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Panther Creek Park Features

train car

Caboose


Lake

  • Monitored by the Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife

  • Stocking surveillance program of bass, bluegill, and catfish

  • Six acre lake is provided for your viewing pleasure

  • Fishing limited to 65 years and older, children 15 and under and persons with disabilities

  • Various species of waterfowl and turtles can be seen on the lake

  • Tempt the waterfowl's palate with tasty morsels of popcorn, breadcrumbs, and corn.

Wetland Project

  • Wetland sanitation project, an on site sewage-disposal and treatment system, consists of a primary and secondary cells.  

  • Cells make sewage disposal more natural.  

  • Aquatic plants inside the cell introduce oxygen into the wastewater through their roots, and then microorganisms and fungi neutralize the waste from restrooms.

  • Services the two large diamond concession stands and the information center

  • A most successful operation.

Butterfly (Large) Gazebo and Butterfly Garden

  • Butterfly Gazebo, added to Panther Creek Park in 2000 

  • Built in memory of Preston and Francis Long.

  • Situated on the lake, surrounded by a butterfly garden

  • Setting is ideal of weddings, small group gatherings

  • Enjoy the ducks as they slowly glide across the lake or watch butterflies float through the air.

duck

Animals at the Park

Frequently  Bats (Several species)
Frequently Fox Squirrel
Frequently Gray Squirrel
Frequently Meadow Vole
Frequently Mole
Frequently Muskrat
Frequently Rabbit
Rarely Raccoon
Rarely Skunk
Rarely Weasel
Rarely Wild Turkeys
Rarely Beaver
Rarely Fox (red and gray)
Rarely Mink
Rarely Opossum
Rarely Deer
Rarely Deer Mouse
Rarely Coyote

On very rare occasions other mammals may be found.
All are shy and try to avoid contact with park visitors.

Fire Tower

  • Climb the restored Forest Ranger Station for a breathtaking view

  • Fun experience for all ages

  • Posted guidelines and "childproofing" are provided for your safety.

Click here for a 360 degree look from the top of the fire town


(You will need a free quick time player- click here)

 

 

Fire Tower

The Swinger

  • "Swinger" is a 130' swinging bridge that completes the elevated nature trail system

  • Massive limestone tables and benches are available

  • Picturesque setting of wildflowers and trees depict an era long ago and compliment the bridge.

"Deer Crossing"

  • Signs designated "Deer Crossing" are placed along the South Park addition because the animals are seen frequently by visitors. 

  • It is against the law to hunt or bring a gun onto the park property and perhaps the whitetail deer sense they are safe within the park boundaries.

  • Additionally, deer, turkey, raccoon, foxes, and coyotes have also been observed in this area of the park.

Pedestrian Foot Bridge

  • Notice the Native American symbol the "Dream Catcher."

  • A Native American symbol the "Dream Catcher" hangs over the person dreaming to catch the bad dreams while allowing the good dreams through the center

  • This design began with two influences, the similarity of spun webbing to the bridge and the culmination of the dream by Retired Park Designer/Director Debbie Zielinski to connect Panther Creek Park South and Panther Creek Park.

Pleasant Grove School

Pleasant Grove School

Click here to see inside the school

  • Built in 1976 on ground donated by J.P. Crabtree and is believed to be the oldest One Room School remaining in Kentucky.

  • School closed in 1937 and was used as a residence for several years

  • Attendance ranged from 15 to 30 students, some walking as many as 2 miles to attend

  • 8 grades were taught, but due to time constraints the 7th and 8th grades were alternately omitted.  

  • The building renovation was completed in 1998

  • This school is a unique site to bring classes of students to experience early education techniques

  • Please call the office at 685-6142 to make a reservation.

Solar Energy Lighted Foundation

  • The Fountain is located inside the fenced-in area near the Welcome Center / Ticket Booth

  • Photovoltaic (PV) system is 10' X 30' and constructed with creek stones from Falls of Rough in Paddyville, KY to add a geological and fossil background to the park tours

  • The Fountain's monitor and lighting are powered by nine solar panels on the roof of the park's Information Center

  • Timed to run from 7:45 am to 11:30 pm daily during the park's summer season

  • In case of rain or overcast weather, the six storage batteries are capable of powering it for up to two days without sunlight

  • The Fountain was made possible through a matching grant from the Kentucky Alternative Energy Fund.

Nature lair gazebo

"Nature Lair"

  • 30- foot gazebo  

  • Can be found in the center of the Nature Trails

  • Site for environmental education session or just a quiet area 

Nature Tours

  • Joe Ford, County naturalist is available for tours by calling the park office at 685-6142, arrangements can be made for tour reservations 

  • Suggested size of six for a forty-five minutes to one-hour tour.


 
Information contained within this web site is for information purposes only and is subject to change  without notice.  Current laws and regulations may be obtained by contacting the respective departments.

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©Daviess County Fiscal Court, 212 St. Ann Street, Room 202, Owensboro, KY 42303
* Last update 09/29/2006