Outdoor Recreation is Abundant in Kentucky’s I-71 Corridor

When living in one of our counties, the outdoor amenities are diverse and plentiful. The outdoor enthusiast has endless options, while appreciating the beautiful scenery along the way. Whether you are fishing for the biggest trout on the serene Ohio or Kentucky River, hunting, or hiking through the thick forests in the area, the resources and trails are never ending. The beautiful area boasts an amazing mixture of fish, including striped bass, muskellunge, and three species of trout. Trolling on the rivers and streams is the ideal way to spend a beautiful day. The Ohio River and lakes also extend opportunities to enjoy the many water sports and use the river marinas for your boating pleasure.

The lush, rolling fields of Kentucky and beautiful forests are an exemplary scene to discover and hunt the vast wildlife. Whether hunting on the ground or in the air, Kentucky is home to a variety of smaller game including quail, grouse, and rabbits. Migratory bird opportunities include ducks, sandhill cranes and geese.

Parks and Recreation

Seeking family fun, sports, in the great outdoors? Or looking for peaceful reflection time while taking nature hikes through the forests or along the Ohio River? The five counties that make up the I-71 Corridor, have limitless outdoor resources for energetic children, family gatherings, and tranquil walks to explore and appreciate your surroundings.

Open fields, rolling green hills, rivers, and hiking trails lead to new adventures and pathways to explore Kentucky’s I-71 Corridor. The spacious variety of parks offer campgrounds, shelter for picnicking, grilling, and fishing areas with boat launches.

Outdoor fun is found on the multitude of golf and disc courses in the area, too. The well groomed courses, with stunning nature, provide all-day fun for groups of all ability levels.

Carroll County

Parks and Fields

Team building through the many recreational sports and community activities keeps Carroll County connected. Inviting little league fields with bleachers, peaceful walking and biking trails, basketball courts, playgrounds, and paddle boats are waiting to be used, while you take in the beautiful nature all around.

General Butler State Park and Resort

The famous General Butler State Park and Resort is a favorite of locals and attracts visitors from near and far. The many outdoor activities include hiking the Butler Lake Trail, camping and enjoying the many amenities, and going on nature walks along the Ohio River Valley. Lodging options include cottages and resort rooms with breathtaking hilltop views. Visitors can also tour the Butler Turpin State Historic Site.

Point Park

The quaint park is the ideal setting on the Ohio and Kentucky rivers, ideal for a Sunday afternoon with family and friends. Get everyone together for a barbeque and a pick-up game of football. The park offers grills, a splash pad, and boat launch and dock.

Gallatin County

Gallatin County Recreation

Nestled on the banks of the serene Ohio River, Gallatin County boasts peaceful country roads, waterways, and charming communities. When visiting local towns, be sure to stop by the Neeley Family Distillery in Sparta. Located on the Kentucky Bourbon Trail, the distillery won second place at the 2019 Bourbon Festival and gold at the World Spirits Competition in San Francisco. Run by 11 generations of master moonshine distillers and bootleggers, the Neeley Family Distillery has a fascinating history and is worth visiting often.

Those who prefer to play outdoors will enjoy being surrounded by rivers that are ideal for watersports and boating.

Youth Sports

The Gallatin County Youth Sports Association provides area youth with multiple opportunities to take part in organized sports year round. Young athletes not only develop their athletic skills, but also gain experience in teamwork and sportsmanship.

Hartig Park & WildLife Reserve

Deep within over 500 acres of paddock and cavern, surrounded by nature, is Hartig Park. With walking trails, camp sites, and deer hunting land, Hartig Park has quickly become a favorite area of Gallatin County. The endless trails and waterways offer a tremendous variety of recreational activities, including horseback riding, canoeing, and kayaking.

Sugar Bay Golf Course

Sugar Bay Golf Course offers a relaxing round of golf with no tee times necessary, a friendly staff, and a well-kept course. An afternoon on the golf course with friends, followed by a delicious lunch in the clubhouse is an ideal way to pass the time for golfers of all levels!

Colt Island Resort

Colt Island Resort is the ultimate setting for a memorable summer gathering. The resort encompasses the peaceful Craig’s Creek, and is shaded with nature. A getaway to Colt Island Resort is filled with pleasure and convenience with the Island Queen Boatel, which sleeps 8, offers a full kitchen, and numerous areas to congregate. Colt Island is surrounded by clear, beautiful water for fishing and boating all day. Experience the breathtaking views while building a bonfire, setting up camp, and watching the sunset.

Henry County

Henry County Parks

The parks of Henry County attract the community, with soccer and baseball fields and playgrounds and pavilions for picnicking. Their mission statement includes developing and maintaining park facilities and offering year-round programs for residents of Henry County. One frequently visited park is Harry Hill Park, with its rolling hills, multiple play areas and 9-hole disc golf course.

Locust Grove Recreation Center boasts an updated playground that exceeds ADA standards and provides enjoyment for the entire family.

Lake Jericho Recreational Camping Area

Operated by The Little Kentucky River Watershed Conservancy District, Lake Jericho is 137 acres of outdoor fun, including boating, fishing, and camping. Picnic shelters are available with reservations for all types of large gatherings. 62 RV sites offer campers electric and water accessibility. The area provides tent sides as well.

Henry County Country Club

A hidden gem, the Henry County Country Club aims to provide an atmosphere where families can enjoy a round of golf, sit by the pool, and attend social events for a decent price. The staff takes great pride in their well-groomed greens and fairways.

Oldham County

Oldham County Recreation

Oldham County is home to so much outdoor recreation that revolves around its rolling hills and lush green landscapes. Oldham is the Farm Tour Capital of Kentucky with 13 hands-on educational farm tours April - October, The Maples Park, Yew Dell Botanical Gardens, Creasey Mahan Nature Preserve, and Morgan Conservation Park.

You don’t want to miss Kentucky’s newest drive-in movie theater, Sauerbeck Family Drive-In, located in Oldham County, as well as Falling Rock Park at the La Grange Quarry. When the weather is nice, you will want to make time for Oldham’s hiking & walking trails and some of the best golf (and disc golf!) in the region.

Oldham County has a fantastic parks and recreation department that includes a 50-acre soccer park that hosts over 700 families regularly playing the sport. When it comes to baseball, Oldham County is home to serious Little League contenders. In fact, the North Oldham Little League recently went to the Little League World Series. They play in LaGrange’s North Walsh Park, with the South Oldham Little League playing in Peggy Baker Park.

Additional recreation information for Oldham County can be found on the Oldham County Tourism & Conventions website.

Wendell Moore Park

Located on 107 acres of sprawling land is Wendell Moore Park, a park that residents visit again and again for its many amenities. The park is host to the Oldham County Youth Football program and Boy Scout Orienteering Course. Unique park amenities include an archery range, 18-hole disc golf course, the Elizabeth Cleland Cauley Dog park, fishing area, and more than two miles of paved walking trails. The park truly offers something for everyone!

Schamback Park at Westport

The spacious park is located along the Ohio River, with boat ramps and fishing docks, a playground, and shelters for picnicking with friends and family. Bring your basketball for a friendly game of basketball on one of the courts and enjoy a visit to Knock on Wood Country Mercantile.

John W. Black Aquatic Center

The John W. Black Aquatic Center is conveniently located within the Wendell Moore Park complex. The center is open seven days a week for swimming lessons, water exercise classes, and pool rentals. Oldham County’s own Piranhas Swim Team can be found at the center practicing also.

Owen County

Owen County Recreation

Owen County offers picturesque opportunities to enjoy nature. Just an hour away from Lexington and Louisville, you will find rolling hills leading to Elk Creek Vineyards. Enjoy a glass of wine from Elk Creek Vineyards while learning about the winemaking process and admiring the beautiful scenery. Elk Lake Shores provides a beach for lounging on a lake that’s perfect for swimming, fishing and boating. Perry Park Golf Resort is also a popular destination. The 27-hole championship course is a popular destination for weddings, events and weekend getaways.

Owen County Park and Fairgrounds

Owen County Park and Fairgrounds hosts seasonal youth sports for all ages, including softball, cheer, baseball, gymnastics, and football. The park features a 4-miles walking track, tennis and basketball courts, pavilion, playground, and skate park. The annual Owen County Fair is held here in late June, with carnival games and rides, exhibits, demolition derbies, livestock shows, and a Family Fun Night.

Elmer Davis Lake

The clear blue waters of Elmer Davis Lake, the 149-acre reservoir in Owen County, welcomes visitors to go boating, hike, and kayak. The area was fashioned by the Kentucky Department of Fish and WIldlife Resources.

Fairway Golf Course

Owen County is home to Fairway Golf Course, an 18-hole course that provides awe-inspiring views and golfing for all skill levels. Make a tee time to play this beautiful, well-groomed course, whether you choose to walk or ride. Memberships are extended to individuals, families, and junior-aged members.