Kentucky’s state parks give our state incredible bragging rights, as we have one of the best systems in the entire country. If you live in The Bluegrass State, then chances are you’re near a park that is perfect for exploring, camping, hiking, fishing, outdoor recreation, and much more. (We are so spoiled here!) Here are 10 beautiful Kentucky state parks that showcase the state’s splendor.

 

1. Lincoln Homestead State Park
Harvey Meston/Staff/Archive Photos via Getty Images
Lincoln Homestead State Park is a located just north of Springfield, KY, in Washington County. The park encompasses 120 acres, and features both historic buildings and reconstructions associated with Thomas Lincoln, President Lincoln's father.
2. My Old Kentucky Home State Park
My Old Kentucky Home (House Museum)
The farm that inspired the imagery in Stephen Collins Foster's famous song, "My Old Kentucky Home, Good-Night!" is Kentucky's most famous and beloved historic site. My Old Kentucky Home State Park is an absolutely beautiful slice of Bluegrass State history.
3. E.P. Tom Sawyer State Park
Kentucky State Parks
E.P. "Tom" Sawyer State Park is a 550-acre Kentucky state park located in the Freys Hill area of Louisville, Kentucky. This state park would do its namesake proud, as there are places for orienteering, archery, and a variety of other sports and games!
4. FishTrap Lake State Park
Kentucky Tourism
One of the prettiest lakes in The Bluegrass State, FishTrap Lake State Park is a relatively new addition to the Kentucky State Parks system. Nestled among mountains and dense forests, the Fishtrap Lake area will appeal to anyone who loves boating, fishing, hiking, or simply being outdoors.
5. General Burnside State Park
Kentucky State Parks
Golfing enthusiasts probably already know about General Burnside State Park, which features one of the most scenic, 18-hole golf courses in the state. Campers, meanwhile, will appreciate the park's 102-site campground -- located (wait for it) on an island. Fun fact: this park was named for the sideburn-whiskered Civil War general Ambrose Burnside. Burnside led patrols along the Cumberland River, circling this 400-acre island while on the lookout for Confederate soldiers. Pretty cool!

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6. Green River Lake State Park
Kentucky State Parks
If you hadn't noticed, The Bluegrass State is a boater's paradise! And Green River Lake State Park is another favorite spot on the water. The park has many attractions for those who love the water -- but also plenty for folks who want to experience the beauty of central Kentucky.
7. Levi Jackson Wilderness Road Park
Kentucky State Parks
Beautiful campsites, an aerial adventure course, and grist mill make Levi Jackson Wilderness Road State Park one of the most unique of all the Kentucky State Parks!
8. Nolin Lake State Park
Kentucky State Parks
A newer Kentucky State Park, Nolin Lake State Park opened in May 2001. The 5,795-acre lake was created from the impoundment of the Nolin River in 1963, and the 333-acre park are located along the northern edge of Mammoth Cave National Park in Edmonson County. It's a beautiful place to hike, boat, and camp.
9. Paintsville Lake State Park
Kentucky State Parks
A stunning lake, incredible camping, and scenic hiking trails make Paintsville Lake State Park a wonderful place to relax and recharge.
10. Natural Bridge State Resort Park
JarekT/Wikimedia
Natural Bridge State Resort Park is Kentucky's crown jewel, and it's a must-visit for anyone living in The Bluegrass State. This is one of the state's most glorious natural wonders, and it's something you must experience for yourself.

Did you know about these beautiful Kentucky state parks? Which are you most excited to visit? Share your thoughts with us in the comments section below! And if visiting the Lincoln Homestead State Park has fueled your curiosity about our 16th president, you’ll love exploring the Lincoln Museum.

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More to Explore

Beautiful Kentucky State Parks

Sarah | February 18, 2021

What are some hidden gem parks in Kentucky?

We love uncovering hidden gems, and Middle Creek Park in Burlington is a true treasure. This hidden gem park in Kentucky offers beautiful hiking trails and a creek that is perfect for splashing and relaxing. It's a magical collection of hiking trails, plus a scenic creek, that's a little out-of-the-way, but totally worth the effort.

Are there any Kentucky state park road trips?

As it so happens, there is one area of the Bluegrass where you can visit three scenic Kentucky State Parks; so, naturally, we put together an epic weekend road trip. Head to northeastern Kentucky and check out Greenbo Lake State Resort Park, Carter Caves State Resort Park, and Grayson Lake State Park -- this trio of Kentucky State Parks provides a perfect little snapshot of what makes out state parks so wonderful.

What's the most beautiful place in Kentucky?

This is a hard one; and we refuse to answer, on the grounds that there are simply too many beautiful places in Kentucky, that we can't just pick one! For starters, there's Mammoth Cave, a massive, historic park that offers sublime scenery both above and below ground. And then there's Red River Gorge, which actually has its very own Kentucky Grand Canyon! The Kentucky Horse Park is also super dreamy; you can actually take a horseback ride through this beautiful park, for a memorable and beautiful experience you won't soon forget.

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Featured Addresses
Lincoln Homestead State Park, 5079 Lincoln Park Rd, Springfield, KY 40069, USA
Ic-8005D, Bardstown, KY 40004, USA
E.P. Tom Sawyer State Park, 3000 Freys Hill Rd, Louisville, KY 40241, USA
Fishtrap Lake, Kentucky, USA
General Burnside Island State Park, 8801 US Hwy 27, Burnside, KY 42519, USA
Green River Lake State Park, 179 Park Office Rd, Campbellsville, KY 42718, USA
Levi Jackson Wilderness Road Park, 998 Levi Jackson Rd, London, KY 40744, USA
Nolin Lake, Kentucky, USA
Paintsville Lake, Kentucky, USA
Red River Gorge, Kentucky 40387, USA