If you’re looking for unique art in a natural setting of the great outdoors, you’ll want to check out the “Big Twigs” sculptures at Lake Malone State Park.
Lake Malone State Park is in Western Kentucky and offers endless recreation and fun for guests who enjoy outdoor adventures.
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Meet the “Big Twigs”
There are six 14-foot sculptures in the “Big Twigs” family at Lake Malone State Park to discover.
The sculptures were designed and created by artist Steve Brauch of Brainchild Creative, LLC in Sevierville, Tennessee.
You can see all of the “Big Twigs” within a relatively short time if you drive to different various areas of the park.
You might recognize the style of sculpture by the same artist if you’ve seen “Willow” at Anakeesta in Gatlinburg, TN pictured above.
Lake Malone State Park has the largest collection of the family of wood-themed sculptures by the artist on display in the United States.
The closer you view the sculptures in the Big Twigs family, the more you appreciate the detail and artistry of each unique sculpture.
If you’ve previously visited the trolls at Bernheim Forest in Kentucky, you’ll want to see this family of 14-foot wooden giants!
Where to Find the Big Twigs at Lake Malone State Park
The map below gives you an overview of where each sculpture is within the park.
I’m sharing more about the location of each sculpture, along with the individual description written on each sculpture’s sign.
Parents can use the question at the end of each sign as a conversation starter for their family to engage more with the art.
Paige Malone
“Reading is Paige’s favorite thing to do. She says it takes her to many places and teaches her so many things. Books can take you on many adventures just like your adventures at Lake Malone. What will you write in your book?”
”Paige Malone” can be found reading a book near the playground on the campground side of the park.
Happy Malone
“He is one “happy” camper! Happy enjoys sleeping under the stars, watching the wildlife, most of all he enjoys roasting marshmallows around the fire. He has become really good friends with a few deer and a couple of squirrels. Have you seen any of Happy’s animal friends today?”
”Happy Malone” is located at his campsite, a short hike through the hardwood forest on the trail near “Watson Malone”
After you visit Happy, you can extend your hike on the 2-mile Laurel Trail.
Bobber Malone
“Meet Bobber! He loves to fish here at Lake Malone. He catches bluegill, catfish, bass, and more! He enjoys watching the boats pass and listening to the frogs croak. Have you been fishing lately?”
”Bobber Malone” can be found beside the lake, a short walk behind the lake picnic shelter after you visit Oakley Malone.
Oakley Malone
“Like many of the oak trees that fill the park. Oakley stands tall and strong. He loves going on hikes to hear the birds sing, to see the animals play, and to keep himself healthy. Oakley’s favorite time of year is the fall when the leaves turn bright colors. What’s your favorite season?”
”Oakley Malone” is located along Laurel Trail and can be viewed from the road inside your vehicle.
Wattson Malone
“He loves the light that the fireflies bring to the darkness in the beautiful woods of Lake Malone. He loves dreaming under the moon & stars. Wattson says Lake Malone is a magical place and he enjoys sharing it with his friends. What do you dream about?”
”Wattson Malone” is found trying to catch bugs in the field closer to the primitive tent sites.
Annette Malone
“There are so many amazing things to see at Lake Malone. Annette loves the lovely butterflies and she thinks they are good luck. She read that some people believe that if you catch a butterfly and whisper a wish to it, then let it go, your wish will come true. Have you seen the beautiful butterflies?”
”Annette Malone” is found in the center of the big field catching butterflies on the playground side of the park.
Additional Things to Do at Lake Malone State Park
There is so much to do at the 388-acre park and recreation on the 788 acre-lake.
Fishing at Lake Malone
Lake Malone is a great place to fish and the site of several fishing tournaments.
*A Kentucky fishing license is required and can be purchased online at The Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources website.
If you don’t have a fishing pole it’s ok. The park has a fishing loaner program that lets you check out equipment for free.
What types of fish are in Lake Malone?
You’ll find the following fish in Lake Malone:
- Largemouth Bass
- White Crappie
- Black Crappie
- Redear Fish
- Flathead Catfish
- Channel Catfish
Boating at Lake Malone State Park
You can explore the most beautiful lake in the area with a fishing or recreational boat.
Lake Malone doesn’t have horsepower restrictions, the boat ramp is open year-round, and there is a boat dock.
Can you swim at Lake Malone State Park?
Swimming is available in the designated beach area at Lake Malone State Park from Memorial Day Weekend through Labor Day. The beach is open from 10 AM-6 PM.
On a hot summer day, you’ll definitely want to spend time by the water on the sand beach. The shoreline of Lake Malone with the beach area is the only designated area where guests can swim.
There is a bathhouse with restrooms, showers, and a vending area for beach guests.
Camping at Lake Malone State Park
Camping season at Lake Malone is from mid-March through mid-November.
Lake Malone State Park Campground has the following amenities for camping convenience for overnight guests:
- 34 primitive sites for tent camping
- 25 RV sites with electric and water hookups for recreational vehicles
- Grills
- Picnic tables
- Fire Ring
- Dump station
- Showers, restrooms, and laundry facilities at the Central Service Station
*Pets are allowed if restrained.
If you don’t own a camper, you may consider one of the local RV rentals on RVshare.
You can find hotels near Lake Malone State Park here.
Hiking at Lake Malone State Park
Several easy-rated hiking trails at Lake Malone State Park are great for families.
The beautiful landscape of Lake Malone State Park includes a dense forest with a rich tapestry of native flora made up of wildflowers, mountain laurel, dogwood, and holly.
Hiking Trails at Lake Malone State Park
- Wildflower Trail – .25 miles (Difficult Level: Easy Hike)
- Laurel Trail – 1.5 miles (Difficult level: Easy Hike)
- Twisted Tree Trail – 2 miles
Highlights of the hiking trails include:
- Natural Rock Bridge
- Sandstone Wall – sandstone cliffs along the water
- Rock walls formerly used by prehistoric Native Americans
- Lake Malone Natural Bridge that’s made of eroded sandstone
- Picturesque views of many rock walls
Where is Lake Malone State Park located?
Lake Malone State Park is in Muhlenberg County at 331 State Route 8001, Dunmor, KY.
Cities Near Lake Malone State Park
- Central City, KY – 19.6 miles – 28 minutes
- Madisonville, KY – 42 miles – 51 minutes
- Bowling Green, KY – 49.1 miles – 57 minutes
- Owensboro, KY – 57.9 miles – 1 hr 16 minutes
