Paranormal, supernatural, haunts or ghost hunts—whatever the preferred term, pop culture is filled with tales of phenomena that defy explanation.  Truth or theater, you decide.  But haunted house investigations and classes on communicating with the hereafter are once again in mainstream demand throughout America.

            Kentucky State Parks, particularly historic sites, are in the thick of ghost lore and psychic occurrences.  Whether you believe or are merely curious, open your mind and check out summer happenings at a number of parks.

            Register for the Big Bone Lick Ghost Hunt at the state park near Union, which is hosting a night of other-worldly investigation on May 8 and 9.  Participants will learn the various aspects of ghost hunting on ground where prehistoric animals once roamed.   See and learn about commonly used tools that probe the “unseen.”  Park staff will have digital voice recorders, electromagnetic field detectors, motion sensors and camcorders on hand for use during the event. Guests are invited to bring their own digital cameras.  On the scout-out you will learn more about the ancient history of this famous location, which includes the park grounds, a church and cemeteries. The event begins at 10 p.m. and is over at 4 a.m. Registration is required and the fee is $20 per person or $30 per couple.  Call 859-384-3522 or go to www.park.ky.gov to reserve a spot at the campground.

            At General Butler State Resort Park in Carrollton, study and investigate the reported paranormal activity at the Butler-Turpin State Historic House, cemetery and grounds on May 15 and 16.  The house built in 1859, was occupied by several generations of Butlers who surely left unfinished business behind.  Indulge in Ghost Hunting 101, a tour of the historic house and an evening of spooky doings.  The package, which includes dinner dining, night-time investigation, lodging and Sunday brunch, is a great value at $99 for single occupancy and $159 per couple (excluding tax). Call toll free 866-462-8853 for more information and if you can’t make the overnight thrill, there’s a program-only package (no lodging) for $30.  The fun begins at 5 p.m. on Saturday and concludes at 11 a.m. on Sunday.

            Later in the summer just before the full moon, White Hall State Historic Site near Richmond will regale guests with tales of hauntings in the mansion and juicy gossip about Clay family members and others.  White Hall, built in the late 1700s, was the home of emancipationist and friend to Abraham Lincoln, Cassius M. Clay.  It was restored and became part of the state park system in the early 1970s.  Stories beckon one and all on consecutive Fridays and Saturdays, July 15-16 and 22-23, for three tours at 8, 9 and 10 p.m. Guides will leave no rug unturned and no closet closed.  All the dirt and skeletons will be revealed and you may even catch a whiff of perfume known to have been worn by one of Clay’s daughter’s—in the Blue Room.

            If you yearn for more phantom footsteps, unexplained sounds, mysterious aromas and touches, check out state park’s fall schedule and be patient.  That’s all that’s  necessary because around the end of October at Halloween time,  more unexplainable experiences lie in wait to be explored at many of Kentucky State Parks—some in good fun and some more perplexing in that paranormal way that can raise hair on the back of one’s neck.  Pick your pleasure and keep your eyes open!

            To learn more about these events and others, put www.parks.ky.gov in your Internet browser and join the search for truth.  It’s out there. 

Kentucky State Parks are made up of 53 state parks plus one that is shared with Virginia. The Department of Parks, an agency of the Tourism, Arts and Heritage Cabinet, operates 17 resort parks with lodges – and has more acreage in the system than any other state.  Each year, Kentucky parks draw millions of visitors and generate hundreds of millions of dollars to Kentucky’s economy. For more information about amenities, events and other aspects of  KySP, visit the Web site at http://www.parks.ky.gov