LUCAS, Ky. (Jan. 17, 2025) – Barren River Lake State Resort Park welcomes visitors to our New Kentucky Home during the second weekend in February, hosting a Nature Watch Weekend that will focus on viewing migratory sandhill cranes. Each year, thousands of sandhill cranes make Barren River Lake a stop as they congregate in huge numbers to migrate. The lake’s exposed mud flats in winter provide the birds with a perfect spot to rest and socialize as they settle in for the night. Ample farmlands and wet meadows offer plenty of food.
Tours will be offered on Feb. 8 and 9 for guests to learn more about these intriguing birds with a unique sound. The weekend also includes an educational session conducted by a wildlife biologist with the Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources at 7 p.m. on Feb. 7. Registration is $55 per adult and $45 per child 8-12 years old (must be at least 8 years old to go on van tours). The fee includes all educational sessions, drinks and snacks, a T-shirt and a choice of one tour at the following times: Saturday sunrise, Saturday sunset or Sunday sunrise.
Overnight lodging discounts are available with group code 4994.
Families and individuals can enjoy other entertainment and lodging opportunities at the park. Barren River Lake State Resort Park features a lodge, cottages, the Driftwood Restaurant, a seasonal campground, 18-hole golf course, marina, fishing, tennis courts, hiking trails, gift shop and recreational and nature programming.
The park is located at 1149 State Park Road in Lucas. From the Louis B. Nunn Parkway, take the Highway 31E exit south toward Scottsville.
For more information contact Amanda Lasley at amanda.lasley@ky.gov or call the lodge at 1-270-646-2151.
Kentucky is home to 44 state parks, including 17 resort parks and 13 golf courses, with breathtaking views of mountain ranges, waterfalls and wildlife, scenic hiking trails, caves to explore, fishing, boating, kayaking, nationally recognized golf courses, camping, lodges, historic sites, museums and more offering opportunities for exploration, entertainment and education to Kentuckians and visitors from across the world. For more information about Kentucky State Parks, visit parks.ky.gov.