Summer at Kentucky State Parks

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Summer's already here in Kentucky, and the parks are easy, fun and fantastic.

• Adventure Tourism "Spring is a great time to be outdoors in Kentucky, especially if you’re looking for adventure. During May and June, there are many outdoor events for families across the Commonwealth, according to the Kentucky Office of Adventure Tourism. For all of the exciting events scheduled during May and June, visit www.getoutky.com."

• Family Fun Archaeology Day "Family-friendly, hands-on activities related to archaeology, prehistoric technology and park history will be presented at Wickliffe Mounds State Historic Site during its annual Family Fun Day on Saturday, June 9, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Visitors can walk around the mounds, take a tour of the archaeological museum and experience what life was like for the Mississippian people. Explore the wildlife and flora on the Woods Walk Trail. Try your skills with Native American tools such as pump drills, blow gun, spears and atlatls."

• Tractor Show at Greenbo "Greenup Old Tractors, Engines, & Machinery (G.O.T.E.M.) will be having its annual Tractor Show at Greenbo Lake State Resort Park on May 19."

• Cumberland Falls Beautification "Cumberland Falls State Resort Park will host its Cumberland Falls Beautification Day on May 19. Every year when the spring rains cause flooding, the Cumberland River becomes contaminated with trash. Unfortunately, this has a devastating impact on the beauty of Cumberland Falls and the river bank. The park needs help from volunteers to restore Cumberland Falls back to its natural beauty."

• 150th Battle of Perryville "Guests planning to attend the 150th commemoration of the Battle of Perryville, Oct. 6-7, can save money and avoid long lines by purchasing advance tickets online. The Kentucky Department of Parks is offering advance tickets for the first time, with savings of between $5 and $7.50 on the ticket price. Advance sales will be available through Sept. 28."

• Summer Author Series "The Waveland Summer Author Series will begin May 17 at Waveland State Historic Site in Lexington. This free series, sponsored by Waveland, the University Press of Kentucky, Friends of Waveland and The Morris Book Shop, will feature University Press of Kentucky authors speaking about their works in the context of Kentucky’s rich history. For its inaugural event May 17, the series will feature author James C. Nicholson and his book “The Kentucky Derby: How the Run for the Roses Became America’s Premier Sporting Event.” Nicholson provides an intriguing and thorough history of the Kentucky Derby, examining the tradition, spectacle, culture, and evolution of the Kentucky Derby – the brightest jewel of the Triple Crown. This event will give visitors a chance to interact with the author and hear firsthand how the most exciting two minutes in sports earned its title."

• Equine Camping "Greenbo Lake State Resort Park officially opened its equine campground today, thanks to assistance from Greenup County. The nine primitive sites for campers with horses were built with help from Greenup County Fiscal Court and Judge-Executive Bobby Carpenter. The county provided the equipment and crew to prepare the sites."

• Special Rate for Heritage Trail "Rough River Dam State Resort Park is offering a special lodging rate to celebrate the opening of the Rough River Lake Heritage Trail. The heritage trail is a driving trail that allows guests to visit historical or cultural sites in Grayson and Breckinridge counties. The trail kickoff is May 19."

• Spring Hoot 5K "Barren River Lake State Resort Park wants to know: Who…who…who… will fly past the competition in the park’s Spring Hoot 5K race on May 12? This is the second race in the Kentucky State Park Race Series. Run or walk this challenging course that takes you through the beautiful scenery of the park. Awards will be presented for each division and overall male and female winners for the 5K run. Prizes will also be given and all participants are eligible."

• Buffet Specials "Need a night off from the kitchen? Then make your way out to Lake Barkley State Resort Park’s Windows on the Water Restaurant for one of the park’s special buffets starting in May. The first Friday of the month will feature a seafood buffet with crab legs, frog legs, shrimp, and fried oysters – all for $22.95 for adults and $7.99 for children. The third Saturday of the month will feature a whole hog roast, barbecue chicken and assorted sides for $18.95 for adults and $6.99 for children."