This mountain resort is named for the legendary pioneer woman, Jenny Wiley. Taken captive by Indians in 1789, Wiley endured the slaying of her brother and children and escaped after 11 months of captivity. Imagine our heroine eluding her captors as you hike the trails that weave through the wilderness.

Jenny Wiley State Resort Park is sure to offer something for everyone. With both 1,100-acre Dewey Lake and an Olympic-size swimming pool, the park is a water lover's paradise. If swimming, fishing or boating isn't your style, consider taking in a Broadway-style show at the popular Jenny Wiley Theatre.

The park, located in the Eastern Kentucky coal fields region near Prestonsburg, was named after Virginia "Jenny" Sellards Wiley. Jenny Wiley's story of captivity by Native Americans in 1789 is a significant part of local history.

Before its establishment as a state resort area, the land primarily served agricultural purposes and later saw some resource extraction activities typical for Appalachian regions. The Dewey Lake within the park boundaries owes its existence to damming efforts for flood control and recreation during mid-20th century development initiatives.

Officially opened on January 1st, 1954, it initially covered approximately 1,100 acres but has since expanded to include over 2,300 acres offering outdoor recreational opportunities like boating and hiking. Historical features such as pioneer homesteads have been preserved or reconstructed nearby; these provide insights into early settler life.

Over time facilities were added including lodges with guest rooms overlooking Dewey Lake along with cottages available for rent year-round. A campground provides additional accommodation options while an amphitheater hosts seasonal performances celebrating regional culture including musical productions about Jenny Wiley’s tale itself.

Conservation programs are now integral parts of operations aiming at preserving natural habitats amidst increasing tourism demands ensuring that wildlife thrives alongside human visitors enjoying this historical landscape.

The lodge contains two meeting rooms that each accommodate 125 guests. Audio-visual equipment is available. These meeting rooms are in addition to the meeting space in the Conference Center, described below.Wilkinson/Stumbo Conference CenterThis modern meeting facility is adjacent to the amphitheatre. The center may be divided into three separate meeting/banquet rooms to accommodate a total of 500-800 people, theater or banquet-style.

For information on booking an event, phone Mary at 800-325-0142.

Jenny Wiley is located in Prestonsburg, off US 23/460 on KY 3. From I-64 West take the Mountain Parkway exit. From I-64 East take the US 23 South Exit. From I-75 north, take the Daniel Boone Parkway exit. From I-75 south, take the I-64 East exit. Here is an area map.