7 Lesser-Known State Parks In Kentucky That Will Absolutely Amaze You
Kentucky’s state parks give our state incredible bragging rights as we have one of the best systems in the country. If you live in the Bluegrass State, then chances are you live near a park that is perfect for exploring, camping, hiking, fishing, relaxing, and much more. Some of the Kentucky State Parks are very popular and well-known, and there are also some that fly under the radar. But you don’t want to overlook these seven lesser-known state parks that will absolutely amaze you; check out our list, and plan to visit to these amazing places in Kentucky ASAP!
1. Kingdom Come State Park
Kingdom Come State Park, 502 Park Rd, Cumberland, KY 40823, USA
Kingdom Come State Park is an awe-inspiring destination in the crest of Pine Mountain in Cumberland, Kentucky. With an elevation of 2,700 feet and eight scenic overlooks, it's truly one of the most beautiful places in our state. It's hard to say why this hidden gem remains lesser known because it is instantly a favorite from the moment you arrive. Spend your day hiking to inspiring views and fascinating rock formations, or choose to spend the night on a primitive camping spot.
Learn more about this magnificent park in a previous article here.
2. Columbus-Belmont State Park
Columbus Belmont State Park, 350 Park Road, Columbus, KY 42032, USA
Columbus-Belmont State Park is located on a cliff overlooking the Mississippi River in southwestern Kentucky. Here you can experience Civil War history, take in one-of-a-kind views of the marvelous Mississippi, and camp on land that has seen so much throughout history. There are 38 campsites along the cliff and also a few rental trailers and a charming cabin available.
For more information on this historic and scenic park, visit its website here.
3. John James Audubon State Park
John James Audubon State Park, Henderson, KY 42420, USA
John James Audubon State Park is a fairy tale setting come to life in Henderson, Kentucky. The incredibly beautiful museum and nature center are worth a visit on their own, but there's more to love about this nature-filled gem. Walk along a wildflower trail or one of the new boardwalks, and experience a wide variety of landscapes and unique events.
You can learn more about this delightful park destination in our previous article here.
4. Old Mulkey Meetinghouse State Historic Site
Old Mulkey Meetinghouse State Historic Site, 38 Old Mulkey Park Rd, Tompkinsville, KY 42167, USA
Another historic park with incredibly beautiful surroundings, Old Mulkey Meetinghouse State Historic Site is located in Tompkinsville. At this park you'll find a log church that was built in 1804, making it the oldest freestanding log meeting house in Kentucky. Adjacent to the cabin is a cemetery with the graves of many Revolutionary War soldiers, Kentucky pioneers, and Daniel Boone's sister, Hannah Boone. The property is a lovely place to explore for its history and natural beauty. It's open April 1st through November 15th, and by appointment only in the offseason.
For more information, visit the park's website here.
5. Green River Lake State Park
Green River Lake State Park, 179 Park Office Rd, Campbellsville, KY 42718, USA
Green River Lake State Park, located in Campbellsville, is especially wonderful for those who love the water. You can experience every type of water sport imaginable in the warmer months, stay right on the water in a houseboat, and take in the breathtaking scenery when it cools down. There are also 28 miles of multi-purpose trails to explore, and a wide variety of camping opportunities.
For more on this park, check out our previous article here.
6. Big Bone Lick State Historic Site
Big Bone Lick State Historic Site, 3380 Beaver Rd, Union, KY 41091, USA
This unique and underrated park is located in Union and has so much to offer visitors. The history is so intriguing and you can see it brought to life in the new museum and outdoor displays. At Big Bone Lick, you can also take a short hike through the woods to a large field that's home to a herd of bison.
Learn even more about this one-of-a-kind site in our previous article here.
7. Lake Malone State Park
Lake Malone State Park Beach, 100 Beachview Ln, Dunmor, KY 42339, USA
Lake Malone is a beautiful 788-acre body of water that's home to this scenic state park. The lake itself is the perfect spot for fishing, boating, or even relaxing on the sandy beach in the summer. The campground is a great spot to call home for a few days to make sure you'll also have time to explore the easy trails in the park that are often filled with wildflowers.
For more information on this park just west of Bowling Green, check out our previous article here.
All of Kentucky’s state parks and historic sites are worth a visit, and make sure not to miss out on these seven amazing destinations. What are your favorite state parks to visit in Kentucky? Have you been to any of these lesser-known parks? Which Kentucky State Park is your favorite? Let us know in the comments!
And for more state parks to visit in Kentucky that are also incredible resorts, check out our previous article here.
Address: Kingdom Come State Park, 502 Park Rd, Cumberland, KY 40823, USA
Address: Columbus Belmont State Park, 350 Park Road, Columbus, KY 42032, USA
Address: John James Audubon State Park, Henderson, KY 42420, USA
Address: Old Mulkey Meetinghouse State Historic Site, 38 Old Mulkey Park Rd, Tompkinsville, KY 42167, USA
Address: Green River Lake State Park, 179 Park Office Rd, Campbellsville, KY 42718, USA
Address: Big Bone Lick State Historic Site, 3380 Beaver Rd, Union, KY 41091, USA
Address: Lake Malone State Park Beach, 100 Beachview Ln, Dunmor, KY 42339, USA
The OIYS Visitor Center
State parks to visit in Kentucky
January 17, 2022
Sarah M.
Are there any national parks in Kentucky?
There’s one mammoth-sized national park in Kentucky that you probably know about, as it’s world famous! Of course, we’re talking about Mammoth Cave National Park, the longest cavern system on the planet. Home to over 130 species of wildlife and almost every type of cave formation, it’s also the world’s most diverse series of caverns. This bucket-list must is one of our state’s most dazzling jewels, and it just got a little longer, too!
What’s the most popular state park to visit in Kentucky?
The above list covers some of the lesser-known state parks in Kentucky worth a visit; in terms of the state’s best-known state parks, Cumberland Falls State Resort Park really stands out. This superlative superstar has it all: breathtaking scenery, amazing outdoor recreation, and some of the most incredible natural wonders in the Bluegrass State. It’s 1,657 acres of pure Bluegrass beauty, offering visitors an extraordinary park experience. From hiking to the state’s most beautiful waterfalls and seeing one of the world’s only moonbows, to enjoying epic kayaking and water recreation, to spending the night in an iconic Kentucky lodge, we simply adore Cumberland Falls State Resort Park!
What’s a must-visit state park in Kentucky?
It’s well known that Kentucky’s State Park system is incredible and arguably the best in the entire country. So of course, we’re going to say that *all* of the state parks in the Bluegrass are must visits. The resort parks, especially, allow us to stay comfortably while still enjoying the natural beauty Kentucky has to offer. The very first state park in our state also happens to be one of the most stunning. Pine Mountain State Resort Park is a slice of Kentucky heaven and you’ll definitely want to pay it a visit. Located near the southern border of Kentucky, Pine Mountain State Resort Park was originally established in 1924, and this nearly 100-year-old park is as delightful today as it was way back then!
Address: Kingdom Come State Park, 502 Park Rd, Cumberland, KY 40823, USA
Address: Columbus Belmont State Park, 350 Park Road, Columbus, KY 42032, USA
Address: John James Audubon State Park, Henderson, KY 42420, USA
Address: Old Mulkey Meetinghouse State Historic Site, 38 Old Mulkey Park Rd, Tompkinsville, KY 42167, USA
Address: Green River Lake State Park, 179 Park Office Rd, Campbellsville, KY 42718, USA
Address: Big Bone Lick State Historic Site, 3380 Beaver Rd, Union, KY 41091, USA
Address: Lake Malone State Park Beach, 100 Beachview Ln, Dunmor, KY 42339, USA
A Cincinnati native who has lived in Kentucky for over 10 years, Andrea's heart belongs both in the Queen City and the Bluegrass State. After earning an education degree and working in that field for a number of years, Andrea began to pursue her passion for writing over 6 years ago. Since then she has written for a number of print and online publications, as well as published a children's book.
