Spring at Kentucky State Parks

UPDATED May 5, May 9, May 24

It's spring at Kentucky State Parks and it's a crime to miss it.

• Memorial Day Weekend With the Memorial Day weekend just a few days away, make plans to visit a Kentucky State Park for camping, hiking, golf, swimming, boating, fishing or enjoying a meal and overnight stay at one of the system’s 17 resort parks. All 17 state park resorts and selected recreational parks begin recreation and nature programming starting with the holiday weekend through Labor Day. Many resort parks have rooms and cottages available for the holiday weekend. Check www.parks.ky.gov for availability or call the park directly.

• National Trails Day Columbus-Belmont State Park and the Friends of Columbus-Belmont will host a living history program in honor of National Trails Day on June 1. There will be guided history hikes, encampments with cooking lessons, weapon demonstrations, and a “school of the soldier.”

• Kids Camps E. P. “Tom” Sawyer State Park in Louisville is offering a series of Kids Camps during the summer. Each camp is overseen by recreation staff. Camp sizes are limited to a staff-camper ratio of 6:1, so register early! The cost for each camp is $95 per week, per child. Camps run from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. each day.

• Barbecue and Jam Session Barren River Lake State Resort Park invites you to the park Tuesday, June 4, 2013, for the continuation of its Barbecue and Jam Session nights.

• Family Fun Archaeology Family-friendly, hands-on activities related to archaeology, prehistoric technology and park history will be presented at Wickliffe Mounds State Historic Site during the annual Family Fun Day on Saturday, June 8 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Activities for kids to enjoy are Native American-style games and storytelling, making pottery and cornshuck dolls to take home.

• Arts and Crafts Show Kentucky Dam Village State Resort Park in Gilbertsville will hold its annual Spring Arts & Crafts Show on Memorial Day weekend, May 25-26.

• Adventure Race Series Kentucky State Parks will host the 2013 Unbridled Adventure Race Series, three adventure races that will test participants’ physical and mental skills for beginners and veteran racers. Races being June 1. Details at link.

• National Trails Day Kentucky State Parks will be taking part in National Trails Day on June 1 with events across the state to recognize the excellent hiking opportunities at state parks.

• Family Adventure Quest The Kentucky State Parks is in its eighth year offering the Family Adventure Quest – a trivia and digital photo contest for families or friends in teams of two to six people.