The Land Between the Lakes National Recreation Area is a top destination for many reasons. From hiking and biking to sailing and fishing, there are plenty of activities for all to enjoy. If you are still trying to decide where to take a vacation next year, consider a few of our reasons to visit Land Between the Lakes and start planning your vacation today!
The Land Between the Lakes oversees more than 170,000 acres of forests, wetlands, and open lands in Western Kentucky and Tennessee. This undeveloped land offers endless family-friendly activities. Go picnicking, biking, hiking, fishing, boating, birdwatching, hunting, and more! Enjoy the 300 miles of shoreline and 500 miles of trails where you can bike, off-road ride, horseback ride, and be free to explore.
Hit the trails
Whether you hike trails or bike trails, Land Between the Lakes has something for you. The Land Between the Lakes trail system has something for everyone.
Go fishing
It goes without saying that fishing is one of the top reasons to visit Land Between the Lakes. Kentucky Lake and Lake Barkley make up one of the largest man-made bodies of water. This water feature is what surrounds the Land Between the Lakes National Recreation Area, offering anglers 300 miles of undeveloped shoreline. Known for its largemouth and smallmouth bass and crappie, fishing at Kentucky Lake is a favorite amongst visitors.
Watch a sunset
There is no denying Kentucky Lake, and the surrounding area offers some of the best sunsets around. Whether you watch from the shoreline or your cozy cottage at Lighthouse Landing, one thing is for certain, you’ll be happy you did.
Discover our tips for the best places to view the sunset at Kentucky Lake.
Explore the waters
Explore the waters with a day of sailing, kayaking, canoeing, or boating. The possibilities are endless! Sailing on Kentucky Lake is easily one of visitors’ favorite outdoor activities. Rent one or bring your own for a day on the water. Kentucky Lake and Lake Barkley are home to several marinas that offer boat rentals including, canoes, kayaks, jet skis, fishing boats, ski boats, and more.
Scenic Drive on Woodlands Trace
Running through the heart of the Land Between the Lakes, the Woodlands Trace National Scenic Byway is a 43-mile-long paved road offering visitors a peaceful scenic drive. It is a great way to see a lot of the area with scenic pullouts, picnic areas, and notable landmarks along the way.
Visit the Elk & Bison Prairie
Visit the Elk & Bison Prairie where both elk and bison roam free amongst an expansive native grassland habitat. Visitors can observe from their car via a 3.5-mile paved loop road. The area is open dawn to dusk, seven days a week. The admission is $5 a vehicle.
Golden Pond Planetarium
Learn about the planets, stars, and constellations in the night sky at the Golden Pond Planetarium and Observatory. The 360-degree, surround sound, 40-foot domed theater is the perfect backdrop for the state-of-the-art digital projection system displays and re-creates the night sky for those to see. From educational shows about our solar system to laser music shows, the planetarium is fun for all ages. View here for daily schedule.
Stay at Lighthouse Landing
Complete your visit to Land Between the Lakes with a stay at Lighthouse Landing. Take in views of Kentucky Lake and breathtaking sunsets from your cozy cottage. Fully equipped with comfortable bedding, ample space, a full kitchen, some with whirlpool tubs and gas log stoves, plus private outdoor porches, your peaceful lakeside retreat awaits you! Choose from one, two, and three-bedroom cottages and enjoy all that Land Between the Lakes offers with a stay at Lighthouse Landing.
