08/07/2026
Gov. Beshear: Pine Mountain State Resort Park To Receive $6.9 Million in Upgrades
Improvements will enhance the visitor experience and support tourism and economic growth
PINEVILLE, Ky. (Aug. 6, 2026) – Today, Gov. Andy Beshear announced that Pine Mountain State Resort Park will receive $6.9 million in hospitality upgrades to enhance the visitor experience and attract new travelers. This project is part of Team Kentucky’s historic investments in Kentucky State Parks to support tourism and economic growth.
“People travel from all over to experience all that Pine Mountain State Resort Park has to offer,” said Gov. Beshear. “These improvements will make every visit better for the Kentucky families that know and love this park, and the out-of-state travelers fueling the record-breaking tourism Kentucky has seen over the past few years.”
In April 2027, the lodge rooms will undergo updates, including new finishes, flooring, bathrooms and mini fridges. The restaurant, lobby and convention center meeting rooms will also receive improvements. While renovations are underway, guests can still enjoy hiking trails, miniature golf, amphitheater, golf course, playground and pool. Cottages will remain available to book while the park is under construction.
“Pine Mountain has welcomed generations of visitors, and these upgrades will guarantee that the park will be here for generations to come,” said Kentucky State Parks Interim Commissioner Mark Kellen. “These upgrades will preserve the park’s historic charm while adding the modern amenities today’s traveler expects.”
Gov. Beshear recently announced that Kentucky State Parks generated $1.1 billion in economic impact in 2024, supporting 8,600 jobs and helping fuel economic growth across the commonwealth.
During the 2024 legislative session, Gov. Beshear signed House Joint Resolution 56, releasing $71 million for capital construction projects, including improvements to Pine Mountain State Resort Park and projects throughout the Parks system, such as building system upgrades, accommodation improvements and recreational amenity enhancements. Gov. Beshear also signed House Bill 6, allocating over $66 million for upgrades to various state parks.
In 2024, Gov. Beshear announced that $720,000 in grant funding was available for Kentucky Trail Towns to repair, enhance and promote recreational projects with that funding benefitting trail towns across the commonwealth.
To capitalize on Kentucky’s historic economic momentum and record-breaking tourism success, Gov. Beshear announced New Kentucky Home, a strategic initiative to further drive economic investment, attract and retain talent and increase tourism across the commonwealth.
This year, the Governor announced that 2025 was the best year on record for tourism, the fourth consecutive record-breaking year, generating $14.6 billion in economic impact and supporting 96,993 jobs.
Kentucky’s impressive economic success over the last six years is a direct reflection of the Beshear administration’s continued investments in the tourism industry.
In 2025, Gov. Beshear announced five new tourism development projects, generating an estimated $118 million in economic investment. These projects are expected to create approximately 298 jobs when operational.
Since the beginning of the Beshear administration, 37 tourism development projects totaling an estimated investment of $1.1 billion have received final approval. Once operational, these projects will create more than 5,000 jobs. This is the highest investment figure secured during the tenure of any governor in the commonwealth’s history.
Additionally, the administration has invested $88.1 million in Kentucky’s tourism industry, including $75 million in America Recovery Plan Act funding to boost the state’s tourism industry and economy and $13.1 million to strengthen promotional marketing efforts.
Located in Bell County, Pine Mountain State Resort Park is one of Kentucky’s original state parks, established in 1924. The mountaintop resort features 30 lodge rooms, 11 cottages, nine cabins, 12 miles of hiking trails, the Laurel Cove Amphitheater, an 18-hole golf course and a variety of outdoor recreation opportunities.
For the latest updates and information on events at Kentucky State Parks, visit parks.ky.gov. Kentucky is home to 44 state parks, including 17 resort parks and 13 golf courses. For more information about Kentucky State Parks, visit parks.ky.gov.
