Carter Caves State Resort Park sees enhance in tourism

CARTER COUNTY, Ky. (WSAZ) – The July 4th weekend is often known as one of the busiest times for state parks, campgrounds, and boat rentals, but the busy season at Carter Caves State Resort Park started well before the holiday weekend.

“About July 1 of last year, we cave tours every 15 minutes to keep up with demand,” said Paul Tierney, a naturalist at Carter Caves State Resort Park. “To be honest, since we’ve resumed these cave tours, we haven’t really slowed down.”

In the last month alone, the park posted record sales.

Tierney says the group she’s seen most often are families.

“I’m glad people have rediscovered that [area]but it wasn’t to be expected. We have people who say, ‘Oh, I live just down the street. I didn’t know this was here, ‘”said Tierney.

Chris Perry, the park manager at Carter Caves State Resort Park, says they put different ideas into action to accommodate and keep guests entertained.

“We’re going to make an escape room in the saltpeter cave. Where else can you do that in the Tri-State? ”Said Perry. “We also make drive-in movies.”

As for the caves, the park’s staff are working to preserve the natural wonders, but Perry hopes tourism will continue in the years to come.

For a list of activities, Click here.

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