Buckhorn Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

Long before Buckhorn Lake was created and the state park established in 1964, a small community flourished for many generations here, along the middle fork of the Kentucky River. Early records refer to this area as the Bowling District, founded by Reverend Jesse Boling, his wife Mary Pennington, Reverend Duff and 50 other families. They were led to this remote area under the guidance of Daniel Boone. By the late 1800's Bowlingtown was a thriving community of hundreds. There was a post office, school, churches, grocery, saw mill, blacksmith and the Frontier Nursing Service. Local officials included a sheriff, magistrate, justice of the peace, and tax commissioner. The citizens were primarily farmers and coal miners. They were known to be patriotic, honest, kind, and well-educated people. In 1960, when the construction of Buckhorn Lake began, Bowlingtown had to be abandoned and families relocated. Family graves (873) were re-interred to Buckhorn Cemetery. All were sad to leave their homeland of seven generations. so Where you see water was once The town called Bowlingtown in KY.
Long before Buckhorn Lake was created and the state park established in 1964, a small community flourished for many generations here, along the middle fork of the Kentucky River. Early records refer to this area as the Bowling District, founded by Reverend Jesse Boling, his wife Mary Pennington, Reverend Duff and 50 other families. They were led to this remote area under the guidance of Daniel Boone. By the late 1800's Bowlingtown was a thriving community of hundreds. There was a post office, school, churches, grocery, saw mill, blacksmith and the Frontier Nursing Service. Local officials included a sheriff, magistrate, justice of the peace, and tax commissioner. The citizens were primarily farmers and coal miners. They were known to be patriotic, honest, kind, and well-educated people. In 1960, when the construction of Buckhorn Lake began, Bowlingtown had to be abandoned and families relocated. Family graves (873) were re-interred to Buckhorn Cemetery. All were sad to leave their homeland of seven generations. so Where you see water was once The town called Bowlingtown in KY.
Buckhorn Lake State Resort Park

Buckhorn Lake State Resort Park

3.5 out of 5
4441 Kentucky Highway 1833, Buckhorn Buckhorn KY
Stay at this beach hotel in Buckhorn. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and an outdoor pool. Popular attractions Buckhorn Lake State Resort Park and Grover Sizemore ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (205 reviews)
Secluded, quiet, great place to relax and get away from the hustle of everyday life.

Reviewed on 2 Dec 2025

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Buckhorn Lake State Resort Park
Holiday Inn Express Hotel & Suites Hazard by IHG

Holiday Inn Express Hotel & Suites Hazard by IHG

2.5 out of 5
192 Corporate Dr Hazard KY
The price is ฿3,437 per night from 16 Jan to 17 Jan
฿3,437
฿3,789 total
16 Jan - 17 Jan
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this business-friendly hotel in Hazard. Enjoy free breakfast, free Wi-Fi and free parking. Our guests praise the helpful staff in their reviews. Popular ...
7.8/10 Good! (397 reviews)
Best hotel to stay at in hazard, ky
Clean,quick check in and the beds were very comfortable. All staff members were friendly. Highly recommended

Reviewed on 28 Oct 2025

Holiday Inn Express Hotel & Suites Hazard by IHG
American Elite Inn

American Elite Inn

2 out of 5
125 Village Ln Hazard KY
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is ฿3,085 per night from 14 Jan to 15 Jan
฿3,085
฿3,302 total
14 Jan - 15 Jan
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this hotel in Hazard. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and a 24-hour front desk. Popular attractions Hazard Village Shopping Center and Perry Park are ...
6.6/10 (303 reviews)
Room was clran. Beds were comfortable.

Reviewed on 11 Nov 2025

American Elite Inn
See all 63 properties in Buckhorn
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Sleeps 5-6 Near RRG-Hot Tub-Nice Sunrise-Quiet

Sleeps 5-6 Near RRG-Hot Tub-Nice Sunrise-Quiet

3 out of 5
576 Pine Grove Rd Beattyville KY
Stay at this golf cabin in Beattyville. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and laundry facilities. Popular attractions Happy Top and Heidelberg Park are located ...
9.8/10 Exceptional! (21 reviews)
Loved it and we will be back

Reviewed on 26 Dec 2025

Sleeps 5-6 Near RRG-Hot Tub-Nice Sunrise-Quiet
18 Mi to Red River Gorge: Beattyville Retreat

18 Mi to Red River Gorge: Beattyville Retreat

3 out of 5
Beattyville KY
Stay at this cottage in Beattyville. Enjoy patios, an in-room coffee maker and air conditioning. Popular attractions Happy Top and Heidelberg Park are located ...
10/10 Exceptional! (1 review)
The location was perfect for us, as we were close to family. Everything looks new in the home. It was very nice inside and the beds were comfortable. We had everything we needed.

Reviewed on 7 Oct 2025

18 Mi to Red River Gorge: Beattyville Retreat
Riverside Beattyville Cabin w/ Kayaks & Fire Pit!

Riverside Beattyville Cabin w/ Kayaks & Fire Pit!

3 out of 5
Beattyville KY
Stay at this family-friendly cottage in Beattyville. Enjoy free parking, balconies and in-room fireplaces. Popular attractions Happy Top and Heidelberg Park ...
Peaceful and Comfortable Retreat
We loved this cabin and the location! We will definitely be coming back!

Reviewed on 29 Mar 2024

Riverside Beattyville Cabin w/ Kayaks & Fire Pit!
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Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.