Red bud trees in Kentucky State Parks
State park lodges mix in outdoors much to do with down-home dining and restful slumber. With spring flowers making their appearance and spring discounts sweetening deals, a state park stay is an excellent option. Indiana, Kentucky and Ohio’s state parks all have spring lodging discounts worth checking out. Here’s the scoop on where to head.
I’ve headed to Natural Bridge, Jenny Wiley and Buckhorn Lake State Parks in Kentucky on different spring breaks, and Ohio and Indiana State Parks on other occasions.
Natural Bridge, Jenny Wiley and Buckhorn Lake State Parks are in the Appalachian mountains, but each has its own flavor. The deals are the same. Residents of West Virginia and Ohio catch a break with a regional rate deal through March. Residents of Kentucky get an even better rate. Check out the Kentucky State Parks website for park locations. Deals appear as you check availability.
At Natural Bridge State Park Resort, Slade, Kentucky, the signature piece is the sandstone arch that spans 78 feet in length and 65 feet in height. Head to the top by foot or take the sky lift. (Opens April 1). There are 10 hiking trails from 1/2 mile to 7 1/2 miles for hours of exploring this section of the Daniel Boone National Forest in Red River Gorge.
Newly renovated king bed room at Natural Bridge State Park Resort
The 35 guest rooms of the resort’s Hemlock Lodge offer views of Mill Creek Lake. Each of the one king to two queen bed guest rooms has a private balcony and flat screen TV. The king bed rooms have been recently recently renovated. In addition to the lodge, there are two and one bedroom cottages. One bedroom cottages have a screened in porch. The two bedroom cottages have a fireplace. All cottages have fully equipped kitchens with cookware and utensils. Room rates start at $139
The resort’s Sandstone Arches Restaurant opens for the season on March 17. Try the Kentucky Hot Brown, a slice of Derby Pie and the Kentucky Bourbon Barrel Ale.
Jenny Wiley State Park Resort, Prestonsburg, Kentucky offers the 49 guest room May Lodge that overlooks Dewey Lake, as well as, 18 cottages. Happily, since the last time I was here, May Lodge’s main building has reopened after a kitchen fire closed it for awhile.
Sculpture moose with May Lodge in the background
The main lodge building is where you’ll find the newly renovated Dewey’s Lounge, the Music Highway Grill and the reception area. I’m so pleased this main section of the lodge is back in business.
Catfish and country ham are menu specialties to enjoy while bird watching through the expansive windows. After a meal, ten hiking trails and a 3-mile biking loop offer hours of exploring.
Jenny Wiley State Park cabin
Buckhorn Lake State Park Resort, near Hazard, Kentucky has a 1,200 acre lake and two short interpretive trails.
Buckhorn Lake State Park
The lodge has 36 guest rooms. Three 3 bedroom cottages and two 2 bedroom cottages are also available. Like Jenny Wiley and Natural Bridge State Park resorts, the food served at lodge’s Bowlingtown Country Kitchen restaurant serves menu items made with Kentucky proud ingredients.
All three resorts have a wealth of seasonal activities from birding to swimming, miniature golf, fishing, boating and more.
Expansive windows of the lodge overlook the pool and views of Salt Fork State Park.
In Ohio, several state park resorts are part of spring break deals
At. Salt Fork State Park Resort near Cambridge, through March 31 if you book by March 18, there is a 30% off discount for a room in the lodge. Book a cabin for 50% off through April 30th. Cabins are furnished with all you need for a fun-filled experience.
Salt Fork Pretzel
Salt Fork Lodge has 148 guest rooms, an indoor pool, game room, fitness center and more. The Timbers Restaurant serves up an American-style menu of burgers, pork chops, pasta more. The Salt Fork Pretzel is an excellent dessert choice. Head to Wildlife Lounge for libations.
Another lodging deal at Ohio Parks gives discounts for every “A” on a report card. Each “A” up to five “As” will discount a room cost by $10. Kids just need to bring their report card to show off their academic prowess.
As with Kentucky State Parks, Ohio State Park resorts have a wealth of things to do for all ages.
Indiana State Park Lodging Deals
The Abe Martin Lodge in Brown County State Park near Nashville, Indiana is one of Indiana’s state park gems. Built in 1932, Abe Martin Lodge has 84 two queen bed and king bed rooms with rustic, homey details. Willow detailed furniture are among the hotel’s charms. If you go, enjoy the hearty country breakfast. Through May 21, stay for two or more nights for a 25% off discount.
Rustic upscale furniture at Abe Martin Lodge
Check out the Indiana State Park website for links to the Indiana’s other park lodges. Between Kentucky, Ohio and Indiana’s state park resorts, there is a bounty of options for a family-friendly getaway. Pets are also welcome at most.
Depending on the park, rates run from around $95 to $125 for a standard room to $185 for a cabin.
Post courtesy of Jamie Rhein. Photos courtesy of Jamie Rhein or the hotels.
