Are you looking for a serene day of golfing, boating, and fishing on a property that evokes Gatsby-era connections? Look no further than Mineral Mound State Park, in Eddyville, Kentucky.
This 541-acre state park is nestled on the shores of massive Lake Barkley and offers an idyllic KY park experience. The property is well-known for its connection to author F. Scott Fitzgerald; Zelda Fitzgerald’s grandfather, Willis B. Machen, owned the land before its designation as a state park in 1991. The park’s name comes from the name of Machen’s mansion, which once sat on the property.
Today, the park is best known for its golf course, along with fishing and boating opportunities on the nearby lake. Visitors can kick back and play a round of golf, enjoy a picnic, and romanticize the Roaring 20s while imagining the Fitzgerald’s vacationing on the property.
Golf
Mineral Mound’s greatest gem is The Cullen Golf Course. This 18-hole, challenging course has been ranked #5 by Golf Digest as “Best Courses You Can Play”. Since its grand opening in 2003, the course has offered a great game of golf to enthusiasts from all over who come for its beautiful views, challenging terrain, and par-72 rating.
The course gives golfers both lakeside and woodside views as it takes players from its first 9 holes along Lake Barkley to the latter 9 situated on the edge of the nearby forest. The hilly terrain makes for scenic vistas and a challenging course bound to excite golf enthusiasts of every level of expertise. Keep your eye out for deer! Golfers are bound to see some wildlife as they tee off from different areas of the course.
The course offers a pro shop with rental carts, clubs, and a variety of golf merchandise available for purchase. The course is open year-round, with the exception of wintertime temperatures under 40 degrees.
Birding
While you are enjoying a round of golf on the park’s impressive course, be sure to look for a variety of avian species that call Mineral Mound State Park home. The park’s location on the water creates opportunities to spot waterfowl and other species. Popular sites include osprey, duck, crane, hawk, eagle, and finch. Be sure to look out for bluebirds, which are also abundant at the park thanks to many bluebird boxes placed throughout the park.
Boating
After a round of golf, kick back on the water as you launch your fishing or pleasure boat onto Lake Barkley.
The 58,000 acre lake totes the title as one of the biggest man-made lakes in the world and is bound to offer the best experience for you and your crew. Mineral Mound State Park offers a launching ramp open year-round for boaters to launch their personal boats onto the lake’s waters.
Picnicking
Hungry after your rounds of golf and trip out onto the lake? Check out Mineral Mound’s picnic area. The scenic space is perfect for visitors to enjoy their picnic lunch while gazing out upon the beautiful lake and historic lands surrounding them.
The picnic area is open to park visitors year round.
