Media

Commissioner

Russ Meyer

Deputy Commissioner

William H. Adams II

Assistant to the Commissioner
Deborah Cobb

Information Officer
Danielle Jones

Department Directors

Rob Richards

Director

Financial Operations

Thomas Brown
Director
Food Services

Shawn Estep (Acting)
Director
Human Resources

LaDonna Miller
Director
Marketing & Sales

Kevin Main
Director
Golf/Guest Services

Michael Vito
Director
Resort Parks

Christy Combs
Assistant Director
Rec. Parks & Historical Sites

Vacant
Director
Interpretation & Programs

Ron Vanover
Director
Rec. Parks & Historical Sites

Col. Jeremy Slinker
Director
Rangers

John Walton (acting)

Director

Facilities Management

Andrew Kasitz
Assistant Director
Resort Parks

Mailing Address

Kentucky Department of Parks

500 Mero Street-5th Floor
Frankfort, KY 40601

The latest on Coronavirus

Kentucky State Parks are open.

For the latest on the Coronavirus in Kentucky and steps being taken at Kentucky State Parks, visit here.

Drone and Commercial Photography Forms

Below are permit applications for using a drone at a Kentucky State Park and for commercial photography. Completed forms should go to the park manager. (Please note: Some Kentucky State Parks are on property controlled by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. At this time, the corps also must approve drone use and that process is separate from the state park permit process. Please plan in advance.)

Commercial Photography:

CLICK HERE

Drone Application:

CLICK HERE

Open Records Requests

To receive records maintained by and in the custody of the Kentucky Tourism, Arts and Heritage Cabinet (TAHC), Department of Parks, please submit your request in writing, identifying the specific records sought. Please be sure to provide your name, address, and daytime telephone number in the event we need to contact you. All requests for records must be signed by the requestor.

Click here to download the Open Records Request form.
You may send your request by mail, fax or email to:

General Counsel
Tourism, Arts, and Heritage Cabinet
Office of Legal Affairs
500 Mero Street, Fifth Floor
Frankfort, Kentucky 40601
Phone: (502) 564-4270
Fax: (502) 564-1079
Email: [email protected]

TAHC has three (3) business days from the date of receipt to respond to an open records request. If the documents requested are not available for release within three (3) days, a response will be provided informing the requestor of the approximate date on which the requested documents will be available for inspection.

Latest News

Role of Local Physician in Battle Aftermath Presented at Perryville Battlefield State Historic Site

First Program is Jan. 25

Eagle Watch Weekends Offered at Three Parks in January and February

Offered at Lake Barkley, Kenlake and Kentucky Dam Village state parks

Section of Lake Cumberland Lodge Closed After Fire; Most of Lodge Remains Open

No injuries reported

Media advisory: Department of Parks Central Offices Move To New Location

Located in Mayo-Underwood Building

Cave Tours, Hiking, Climbing Among Experiences at Winter Adventure Weekend Jan. 23-26 at Carter Caves State Park

Event in its 11th year

Bryan Bush Named Park Manager at Perryville Battlefield

Has authored books on Civil War, active in history organizations

18th Century Christmas at Fort Boonesborough Dec. 6-7

Learn about frontier customs and traditions

Kenlake State Resort Park To Receive $560,000 in Improvements Under “Restoring the Finest”

Part of effort to make repairs and safety upgrades at parks

Lake Barkley State Resort Park To Receive $6 Million in Improvements Under “Restoring the Finest”

Plans call for wastewater treatment, roof and safety upgrades

Kentucky State Parks Serving Thanksgiving Day Buffet

16 Resort Parks Serving 10,000 Guests

Black Friday Sale For Kentucky State Park Golf Passes Nov. 29-Dec. 1

Passes for single courses offered for 2020

Perryville Commemoration Will Be Scaled Back Due to Dry Weather Conditions

No Camping, Military Demonstrations or Food

Salt Festival Set at Big Bone Lick State Historic Site

37th Annual Event Scheduled for Oct. 18-20 in Boone County

Civil War Days Weekend at Columbus-Belmont State Park is Oct. 11-13

Battle re-enactments, soldier camps, ghost walk and more planned

Annual Siege of Boonesborough Weekend Set For Sept. 28-29

Learn about 18th century life at Fort Boonesborough

6th Annual Waveland Art Fair Scheduled for Sept. 7-8

Arts, Music, Food, Kids Games and More

Hands on History for Kids Planned Sept. 7-8 at Fort Boonesborough State Park

Learn about life in the 18th century

Archaeology Day Features Family Fun Activities at Wickliffe Mounds Sept. 21

Part of Archaeology Month

Seven Kentucky State Parks Recognized in “Best in Kentucky” Awards from Kentucky Living

My Old Kentucky Home Awarded First Place for Historic Site

Fraley Mountain Music Gatherin’ Set For Sept. 4-7 at Carter Caves

Musical instruments tell stories about traditions in Eastern Kentucky

Wilderness Advanced First Aid Course Offered at Natural Bridge State Resort Park Dec. 2-6

Recommended for guides, outdoor groups, emergency medical personnel

New Manager Named At Fort Boonesborough State Park

Parks veteran Jack Winburn is new manager

Kentucky State Parks Will Be at 2019 Kentucky State Fair

See Frontier Life at Carter Caves State Resort Park’s Pioneer Life Week July 22-29

Learn about life in late 18th and early 19th centuries

Greenup County Music Festival Set For July 13 at Greenbo Lake

Free Event Starts at 5 p.m.

New Park Managers Named at Buckhorn Lake, Mineral Mound

Chris Fugate, Chris Cary Named to Manager Positions

“Writers in the Park” Set for June 15 at Old Mulkey Meetinghouse State Historic Site

Authors To Discuss, Sign Books at Free Event

Joni House Honored by American Battlefield Trust For Preservation Work

Kentucky State Parks Also Recognized for Preservation Support

“A Gathering of Descendants” at Fort Boonesborough State Park Set For June 15

Free with fort admission

Most Pools and Beaches Opening Memorial Day Weekend at Kentucky State Parks

Lodge pools, community pools and beaches available this summer

Adventure Race Series Kicks Off June 29 at Dale Hollow Lake

Races Also Planned at Yatesville Lake and Natural Bridge

Fly Fishing Weekends Offered by Kentucky State Parks at Six Locations

First Weekend is May 18-19 at Barren River Lake

Lewis & Clark Exploration Series Offered at Big Bone Lick State Historic Site

Starts May 25 at Northern Kentucky Park

Nine Kentucky Schools Receive Transportation Grants Through Kentucky State Parks Foundation

Program Helps Send Students to Kentucky State Parks

Kentucky Resident Rate Offered at Kentucky State Parks

Up to 10 percent discounts available at 17 resort parks

Easter Buffet Set For 15 Kentucky State Park Resort Parks Set For April 21

Egg Hunts For Kids Planned

Wickliffe Mounds to Present a Nature Fair on April 27

Free demonstrations and activities planned

Carlet Hagan Named New Park Manager at Nolin Lake State Park

Vine Grove Native Has Pro Fishing Background

Special Rates Offered At Kentucky State Parks Following Storm Damage

Available at Kentucky Dam Village, Lake Barkley and Kenlake

Tygarts Creek Paddling Trips Offered in April and May by Carter Caves State Resort Park

Six Dates Available

Donnie Caldwell Honored as Kentucky PGA Professional of the Year

Has worked at Pine Mountain State Resort Park Since 2001

Dead Trees Being Cut Down at Lake Cumberland State Resort Park

Ash Trees Infected by Emerald Ash Borer

Price Named Park Manager at E.P. “Tom” Sawyer State Park

Has Worked at Park Since 2011

Public Hearing Set Feb. 27 For Grant at Carter Caves State Resort Park Campground Upgrades

Held under Land and Water Conservation Fund Act

Public Hearing Set Feb. 25 For Grant for Blue Licks Battlefield State Resort Park Campground Upgrades

Part of Land and Water Conservation Fund Act

Bids Accepted for Four Bison at Big Bone Lick State Historic Site

Deadline for bids is Feb. 18

Cumberland Falls State Resort Park Remains Open During Temporary Restaurant Closure for Repairs

Park to open Moonbow Café across from Gift Shop until Riverview Restaurant reopens in Spring 2019

Fireside Chats During February at Fort Boonesborough

4-Week Series Features Kentucky Historical Figures

Salt Festival Set for October 19-21 at Big Bone Lick State Historic Site

Festival features live demonstrations of pioneer life and frontier skills.

Civil War Days Weekend at Columbus-Belmont State Park is Oct. 12-14

Weekend includes battle re-enactments, museum tours, soldier camps

Commemoration of Battle of Perryville Set for October 6-7

School of the Soldier featured this year

Siege of Boonesborough Re-enactment Set for Sept. 22-23

Battle re-enactments both days

Archaeology Day Features Family Fun Activities at Wickliffe Mounds Sept. 22

Part of Kentucky Archaeology Month

Six Kentucky State Parks Recognized With Kentucky Living “Best in Kentucky” Awards

Announced at 2018 Kentucky State Fair

Folk artists to be featured at fifth renewal of Waveland Art Fair Sept. 8-9 in Lexington

Food, local brews, talented artists return for fair

Spears Chosen as Park Manager At General Butler State Resort Park

Background Includes Tennessee State Parks

Fraley Mountain Music Gatherin’ Sept. 5-8 at Carter Caves

Folk, old-time, western, western swing, early country, and others are played

Two Kentucky State Park Golf Courses Closing Temporarily For Green Repairs

Pennyrile Forest, Mineral Mound Courses To Close

Pioneer Life Week at Carter Caves State Resort Park July 23-29

Step Back in Time at Pioneer Encampment

Lake Cumberland Cottage Offer in July

50 percent off Sunday-Thursday

September Two-For-One Camping Deal Offered at Kentucky State Park Campgrounds

Good Weekdays Sunday-Thursday

Fish Moved From Lake at Big Bone Lick State Historic Site

Lake Being Drained Due to Leak

Precautionary Measures Taken at Big Bone Lick State Historic Site Due to Leaking Dam

Lake Level Being Lowered

Lake at Big Bone Lick State Historic Site Being Lowered Due to Dam Leak

Officials Monitoring Lake

Scott Shupe and His “World of Reptiles” At Kentucky State Parks

Visiting Several Parks In July

Learn About Kentucky's Hemp History

Events at White Hall and Waveland historic sites

Hands On History at Wickliffe Mounds State Historic Site

On Saturdays During Summer

Honoring A Family Tradition: Old Mulkey Celebration of Quilts

Quilt Event is June 8-10

Link to the Past at Fort Boonesborough

June 23 event offers information about ancestors

Help Wanted: Kids as Citizen-Scientists!

June 9 event held at state parks across the state

Peruse Lakeside Festival Featuring Kentucky Artists

Arts and Crafts Festival Set For May 26-27

Kentucky Emerges as a Culinary Destination

The New Kentucky State Parks Culinary Trail and nine regional signature meals

Make a Mother’s Day Memory at Kentucky State Parks

Buffet on May 13

New Park Manager at Green River Lake State Park

Corbin Native Wes Lanham Named

Guests Can “Zip and Drop” at Carter Caves State Resort Park on May 5

Rush Weekend...Adrenaline Required

Snakes Alive! It’s the World of Reptiles at Wickliffe Mounds April 28

Enjoy a hike while you visit

Ladies Spring Tea Set For May 12 at the John James Audubon State Park Museum

Chautauqua Program Also Offered

Spring Wildflower Events Scheduled at Kentucky State Parks

Hikes During April and May

Owl Prowl Weekend April 20-21 at Lake Barkley State Resort Park

Van tours, owl programs included

Kentucky State Parks Offer Spring Weekday Golf Discount

Good Through May 24, 2018

Tygarts Creek Paddling Trips Offered by Carter Caves State Resort Park

Six Trips in April and May

Goose Creek 5K Set For April 14 at E.P. “Tom” Sawyer State Park

Online registration lasts through April 11

New Food Services Schedule Starts at Kenlake State Resort Park

Inclusive breakfast offered

Carter Caves State Resort Park to Host Eastern Mining Collectors Show on April 7

Mining history, antiques at free show

Chickasaw Dancers at Wickliffe Mounds April 7

Other demonstrations of Chickasaw life will be offered

Watch March Basketball at a Kentucky State Park

Lounges Include TV sets

St. Patrick’s Day Events Planned at John James Audubon State Park

Other Parks Planning St. Patrick's Day Events

Kentucky State Park Easter Buffet Set For April 1

Menu Features Country Ham, Beef Carved on the Line and More

Greenbo Lake Campground Upgraded as Kentucky State Park Campgrounds Prepare to Open March 15

Special Camping Deals Offered in April

John James Audubon State Park Campground Will Be Closed During 2018 For Construction

Nearby Dam Being Reinforced

Free Fishing Workshop For Educators Planned April 7 at Kentucky Dam Village State Resort Park

Offered by Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources

E.P. ‘Tom’ Sawyer State Park Hosting 26th Annual Irish Classic 10K on March 17

Race starts at 9 a.m.

My Old Kentucky Home State Park Celebrates Federal Hill’s 200th Year

New Culinary Tours and Additions to Collection

New Park Managers Named at Four Kentucky State Parks

Includes Cumberland Falls, Jefferson Davis, Taylorsville Lake and Perryville Battlefield parks

Bids Being Accepted on Six Bison at Big Bone Lick State Historic Site

Deadline is Feb. 19

Jenny Wiley State Resort Park Amphitheater Temporarily Closed for Safety

Electrical and structural repairs needed

Valentine’s Weekends Available at Kentucky State Parks

Packages include overnight stays, meals and entertainment

Kentucky Dam Village Offering Guided Eagle Tours to Groups

Ideal For Church, Youth, Senior Citizen Groups

Kentucky Hills, Woods and Waters Weekend Jan. 19-21 at Cumberland Falls

Activities Are Free