Barren River Lake State Resort Park will undergo $9.5 million in renovations beginning in 2026 as part of a statewide capital improvement effort targeting Kentucky’s park system.
According to Governor Andy Beshear’s office, $6 million of the funding will be used to renovate the park’s lodge.
Planned upgrades include new finishes, flooring, bathrooms and mini refrigerators in guest rooms, along with updates to the lodge restaurant, lobby and meeting rooms. An additional $3.5 million will fund replacement of HVAC and mechanical systems, including installation of a new chiller.
All lodge rooms will close temporarily starting in February 2026. The renovated rooms are expected to reopen in fall 2026 once construction is complete.
The project is funded through legislation approved during the 2024 General Assembly.
House Joint Resolution 56 released $71 million for capital construction projects across the Kentucky State Parks system, while House Bill 6 allocated more than $66 million for additional park upgrades statewide.
State officials also announced $720,000 in new grant funding for Kentucky Trail Towns to support repairs, enhancements and promotion of recreational projects.
The upgrades at Barren River Lake come amid continued investment in Kentucky tourism infrastructure.
State data shows tourism generated $14.3 billion in economic impact in 2024 and supported more than 97,000 jobs, according to a news release. Since 2019, 33 tourism development projects totaling an estimated $1 billion in investment have received final approval statewide.
Kentucky has 44 state parks, including 17 resort parks and 13 golf courses.
Source: WBKO
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