‘It’s a 160,000-acre lake.’ This Kentucky State Park offers host of boating activities

Kenlake State Resort Park is located on the western shore of Kentucky Lake in Marshall and Calloway counties.

“It’s a 160,000-acre lake, and so it provides a host for a lot of boating recreation activities,” said Kenlake park manager Michael Duffy. “Some can be more sport related: bass fishing, crappie fishing and even a lot of bow fishing. Further on from that, you get into recreation boating, pontooning and even sailing.”

The park, which offers lodging, dining, a marina, indoor tennis courts and access to hiking and biking trails, is about four hours from Lexington.

“In terms of state parks, this is unique in the sense that there are other state parks in this region, but there aren’t a lot of places that have a state park right on this giant lake,” Duffy explained.

The lake’s tranquil setting offers a peaceful respite, he added.

“There’s something very calming about being able to just sit near the water, hear the waves lapping in like they are right now behind me and and just enjoying that quiet solitude,” Duffy said.

▪ Kenlake State Resort Park is located at 542 Kenlake Rd., Hardin, Kentucky.

This story was originally published June 6, 2024 at 7:00 AM.