Jenny Wiley State Resort Park

Jenny Wiley State Resort Park Discover Jenny Wiley State Resort Park—trails, Dewey Lake, and outdoor beauty in eastern Kentucky. The May Lodge is closed for renovation. Questions?
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Cabins are not available at this time. Message us on FB or call 606-889-1790, Mon–Fri, 8:00 AM–4:00 PM.

One of the most commonly seen mammals at Jenny Wiley State Resort Park is the white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus)...
06/03/2026

One of the most commonly seen mammals at Jenny Wiley State Resort Park is the white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus) 🦌. Whether you're hiking a trail, driving through the park, or enjoying a quiet evening outdoors, there's a good chance you'll spot one of these graceful animals.

🔍 How to Identify Them:
• Reddish-brown coat in summer that changes to gray-brown in winter
• Distinct white underside of the tail
• Large ears and slender legs
• Adult bucks grow antlers that are shed and regrown each year

🌿 White-tailed deer play an important role in Kentucky's forests, helping shape plant communities and serving as an important part of the ecosystem. They are most active during the early morning and evening hours, making those some of the best times to look for them.

📸 Remember to observe wildlife from a safe distance and never feed wild animals.

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Have you ever brushed against poison ivy while exploring the trails? Keep an eye out for a helpful native plant called J...
06/02/2026

Have you ever brushed against poison ivy while exploring the trails? Keep an eye out for a helpful native plant called Jewelweed (Impatiens capensis)!

✨ How to Identify It:

• Grows in moist areas along streams, trails, and forest edges
• Features orange, trumpet-shaped flowers with reddish spots
• Leaves are oval with toothed edges and have a silvery appearance when submerged in water
• Seed pods burst open when touched, earning it the nickname "touch-me-not"

🌱 Why It's Special:

Jewelweed has long been used as a traditional remedy for skin irritations, including those caused by poison ivy. While scientific studies have shown mixed results, many outdoor enthusiasts still value this plant as a natural part of Kentucky's woodland heritage.

Next time you're hiking the trails at Jenny Wiley State Resort Park, see if you can spot this fascinating native wildflower growing in damp, shaded areas!

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📸 Photo Credits: Jan Haerer

🎉 Happy Kentucky Statehood Day! 🎉Today we celebrate the 234th anniversary of Kentucky becoming the 15th state in the Uni...
06/01/2026

🎉 Happy Kentucky Statehood Day! 🎉

Today we celebrate the 234th anniversary of Kentucky becoming the 15th state in the Union on June 1, 1792.

From the rolling Bluegrass to the mountains of Eastern Kentucky, our Commonwealth is rich in history, natural beauty, and resilient people. At Jenny Wiley State Resort Park, we're proud to be part of that story.

Whether you're enjoying a day on Dewey Lake, exploring the Sassafras Trail, or simply appreciating the beauty of the Appalachian foothills, we're grateful to call Kentucky home.

💙 Happy Birthday, Kentucky! 💙



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📷 Photo courtesy of Allen Bolling

Cooking Before ElectricityLong before modern kitchens, preparing a meal on the frontier required skill, patience, and ha...
06/01/2026

Cooking Before Electricity

Long before modern kitchens, preparing a meal on the frontier required skill, patience, and hard physical work.

Settlers cooked over open hearth fires using cast iron pots, kettles, and skillets. Every meal began with gathering firewood and maintaining a steady fire throughout the day.

A well-managed fire provided warmth, light, protection, and food for the family.

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Looking for the perfect place to bring everyone together? 🌲✨Tucked away in the beauty of nature, the Pines Venue at Jenn...
05/29/2026

Looking for the perfect place to bring everyone together? 🌲✨
Tucked away in the beauty of nature, the Pines Venue at Jenny Wiley State Resort Park offers a peaceful and charming setting for life’s special moments. From holiday get togethers and graduation celebrations to family reunions, birthday parties, meetings, and more — this venue is designed to make every gathering feel unforgettable.
Whether you’re planning an intimate event or a larger celebration, the Pines provides the perfect backdrop with its rustic charm and wooded surroundings. 🍂🎉
Dates are filling quickly, so now is the perfect time to start planning your next event with us!
📞 For availability or event inquiries, please contact Group Sales at 606-889-1790 or message us here on Facebook.

Stay connected with Jenny Wiley State Resort Park—like and follow our page for updates, events, and park news.

Join us at Jenny Wiley State Resort Park for a Kids Crafting Hour! This program is a fun, hands-on way for kids to explo...
05/29/2026

Join us at Jenny Wiley State Resort Park for a Kids Crafting Hour! This program is a fun, hands-on way for kids to explore nature through creativity. Participants will enjoy free nature-themed crafts and interactive, hands-on learning opportunities throughout the hour.

• Saturday, June 20th
• 2:00–3:00 PM
• Meet at the Outdoor Classroom

We hope to see you there for an afternoon of creativity and outdoor fun!

Join us at Jenny Wiley State Resort Park for a Pollinator Walk! This program is a great way to explore the park while le...
05/29/2026

Join us at Jenny Wiley State Resort Park for a Pollinator Walk! This program is a great way to explore the park while learning about native pollinators and the important role they play in our ecosystem.

• Saturday, June 20th
• 9:00–10:30 AM
• Meet at the Outdoor Classroom

As we walk the trail, we’ll be on the lookout for butterflies, bees, beetles, and other wildlife, while also discussing native wildflowers, pollinator adaptations, and simple ways you can support these species at home. The hike is easy–moderate and less than 1 mile long.

We hope you’ll join us for a fun and educational morning on the trail!

Looking for a creative way to connect with nature? Join us for Nature Journaling at Jenny Wiley State Resort Park! Natur...
05/28/2026

Looking for a creative way to connect with nature? Join us for Nature Journaling at Jenny Wiley State Resort Park! Nature journaling is a great way to slow down, express your creativity, and observe the natural world around you.

• Friday, June 19th
• 5:00–7:00 PM
• Meet at the Outdoor Classroom

Whether you enjoy drawing, writing, or simply spending time outdoors, this program is a fun and relaxing way to experience nature. Bring your own journal or create one with us! All supplies will be provided, including creative writing prompts to help inspire your ideas.

We hope to see you there!

History Highlights:Title: Ever wonder how May Lodge got its name? 🌲🏛️If you've ever stayed at Jenny Wiley State Resort P...
05/28/2026

History Highlights:

Title: Ever wonder how May Lodge got its name? 🌲🏛️

If you've ever stayed at Jenny Wiley State Resort Park or grabbed a meal at the lodge, you’ve probably seen the name. But the story behind it takes you right into the highest corridors of power during World War II.

The lodge is named in honor of Prestonsburg’s own Andrew Jackson "Jack" May. Born right here in Floyd County along Beaver Creek in 1875, May started out practicing law locally and served as our Floyd County Attorney from 1901–1909. By the 1930s, he had risen to the absolute top of the national political stage.

Serving in the U.S. House of Representatives from 1931 to 1947, May became the powerful Chairman of the House Military Affairs Committee during World War II. He was a massive player in Washington, helping push through monumental programs we still rely on today, like:
✅ The Social Security Act
✅ The GI Bill of Rights
✅ The Peacetime Selective Service Act (the WWII draft)

He was widely praised for getting the country prepared for war, but his career wasn't without major drama.

During the war, an accidental slip of the tongue to reporters about Japanese depth charges tipped off the enemy about U.S. submarine tactics—a mistake the Navy estimated cost the lives of hundreds of sailors. Later, a post-war investigation into military contracts led to a bribery conviction that ultimately ended his political career.

Despite the fallout and serving brief prison time, May was eventually pardoned by President Truman. He chose to come back home to Floyd County, where he quietly resumed his law practice in Prestonsburg until he passed away in 1959.

When the state park lodge opened just a few years later, it was named May Lodge to recognize the massive impact this complex, powerful, and deeply influential local figure had on both our nation's history and the Big Sandy Valley.

Next time you walk through those doors, you're walking past a direct link to WWII history!



Meet the Northern Slimy Salamander (Plethodon glutinosus)! These secretive amphibians can often be found under logs, roc...
05/27/2026

Meet the Northern Slimy Salamander (Plethodon glutinosus)! These secretive amphibians can often be found under logs, rocks, and leaf litter throughout the forests of Jenny Wiley State Resort Park. Their dark bodies covered in silvery-white speckles help them blend perfectly into the damp forest floor.

During and after rainfall is one of the best times to get outside and explore the park for amphibians like this! Salamanders and other amphibians are much more active in wet weather because their skin must stay moist to help them breathe and prevent them from drying out. Rainy conditions also make it safer for them to travel and search for food.

As you explore the park, remember to always be respectful of the wildlife you encounter, no matter how small. Observe animals from a distance, avoid disturbing their habitat, and help us keep Jenny Wiley’s wildlife wild.

Next time the rain rolls in, slow down on the trails and see what amazing wildlife you can find hiding in the forest!

Stay connected with Jenny Wiley State Resort Park—like and follow our page for updates, events, and park news.

Address

75 Theatre Court
Prestonsburg, KY
41653

Telephone

(606) 889-1790

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