Fall Events

During the month of October there are several reasons to visit the park.  Of course, to view the fall colors is top of the list, but why not pick one of the events below that will give you a reason to make the trip to Barren River Lake State Resort Park.  

On your drive in take a look on your right and see the "Trail of Scarecrows”.  Pick your favorite on the way in and then go into the Driftwood Restaurant to vote for the scarecrow you like most.  

If food is your reason to visit, then choose to come on October 1^st BBQ and a Jam Session or October 19^th Octoberfest German buffet. 

Looking for a little spookier Fall experience?  Make plans to stay in our campground for a “Spookout Weekend” of Halloween activities October 19th.  But wait there’s more!  

Spend the whole weekend enjoying the fall colors outdoors during our Geocaching Weekend October 26-27.  View the fall colors Saturday and Sunday while you hike around the park using your GPS to find special event caches hidden just for you.

Check out our Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/BarrenRiverStatePark

Keep track of our Fall colors http://www.kentuckytourism.com/seasons/reports/south-central-region/default.aspx

Senior Men's Golf Invitational

GOLF AT THE PARK
Monday, September 9, 2013
Shotgun Start at 9:00 am
(Championship Flight) 50- and up
Choose your age group: 60-64, 65-69, 70-74, and 75 & older
Entry Fee $45 (must be paid with entry)***If you have a state pass the entry fee is $30
Includes: Golf, Lunch, Tee Gift, and other Prizes!
Limited to first 96 players to register


Lodging Specials
Sunday, September 8th
Early Bird Special $49.95 (plus taxes and resort fee)

Monday - Wednesday
Special Rate $69.95 (plus taxes and resort fee)

Happy Birthday Smokey Bear!

Celebrate Smokey Bear's birthday with us Saturday, August 10th in the campground from 2:00 pm - 4:00 pm.  We will be playing games, making a craft, balloons, and more.  Smokey Bear's legend was born August 9, 1944.

Special Food Nights & Music

Tuesday, August 6th
Brazilian BBQ

Brazilian night BBQ will feature:

Picanha Steak (seasoned top sirloin)

Brazilian shredded pork

Bahain Shrimp in a coconut cashew sauce

Churrasco De Frango (grilled chicken with a spicy fruity seasoning)

Brazilian black beans, rice, fried plantains, Brazilian collards.

Soups will be a white bean, and a Brazilian Fish Stew

Dinner served 5:00 pm - 9:00 pm.

Tuesday, August 13th 

Farm to Table Dinner

Enjoy a meal prepared from local farmers land.  Dinner will be served from 6:30 - 8:00 pm, outside, weather permitting.  Reservations are required.  Our Farm to Table event will feature:

Chicken and dumplings with local chicken and dumplings

Pork Chops with local herb sauce

Sirloin with chimmichura made from local herbs and spices.

Roasted gold potatoes

Grilled zucchini and squash

Tomato tart made from heirloom tomatoes

Fresh salad bar made with local produce

Desserts will be Peaches and cream dessert and Fresh apple cobblers.

Jam Session (August 6th & 13th)

Each night we will host an open jam session where musicians are invited to bring there instruments and there voice to play and sing.  We ask that you keep the music family friendly and you must bring your own equipment.

Senior Three Men Golf Scramble

Barren River Lake State Park

Senior Three Men Scramble

Monday, August 12^th 2013

Shotgun Start  at 8:30 a.m.

ENTRY FEE $32.95(must be paid with entry)

* If you have a state pass the entry fee is $20

* Deadline date Aug. 9^th

* Limited Field – Age of Your Group will be totaled and put into flight.

Questions contact???  Pro Shop (270-646-4653)                  

Barren River Lake State Resort Park Activities 7-15-13

Monday, July 15th – Tuesday, July 16th & Sunday, July 20th

There will be no staff led activities Monday – Tuesday or Sunday, but please stop by the B.E.A.R.S Den anytime to explore or create your own adventure by picking up one of the activities below. 

Nature Bingo * Nature Tracks * Color Me Fun * Vacation Memory Book

Also, visit the gift shop to purchase some fun things to do such as Clackers, puzzles, and games! Hike a trail * Play a round of golf * Go horseback riding at the Riding Stables * Rent a boat but, whatever you choose to do make a memory that will last a lifetime.

Wednesday, July 17th 

4:00 pm The Navigator Necklace: Find your way around the park after you have created this fun and functional compass necklace. Afterwards try it out on our short, easy compass challenge.
Location: B.E.A.R.S Den Approx Time: 1 ½ hrs Ages: All

7:00 pm Dragons & Damsels: We won’t be rescuing damsels or slaying dragons, but you will find out more about some fascinating creatures. Dragon flies and damsel flies are a common sight around our lake. Create a one-of-a-kind dragonfly as we share some fun facts about them.
Location: B.E.A.R.S Den Approx Time: 45 minutes Ages: All

Thursday, July 18th

10:00 am This Is For The Birds! Create an eco friendly, green bird feeder that is good for the environment. This easy craft is a good way to attract birds to your yard. Location: GHG Shelter Approx Time: 45 minutes Ages: All

12:00 pm Nature Scavenger Hunt: How well do you know nature? See if you can find this nature list of items before your competitors do. The winner may get a prize…
Location: GHG Shelter Approx Time: 45 minutes Ages: All

4:00 pm Flower Hike & Craft: Take a short hike with us to see what wildflowers are at the park. Then make your own tissue paper flower that will last all year long. Location: B.E.A.R.S Den Approx Time: 45 minutes Ages: All

7:30 pm Native Animals Rock! What animal is really cool and rocks? All of them! Test your knowledge of our local wildlife as you create a unique animal with rocks and things from nature.
Location: B.E.A.R.S Den Approx Time: 1 hour Ages: All

Friday, July 19th 

10:30 am Let’s Hop to It: What makes a frog a frog and a toad a toad? Do you know the difference? Discover fun facts about Frogs v/s Toads as you create your own frog puppet. Kids and adults will have fun as you try out your own hopping skills in our bouncy challenge.
Location: B.E.A.R.S Den Approx Time: 1 hour Ages: All

1:00 pm Framed by Nature: Nature provides us with some beautiful things. We’ll show you how to use some of nature’s bounty to make your own picture frame that can hold memories of your visit at our park.
Location: B.E.A.R.S Den Approx Time: 45 minutes Ages: All

4:00 pm Turtle Time! Box turtles and red-eared sliders will be today’s guest stars. Meet two of our resident turtles to learn facts about each one. Make your own easy to keep turtle to take home with you and learn quick easy steps to draw one too.
Location: B.E.A.R.S Den Approx Time: 1 ½ hours Ages: All

7:00 pm Tie-Dye T-Shirt ($): Do you want to add a special something to your tie-dye t-shirt tomorrow? Use glue to draw and create a unique design no one else will have.
Fee: $8 per shirt (This fee is for the shirt and the tie-dye activity tomorrow at 2:00 pm. You will not be charged again. $3 if you bring your own shirt)
Location: B.E.A.R.S. Den Approx Time: 1 hour Ages: All

Saturday, July 20th

10:00 am Crazy Caterpillars: What makes beautiful butterflies? Caterpillars, of course! Make your own caterpillar and a chart showing you the life cycle of a butterfly
Location: B.E.A.R.S Den Approx Time: 45 minutes Ages: All

12:30 pm Moon Walking: Did you know today is the 20th anniversary of Armstrong walking on the moon? Celebrate this moment in history by making a moon phase chart.
Location: B.E.A.R.S Den Approx Time: 45 minutes Ages: All

2:00 pm Tie-Dye T-shirts ($): Spinning spirals, colorful circles, and silly spots are some of the designs we will make on our shirts. We will show you how to tie and dye your own unique shirt.
Location: Shuffleboard Court Approx. Time: 1 ½ hours
Age: Any Fee: $8 per shirt ($3 if you bring your own shirt)

7:30 pm Lakeshore Adventure: Are you ready for an adventure? Let’s go exploring along the lake shoreline to look for fossils, footprints, and animals. Then on the way back, get a Night Bingo card to see who can find the most items. Please wear comfortable shoes and apply bug spray.
Location: Meet in lodge lobby Approx Time: 1 hour Ages: All

Sunday, July 21st
Family Day: Don’t miss out on the chance to spend the day with your family and friends exploring the park and making memories that will last a lifetime.

BBQ and Jam Session

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

The Driftwood Restaurant will be serving a barbecue theme buffet dinner from 5-8 p.m. for $13.99 per person (plus drink and tax).  Come out to try some mouth watering barbecue along with some tasty side dishes and sweet desserts.

The park will also host a jam session from 6:00 - 10:00 p.m.   All musicians and singers are invited to perform but ask that it be family friendly music and please call ahead so that we know how many musicians will be performing.  These sessions are open to the general public free of charge. We also want to thank all the talented musicians and singers who came out and performed in April and May at our previous jam sessions.   Let us make your night a delicious one filled with music.

The park will be hosting a special food night and jam session the first Tuesday of every month.  Make plans now to attend one or all of them.

For more information call 1-800-325-0057 or visit www.parks.ky.gov or our Facebook page www.facebook.com/BarrenRiverStatePark.

Golf Clinic

Do you want to learn to play golf?  Do you want to improve your skills?

Barren River Lake State Resort Park will be hosting a golf clinic conducted by PGA Carmello Benassi and PGA Adam Gary.   This golf clinic will cover all phases of the game to help you improve.

June 8th - 9th and June 15th - 16th
Each day starts at 2:00 pm
Limited space available
Cost:  2 days $50 or 4 days $99

For more information or to sign up call 270-646-4653.

Glasgow Highland Games Golf Scramble Classic

Saturday, June 1, 2013
9:00 am Shotgun Start

Mixed 4 person scramble - A,B,C,D

$50 per player / $200 per team
Call Barren River Lake State Park Pro Shop at 270-66-4653 to register.

Don't forget to check out the Glasgow Highland Games events as well during this weekend.  Check out what they have going on at www.glasgowhighlandgames.com

Spring Hoot 5K

Walk, Run, or a combination of both in our annual Spring Hoot 5K on May 11, 2013 at Barren River Lake State Resort Park!
You can go solo, with a friend or friends, strap your kid in stroller, or let your dog tag along.  However you decide to participate, make sure you have fun and hoot along the way.

For more information contact Jamie Avery at jamie.avery@ky.gov or call 1-800-325-0057.  To register online visit www.parks.ky.gov

Thursday Golf League

Barren River Lake State Resort Park will be starting Thursday evening golf league at 5:00 pm on April 25th.  Bring your team or come and we will pair you up with another group. See you here April 25th for a game of fun, friendly golf!

Spring Flower Day

Enjoy the beauty of spring flowers on April 6, 2013 at Barren River Lake State Resort Park.  Don't miss out on this afternoon dedicated to appreciating spring flowers.  Activities are free and open to all ages.

12:30 - 2:30 pm - Glasgow Garden Club 
Pick up free flower seeds (while supplies last).  Now is the perfect time for planting!
Lodge Lobby

1:00 - 2:00 pm - Flower Craft
You can make your own flower craft that will last year round.  These will be easy and simple to do for all ages to participate.
Lodge Lobby

2:45 pm Wildflower Walk
You can go on a guided hike along the Connell Nature Trail as we search for spring wildflowers that are sprouting up.  This hike will last approximately one to one and a half hours along a moderate terrain one mile loop. 
Meet in lodge lobby

For more information contact Jamie Avery at jamie.avery@ky.gov or 1-800-325-0057.

Spring Special Offer!

If you have a feeling of restlessness, excitement, or laziness brought on by SPRING FEVER, then let us help.  Barren River Lake State Resort Park is offering a Spring Package Special that you do not want to miss on March 29 - April 30 for only $84.99 (plus tax and resort fee).  This package includes cottage (one night), 1 large 3-topping pizza, 4 fountain drinks, and 1 dozen cookies.  During your visit play a round of golf, play a game of tennis, hike a trail to see the wildflowers, browse the gift shop, go fishing, enjoy a sunrise or sunset over the lake, walk the paved trail, play on a playground, and so much more.  The possibilities are endless but the most important thing to do at the park is to make a memory that will last a lifetime.

Taken on Connell Nature Trail.

Spring is here and it's time to get outside!

Barren River Lake State Resort Park has several ways to enjoy the beauty of spring.

Campers Appreciation Weekend

April 26-28, 2013
Camp two nights for the price of one on!

Astronomy 
April 27, 2013 
Learn about our universe by observing the sun safely through a telescope, look at "Stars on the Wall" during an informative session, and finally observe the "River of Stars" in our night sky through the telescopes of The Lousiville Astronomical Society.

Nature Fest
April 26-28, 2013
Enjoy the things nature has to offer by going on a wildflower and tree id hike, fishing for fun, birding 101, reptile animal program, and make a nature tee ($).

BBQ and Jam Sessions

LUCAS, Ky. – Barren River Lake State Resort Park invites guests to the park every Tuesday night in April for its “Tour of America Barbecue and Music” event.  The Driftwood Restaurant will be serving various styles of barbecue buffet style from a different region of America.

Here is the schedule:  April 2, Memphis night; April 9, Carolinas Night; April 16, Texas Night; April 23, St. Louis Night; April 30, Kentucky Night.

  

And it wouldn’t be good ol’ American barbecue without some music playing. Jam sessions will also take place during this time and are open to all musicians who would like to get together and play. The park asks that the music be family friendly, and please call ahead to let us know how many will be performing each night. These sessions are open to the general public free of charge. 

Dinner will be served from 5-8 p.m. for $13.99 per person (plus drink and tax).  The jam sessions will take place 5-8 p.m. 

Make plans for next year....

Don't miss out on next year's trips where you get the opportunity to see sandhill cranes and eagles!  On January 25-27 and February 8-10 registered guests were taken around the Barren River Lake area to view sandhill cranes and several other critters out in the wild.  Friday night guests learned facts and statistics about the sandhill cranes at a program presented by the local Kentucky Fish & Wildlife biologist.  Saturday we loaded into passenger vans and headed out looking for cranes.  The sites we visited included a roosting site, local farmers fields, and the Tailwaters (an Army corp of Engineer operated campground located below the dam).  We viewed a variety wildlife such as deer, turkey, rabbits, fox, and otters.  We saw several birds including song birds, hawks, water fowl, eagles, owls, and of course sandhill cranes.  If you would like to know more about this event contact Jamie Avery at Barren River Lake State Resort Park 1-800-325-0057.

We were lucky enough to have some very talented photographers attend our tours.  These two gentleman were nice enough to share their amazing pictures.  Thank you to these gifted photographers.  Take a look...

Photo taken by Clyde Wallin of an eagle perched
along the river waiting for the next meal .

Photo taken by Jonathan Reynolds on the morning trip
as the cranes leave the roosting site.

Photo taken by Jonathan Reynolds of an eagle
as it leaves it's perch to fly up river.

Congratulations Carmello!

2012 Merchandiser of the Year (Resort) Award goes to Carmello Benassi, who is the PGA Golf Professional at Barren River Lake State Resort Park in Lucas, KY.  This award (established 1978) is presented in conjunction with the Association of Golf Exhibitors (AGE), and recognizes those PGA Professionals who have demonstrated superior skills as merchandisers in the promotion of golf.  The candidates are judged in the following areas:  Merchandising Performance (profit margin, turn rate, cost of goods, sales), Details and Innovation, Displays, Merchandising Techniques, Inventory Mix, Shop Operations, Merchandising Philosophy, and Staff Training.  Congratulations to Carmello Benassi who works hard to promote and teach the sport of golf.  Barren River Lake State Resort Park offers a scenic 18-hole golf course set among the beautiful rolling hills of Southern Kentucky.

Sandhill Cranes



Photo Taken by Beth Whelan

When you hear the distinct cry of migrating birds, you may want to take a second look at that flock of birds soaring above you, because it just may be Sandhill Cranes rather than Canada geese.

Sandhill Cranes are a largetall grey bird reaching heights up to 4 feet, weighing up to 12 lbs, and a wingspan of 6-7 ft. They have two distinct features about them; one is their appearance of a crimson, red-crown forehead, white cheeks, and fluffy rear end; the other is when in flight, the long dark legs trail behind and the long neck is kept straight out, rather than tucked in towards the body.

One of the reasons people are so drawn to these birds is their playful dancing. Mated pairs engage in a fascinating display of dance and sound. They will stand close together with their beaks skyward and call together in a synchronized, complex duet, that is initiated by the female. The vocalization resembles a loud, deep rolling trumpet and rattling “kar-r-r-o-o-o” that resembles a French rolled “r”. The female will make two higher-pitched calls to every male call. They will also dance together by jumping, bowing, running, tossing sticks or grass, and flapping their wings. This is commonly seen during courtship behavior to strengthen the bond, but can be seen at any age or season. Sandhill cranes are very social birds and these behaviors leave spectators spellbound.

Each year thousands of Sandhill Cranes make Barren River Lake a stop as they congregate in huge numbers to migrate back home. Why Barren River? During winter exposed mud flats on Barren River provide the perfect spot to rest and socialize with each other before settling in at night. At sunrise, they take flight from roost to the nearby farmlands and wet meadows which offer an abundance of food such as plant tubers, grains, small vertebrates (i.e. mice and snakes), and invertebrates such as insects and worms for these omnivorous birds.