Barren River Lake State Resort Park in south-central Kentucky is a great day trip from Louisville or Lexington in Kentucky, Nashville, Tennessee or a weekend trip from cities a bit farther away like Cincinnati, Ohio, or Indianapolis, Indiana. Its family friendly activities include hiking and riding trails, rental pontoon boats, fishing, golfing and swimming in a lake beach. There are picnic facilities with grills.
There are three self-guided trails, including one that allows bikes. From Memorial Day through Labor Day you can take a horse on a 45-minute trail ride; stables are open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., but children under 6 are not allowed.
You might see the Kentucky state bird, the Cardinal, whitetail deer, wild turkey, great blue herons, Canadian geese and rabbits. There are also Naturalist Programs that explore the local flora and fauna.
A camping area with 99 campsites is open from mid-March to mid-November. There are utility hookups, showers and restrooms. For less spartan facilities, stay at the full-service Louie B. Nunn Lodge overlooking the lake.
You can bring your own boat or keep it here; there are 140 slips, plus a launching ramp. You can rent a boat to fish, or a pontoon to relax and enjoy the scenery.
Barren River Lake State Resort Park was established in 1965 after a 146-foot high dam on the Barren River created a 10,000-acre lake. The area was rich in wildlife because the Native Americans who lived in the area burned down forests to create open savannas that attracted grazing animals. The marina was built in 1966 and the lodge in 1971.
