Ben Hawes State Park

Championship Golfing at Ben Hawes

The crown jewel of the park is undeniably its sprawling golf facilities. Designed internally by Owensboro city workers in 1964, the courses take full advantage of the region’s gently rolling hills and mature woodland scenery. The facility offers 27 holes in total, broken down into a challenging 18-hole championship layout and an approachable 9-hole par 3 course.

Whether you’re looking for a leisurely afternoon round or aiming to break par on the championship 6,632-yard stretch, the golf center provides fully equipped pro shops, cart rentals, and a driving range to hone your skills before tee time.

Mountain Biking & Hiking Trails

For trailblazers, Ben Hawes Park is a regional mecca for mountain biking. The park boasts over 15 miles of multi-use trails, with more than six miles specifically designed and built according to the International Mountain Bicycling Association (IMBA) guidelines.

The singletrack routes weave tightly through the dense Kentucky forest, offering challenging technical sections, smooth flow segments, and breathtaking vistas of the park’s lakes. Hikers also share several paths, utilizing the cooler, shaded forest to escape the summer heat.

Lakes, Fishing, and Outdoor Facilities

The park is home to two scenic bodies of water: Ben Hawes Lake and Boen Lake. Both lakes offer tranquil environments for casual paddle boating and fishing. Anglers can expect typical warm-water species, making it a great place to introduce young children to the sport.

Beyond the trails and water, Ben Hawes Park is uniquely equipped for a wide variety of outdoor recreation. It features a standalone archery range, a thrilling gravity racing track for downhill soapbox events, and extensive sports facilities.

Park History and Evolution

The history of Ben Hawes Park reflects the rapid suburban expansion and dedication to public recreation in the mid-20th century. Established in 1962 using land acquired by the City of Owensboro, the park officially opened its gates on Memorial Day 1964.

For thirty years (from 1980 to 2010), the Commonwealth of Kentucky utilized a lease agreement to operate the site as an official State Park. While it eventually transitioned back to municipal management underneath the Owensboro system, it retained its expansive “state park caliber” infrastructure, heavily benefiting local residents and regional tourists.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

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Explore More Kentucky State Parks

Ben Hawes State Park is one of many outstanding state parks in Kentucky. Discover more parks in our Best State Parks in Kentucky guide, or use our Park Finder to search by activity, location, or features.

Written by

State Parks Team

Editorial Team

The State Parks Team is a group of outdoor enthusiasts, researchers, and travel writers dedicated to showcasing America's state parks. Drawing on collective experience visiting parks in all 50 states, the team creates detailed guides, curated park lists, and practical tips to help visitors make the most of their state park adventures. Our mission: making America's state parks accessible and enjoyable for everyone.

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