General Butler State Resort Park – Kentucky’s Premier Riverfront Escape
Location
1608 Hwy. 227, Carrollton, KY 41008
Top Five Things to Do
- Hike the Butler Lake Trail to discover CCC-built structures and native aquatic wildlife.
- Catch sunset at the Overlook and watch the confluence of the Kentucky and Ohio Rivers.
- Stay overnight in a lodge room, cottage, or campsite.
- Explore the Butler Turpin State Historic House.
- Participate in a Naturalist Program.
Lodging & Camping
The hilltop Butler Lodge is a hallmark of river‑town charm, featuring polished brass accents, rich woodwork, and private balconies or patios that overlook the pool or hillside. Each of the 53 rooms is available for late‑afternoon check‑in and must be vacated by 11 a.m. Local time. Lodge rooms and cottages accept pets (up to two per unit, with a fee). Cottages are available 7 days a week with a two‑night minimum. The lodge will be closed on Mondays and Tuesdays through the end of February 2022.
The campground boasts over 100 sites with utility hookups and grills. Two central service buildings house showers and restrooms, and a laundry facility is available. Check‑out is at 1 p.m. The campground is open year‑round; please call to reserve during winter months.
Dining Hours
Two Rivers Restaurant
Lunch: Tuesday – Saturday, 11 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Dinner: Friday – Saturday, 4 p.m. – 9 p.m.
Lounge – Temporarily closed.
Seasonal Hours
Lodge: Wednesday – Sunday
Cottages: 7 days a week
Restaurant: Wednesday – Sunday lunch (11 a.m. – 3 p.m.), Friday – Saturday dinner (4 p.m. – 9 p.m.)
Butler Turpin House: Open Friday and Saturday.
Meetings & Events
Conveniently situated off I‑71 between Louisville and Cincinnati, General Butler offers versatile meeting spaces. The Conference Center accommodates up to 400 banquet‑style guests or 750 theater‑style guests. Additional options include a recreation center, the Woodland Room, and two private dining rooms. For group or wedding inquiries, click here.
Butler‑Turpin State Historic House
Built in 1859, this brick Federal‑style residence showcases eight spacious rooms, two wide halls, a third‑floor attic, and a generous basement. Period furnishings and family heirlooms illuminate life at the river confluence. The house, which includes an outdoor kitchen, is open for tours on Fridays and Saturdays. Tickets ($5 adult, $3 for children under 12, free for ages 5 and under) are purchased at the lodge front desk at least 15 minutes before the tour. Tours last approximately one hour. Confirm the schedule by calling 502‑732‑4384 or emailing info@butlerstatepark.com.
Outdoor Activities
- Mountain Biking: 4.5‑mile Fossil Trail (April – November). Helmets required; riders under 16 must be accompanied by an adult. Trail rating: Skilled.
- Birding: Watch Canada goose, Mallard, Wood Duck, Great Blue Heron, wild turkey, Dark‑eyed Junco, White‑throated Sparrow, Yellow‑rumped Warbler, and more. Seasonal and year‑round species include the Turkey Vulture, Cooper’s hawk, various owls, woodpeckers, American Goldfinch, and Eastern Bluebird.
- Boating: Butler Lake is open year‑round for non‑motorized boats. The boat dock (late spring to October, weekends and holidays) rents canoes, kayaks, pedal boats, and offers a loaner program for fishing equipment. A Kentucky fishing license is required; purchase online at the KY Dept. of Fish and Wildlife.
- Fishing: Bass, crappie, bluegill, and catfish populate the 30‑acre lake. Shore and non‑motorized boat fishing is permitted year‑round.
- Miniature Golf: Renovated course overlooking the lake. Rentals available during daylight hours; cost $5 (16+), $3 (9–15), $1 (8 and under).
- Picnicking & Recreation: Picnic areas, playground, tennis and basketball courts, and a shelter house are located near the historic house.
- Swimming: Lodge pool opens Memorial Day weekend, remaining open through Labor Day (weather permitting). Open 10 a.m. to dusk; guests receive a 2‑hour slot that can be extended if capacity allows.
- Tennis: Four courts (three at the back entrance, one near the lodge). Racquets available for overnight guests.
- Games & Gift Shop: The lodge front desk offers board and card games for borrowing, and the gift shop sells Kentucky crafts and foods.
Accessibility
All trails accept leashed dogs. The lodge, cottages, and campground offer accessible accommodations; please contact the front desk for details.
