Top Motels in Owsley County in 2026

Long before Buckhorn Lake was created and the state park established in 1964, a small community flourished for many generations here, along the middle fork of the Kentucky River.
Early records refer to this area as the Bowling District, founded by Reverend Jesse Boling, his wife Mary Pennington, Reverend Duff and 50 other families. They were led to this remote area under the guidance of Daniel Boone. By the late 1800's Bowlingtown was a thriving community of hundreds. There was a post office, school, churches, grocery, saw mill, blacksmith and the Frontier Nursing Service. Local officials included a sheriff, magistrate, justice of the peace, and tax commissioner. The citizens were primarily farmers and coal miners. They were known to be patriotic, honest, kind, and well-educated people.
In 1960, when the construction of Buckhorn Lake began, Bowlingtown had to be abandoned and families relocated. Family graves (873) were re-interred to Buckhorn Cemetery. All were sad to leave their homeland of seven generations. so Where you see water was once The town called Bowlingtown in KY.

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Our top choices for Owsley County motels

Black Bear Lodge Motel

Slade

Barbara

HK$759 total

includes taxes & fees

20 Mar - 21 Mar

Oak Tree Inn

Irvine

Alfred

HK$517 total

includes taxes & fees

11 Mar - 12 Mar

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Top Owsley County Hotel Reviews

Natural Bridge State Resort Park

10/10 Excellent

"Everything was amazing. If you’re not booking one of these cottages, you are truly missing out! Our cottage featured a staircase in front with an incredible view. The sun shinning through in the morning was absolutely perfect! "

Secluded with amazing view from hot tub.Gated mountain top.Won’t be disappointed

8/10 Good

"Good place for the money, great view, fairly private. Gated entrance is awesome. Had a very clear night the first night and was able to soak in the hot tub and look at all the stars, very cool experience. The place itself needs some work inside. The bed is awful, every movement made a loud squeaking sound. The flooring is separated in some spots in the kitchen. Walking barefoot made my feet black, dust bunnies in the corners and the shower curtain has mold around the bottom. Some of the jets didn't work in the hot tub and it's super slow to heat up, but the water was clear and looked clean. There was a mouse that ran through the kitchen, kind of put a damper that night, but you are in a cabin in the woods, soooo....... The kitchen could use some better cookware, we brought our own because it's not the first cabin we've stayed in, but the selection is terrible. Overall it's a great value for a great spot, but needs a little TLC. "