon Museum and Nature . Kentuckys state parks are filled with natural beauty and magnificent views, but theres nothing one-size-fits-all about them. A 1.5 mile trail of compact gravel paths with wooden boardwalks. With 8 boat ramps at East Boat Launch and 8 boat ramps at West Boat Launch, you will get on the water easily and quickly for a day of fun. Waterslide riders must be 42 tall or taller. Several million visitors come to an Kentucky park each year. See bison herds roaming the fields year-round, a wooly mammoth and other Ice Age animals trapped in the mud edging a salt lick at the Megafauna diorama pit and a full Harlans Ground Sloth replica skeleton among the museums colorfully presented exhibits. Kentucky's system of 44 state parks has been referred to as "the nation's finest" and experiences more repeat business annually than those of any other U.S. state.