Lake Barkley Naturalist and Recreation Blog

The high winds and cooler temperatures over the weekend may have kept many people indoors, but it didn't stop some of our northern feathered friends from returning to the lakes. Over the weekend just as the sun was getting ready to set, three Common Loons were spotted from the balcony of Window's on The Water Restaurant at Lake Barkley State Resort Park. Other winter waterfowl seen this week include Ruddy Ducks, Gadwall, Hooded Mergansers, Green-winged Teal, and Northern Shovelers. Bald Eagles are also being spotted on a regular basis around both lakes and around the lodge.


Don't forget Lake Barkley is hosting an Eagles Weekend January 27th - 29th and will include van and boat tours to view eagles. Contact mary.schmidt@ky.gov or 270-924-1131 for more information.

White-tailed deer have begun their "rut" or mating season, and numerous does and bucks have been spotted throughout the park. Males often pursue females in the early morning hours and around dusk although they can be active throughout the day. Both bucks and does can be seen running through the woods and occasionally across the roads. Please use extreme caution when driving, especially in the morning and evening hours.

Boots Randolph Golf Course located within Lake Barkley State Resort Park has released it's winter golfing rates.

November 1, 2011 through March 31, 2012

Cart Fee Weekday Weekend/Holiday
18 holes $12.75 $14.00 $19.00
9 holes $7.50 $11.00 $16.00

The “Chip Shot” golf package, which includes overnight lodging and 18 holes of golf with a golf cart, starts at $59 plus tax per person based on double occupancy. The rate is effective through March 31, 2012.

The park system’s popular, all- inclusive “Tee’s and Zzz’s” package includes lodging, breakfast and dinner, 18 holes with a golf cart, gift card, and preferred tee times. The winter rates for this package start at $89 plus tax per person based on double occupancy through March 31, 2012.

Need a night off from the kitchen? Then make your way out to Lake Barkley State Resort Park’s Windows on the Water Restaurant for one (or all) of our new daily special buffets starting November 7th, 2011.

Monday nights are meant for Italian and featured on the all-you-can-eat buffet will be Italian Sausage Ziti, Alfredo, Parmesan Encrusted Chicken, Lasagna, Minestrone, and Zeppole (Italian Doughnuts) for dessert. Tuesday nights are Dienstag Nacht (German Night) and will feature traditional German cuisine like Fuhrmannsbraten (Carter’s Roast), Wiener Schnitzel, Beschwipster Huhn (Drunken Chicken in Red Wine Sauce), and Bratwurst. German night will also feature German Streuttel for dessert. Monday and Tuesday nights buffets will be served from 4p.m. to 8p.m., and costs $16.95 for adults or $6.95 for children 12 and under. Tax and tip not included.

Wednesday nights will feature all-you-can-eat Prime Rib on the buffet plus some of Chef Hatties favorite sides. Prime Rib buffet will be served 4p.m. to 8p.m. and cost $18.95 for adults or $6.95 for children 12 and under. Tax and tip not included.

Thursday nights are reserved for YeeHaw Country Night and will feature southern classics like Chicken and Dumplings, Fried Catfish, Mac and Cheese, collard greens, cowboy soup and pie! Country Night buffet will be served 4p.m. to 8p.m. and cost $12.95 for adults or $6.95 for children 12 and under. Tax and tip not included.