Lights, Moonbows, Eagles and More

Cold weather has finally arrived in Kentucky, only a month late. But if you think that puts the state parks off-limits until spring, think again. Some of the best park events of the year happen in the winter.

Southern Lights at the Horse Park

Run, walk or stroll your way through thousands of dazzling lights at the 7th annual Southern Lights Stroll Thursday, November 20 at the Kentucky Horse Park. Registration begins at 6 pm. Pre-registration is $15 and walk-up registration $20 plus a non-perishable food item for God’s Pantry.

To download and print a Southern Lights Stroll Registration Form, click here for the PDF.

Stroll proceeds benefit the Kentucky Horse Park Foundation.

Southern Lights will be open nightly November 21 – December 31, 2008 from 5:30 – 10 pm. Indoor attractions are closed November 27 & December 24-31. For more information about Southern Lights, visit www.southernlightsky.org.

Cumberland Falls Astronomy

Cumberland Falls State Park is taking advantage of interest in its famous moonbow to attract stargazers.

Called the Moonbow Astronomy Center-River of Stars, the new program will allow park guests and visitors to view the planets and stars through telescopes from the park near Corbin.

The park will also be announcing events for 2009, including dates for viewing the “moonbow” at Cumberland Falls, special hikes and programming.

Known as the "Niagara of the South," the 125-foot wide curtain of water is dramatic day or night. But it's only at night during a full moon that you can see the moonbow, a phenomenon not found anywhere else in the Western Hemisphere

“It is our continuing goal to provide quality programming while enhancing learning opportunities for youth and adults,” said Park Manager Lisa Davis. “We hope to supplement the state curriculum requirements with this astronomy program. While being educational, this program is also fun and unique.”

The equipment for the program was funded through a $5,000 grant from Tour Southern and Eastern Kentucky, an organization that promotes tourism in the region. The Louisville Astronomical Society is also assisting with expert volunteers.

The park will be hosting “Star Parties” where the public will be invited to view different aspects of the night sky and solar objects. Star packages including lodging will be available and “Star” birthday parties will be offered based upon availability.

Get details here.

Holidays at the Parks

Kentucky State Parks will be hosting a wide range of Christmas and holiday-themed events during November and December. As the season nears, you can plan to attend one or more of these festivities.

State park resorts are still offering a $50 a night lodge room Sundays through Thursdays through Dec. 30 with a coupon. To get a copy of the coupon and for more information about Kentucky State Parks, visit www.parks.ky.gov.

At least 20 different parks in every part of the state offer events to appeal to families, couples and individuals. Get the details here.

Eagle Watch Weekends

If you've never seen America's national symbol soaring through a sharp, clear winter sky, you've missed one of Kentucky's greatest sights.

With January and February approaching, it’s time for nature lovers to make plans for a Kentucky State Park tradition – Eagle Watch Weekends in January and February.

American Bald Eagles will be gathering around the major lakes of Western Kentucky and South-Central Kentucky as they look for food during the winter. Kentucky State Parks will take you there to observe and learn about these beautiful birds of prey.

For 40 years, the Kentucky State Parks have offered Eagle Watch Weekends, a chance to view the eagles from land and water and learn about the national symbol and other wildlife.

“This is a great opportunity for amateurs and experienced bird watchers to see eagles and other animals in their natural habitat,” said State Park Recreation Director and Naturalist Carey Tichenor. “These are some of the most popular wildlife viewing events that our parks sponsor.”

The tours take place at four resort parks during weekends in January and February on an excursion yacht, barges, pontoon boats and by van, depending upon the location and tour. They are led by state park naturalists and Department of Fish and Wildlife biologists.

Ticket prices for the tours range from $20 to $55 a person. Most tours last between two and three and one half hours. The weekends also include an evening program on birds of prey.

Get details here.

Cross-posted at BlueGrassRoots.