LUCAS, Ky. — The lodge at Barren River State Resort Park is unusually short on guests this June, but far from quiet. The sounds of construction have replaced the chatter of vacationers as workers move through the building.

Crews are undertaking a $9.5 million renovation project that will update the 55-year-old lodge and its infrastructure, part of a broader effort to modernize one of south-central Kentucky’s most visited state park destinations.

“That's exactly what they're trying to do: bring some continuity to all of our state parks,” said Barren River State Resort Park director Carlet Hagan.

The project’s most significant improvements are focused on the lodge, which first opened to the public in 1971. Those improvements account for roughly $6 million of the project cost.

Guest rooms are being updated with new finishes, flooring, renovated bathrooms and mini refrigerators, while the park’s restaurant, lobby and meeting spaces are also receiving upgrades.

The remaining $3.5 million is being invested in behind-the-scenes infrastructure, including new HVAC and mechanical systems and a new chiller designed to improve comfort throughout the lodge’s guest rooms and common areas.

“It used to have problems for years and years,” Hagan said. “It would be hot one minute and then cold the next. It was because we had older systems.”

Behind closed doors, many of the lodge’s guest rooms have been reduced to their bare essentials as work begins on replacing HVAC units throughout the building.

In the basement, a newly installed system is already laying the groundwork for more consistent temperatures across the lodge, addressing long-standing issues with uneven cooling.

Among the visible changes, new flooring is planned for several public areas of the lodge, including the Highland Conference Room, one of the property’s busiest spaces for conferences, meetings and community gatherings, Hagan said.

“It's kind of the heart right here,” she said.

The renovation will also reshape the restaurant’s layout, creating a more accessible space with improved traffic flow and added seating while maintaining its full menu and buffet offerings. The pub room will also get a makeover.

One of the most noticeable changes will greet guests at the front entrance, where a longtime guest services counter will be removed to make room for an expanded gift shop area on the right side of the lobby.

“All that front desk and mezzanine is going away,” she said. “When you walk in, it's going to be a full transformation.”

Since taking over as park director in February, Hagan said she has focused not only on improving the guest experience but also on creating a workplace where employees feel comfortable, supported and eager to come to work.

Beyond the budgeted renovations, staff members have been scraping railings across the property, tackling cosmetic improvements they hope will add to the park’s overall appearance when guests return.

“Some of this is not included in the renovations project, but we want to open with a pizzaz and style. We just want everything to look great,” Hagan said. “My staff is so on board with that. They have pride in it.”

The timing means the lodge is missing out on one of its busiest seasons. Where families would typically be checking in for summer getaways, construction crews now occupy the halls and guest rooms.

Hagan said there was no ideal window for a project of this magnitude, noting that the lodge remains busy throughout the year. Rather than delay the work, state officials chose to move ahead with renovations designed to provide long-term benefits.

“Even in the winter months, I can't really say the lodge rooms aren't as utilized because that's when we have our bigger groups come in and Christmas parties and reunions,” Hagan said. “It's never perfect timing.”

Because of its central location, she said it draws visitors from across Kentucky and frequently hosts events that the general public may not always see or be aware of.

“A lot of state parks have trouble with hosting larger groups, but that is something we do not struggle at all with,” she said. “That is a great asset to have.”

The renovations at Barren River are part of a larger effort to modernize Kentucky’s state parks. Projects range from lodge and cottage upgrades to campground infrastructure improvements, with work ongoing at multiple parks through 2026 and 2027.

During the 2024 legislative session, lawmakers approved more than $137 million in funding through House Joint Resolution 56 and House Bill 6 for capital improvements, facility upgrades and recreational enhancements across the state park system, including projects at Barren River State Resort Park.

Renovations were originally on track to be completed this fall, but change orders have pushed that back to likely early 2027, Hagan said.