Report to the People
By: State Senator Ernie Harris

So as you plan your summer getaway, let me remind you that Kentucky is home to some of the most beautiful and well-maintained state parks in the nation. For those who crave adventure, there are miles of raging rivers to navigate upon and thousands of acres to hike and camp. If you like to ski or boat, Kentucky is home to tranquil lakes where one can enjoy fishing, water skiing, or sunbathe on the numerous beaches.

Below, I have included brief descriptions of Kentucky's state resort parks and the region they are located. Plan today to spend a weekend in one of our beautiful state resort parks. You won't be disappointed.

Western Kentucky
 

• Kenlake Resort Park on Kentucky Lake near Aurora features lodging, campground, indoor tennis, golf and fishing. Lake Barkley Resort on U.S. 68 in Cadiz is home to an impressive lodge overlooking beautiful Lake Barkley. The area possesses acres of woodland trails, which are perfect for campsites or horseback riding along its winding streams and shores.
• Pennyrile Forest Resort near Hopkinsville in Dawson Springs borders Lake Beshear and Pennyrile State Forest. This resort is a perfect get-away for visitors seeking pure tranquility. 
• Kentucky Dam Village Resort in Gilbertsville is one of three state resorts in the Land-Between-the-Lakes region. This resort features a lodge overlooking Kentucky Lake, cottages, a golf course and excellent fishing.

South Central Kentucky
 

• Barren River Lake Resort, 12 miles south of Glasgow, is a beautiful lake situated in the midst of rolling hills and a 2,000-acre forest. 
• Dale Hollow Lake Resort, situated on the Tennessee/Kentucky border is one of the nation's most well known fishing lakes, and possesses one of the best bass populations in the state. Dale Hollow Lake State Resort Park is also home to a horse camp with 25 miles of trails.
• Lake Cumberland Resort, 8 miles south of Jamestown, is nestled in the secluded woods surrounding Lake Cumberland. Besides watersports, guests can enjoy a swim in the pool, play a round of golf at nearby courses, go horseback riding, or enjoy scenic hiking.
• Rough River Dam Resort located near Leitchfield is home to an outdoor theatre from June to September. The lodge overlooks Rough River Lake. Golf and camping are offered near the resort.

Eastern Kentucky
 

• Buckhorn Lake Resort near Hazard is located in the heart of the mountains in Eastern Kentucky. It provides perfect terrain and scenic beauty for hiking enthusiasts. Boaters and fishermen can also enjoy the beauty of the area from the water and shores of the lake.
• Carter Caves Resort, located approximately 40 miles from Ashland near Olive Hill, offers tours of 20 caves in the area including Saltpetre Cave, Bat Cave, and Cascade Cave, which possesses a 30 foot underground waterfall.
• Cumberland Falls Resort, near Corbin, is known as the "Niagara of the South." Cumberland Falls is one of the few places in the world where you can see a moonbow periodically during the year. 
• Greenbo Lake Resort is located in Northeastern Kentucky near Ashland. The Jesse Stuart Lodge sits atop the cliffs overlooking Greenbo Lake. The Lodge houses a library containing the writer's works and momentos. 
• Jenny Wiley State Resort borders crystal-clear Dewey Lake near Prestonsburg in the heart of the Appalachian Mountains. Golf, camping, and an outdoor theatre is nearby.
• Natural Bridge Resort near Slade offers a breathtaking view of a naturally suspended rock formation alongside the 1,000-acre state nature preserve-a perfect destination for hikers.
• Pine Mountain Resort, located 17 miles north of Cumberland Gap near Pineville, offers visitors one of the most beautiful settings in Kentucky. Attractions nearby include Rock Hotel, a large stone shelter once inhabited by prehistoric man, Chained Rock, and the Kentucky Ridge State Forest with its 27 miles of hiking trails.

Northern Kentucky
 

I have saved the best for last. Right here in the heart of the 26th senatorial district is the General Butler Resort Park. Located near Carrollton, it is home to the historic Butler Turpin House, a Greek revival home, which dates back to the mid 1800's. General Butler also boasts a conference center, a golf course, miniature golf, miniature train rides, tennis and basketball courts, an outdoor pool, campgrounds, picnic shelters and  playgrounds, and a lake with a beach for swimming and paddleboat rentals. I encourage you to visit General Butler State Resort Park and spend a day, a weekend, or even longer. It is one of Kentucky's finest state parks, and I'm sure you'll enjoy your stay.