Located on the mid-western shore of Kentucky Lake, Kenlake is the perfect destination for water activities and outdoor recreation. The park features a lodge, charming cottages, campgrounds, and a full-service marina, as well as an indoor tennis center for year-round enjoyment.
Things to do
Top Five Things to Do at Kenlake State Resort Park
- Rent a Pontoon or Jet Ski on Kentucky Lake – Explore the scenic beauty of Kentucky Lake by water.
- Walk or Bike the Eggners’ Ferry Bridge – Experience stunning views while crossing this iconic bridge.
- Play Indoor Tennis – Enjoy year-round tennis at the park’s indoor facility.
- Watch a Sunrise or Fall Foliage from the Amphitheater – Take in the breathtaking views from the lakeside amphitheater.
- Stay Overnight in the Lodge, Cottage, or Campground – Relax and unwind with a stay in a cozy lodge room, charming cottage, or peaceful campsite.
Birding
Kenlake offers exceptional birdwatching opportunities. Look out the dining room windows to spot various backyard bird species feeding at the feeders. In the cottage area, you might see red-headed woodpeckers and their relatives. The park is home to two Bluebird trails and several hiking paths, and the lakeshore is perfect for spotting herons, egrets, waterfowl, and gulls. Over 150 bird species can be found in the Kenlake area.
Boating
Nothing beats a day on Kentucky Lake! Kenlake Marina offers boat rentals, covered slips, transient slips, and the best breakfast in the area. With 16 open slips, 169 covered slips, and 890 feet of transient dockage for boats up to 100 feet, the marina has everything you need. It also features a launching ramp, a store offering gas and diesel, and a restaurant serving breakfast and lunch.
Fishing
Kentucky Lake is a fisherman’s paradise. Enjoy endless opportunities to catch largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, white bass, Kentucky bass, bluegill, channel catfish, crappie, and sauger. A Kentucky fishing license is required—available for purchase online through the Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources. Don’t have your own fishing gear? No problem! The park offers a fishing loaner program, where you can borrow equipment for free.
Gift Shop
Browse the park’s gift shop, which features a wide selection of Kentucky handcrafts, local souvenirs, and unique finds. The shop is open year-round, so be sure to stop by and take a piece of Kenlake home with you.
Hiking
Kenlake offers scenic nature trails through wooded landscapes, perfect for hiking. You can enjoy shorter hikes or combine trails for a longer adventure. Trail options include the 0.7-mile Cherokee Trail, the 1-mile Chickasaw Trail, and the 2-mile Coach Lester G. Mimms Trail.
Historic Cherokee State Park
Cherokee State Park, which operated from 1951 to 1963, was Kentucky’s only state park developed specifically for African Americans. The park originally featured a beach, rental cottages, a dining hall, and picnic areas. In 1963, following the desegregation of public facilities, Cherokee State Park merged with what is now Kenlake State Resort Park. Today, the renovated dining hall is available for rentals, perfect for weddings, reunions, parties, and company picnics.
Outdoor Theater
Enjoy concerts at Kenlake’s lakeside amphitheater, hosting events such as the popular Hot August Blues Festival. The amphitheater is a great spot for both boaters and land lovers to enjoy live music and lakeside views.
Picnicking
Kenlake has plenty of picnic areas and playgrounds throughout the park, including near the campgrounds and cottages. Two shelters near the tennis courts are available for rental, making it an ideal location for gatherings.
Playgrounds
The park features playgrounds in both the camping and cottage areas, providing a fun spot for kids to play.
Swimming
Cool off on a warm day with a swim in the seasonal pool located behind the lodge. Note that there is no designated swimming area in the lake.
Tennis
Tennis is a year-round activity at Kenlake! The indoor tennis center features four courts, locker room facilities, and a lounge/viewing area. There are also four lighted outdoor courts available. The indoor tennis center is open from November 1 to April 1. Outside of these dates, two indoor courts can be reserved by appointment. Lodge guests receive discounted rates of $16 per hour, while the public pays $25 per hour. Call 270-474-2211 for court availability or to make a reservation.
Lodging & Camping
At Kenlake Lodge, gracious hospitality is a tradition. Overlooking the beautiful Kentucky Lake, this 48-room hotel is the perfect getaway for the whole family. Rooms are available for check-in by late afternoon, and check-out is by 11 a.m. local time. In addition to the lodge, Kenlake offers 34 cottages, each equipped with a fully furnished kitchen. Cottage check-out is at 10:00 a.m.
For the 2024 season, Kenlake’s campground will only accommodate self-contained units. The bathhouse will be closed for renovations, and tent camping will not be permitted unless accompanied by a self-contained unit on the same campsite.
Dining
Aurora Landing Restaurant
Dine with a view at Aurora Landing, where you can enjoy stunning lakeside scenery while savoring delicious meals. As a proud supporter of the Kentucky Proud program, we feature locally sourced meats and produce whenever possible. The restaurant is open daily from 6 a.m. to 11 a.m. for breakfast, and Wednesday through Saturday from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. for lunch and dinner.
Meetings/Groups
Kenlake State Resort Park is the ideal location to host your event while enjoying the beauty of the great outdoors.
- 270-474-2211
- karie.mcgee@ky.gov
- 542 Kenlake Rd., Hardin, KY 42048