Fall at Kentucky State Parks

UPDATE Sept. 22, Oct. 4, Oct. 10, Oct. 19

It's Fall at Kentucky's State Parks, and marveling at the nation's greatest show of leaf color is not the only thing to do.

• Stories and Music John James Audubon State Park in Henderson is hosting two free events for guests who like stories and music. The first, “Tall Tales from the Front Porch,” is on Friday, Oct. 24, at 6:30 p.m. This program features local comedian Bob Park at the Audubon Theater. He will be accompanied by Keith Vincent, Donna Stinnett and Jayme Fruit. Park will also have his book for sale in the museum store and will sign books afterwards. Registration required by calling 270-827-1893. The second free event is “Music in the Park” on Saturday, Oct. 25, from 1-4 p.m. Guests can enjoy an entertaining day of music from the cast of “Park Ridge Road,” Keith Vincent and Fish Town (Bob Park, Barry Denton, Steve Mayo, Donna Stinnett and Jayme Fruit). Bring your chairs and sit back and enjoy.

• Trick or Trot 5k Glow Run The next 5K race in the Western Kentucky State Park Race Series will have a decidedly Halloween theme. The Trick-or-Trot 5K Glow Run on Oct. 25 at Lake Barkley State Resort Park in Cadiz will be run in the dark, and competitors are asked to wear glow-in-the-dark clothing or accessories, or headlamps. Runners and walkers can also wear Halloween costumes.

• Halloween Events October has arrived, and that means the Kentucky State Parks will be getting out the pumpkins and goblin decorations as they prepare for one of the most popular times of the year – Halloween. Many of the park system’s campgrounds will be having special activities for campers, including decorations, costumes, hayrides and games for the kids. Resort parks, recreation parks and historic sites will also have special events during October – a great time to be outside with family and friends.

• Corn Maze Green River Lake State Park and a group of volunteers are honoring the 90th anniversary of Kentucky State Parks with a unique corn maze design that opens Sept. 13. The maze, located near the park entrance, looks like the state park logo from the air. Most of the work on the maze was donated and the project is sponsored by the park and the Friends of Green River Lake.

• Geo Tour The famous Kentucky explorer Daniel Boone was asked if he had ever gotten lost in the wilderness. Boone reportedly replied, “I can't say I was ever lost, but I was once bewildered for about three days.” The Kentucky State Parks invite you to summon your inner Daniel Boone and take part in the Kentucky State Parks GeoTour at all 49 state parks starting Sept. 27, National Public Lands Day.

• Elk Tours Two state parks in eastern Kentucky will offer guests a unique wildlife viewing opportunity this fall and winter – elk viewing tours. Visitors to Jenny Wiley and Buckhorn Lake State Resort Parks can choose a weekend and stay at a state park lodge or cottage to enjoy one of these unique tours. New this year are evening tours at Jenny Wiley State Resort Park near Prestonsburg. Participants should bring their cameras – there should be great photography opportunities. The largest elk herds are located on privately owned lands that are normally closed to the public. This is one of the few opportunities available for the public to see the greatest number of elk. The return of elk to the region is considered to be one of Kentucky’s biggest wildlife management success stories. The animals, after being gone from the state for 150 years, were returned in 1997. They now number around 10,000. Jenny Wiley State Resort Park, Prestonsburg Fall 2014 dates: Sept. 20, 21, 27, 28; Oct. 18, 19, 25, 26; Nov. 1, 22, 29; Dec. 6. Winter 2015 dates: Jan. 17, 24, 25; Feb. 7, 14, 21, 28; March 7 Jenny Wiley State Resort Park is sponsoring elk tours at a cost of $30 per person or $15 per child 12 and under. This fee includes your transportation via van to the viewing sites and a continental breakfast. The park also offers packages for $160 for two people that include lodging and breakfast. Because these tours fill up quickly, registration is suggested. Special group and business tours are also available. Early morning (5:30 a.m.) and evening tours (3:30 p.m.) are offered on most dates. Call 1-800-325-0142 for information and reservations. Buckhorn Lake State Resort Park, Buckhorn Fall 2014 dates: Sept. 20, 27; Oct. 25; Nov. 1, 2, 22, 23; Dec. 6, 7. Winter 2015 dates: Jan. 3, 4, 10, 11, 24, 25, 31; Feb. 1, 7, 8, 21, 22, 28; March 1, 7, 8, 14, 15, 21, 22, 28, 29.

• Civil War Exhibit "The Horse Soldier," a special Civil War cavalry exhibit featuring rarely seen personal items belonging to Confederate Gen. John Hunt Morgan, will be displayed at Columbus-Belmont State Park through Nov. 1. The special exhibit will tell the story of the "Horse Soldier" during the Civil War and highlight items used by Confederate cavalrymen, particularly those of Morgan and some of his fellow soldiers.