General Butler State Resort Park
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- Hike the Butler Lake Trail to explore CCC structures and native aquatic wildlife.
- View the Overlook at sunset to see the confluence of Ky and Oh rivers.
- Overnight in a cottage, lodge room, or campsite.
- Tour the Butler Turpin State Historic House.
- Get involved in a Naturalist Program.
Biking
Mountain biking is available on our Fossil Trail. It's a 4.5-mile loop trail and is open from April - November. Riders must wear helmets, and anyone under 16 years of age must have an adult rider at all times. The trail is rated for the skilled rider.
Birding
Birds commonly calling General Butler in the fall to winter include Canada goose, Mallard, Wood Duck, Great Blue Heron, wild turkeys, Dark-eyed Junco, White-throated Sparrow, Yellow-rumped Warbler, and Wild Turkey. Birds tending to stay in the park year-round include the Turkey Vulture, Cooper's hawk, various owls, woodpeckers, Wild Turkey, American Goldfinch, American Red-Winged Blackbird, and the Eastern Bluebird. Birds of Sound: American Black Crow, Blue Jays, Rock Dove, and Mourning Dove, Purple Martin, American Robin, Northern Mockingbird, sparrows, wrens, and American Goldfinch. Those sunniest of small birds seen in spring to summer include Ruby-throated Hummingbird, Whip-poor-will, and Tufted Titmouse.
Boating
The lake is open year-round for non-motorized personal boats. The Boat Dock is open in late Spring through the end of October on weekends and holidays for the rental of canoes, kayaks, or pedal boats.
Canoeing/Kayaking
Enjoy a day on the lake at General Butler. Rental canoes and single and double capacity kayaks are available when the boat dock is open. The Boat Dock is open in late Spring through the end of October on weekends and holidays. Personal non-motorized boats may be launched year-round beside the fishing pier off Hwy 227.
Fishing
Bass, crappie, bluegill, and catfish have been restocked in the 30-acre Butler Lake. Fishing is permitted from the lake shore and from personal non-motorized boats year-round. A Kentucky Fishing License is required. Click here to purchase a license online at KY Dept. of Fish and Wildlife Resources. Don't have a fishing pole? No problem! Ask at the park about their fishing loaner program where you can check out FREE equipment.
Games
The Lodge Front Desk has a variety of board and card games for you to borrow.
Gift Shop
The gift shop is located in the lodge lobby with lots of Kentucky hand crafts, foods, and much more to choose from.
Hiking
The eight hiking trails range from a quarter-mile to four-and-one-half miles. Trail maps are available at the Butler Lodge. Dogs are allowed on trails as long as they are leashed.
Miniature Golf
Enjoy a game of miniature golf on our recently renovated course that overlooks the beautiful lake at General Butler. Year-round, during daylight hours, guests may rent equipment from the Lodge Front Desk with an ID held until the equipment is returned. On the weekends in the summer months, staff will be at the course for rental. The cost is $5 for ages 13 or older, $3 for ages 6-12, and free for ages 5 and under.
Museum
The Butler-Turpin Home is located at the rear entrance to the park. The house museum embodies life at the confluence of the Kentucky and Ohio Rivers along with the military contributions of the Butler family. Built in the Greek revival style, the house is a three-bay two-story structure with a commanding view of the Kentucky River Valley. The personal effects of military documents, furniture, and objects bring to life a family steeped in military history.
Pedal Boating
Enjoy a day on the lake at General Butler. Rental pedal boats are available when the boat dock is open. Pedal Boats seat 4. The Boat Dock is open in late Spring through the end of October on weekends and holidays.
Playgrounds
Playgrounds are located at the front entrance and the west entrance for public use. There is also a playground inside the campground and another near the cottages.
Picnicking
Picnic areas are located throughout the park. There are 3 shelters which can be reserved in advance or used on a first-come, first-served basis. There are multiple picnic tables throughout the park - located at the front entrance, around the lake, at the overlook, and around the playground at the west entrance.
Shelters
There are three shelters across the park that can be rented. The Stone Shelter sits overlooking the lake near the front entrance of the park. The Lake Shelter is located beside the Lake and behind the mini-golf course. The Butler Shelter is located near the west entrance of the park close to the Butler-Turpin Historic Home. Shelter rental guidelines are located under the tab Maps, Menus, More and can be reserved by calling (502) 732-4384.
Tennis
Three courts at the back entrance and one court near the lodge. Racquets can be checked out by overnight guests.
