Lake Barkley State Resort Park - Outdoor Pool & Lodge
Officials with Kentucky State Parks announced Monday afternoon it is building upon the “New Kentucky Home” Initiative — bringing Lake Barkley State Resort Park in Trigg County along the way.
In order to enhance the visitor experience, the main lodge and pool will reportedly undergo $17 million in renovations. As such, both will be temporarily closed beginning September 2, 2025.
Governor Andy Beshear has already signed the legislation necessary to fund these upgrades, which were approved alongside other state park improvements in the 2024 legislative session.
Other renovations in this project include essential structural repairs, a new roof, safety upgrades and updates to walkway canopies. There will also be new pool upgrades and a sun terrace overlooking the lakefront.
During this renovation period, officials affirmed that lodging in the cabins, cottages and the Little River Lodge will still be available.
All other facilities will remain open, including the Windows on the Water restaurant, beach, campgrounds, golf course, marina, hiking trails and the convention center.
In a written statement, Parks Commissioner Russ Meyer said the renovations to Lake Barkley State Resort Park are a “testament” to the state’s commitment to preserving the “natural beauty and recreational opportunities” the state parks offer Kentuckians, and visitors, alike.
Additional future improvement projects planned for Lake Barkley State Resort Park include fitness center upgrades, a beach refurbishment and golf course repairs.
According to The Lane Report, Beshear specifically signed House Joint Resolution 56 and House Bill 6, respectively releasing $71 million for capital construction projects like accommodation improvements and recreational amenity enhancements, and another $66 million for upgrades to various state parks.
Among its popularity as a lake and dining destination, Lake Barkley State Resort Park has also weathered several storms in the last half decade — serving as main triage and quarantine during the early stages of the COVID-19 pandemic, before later answering the call as a place of shelter for December 2021 tornado victims.
And less than two weeks prior to the Quad State Tornado, Lake Barkley State Resort Park experienced a serious fire — one that resulted in damage to part of the building and several guest rooms being extensively damaged.
Within the last month, Beshear and others also announced that Lake Barkley State Resort Park would be one of 20 locations selling 100th Anniversary State Parks Craft Beer cured by the Louisville-based Against the Grain brewery.
Five percent of all sales from the special light lager will go toward future improvements to the Kentucky State Parks system — including Lake Barkley State Resort Park.
