Carrollton – General Butler State Resort Park
Any good Kentucky politician knows you never turn down an invite to a barbecue. Speaking on the stump next to a smoking pit is a hardened tradition in the Commonwealth. If you are running for office, or hope to stay in office, you show up and eat.
Gov. Flem Sampson knew this. The astute Valparaiso-trained lawyer from Eastern Kentucky had risen through the ranks in Kentucky politics and been to his share of big-time barbecues. No doubt one of the biggest was held 90 years ago this August, in the Ohio River border city of Carrollton for the dedication of Northern Kentucky’s first state park.
Butler Memorial State Park
An estimated 3,000 people showed up at the former homestead of the family of Mexican-American War hero Gen. William Orlando Butler to hear Sampson and enjoy some barbecue (“some” meaning 35 sheep, two “beeves” — presumably cattle — and 300 gallons of the Kentucky meat and veggie stew called burgoo.) It was one heck of a celebration.
And for good reason. Kentucky had worked hard to amass enough money to buy the 300-acre tract that included the old Butler farm and surrounding woodlands. The dedication was to mark the land’s new life as Butler Memorial State Park. Additions of a fishing lake, lodging, and an impressive stone observation deck overlooking the spot below where the Kentucky River meets the Ohio River would follow, making the park a hit with tourists.
To say not much has changed at the park would be disingenuous. Much has changed here, including the park’s name. That became General Butler State Resort Park decades ago. But these changes are superficial. Nature has always been the top draw here.
General Butler State Resort Park
This is a beautifully forested park. Deer sprint past park visitors through shaded wildflowers and woody plants that line park trails. Native grasses feed life among old hardwood trees. Boulders stacked heavy in a grove welcome guests to the river overlook, built by the Civilian Conservation Corps in the early 1930s.
The Overlook
The nearly 90-year-old stone overlook of the Kentucky and Ohio rivers is located at the highest point in Carroll County. Massive mortar seams between the boulders laid by young men of the Civilian Conservation Corps’ “Camp Butler” in 1933-34 still hold the structure in place today. There is a small parking area next to the overlook, but the more adventurous can hike a trail.
Hiking Trails
Six trails are found here, ranging from the 0.25-mile Boy Scout Trail to a 4.5-mile Fossil Trail that doubles as a mountain biking path. My faves on a recent visit were the 1.5-mile Woodland Trail easily accessed from the lodge and the 1.6-mile Butler Lake Trail. Both are shaded, well-maintained, and give visitors a sample of the park’s wildflowers and trees that include beech and hickory.
The park also has plenty of fishing, paddling and pedal boating, tennis, swimming, camping, and cozy lodging in both the park’s stone and wood cottages and at the Butler Lodge.
Butler Lodge
The 1961 lodge has fab floor-to-cantilevered ceiling windows that bring the green river valley into view. It is a pretty chill place to soak in mid-20th century rusticity while watching for the many unusual birds spotted here. Guests might see a Ruby-throated Hummingbird, Eastern Bluebird, Wood Duck, and more than a few owls and woodpeckers, plus any number of other species that call the park home.
When it’s time to eat, the lodge has you covered at the Two Rivers Restaurant. Hours of operation may vary as Kentucky – like every other state – recovers from the pandemic, but traditional state park menu offerings never disappoint. “The Nation’s Finest” fried catfish and Kentucky Hot Brown are always worth the wait.
Butler-Turpin State Historic House
You can also tour the Butler-Turpin State Historic House, an 1859 mansion that belonged to members of the Butler family. Visitors can explore the life and military achievements of the family including the park’s namesake, Gen. William O. Butler.
A previously lost portrait of the General hangs in the house to commemorate his life, including his run for Vice President on the Democratic ticket in 1848 (spoiler: the Whigs won). Tours of the house can be scheduled by calling the park’s Guest Services at 502-732-4384 or by emailing butlerturpintours@gmail.com.
Side Trips
Guests with extra time to explore may want to cross the Ohio River to Madison, IN for some unique shopping and dining. The regional travel destination is known for its historic district, breweries, art, and antiques. Visitors should also check out Point Park in Carrollton. It has a river walk, splash park, volleyball and skate parks, plus special events throughout the year.
Book It
So, are you ready to find out what past visitors to General Butler State Resort Park in Carrollton already know? Why not plan a trip there this year? Park staff can help you book a room or cottage, or find a great campsite. Who knows – this might be your year to host the epic shindig that will have folks talking for another 90 years!
Want to know more? Visit the General Butler State Resort Park page here.
