Long before Buckhorn Lake was created and the state park established in 1964, a small community flourished for many generations here, along the middle fork of the Kentucky River.
Early records refer to this area as the Bowling District, founded by Reverend Jesse Boling, his wife Mary Pennington, Reverend Duff and 50 other families. They were led to this remote area under the guidance of Daniel Boone. By the late 1800's Bowlingtown was a thriving community of hundreds. There was a post office, school, churches, grocery, saw mill, blacksmith and the Frontier Nursing Service. Local officials included a sheriff, magistrate, justice of the peace, and tax commissioner. The citizens were primarily farmers and coal miners. They were known to be patriotic, honest, kind, and well-educated people.
In 1960, when the construction of Buckhorn Lake began, Bowlingtown had to be abandoned and families relocated. Family graves (873) were re-interred to Buckhorn Cemetery. All were sad to leave their homeland of seven generations. so Where you see water was once The town called Bowlingtown in KY.

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Our top choices for Buckhorn 2-star hotels

Executive Suite, 1 King Bed, Non Smoking | Jetted tub

American Elite Inn

Hazard

Edward

AED 369 total

includes taxes & fees

15 Feb - 16 Feb

Holiday Inn Express Hotel & Suites Hazard by IHG

Hazard

Mary Ann

AED 445 total

includes taxes & fees

17 Jan - 18 Jan

Secluded with amazing view

Jackson

Ashley B.

Manchester Heritage Inn And Suites

Manchester

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Buckhorn Lake State Resort Park

4441 Kentucky Highway 1833, Buckhorn Buckhorn KY

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8.8/10 Excellent! (208 reviews)

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Pool Spa Hot tub Breakfast included Waterpark

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Learn more about Buckhorn

Nestled in the Appalachian foothills, this small town offers peaceful hiking trails where locals recommend exploring after summer rains. Visit the Buckhorn Lake State Resort Park for fishing, kayaking, and seasonal wildlife viewing when wildflowers carpet the shoreline.

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Top Buckhorn Hotel Reviews

Secluded with amazing view

10/10 Excellent

"We had an amazing stay at this beautiful mountain cabin. The location was peaceful and surrounded by beautiful scenery, making it the perfect place to relax and unplug. The cabin itself was clean, cozy, and well-equipped with everything we needed and in excellent condition. We especially loved the fireplace and the outdoor space—it was great for enjoying the fresh mountain air. The host was responsive and helpful, and check-in was smooth and cabin ready. We would absolutely stay here again and highly recommend it to anyone looking for a quiet mountain getaway. Our extended family made many wonderful memories of Christmas 2025."