Jenny Wiley State Resort Park facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Jenny Wiley State Resort Park |
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Dewey Lake
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| Type | Kentucky state park |
| Location | Floyd County, Kentucky |
| Area | 2,871 acres (11.62 km2) |
| Created | January 1, 1954 |
| Operated by | Kentucky Department of Parks |
| Status | Open year-round |
Jenny Wiley State Resort Park is a fun place to visit in Floyd County, Kentucky. It was first opened on January 1, 1954, and was called Dewey Lake State Park. The park is named after a brave pioneer woman named Virginia "Jenny" Wiley. She is remembered for surviving being held captive by Native Americans long ago. In 1962, it became a "resort park" when the May Lodge opened, offering places for visitors to stay and enjoy the park.
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About Jenny Wiley State Resort Park
This park covers about 2,871 acres (1,162 ha). A big part of it, about 1,100 acres (4.5 km2), is Dewey Lake. This lake was created in 1951 by the United States Army Corps of Engineers. It was named after Admiral George Dewey, a hero from the Battle of Manila Bay. Dewey Lake is also famous because the biggest "tiger muskie" fish ever caught in Kentucky was found here!
Nature and Trees
The park is in a "moist Appalachian" area. This means it has lots of beautiful trees like maples, pawpaws, and tulip poplars. It's a great place to see different kinds of plants and enjoy nature.
Where to Stay and Eat
If you want to stay overnight, the park has a hotel called May Lodge. It has 49 rooms for guests. There are also many rental cabins if you prefer a more private stay. The lodge has a large dining and conference room that can seat 200 people. The restaurant, called The Music Highway Grill, uses fresh food grown right in the local area. This includes produce, meat, and dairy products.
Fun Things to Do
There are many exciting activities at Jenny Wiley State Resort Park:
- Theater Shows: The Jenny Wiley Amphitheater puts on many plays during the summer. You might see famous shows like The Wizard of Oz or A Chorus Line. They also perform the "Story of Jenny Wiley," which tells the tale of the park's namesake.
- Fishing: Fishing is very popular on Dewey Lake. There are many places to launch your boat. The May Lodge also has a full-service boat dock, making it easy to get out on the water.
- Hiking: The Jenny Wiley Trail follows the path Jenny Wiley took to escape her captors. This trail can be difficult, so it's best not to hike it alone.
- Biking: The park's beautiful scenery and quiet roads make it a favorite spot for bicycle tourists. You can even find multi-day bicycle camping and touring classes offered in the fall and winter.
- Golf: If you like golf, the park has an 18-hole golf course where you can play.
