by Patti Mcquillen

Created on: June 06, 2008   Last Updated: April 18, 2011

Make the most of your state park experience with the information we gained from our multiple visits. These will help you save time and money. For more information, or to make a reservation, visit the Kentucky website at www.ky.gov.

Golf, fishing, boating, hiking and photography top the lists of the most popular activities to do at state parks. Additional activities include games, dancing, miniature golf and swimming. You may choose a state park for one, or more, of these fun recreational choices or you may desire a slower pace, quiet setting and beauty of nature.

The choices vary between parks and it is best to check the website for the individual one you plan to visit. Rough River offers the most choices, and the typical number of activities is ten. Most activities have a minor fee and some are free. You may need a license as well.

Guided nature walks and activities for children help make your visit special. Summer is best for these and many parks have a full round of fun for multiple ages. The fall is best for visiting Cumberland Falls and witnessing the beauty of a moonbow, which is an arc of light that takes on the shape of a rainbow when the light of a full moon reflects on the waterfall at the right angle. Cooler temperatures intensify the phenomenon. The only location to enjoy this popular attraction in the Western Hemisphere is Cumberland Falls.

Picnics in the park and games on the playground are popular activities at almost every state park. I strongly suggest you grill out whenever you can and avoid meals in the restaurant lodge; thus, saving approximately $32 for lunch and $60 for dinner. Grills of any type and size are prohibited if you stay in the lodge. This is a frequent rule at state parks. However, you can use a grill if you stay in a cabin.

Finding additional, popular activities to do at state parks, we head for the game room at the lodge to enjoy a variety of board games, bingo and shuffleboard. Most state parks offer these and other classics. Movie nights, socials and even water fun are activities you will find at the more popular parks.

Sleeping in, staying up late to watch the stars and hear the crickets, and lounging on a deck that overlooks a majestic, natural, scenic landscape are activities requiring no experience or knowledge. These have no limits and are voluntary. I recommend a high quality camera, and a journal for taking notes. Many people, including my family and I, find these activities appealing; we are not alone.

To book a reservation for your next vacation, visit www.ky.gov. Click the State Parks link and choose one of the numerous offerings. These include recreation, resort and historic sites.

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