Barren River Lake State Resort Park to receive $9.5 in upgrades to promote tourism

BARREN COUNTY, Ky. – During Thursday’s Team Kentucky update, Gov. Andy Beshear announced a multi-million dollar project expected in Barren County.

According to Beshear, Barren River Lake State Resort Park will receive $9.5 million in upgrades to boost the visitor experience and draw in new travelers.

The Kentucky Tourism, Arts and Heritage Cabinet also shared a statement to social media Thursday, stating that $6 million will go to improvements to the lodge, including updating lodge rooms with “new finishes, flooring, bathrooms and mini fridges.”

In addition, the post states updates will impact the restaurant, lobby and meeting room.

Plus, $3.5 million will go to new HVAC and mechanical systems, according to the cabinet.

The cabinet says the renovation will cause a temporary closure to all lodge rooms beginning this February. Those are expected to reopen when construction finishes in the fall of 2026, according to the post.

Barren River Lake State Resort Park says its Louie B Nunn lodge, including the Driftwood Restaurant, will be open through Saturday, Jan. 31. Renovation begins Sunday, Feb. 1, according to the park.