Your Next Family Adventure

Looking for a day trip that’s sure to be fun for the whole family? Look no further than Lake Malone State Park’s larger-than-life family attraction – The Big Twigs. On August 10, 2021, Muhlenberg County Tourism Commission introduced the first Big Twigs – Oakley, Bobber, and Happy Malone.  The additions of Annette, Paige, and Wattson were debuted the following year on September 23, 2022.

Spend the day enjoying the fresh air and beautiful scenic views while visiting the family of giants throughout Lake Malone State Park. These sculptures, standing between 14 and 17-feet tall, are located in various areas throughout the park. Providing the perfect photo opportunities, your kids are sure to enjoy exploring each member of the Malone Family. 

Misty Stanley, Director of Muhlenberg County Tourism said, “The inspiration behind these towering figures stemmed from desire to attract visitors to Lake Malone State Park. Our goal was to infuse the park with visitors by featuring the adventurous giant family, known as The Malones, living their best lives in Muhlenberg County. The Big Twigs actively promote wholesome outdoor activities like hiking, fishing, camping, reading, and enjoying the beauty of nature, including chasing butterflies and fireflies. We firmly believe that fostering a connection with nature is a profoundly enriching form of self-care for visitors of all ages, especially in the breathtaking surroundings of Lake Malone State Park.”  

Meet the Malones  

As your family is exploring, you can visit “Wattson and Annette” in the large field where they love to spend their time chasing butterflies and fireflies. Make it a game and let your kids try to count how many butterflies they can spot, or how many they can catch, too. Headed to the playground for some outdoor fun? Don’t miss “Paige” reading a book nearby. Maybe encourage your kiddos to bring a book and read beside her. She is always excited to meet new friends and would love to take a break from reading for a picture with your crew! If your family is near the campground, be sure to wave hello to “Happy” as he sits at his campsite exploring the trees and nature around him while he roasts marshmallows for the rest of his family. Your family may even spot some of his nature friends near the camping area. For those heading out on the water, whether to go fishing or swimming or just to watch the boats passing by, don’t miss “Bobber” who sits alongside the lake. He will be cheering you on as you catch your next big fish! You can’t come to the park without taking a hike along Laurel Trail where you can visit “Oakley” surrounded by the tall trees. This 2-mile trail is perfect for exploring the outdoors, finding some shade and listening to the birds chirping. How many different birds can your family find? No matter the area, you will find a Big Twig to greet your family – which adds to the fun as you approach each member of the Malone family throughout your visit.

An Outdoor Adventure

The Malone Family is an exciting attraction. “We aspire for the Big Twigs to attract visitors to Lake Malone, allowing them to immerse themselves in the diverse array of outdoor activities. We hope families create lasting memories and visitors come to appreciate the beauty our county has to offer,” stated Misty. Lake Malone State Park offers a wide variety of things to do featuring a playground, picnic areas, and in the summer, a beach on the lake. The trail system at Lake Malone spans 5 miles, showcasing lakeside scenery, cascades, and rock formations. The Big Twigs attraction is free for your family to visit from dawn to dusk and is an added bonus for the perfect family day trip as you head out on your next big adventure! 

Lake Malone State Park is located at 331 State Route 8001 Dunmor, KY 42339.