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! (208 reviews)
The staff went above and beyond to make me feel welcome. Excellent price point for accommodations.

Reviewed on 9 Jan 2026

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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 ₹10,001 per night from 23 Jan to 24 Jan
₹10,001
₹11,025 total
23 Jan - 24 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
The price is ₹8,075 per night from 21 Jan to 22 Jan
₹8,075
₹8,645 total
21 Jan - 22 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 (304 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
Newly Listed-Private 25-Acre Escape Near Red River Gorge

Newly Listed-Private 25-Acre Escape Near Red River Gorge

3 out of 5
649 Pine Grove Rd Beattyville KY
Stay at this cabin in Beattyville. Enjoy free parking, laundry facilities and a picnic area. Popular attractions Happy Top and Heidelberg Park are located ...
10/10 Exceptional! (6 reviews)
Beautiful property. Beautiful cabin.

Reviewed on 12 Jan 2026

Newly Listed-Private 25-Acre Escape Near Red River Gorge
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
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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.