Barren River Lake State Park

About

From a dip in the pool to a horseback ride, from a game of tennis to boating on the lake, however you define vacation fun, it's here at Barren River Lake State Resort Park.

Story

Things to do at Barren River Lake State Resort Park:

Basketball
A lighted basketball court, two lighted tennis courts, shuffleboard and volleyball courts are located on the park. Overnight guests may check out sports equipment at the recreation office. Planned recreation includes daily summer activities and year-round special events for children and adults under the direction of a trained recreation director. Ext. 2004.

Biking
Bike & Hiking Trail: two-and-one half mile loop, paved, begins at golf course entrance near lodge, restrooms available near Highland Field.

Birding
Barren State Resort Park offers year-round birding opportunities with best occurring fall through spring. Neotropical migrants such as flycatchers, thrushes and warblers are common fall and spring and waterbird migration occurs from late summer through spring. The best period for observing Bald Eagles is October through March when they are regularly seen at the park, and Sandhill Cranes are often seen November through February.

Boating
The marina has 100 open slips, 40 covered slips, a launching ramp, jet skiis and boat (fishing, pontoon, ski boats, and kayaks) rentals available. Marina telephone: 1-800-699-2628.

Camping
Let the sounds of the outdoors lull you to sleep in the 99-site campground. Utility hookups are available, some with sewer hookups and wooden decks. For your convenience, a dump station and two central service buildings with showers and rest rooms are offered. Closed Nov 1 - Mar 31 Pets are allowed if restrained. Electric service at all sites 100V/30A. Laundry facilities available: $1.75 wash / $1.25 dry. Please call for rates: 1-888-4KY-PARK or www.reserveamerica.com. Ext. 2407.

Fishing
Barren River Lake also is unsurpassed for fishing pleasure. With an abundance of largemouth, white, and hybrid striped bass, bluegill, channel catfish, crappie, and rough fish, you are sure to get a bite! Don't have fishing equipment? No problem! Ask at the park front deak or recreation office about their fishing loaner program where you can check out FREE equipment.

Fitness
Offering cardio machines and weight training. Located near the Highland Room. Open daily 5:00 A.M. – 11:00 P.M. Children under age 16 are not permitted.

Gift Shop
For mementos of your visit, browse The Barren Collection gift shop. The shop carries an array of local and Kentucky made crafts and souvenirs, including items for the entire family. Our favorites include Kentucky Proud Products, locally hand thrown pottery and woodcrafts. Open daily.

Golf
Enjoy a "par"fect day on the 18-hole, regulation golf course. A fully equipped pro shop, riding carts, and rental clubs are available. 18-hole Golf packages are available. Course open year-round, weather permitting. Pro Shop Number: 1-800-295-1876.

Hiking
Two self-guided trails on park. Connell Nature Trail: one-mile trail begins at the head of the road leading to the beach. Bike & Hiking Trail: two-and-one half mile loop, paved, begins at golf course entrance near lodge, restrooms available near Highland Field.

Horseback Riding
The entire family will enjoy guided trail rides that depart every hour. Open Memorial Day-Labor Day.

Picnicking
Two picnic areas are located toward the marina with picnic tables and grills provided. Shelters that can be rented are the Highland Shelter (restrooms, playground, grill); 31-E Shelter (restrooms, playground, grill); Entertainment Shelter (stage): Harp Shelter; Recreation Shelter; Strathbarren Shelter; and Tennis Court Shelter (tennis, volleyball, basketball courts, and playground).

Playgrounds
Playgrounds are located in the lodge, Highland shelter, 31-E shelter, cottage, and camping areas.

Shuffleboard
A shuffleboard court is located near the lodge. Overnight guests may check out equipment at the front desk or recreation office.

Swimming
Outdoor pool available seasonally, 10:00 a.m. – 10:00 p.m. for exclusive use of lodge and cottage guests. Restroom facilities are available. Pool towels provided, cover-ups required in lodge areas. Ext. 2615.

Tennis
Two lighted tennis courts are located near the lodge. Overnight guests may check out sports equipment at the recreation office.

Volleyball
Sand volleyball courts are located near the lodge, tennis courts, and campground check-in booth. Overnight guests may check out sports equipment with the recreation office.

Barren River Lake State Resort Park Trails:

Paved Bike and Hike Trail 2.5 mile
2.5 mile looped trail with an asphalt surface, the trail would be rated easy-moderate with a few strenous hills, gorgeous views of gold course, horses, bridges, streams, as well as a variety of wildflowers and deciduous trees.

Connell Nature Trail 1 mile
1 mile looped nature trail with a soil and root surface, easy to moderate trail rating, features include an old farm cistern, views of the beach, seasonal streams, wildflowers, ferns, deciduous trees, and a large paw paw patch

Peter's Creek Trail 1.2 mile
1.2 mile looped trail with a soil surface, this trail is an easy-moderate rated trail, with a 200+ year old white oak, a variety of wildflowers, Southern ground cedar and pachysandra, hiking along Peter's creek, a variety of old farm remnants

Lena Madesin Trail 0.5 mile
1/2 mile, looped, interpretive nature trail with a soil floor, the Lena Madesin trail is only available to those who rent the picnic area. It is a self-guided trail rated easy-moderate

History of Barren River Lake:

Established January 1, 1965

Vast forests did not cover all of Kentucky. In the south-central portion of the state an area of open grasslands known as the “Barrens” made a stark contrast to the heavily forested terrain surrounding it. Native Americans had repeatedly burned the forests that once covered the region as a means to stampede and kill big game. These fires created an open savannah that in turn drew all types of wild game to feed off its lush grasses. Buffalo herds migrated eastward across the Mississippi to Illinois, and then to Kentucky. These herds came to the Barrens and multiplied, providing food and clothing for the Indians.

The open lands of the Barrens also drew settlers who found the treeless areas easy to cultivate. Originally the pioneers thought the treeless grasslands infertile because of the lack of forestation. They soon found the soil to be some of the best that they had encountered. Farms and communities soon began to cover the area. In 1798 Barren County became the 37th county of the Commonwealth of Kentucky. Taken from parts of Green and Warren counties, Barren consisted of 1,500 square miles. Beginning in 1815, the county had 1,000 square miles taken away to create portions of Allen, Edmonson, Hart, Metcalfe, and Monroe Counties.

Although Barren County had a railroad, most of south-central Kentucky remained isolated. The need for development became a topic for most civic and government organizations. A dam on Barren River had economic potential in the promotion of tourism. By 1960, construction of a 146 foot-high dam began on the river. When completed the dam had created Barren River Lake. The lake covers 10,000 acres and has a shoreline of 141 miles. The Louisville division of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers designed and built the dam. They continue to maintain the lake.

A movement by the people of Barren County to establish a park next to the lake became a reality on January 1, 1965. The state purchased adjoining farms to extend the park site and the Louisville Corps of Engineers donated acreage to round out the park’s boundaries. In 1966 the park constructed a boat dock with a marina. The Department of the Interior, Bureau of Outdoor Recreation, approved a total development project of $3,469,000. A federal grant of $1,734,500 funded 50 percent of the estimated cost.

In 1971 the Louie B. Nunn State Lodge opened. The lodge overlooks the beautiful 10,000-acre lake. Barren River Lake is located in some of Kentucky’s most scenic countryside. On the first weekend in June the park hosts Glasgow Highland Games, a festival celebrating Scottish heritage. Thousands of people attend this popular event each year.

Mission

The Mission of Kentucky State Parks is to provide a sustainable system of parks that delivers quality programs, amenities, and services which create memorable experiences and a sense of place, contributes to the economic growth of the Commonwealth, and preserves the historic and natural integrity, and traditions of our parks for existing and future generations.

Products

Our park features Kentucky Proud foods in our restaurant.