Outdoors Attractions

Experience the great outdoors with Choice Hotels^®. Our Kentucky hotels are conveniently located near a number of picturesque gardens, stunning parks, and astounding wildlife. Take a look at the scenery and greenery that Kentucky offers.

In the Western Waterlands

Columbus Belmont State Park
350 Park Road
Columbus, KY  
270-677-2327

Find yourself on the banks of the roaring Mississippi River at Columbus Belmont State Park, one of the most visually rich locations on earth. Also one of the most historic - during the Civil War, the park was a strategic location for the Confederate troops to block the flow of Union gunboats. Explore the nature, and when you're through head down to the fantastically informative museum that awaits you here.

Lake Barkley State Resort Park
3500 State Park Road
Cadiz, KY  
270-924-1131

Experience one of the most beautiful state parks in the state of Kentucky. Lake Barkley State Resort Park will pit you along the shores of one of the world's largest man-made lakes, providing for a distinctive array of outdoor activities, including swimming, fishing and boating in the beautiful waters of Lake Barkley.

In the Bluegrass, Blues and Barbecue Region

Lake Beshear
US 62
Dawson Springs, KY  
270-797-2781

Experience one of the most beautiful aquatic formations to grace the land at Lake Beshear. Perfect for a day in the sun, this is where Kentuckians head to cool off during the hot summer months. Recreation at the lake includes swimming, boating, and fishing - but also popular is sunbathing along the pristine shoreline of this lovely destination.

Ben Hawes State Park
400 Boothfield Road
Owensboro, KY  
270-687-7134

One of the more beautiful expanses in the state of Kentucky, Ben Hawes is nature with a focal point - golf! Golf doesn't get better than at this Kentucky natural destination - in fact, Ben Hawes is the perfect destination for pros and duffers alike, who will find all the gear they need at their fingertips for a perfect day spent between tourist and green.

In Kentucky's Derby Region

EP Tom Sawyer State Park
300 Freys Hill Road
Louisville, KY  
502-429-7270

Enjoy the scene at this 554-acre recreation park, located on the beautiful outskirts of the city of Louisville. This park once served as a farm which was worked by the Central State Hospital, and was donated to the good of the public in 1971 by the governor of Kentucky. Enjoy the world-class expanse where Louisville heads for its days off.

Lincoln Homestead State Park
5079 Lincoln Park Road
Springfield, KY  
859-336-7461

Lincoln Homestead State Park is dedicated to preserving the pioneer heritage of President Abraham Lincoln and his parents. Find a plethora of attractions within the park, including a reproduction of the cabin that served as the childhood home of Lincoln's parents, as well as the actual house in which Lincoln's parents lived during their courtship years.

In the Northern Kentucky River Region

Big Bone Lick State Park
3380 Beaver Road
Union, KY  
859-384-3522

Find yourself at a beautiful expanse when you step into the wilderness at Big Bone Lick State Park, a recreational paradise where history merges with beauty to form a seamless natural combination. Enjoy flattering diorama trails, all depicting Ice Age scenes which transpired at the park over thousands of years ago.

Blue Licks Battlefield State Park
10299 Maysville Road
Mount Olivet, KY  
606-289-5507

Experience one of the prime natural destinations in the state of Kentucky at Blue Licks Battlefield State Park, which brings the perfect blend of past and present to visitors. Step back in time as you amble past the exhibits held at the park's own Pioneer Museum, and afterwards enjoy a day spent re-communing with nature on miles of serene hiking trails.

In the Bluegrass Region

Constitutions Square State Historic Site
134 S. Second Street
Danville, KY  
859-239-7089

Travel to Kentucky, and you'll surely want to witness one of the most surefire blends of nature and history known to the American soil - namely, Constitutions Square State Historic Site. It was here that the birds, bees, flowers and trees all bore witness to the signing of Kentucky's state constitution in the year of 1792.

Waveland State Historic Site
225 Waveland Museum Lane
Lexington, KY  
859-272-3611

Find yourself in the reaches of a beautiful antebellum house with three original outbuildings still standing intact. Explore the historic slave quarters of what was once a typical Kentucky homestead, and afterwards treat yourself to a hike down one of many hiking trails which wind through the surrounding nature.

In Kentucky's Appalachians

Cave Run Lake
Highway 801
Morehead, KY  
606-784-5624

Guests traveling to Kentucky will surely want to stop by Cave Run Lake, which is well-known in the state for its breathtaking views and its shiny, blue waters which offer many sorts of waterside recreation to visitors and residents alike. But the most distinctive draw contained in this gorgeous natural setting is the opportunity to experience some of the prime Muskie fishing in the nation.

Paintsville Lake Wildlife Management
807 KY Route 2275
Staffordsville, KY  
606-297-6312

At Paintsville Lake Wildlife Management you will experience some of the most stunning wildlife in the state of Kentucky. From Kentucky native creatures which will stun and surprise you with their natural grace to sprawling acres full of some of the most beautiful wildflowers in the region, there's something for everyone at this Kentucky natural destination.

In Daniel Boone Country

Buckhorn Lake State Park
4441 KY Highway 1833
Buckhorn, KY  
606-398-7510

One of the favorite Kentuckian destinations for re-communing with the epic beauty of nature lies at Buckhorn Lake State Park in the quaint principality of Buckhorn, just minutes away from the Daniel Boone Parkway. This gorgeous natural destination rests along the northern edge of the Redbird Purchase Unit of the Daniel Boone National Forest, and typifies the kind of beauty expected of this Kentucky region.

Cumberland Falls State Park
7351 Highway 90
Corbin, KY  
606-528-4121

Cumberland Falls State Park is well-known for its gorgeous natural features, including some of the most breathtaking wooded expanses in this region of Kentucky. Enjoy the park as you amble along one of several miles of tranquil hiking trails, or simply pack a picnic and enjoy it within this beautifully landscaped expanse.

In the Southern Lakes Region

Dale Hollow Lake State Park
6371 State Park Road
Burkesville, KY  
270-433-7431

Find yourself in the middle of a beautiful expanse at Dale Hollow Lake State Park, one of Kentucky's premier natural destinations. Named for the sideburn-whiskered Civil War general Ambrose Burnside, this gorgeous park offers vacationers a quaint home base from which they may explore the cool, secluded lakes which give this Kentucky region its name.

Lake Cumberland State Park
5465 State Park Road
Jamestown, KY  
270-343-3111

Experience one of the most beautiful state parks in this region of Kentucky at Lake Cumberland State Park, one of the finer fishing and pleasure boating areas in the entire Eastern United States. This gorgeous natural destination is a well-known haven for a wide variety of wildlife, including deer, raccoons, and even wild turkey.

In the Caves, Lakes and Corvettes Region

Nolin Lake State Park
2998 Briar Creek Road
Mammoth Cave, KY  
270-286-4240

Head on down to Nolin Lake, the beautiful aquatic centerpiece of what's become known as Kentucky's newest state park. Nolin Lake State Park is a gorgeous wooded area which is well-known for its fantastic views and its spectacular water-related activities, including swimming, fishing, and pleasure boating.

Barren River Lake State Park
1149 State Park Road
Lucas, KY  
270-646-2151

This area of Kentucky is so well-known for its vast, sprawling underground cave systems - the biggest of which is Mammoth Cave. But the best thing about this region is that the natural beauty doesn't lurk exclusively underground - in fact, it can be found in abundance at Barren River Lake State Park, which we thought was mentionable for its excellent fishing and boating experiences.

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