Kentucky Department of Parks

John James Audubon State Park Enjoy walking through the woods where famed artist John James Audubon studied and painted birds from 1810-1819.

Calendar of Events

All special events are subject to change and may be cancelled or postponed by the Kentucky Department of Parks due to unforeseen circumstances. Please confirm event schedule prior to arrival for date, time and fee information, especially if you plan to visit a Kentucky State Park for a specific event. Event details and contact information for all 52 Kentucky State Parks can be found on this website.

Everyday People Part 2
1/5/2008 to 3/3/2008

In 2006 the first Everyday People Exhibit at the Audubon Museum in Audubon State Park featured over 400 photographies and text to tell the stories of the daily lives, contributions and legacies of Henderson Counties African-American people. Part 2 will expand on the stories and the area of coverage with newly added photos and materials shared by the citizens of Henderson, Union and Webster Counties. In addition an oral history component will feature individuals from the tri-county region sharing their personal recollections of the past. For more information contact Alan Gehret or Roy James at (270) 827-1893.

Audubon Adult Artist Retreat - January
1/18/2008

Beginning to advanced artist are invited to attend the monthly all-day artist retreats at the Audubon Museum. Join us for a day of fun, creativity and critique. Guest speakers and special programs will vary with each retreat. Bring your art of choice and supplies. Ages: 18 & up. Upcoming retreats will be February 22, March 14, and April 18th. Pre-registration by 1/17/08 is required. Fee is $15.00. Call Kim McGrew at the Audubon Museum for further info or registration. (270) 827-1893 or kim.mcgrew@ky.gov

Art in the Park
1/26/2008 to 3/22/2008

Students ages 6-8 are invited to explore the wonderful world of Art. Saturday's Jan. 26th, Feb. 23rd & March 22nd. Pre-registration is required. Fee: $15.00 for all 3 classes or $5.00 for one. Call Kim McGrew at the Audubon Museum for further info or registration. (270) 827-1893 or kim.mcgrew@ky.gov

Valentine Tot's & Art
2/8/2008

Moms or Grandmas and Tiny Tot's, ages 3-5, are invited to the "Valentine Tot's & Art" at the park. Everyone wear red and let's get in the Valentine mood with arts & crafts. Pre-registration is required. Call Kim McGrew at the Audubon Museum for further info or registration. (270) 827-1893 or kim.mcgrew@ky.gov

TOO-TOO Tiny Tot's Art
2/8/2008

Moms or Grandmas and Tiny Tot's, ages 3-5, are invited for Art in the Park. Wear old clothes and have fun with paints & more. Pre-registration is required. Call Kim McGrew at the Audubon Museum for further info or registration. (270) 827-1893 or kim.mcgrew@ky.gov

Great Backyard Bird Count
2/14/2008 to 2/17/2008

J. J. Audubon State Park invites you to come to the park and participate in the Great Backyard Bird Count. At the Audubon Museum, pick up instructions and a reporting checklist and count the number of each bird species you witness at our feeder station anytime between 8:00 am and 4:00 pm February 14-17. Unsure about which bird is what? Come to a bird identification program February 9 to learn their names and habits. Help scientists check the bird populations in the area by participating in the Great Backyard Bird Count. For more information please contact Julie McDonald at 270-826-2247 or juliea.mcdonald@ky.gov

Audubon Adult Artist Retreat - February
2/22/2008

Beginning to advanced artist are invited to attend the monthly all-day artist retreats at the Audubon Museum. Join us for a day of fun, creativity and critique. Guest speakers and special programs will vary with each retreat. Bring your art of choice and supplies. Ages: 18 & up. Upcoming retreats will be March 14 and April 18th. Pre-registration by 2/21/08 is required. Fee is $15.00. Call Kim McGrew at the Audubon Museum for further info or registration. (270) 827-1893 or kim.mcgrew@ky.gov

"The Beauty of Audubon" art exhibit
3/13/2008 to 5/1/2008

The Beauty of Audubon will feature scenes of Audubon State Park, its unique architecture, grounds, gardens, and woods. This exhibit is presented by artists from the May 2007 Paint-Out event and the monthly artist retreats held at Audubon Museum. The featured artists have been inspired by the natural wonders of this area—as was Audubon. For further info contact Kim McGrew at the Audubon Museum. (270) 827-1893 or kim.mcgrew@ky.gov

Audubon Adult Artist Retreat - March
3/14/2008

Beginning to advanced artist are invited to attend the monthly all-day artist retreats at the Audubon Museum. Join us for a day of fun, creativity and critique. Guest speakers and special programs will vary with each retreat. Bring your art of choice and supplies. Ages: 18 & up. Upcoming retreats will be April 18th, June 20th & July 11th. Pre-registration is required. Call Kim McGrew at the Audubon Museum for further info or registration. (270) 827-1893 or kim.mcgrew@ky.gov

Wildflower Watercolors
4/4/2008

Moms, Grandmas and Tiny Tot’s, ages 3-5, are invited to dabble in the watercolors with your little Georgia O’Keeffe. Wear old clothes and have a ball. Pre-registration by 4/1/08 is required. Fee is $5.00. Call Kim McGrew at the Audubon Museum for further info or registration. (270) 827-1893 or kim.mcgrew@ky.gov

Wildflower Extravaganza
4/5/2008

Join us for three leisurely hikes to see the vibrant forest flora as well programs for all ages. We'll also learn about “problem” plants and how they affect the native plant species during an outdoor invasive species removal. Contact staff for event schedule and program times. Walks and other event programs begin at the Audubon Museum. For more information please contact Julie McDonald at 270-826-2247 or juliea.mcdonald@ky.gov

Wildflower Photography
4/5/2008

Photographer Steven Chandler will be exhibiting his wildflower photos, prints, and cards at the Audubon Museum from 12:00 - 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, April 5th. Steve is a biology major from The University of Evansville and is a native of Henderson County. Three Wildflower hikes will also be scheduled for this day. For further info call Kim McGrew at the Audubon Museum (270) 827-1893 or kim.mcgrew@ky.gov

Budding Wildflowers
4/5/2008

Students ages 8-12 will design a field of wildflowers with watercolors and colored pencils. Parents and family members don't miss the Wildflower Extravaganza Hikes scheduled throughout the day. Pre-registration is required. Call Kim McGrew at the Audubon Museum for further info or registration. (270) 827-1893 or kim.mcgrew@ky.gov

Kentucky Bluebird Society Annual Meeting
4/12/2008

Want to learn how to attract bluebirds and other native cavity-nesting birds to your yard? Interested in protecting bird populations for years to come? This day is packed is great avian-themed speakers and activities. From a Flying WILD educator workshop to a session on John James Audubon's impact on the conservation movement, the Kentucky Bluebird Society annual meeting is open to the public and packed with speakers and activities focusing on cavity-nesting bird conservation. Fabulous door prizes will be available, including a Bluebird box live camera (valued at $200.00), Bluebird box construction session and Flying WILD workshop require a small materials charge. Although the annual meeting requires no registration, please contact Julie McDonald (juliea.mcdonald@ky.gov) to register for the Flying WILD workshop.8:30 am-Noon: Flying WILD workshop (registration required by April 7, maximum number of workshop participants 25, $12.00 material fee.)10:00 am-Noon: Building for Bluebirds (building nesting boxes) $5.00 material fee1:30-5:00 pm: various speakers and sessions. Download meeting agenda (pdf file).

Audubon Adult Artist Retreat - April
4/18/2008

Beginning to advanced artist are invited to attend the monthly all-day artist retreats at the Audubon Museum. Join us for a day of fun, creativity and critique. Guest speakers and special programs will vary with each retreat. Bring your art of choice and supplies. Ages: 18 & up. Upcoming retreats will be June 20th & July 11th. Pre-registration by 4/17/08 is required. Fee is $15.00. Call Kim McGrew at the Audubon Museum for further info or registration. (270) 827-1893 or kim.mcgrew@ky.gov

Camper Appreciation weekend
4/25/2008 to 4/27/2008

Enjoy fun family activities Friday-Sunday as we celebrate John James Audubon's birthday and thank our visitors for making Kentucky State Park's system the nation's finest! For more information please contact Julie McDonald at 270-826-2247 or juliea.mcdonald@ky.gov

Ohio Valley Birding Festival
5/1/2008 to 5/4/2008

Join birders and educators from throughout the region at the 2008 Ohio Valley Birding Festival, May 1-4! Learn about birds, birding and bird habitat from some of the best birders in the field. Seminars, workshops, hikes and crafts will be available for all ages and all levels of interest. For more information please contact Julie McDonald at 270-826-2247 or juliea.mcdonald@ky.gov

New Harmonies: Celebrating American Roots Music
5/3/2008 to 6/13/2008

Location:
Riverbend Academy
145 North Main Street
Henderson, KY 42420

New Harmonies a Smithsonian Institute Traveling Exhibit persents a cultural history of America's musical landscape. The exhibit tracts the unique history of many peopl reshaping each other into one incredibly diverse and compex people - Americans. The New Harmonies exhibit will be expanded on with the addition of materials relating to Henderson and western Kentucky's own diverse music legacy. Area musical talent of the past and present will be highlighted in the local component of the exhibit including performances by students from the Riverbend Academy School for the Visual and Performing Arts. For more info contact Alan Gehret at the Audubon Museum (270) 827-1893

Adult Watercolor Workshop
5/9/2008

All Artists are invited to attend this exquisite Watercolor Workshop by Canadian artist Evelyn Konrad. Bring your own supplies, watercolor paper and a sack lunch. For further info or registration call Kim McGrew at the Audubon Museum (270) 827-1893 or kim.mcgrew@ky.gov

Homegrown Bluegrass Festival
5/16/2008 to 5/17/2008

Enjoy two days of pickin’and jammin’ by a beautiful lakeside setting. Local bluegrass bands will host this annual festival that is fun for all ages. A favorite is the open mic and pickin' opportunities so bring your instrument! Held in conjunction with the Creative Arts Festival.

Creative Arts Festival
5/17/2008

The Creative Arts Festival will fill the gardens of Audubon Museum Saturday, May 17th from 9:00-4:00. Artists and crafters will sell and exhibit their works of art throughout the day. Entertainment for children and adults will be scheduled all day. The Homegrown Bluegrass festival will also be the same day. Come to Audubon State Park and enjoy the fun. Vendors and Artists may call Kim McGrew for booth rentals and more info at the Audubon Museum. (270) 827-1893 or kim.mcgrew@ky.gov. Fee is $3.00 per car.

John James Audubon - Memorial Day Weekend
5/23/2008 to 5/25/2008

Help us kick off the summer season with exciting recreation and naturalist activities planned throughout the weekend! Make your camping reservations at http://parks.ky.gov/reservations/default.htm. For more information please contact Julie McDonald at 270-826-2247 or juliea.mcdonald@ky.gov

Memorial Day Weekend - JJA
5/23/2008 to 5/25/2008

Help us kick off the summer season with exciting recreation and naturalist activities planned throughout the weekend! Make your camping reservations at http://parks.ky.gov/reservations/index.htm .

National Fishing and Boating Week and National Rivers Month
6/1/2008 to 6/7/2008

Join us for National Fishing and Boating Week from Sunday, June 1 through Saturday, June 7 with daily campground activities focusing on water fun. Other fishing and boating activities scheduled during the month will celebrate National Rivers Month. For more information please contact Julie McDonald at 270-826-2247 or juliea.mcdonald@ky.gov

Junior Naturalist Programs
6/3/2008

Open your eyes to the amazing wonders in your own back yard. Learn about how we protect these beautiful resources. Programs meet at the Audubon Museum. Kids who attend any one of these dates will receive a patch and certificate. Children ages 10-12 will meet from 9 am-noon Tuesday, June 3; children ages 8-9 will meet from 9 am-noon June 10; and children ages 6-7 will meet from 9 am-noon on June 17. On June 17, the Junior Naturalists and their families are invited to attend a S’mores Celebration and Awards Ceremony at 7:00 pm at the Audubon Campground Shelter. Pre-registration by 6/1/08 is required. Fee is $5.00. For more information please contact Julie McDonald at 270-826-2247 or juliea.mcdonald@ky.gov

Creatures of the Night Adventure Trek / National Trails Day
6/7/2008

Venture out with our Interpretation staff on National Trails Day and discover the mysticism of nighttime creatures. Dress for the weather and bring a flashlight. For more information please contact Julie McDonald at 270-826-2247 or juliea.mcdonald@ky.gov

Summer Art in the Park
6/10/2008 to 7/24/2008

SUMMER ART AT THE PARK will be two, 3-week sessions of art classes for students ages 3-12. Each class will meet once for 3 weeks. Classes will vary from pastels, watercolor, drawing techniques, clay pots, and much more. For a summer art schedule contact Kim McGrew at the Audubon Museum (270) 827-1893 or kim.mcgrew@ky.gov

Junior Naturalist Programs
6/10/2008

Open your eyes to the amazing wonders in your own back yard. Learn about how we protect these beautiful resources. Programs meet at the Audubon Museum. Kids who attend any one of these dates will receive a patch and certificate. Children ages 10-12 will meet from 9 am-noon Tuesday, June 3; children ages 8-9 will meet from 9 am-noon June 10; and children ages 6-7 will meet from 9 am-noon on June 17. On June 17, the Junior Naturalists and their families are invited to attend a S’mores Celebration and Awards Ceremony at 7:00 pm at the Audubon Campground Shelter. Pre-registration by 6/1/08 is required. Fee is $5.00. For more information please contact Julie McDonald at 270-826-2247 or juliea.mcdonald@ky.gov

National Smores Day
6/10/2008

Come celebrate National S’mores Day with the Audubon Recreation Staff at the Campground Shelter. You’ll have so much fun that you’ll come back for S’more. Event begins at 6:00pm. For more information please contact Julie McDonald at 270-826-2247 or juliea.mcdonald@ky.gov

Low Ropes Challenge Course Facilitator Training
6/13/2008

Become a certified Challenge Course Leader during this facilitator training. Facilitators can bring their own groups out to the course for a reduced price or get paid to facilitate other challenge course groups. The challenge course helps individuals improve self-confidence; enhance communication and leadership skills; develop decision-making and conflict resolution skills; promote trust and group cohesion; and improve physical fitness. Registration by 6/10/08 is required. Fee is $10.00. Event time is from 9:00am to 3:00pm. Staff Contact: Julie McDonald at 270-826-2247 or juliea.mcdonald@ky.gov

Audubon State Park Fishing Derby
6/14/2008

Sign up at Campground ShelterTest your fishing prowess and compete for prizes. Fishing experts from the Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife will be on-hand to teach fishing techniques. Prizes will be given for each age group.Staff Contact: Julie McDonald at 270-826-2247 or juliea.mcdonald@ky.gov

Junior Naturalist Programs
6/17/2008

Open your eyes to the amazing wonders in your own back yard. Learn about how we protect these beautiful resources. Programs meet at the Audubon Museum. Kids who attend any one of these dates will receive a patch and certificate. Children ages 10-12 will meet from 9 am-noon Tuesday, June 3; children ages 8-9 will meet from 9 am-noon June 10; and children ages 6-7 will meet from 9 am-noon on June 17. On June 17, the Junior Naturalists and their families are invited to attend a S’mores Celebration and Awards Ceremony at 7:00 pm at the Audubon Campground Shelter. Pre-registration by 6/1/08 is required. Fee is $5.00. For more information please contact Julie McDonald at 270-826-2247 or juliea.mcdonald@ky.gov

Audubon Adult Artist Retreat - June
6/20/2008

Beginning to advanced artist are invited to attend the monthly all-day artist retreats at the Audubon Museum. Join us for a day of fun, creativity and critique. Guest speakers and special programs will vary with each retreat. Bring your art of choice and supplies. Ages: 18 & up. The next retreat will be July 18th. Pre-registration is required. Fee is $15.00. Call Kim McGrew at the Audubon Museum for further info or registration. (270) 827-1893 or kim.mcgrew@ky.gov

Tri-State Art Guild Exhibit
06/26/08 to 08/17/08

Audubon Museum presents the annual Tri-State Art Guild exhibit. All members are invited to exhibit one piece of artwork. The public is invited to the opening reception, Thursday, June 26th, from 6:00-7:30. A variety of mediums will be on display. For more info contact Kim McGrew at the Audubon Museum (270) 827-1893 kim.mcgrew@ky.gov

Tri-State Art Guild Exhibit
07/01/08 to 08/17/08

Audubon Museum presents the annual Tri-State Art Guild exhibit. All members are invited to exhibit one piece of artwork. The public is invited to the opening reception, Thursday, June 26th, from 6:00-7:30. A variety of mediums will be on display. For more info contact Kim McGrew at the Audubon Museum (270) 827-1893 kim.mcgrew@ky.gov

Audubon Adult Artist Retreat - July
7/18/2008

Beginning to advanced artist are invited to attend the monthly all-day artist retreats at the Audubon Museum. Join us for a day of fun, creativity and critique. Guest speakers and special programs will vary with each retreat. Bring your art of choice and supplies. Ages: 18 & up. Pre-registration is required. Fee is $15.00. Call Kim McGrew at the Audubon Museum for further info or registration. (270) 827-1893 or kim.mcgrew@ky.gov

"Audubon's River" art exhibit
8/23/2008 to 10/1/2008

Audubon Museum presents "Audubon’s River" by Artists Devere Burt and Mary Louise Holt from Cincinnatti, OH. Through their works of art this exciting exhibit depicts the life of John James Audubon on the Ohio River during the time he lived in Henderson, Louisville and Cincinnatti, from 1807 to 1820. Exhibit dates will be August 23 to Oct. 1. For further info contact Kim McGrew at the Audubon Museum. (270) 827-1893 or kim.mcgrew@ky.gov

Monarch Migration Mysteries
9/13/2008 and 9/20/2008

Bid a farewell to the Monarch Butterflies migrating south for the winter. We will meet at the Audubon Museum for a 45-minute introductory indoor presentation (at 8:00 am and 1:00 pm on both days). Next, we will carpool to the Sloughs Wildlife Management Area for some outdoor Monarch tagging. The outdoor portion (2-3 hours) is weather dependent. Please dress for potentially marshy conditions. We will meet at the Audubon Museum for an introduction into these extraordinary insects and carpool to the Sloughs Wildlife Management Area to capture and tag them on their way to Mexico. Tags and nets will be provided. Program fee: $3.00 per person. For more information please contact Julie McDonald at 270-826-2247 or juliea.mcdonald@ky.gov

“Safari” Arts & Music Fest
9/23,9/24 & 9/25

Elementary and High School students from Henderson, Daviess, Union, Webster and Hopkins County schools will enjoy a day full of visual arts, music, face painting and much more. As the beat of the Safari drums flourish the museum, students will rotate four classes per day and enjoy the festivities during the courtyard picnic. This annual festival is put on annually for the special needs students of the tri-state area. The public may observe the music and art classes if desired. Students are by invitation only.Staff Contact: Kim McGrew at (270) 827-1893 or kim.mcgrew@ky.gov36th .

Annual Green River Area Development District (GRADD) Arts & Crafts Festival
10/04/2007 to 10/05/2007

One of Kentucky’s oldest and largest craft festivals is back at John James Audubon State Park.
Location: Friday and Saturday at the Audubon Museum Garden
Event Contact: Beth Goetz at 270-926-4433 or bethgoetz@gradd.com
Event fee: $3.00

Adult Artists Retreat
10/17/2008

Artists of all levels are welcome to join us at the Audubon monthly “Artists Retreats”. Be ready to get creative and enjoy the critique and help from other tri-state artists. Pre-registration is required. Bring your art and supplies. Staff Contact: Kim McGrew at 270-827-1893 or kim.mcgrew@ky.gov. Fee: $15.00

Halloween Bash
10/25/2008

Moms or Grandmas and Tiny Tot's, ages 3-6, are invited to the Halloween Bash on Saturday, Oct. 25th. Wear your favorite costume and be prepared for a "HOOT" of a time. Art, games and refreshments will be served. Pre-registration by 10/20/08 is required. Fee: $6.00. Event time: 10:30am to 12:00pm. Call Kim McGrew at the Audubon Museum for further info or registration. (270) 827-1893 or kim.mcgrew@ky.gov

Fall Golf Classic
10/18/2008

Saturday, October 18 (hosted at Municipal City Golf Course) and Sunday October 19 (hosted at Audubon Golf Course)Call Audubon Pro Shop for more detailsThis two-day tournament will have a four-person scramble format. Tournament will be flighted after the first day. Staff Contact: Audubon Golf Store Pro Shop at 270-826-5546

Fall Foliage Fiesta
11/1/2008

How does nature transition from sunny, warm summer days to crisp and wintry conditions? During this PowerPoint presentation, visitors will peek inside nature’s bag of tricks that allow for life to prepare for the seasonal winter transformation. Afterwards, take a walk outside and soak in the colors and sounds of Audubon State Park’s most colorful season. For more information please contact Julie McDonald at 270-826-2247 or juliea.mcdonald@ky.gov

"Close to Home"
11/13/08 to 2/8/2009

A collection of artwork inspired by our heartland experiences and family relationships. Equestrian theme oil paintings by mother, Elizabeth Davis, and nature themed pieces by daughter Lisa Heichelbech, comprise this collaborative exhibit. Opening reception, Nov. 13th from 6:00-7:30. Staff Contact: Kim McGrew at 270-827-1893 or kim.mcgrew@ky.gov


Adult Artists Retreat
11/14/2008

Artists of all levels are welcome to join us at the monthly Audubon “Artists Retreats”. Be ready to get creative and enjoy the critique and fellowship from other tri-state artists. 9:00-3:00 Pre-registration is required. Bring your own art and supplies. For registration or more info contact: Staff Contact: Kim McGrew at 270-827-1893 or kim.mcgrew@ky.govFee: $15.00

Turkey Tot's
11/21/2008

Moms or Grandma’s, get creative and bring your little artists to “Turkey Time”. Create a 3D turkey just in time to decorate your table. Ages 3-5. Pre-registration is required. Contact Kim McGrew (270) 827-1893.Staff Contact: Kim McGrew at 270-827-1893 or kim.mcgrew@ky.gov. Fee: $6.00

Holiday Pottery for Tiny Tot’s
12/5/2008

Bring your little tiny tot’s, ages 3-6 to create a Christmas mug and enjoy the holiday music and snacks. Pick up will be the following week. Time: 10:30-12:00 (includes one mug & supplies)Staff Contact: Kim McGrew at 270-827-1893 or kim.mcgrew@ky.gov.Fee: $13.00

Holiday Fun
12/6/2008

Children ages 6-12 are invited to the Audubon MuseumTo design a Holiday Mug for that special someone. Parents are welcome to participate as well. Time: 1:00-2:00 Fee: $13.00 per person Pre-registration is require. Staff Contact: Kim McGrew at 270-827-1893 or kim.mcgrew@ky.gov

“Close to Home”
11/13/08 to 2/8/09

A collection of artwork inspired by our heartland experiences and family relationships. Equestrian theme oil paintings by mother, Elizabeth Davis, and nature themed pieces by daughter Lisa Heichelbech, comprise this collaborative exhibit. The public may visit the exhibit Tues.-Sat. from 10:00-4:30.Staff Contact: Kim McGrew at 270-827-1893 or kim.mcgrew@ky.gov

Nature’s Mysteries
12/20/2008

2:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.Come crack some of the common secrets of the natural world with the Audubon State Park Naturalist.Staff Contact: Julie McDonald at 270-826-2247 or juliea.mcdonald@ky.govProgram Fee: Free.

 

More Information

Contact Information

John James Audubon State Park
3100 US Highway 41 North
Henderson, KY 42419-0576
270-826-2247
Park Manager: Mark Kellen