This Beautiful Kentucky Memorial Park Is the Perfect Stop for Picnicking, Fishing, or Just Chilling Out

When it comes to Sunday drives, my philosophy is to let the road and the road signs dictate the journey. They begin with me picking a direction, and then it's off we go.

Lake Malone's Big Twigs

This past Sunday, we headed south. Our first destination was Lake Malone State Park in Muhlenberg County to see the Big Twigs. These two are Oakley and Wattson Malone.

John Prine Memorial Park

After departing that longtime favorite, we made our way to KY State Road 70 for a visit to John Prine Memorial Park at Rochester Dam, the namesake of the legendary singer-songwriter who spent a lot of years in Muhlenberg County and who passed away in 2020. We'd been before, but it was worth a second visit (and a third and a fourth and a fifth, et cetera). It's an amazing find if you're driving and looking for a place to pull off and stretch your legs.

But if you're visit is unplanned and you just happen upon it, you are in for a treat. You'll realize it's worth making it a destination for a picnic or an afternoon of fishing. Me? I'd be happy planting my camp chair riverside and napping while enjoying the breeze and listening to the rushing water. So relaxing.

Read More: The John Prine Band Coming to Beaver Dam Amphitheatre

Incidentally, our first visit was in 2022. Take a look at the difference in the river level since we're coming off historic Green River flooding. You can't even see the rocks in the second image.

While we were there, a couple of guys had poles in the water, and I bet they got lucky. Upstream, I could see large fish jumping in and out of the river near the rocks, but they were moving too fast for me to get a good picture.

But the bottom line is this...I've given you a map, and it's your guide to a quiet and peaceful day on the Green River. John Prine Memorial Park is a hidden gem that should not stay hidden.