Winter at Kentucky State Parks

UPDATE Feb. 5

Yes, Kentucky State Parks are open all winter. If you haven't seen them in the snow, when the bare trees open scenic views invisible the rest of the year, you've got a treat coming.

• Woods Lore Weekend "Step back in time to the 18th century, when American Indians and European Americans lived closer to nature. Carter Caves State Resort Park at Olive Hill invites you to its Woods Lore and Tracking Weekend March 1-3. Participants will learn some of the skills that were necessary for everyday life, and of the cultural sharing that has made our modern lives richer."

• Oil Painting Weekend "If you've always wanted to learn how to paint, Pennyrile Forest State Resort Park has a weekend event for you Feb. 22-24. Learn the wet-on-wetmethod of oil painting by creating your very own 16x20 landscape painting. Our instructor, Bonita Mallory, will demonstrate her talents Friday night then instruct the class on Saturday and Sunday."

• Valentine's Day Events "Looking for that perfect place to celebrate Valentine’s Day? Consider a Kentucky State Park. Many parks are offering special events and packages in February to help celebrate Valentine’s Day." Click the link for a listing of special events.

• Wild Game and Bison Meals "After spending the day hiking, fishing or exploring, there’s no better way to take a break than to enjoy a good meal of bison or traditional wild game. The Kentucky State Parks are offering several opportunities like that during the winter months." Click the link for a listing of the special meals planned through January, February and March.

• Sandhill Crane Nature Watch "As it gets colder and you begin to hear the distinct cry of migrating birds overhead, you may want to take a second look at the flock soaring above you, because it just may be sandhill cranes rather than Canada geese. Barren River Lake State Resort Park is again offering two weekends in January and February to view these beautiful birds."

• Eagle Watch Weekends "Nature lovers should be making plans for a unique Kentucky State Park tradition – Eagle Watch Weekends in January and February 2013. The park system will sponsor this wildlife-watching opportunity as bald eagles gather around the major lakes of western Kentucky looking for food. The park tours allow you to observe and learn about these beautiful birds of prey."

• Military and Veteran Discounts "The Kentucky State Parks are offering lodging discounts to current and former members of our nation’s military services with the “USA Military Pass” program from Nov. 1, 2012, to March 31, 2013."

• Nature Preserves Exhibit "As a celebration of its 35th anniversary, the Kentucky State Nature Preserves Commission has put together a photo exhibit that is touring the state, including three Kentucky State Park locations."

• Elk Tours "Jenny Wiley and Buckhorn Lake State Parks in eastern Kentucky will offer guests a unique wildlife viewing opportunity this fall and winter – elk viewing tours."