Whether you like to swim with the fish or catch them, Kentucky’s Western Lakes & Rivers Region offers ideal opportunities for outdoor recreation. The Ohio, Cumberland, Tennessee and Mississippi Rivers, combined with [[Lake Barkley]] & [[Kentucky Lake]], create a virtual playground of recreation in the 15 counties of [[Western Kentucky]]. Fishing, hunting, boating, hiking and wildlife
Whether you like to swim with the fish or catch them, Kentucky’s Western Lakes & Rivers Region offers ideal opportunities for outdoor recreation. The Ohio, Cumberland, Tennessee and Mississippi Rivers, combined with [[Lake Barkley]] & [[Kentucky Lake]], create a virtual playground of recreation in the 15 counties of [[Western Kentucky]]. Fishing, hunting, boating, hiking and wildlife
viewing are just a few of our many outdoor opportunities. Naturally, there are unlimited opportunities for fun on the water,
viewing are just a few of our many outdoor opportunities. Naturally, there are unlimited opportunities for fun on the water,
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==Regions==
==Regions==
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*[[Lake Barkley]]
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*[[Kentucky Lake]]
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*[[Land Between the Lakes]]
==Cities==
==Cities==
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*[[Aurora (Kentucky)|Aurora]]
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*[[Grand Rivers]][http://www.grandrivers.com] - Located on both [[Kentucky Lake]] and [[Lake Barkley]] and at the North entrance to [[Land Between the Lakes]]; This is a village filled with authentic charm, surrounded by water and the great outdoors.
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*[[Grand Rivers]] - Located on both [[Kentucky Lake]] and [[Lake Barkley]] and at the North entrance to [[Land Between the Lakes]]; This is a village filled with authentic charm, surrounded by water and the great outdoors. [http://www.grandrivers.com]
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*[[Hopkinsville]][http://www.visithopkinsville.com] - From rural rolling farmland adored by bikers, to steep terrain with expansive vistas enjoyed by hikers, to golf, parks and loads of water sports, outdoor enthusiests can alwasy find something to do in Christian County. If a museum, community theatre, or antique shopping sound more intriguing, their is plenty of indoor entertainment options, too. Explore it all in Hopkins-Christian County.
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*[[Hopkinsville]] - From rural rolling farmland adored by bikers, to steep terrain with expansive vistas enjoyed by hikers, to golf, parks and loads of water sports, outdoor enthusiests can alwasy find something to do in Christian County. If a museum, community theatre, or antique shopping sound more intriguing, their is plenty of indoor entertainment options, too. Explore it all in Hopkins-Christian County. [http://www.visithopkinsville.com]
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*[[Murray]][http://www.tourmurray.com] - Influenced by Western Kentucky charm, a strong art and theater presence, and a progressive university town attitude, Murray is the perfect place to stay a day. . . or spend a lifetime.
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*[[Murray]] - Influenced by Western Kentucky charm, a strong art and theater presence, and a progressive university town attitude, Murray is the perfect place to stay a day. . . or spend a lifetime. [http://www.tourmurray.com]
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*[[Paducah]][http://www.paducah.travel] - Enjoy thriving arts district, wide variety of cultural pursuits, rich history, fine dining, and eclectic accommodations.
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*[[Paducah]] - Enjoy thriving arts district, wide variety of cultural pursuits, rich history, fine dining, and eclectic accommodations. [http://www.paducah.travel]
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*[[Benton]] / [[Gilbersville]][http://www.kentuckylake.org] - Just imagine an area where the people are friendly, life is easy, and the scenery is absolutely breathtaking. You have just pictured [[Kentucky Lake]]! You can choose peace and quiet or be in the center of the action. Stay on the water's edge or venture inland to a unique bed and breakfast. Anchor in a bay to yourself or head for the golf courses. Whatever your choices may be, you will have the vacation you'll always remember on the lake you'll never forget.
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*[[Benton / Gilbersville]] - Just imagine an area where the people are friendly, life is easy, and the scenery is absolutely breathtaking. You have just pictured [[Kentucky Lake]]! You can choose peace and quiet or be in the center of the action. Stay on the water's edge or venture inland to a unique bed and breakfast. Anchor in a bay to yourself or head for the golf courses. Whatever your choices may be, you will have the vacation you'll always remember on the lake you'll never forget. [http://www.kentuckylake.org]
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*[[Cadiz]] - If you take a step back in time and walk downtown Main Street before the late 1800's and early 1900's you would find the same buildings dominating the city. After all these years the important elements of the city and county landscape still remain. The present day courthouse, completed in 1922 stands today, both serving as a center of county government and a witness to times past. Buildings built before we were born, reminiscent of days gone by. And yet they remain the basic building blocks of the city and its landscape. [http://www.gocadiz.com]
*[[Cadiz]] - If you take a step back in time and walk downtown Main Street before the late 1800's and early 1900's you would find the same buildings dominating the city. After all these years the important elements of the city and county landscape still remain. The present day courthouse, completed in 1922 stands today, both serving as a center of county government and a witness to times past. Buildings built before we were born, reminiscent of days gone by. And yet they remain the basic building blocks of the city and its landscape. [http://www.gocadiz.com]
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*[[Eddyville / Kuttawa]] - Simply irresistible [[Lake Barkley]] Combined with [[Kentucky Lake]], you will find 160,000 acres of water and expansive shorelines ideal for boating, fishing, hunting, golfing, hiking, camping shopping, wildlife viewing and relaxing. [http://www.lakebarkley.org]
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*[[Eddyville]] / [[Kuttawa]][http://www.lakebarkley.org] - Simply irresistible [[Lake Barkley]] Combined with [[Kentucky Lake]], you will find 160,000 acres of water and expansive shorelines ideal for boating, fishing, hunting, golfing, hiking, camping shopping, wildlife viewing and relaxing.
*[[Hickman]]
*[[Hickman]]
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*[[Marion]]
*[[Marion]]
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*[[Mayfiled]] - Unfold the pages of time and discover the graciousness of Mayfield and Graves County, Kentucky. It is here that sporting events, cultural activities and historical districts attract visitors and residents alike. This small Kentucky town abounds with unforgettable shops and restaurants. Enjoy the diversity of Mayfield. A warmhearted welcome awaits you. [http://www.mayfieldtourism.com]
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*[[Mayfield]][http://www.mayfieldtourism.com] - Unfold the pages of time and discover the graciousness of Mayfield and Graves County, Kentucky. It is here that sporting events, cultural activities and historical districts attract visitors and residents alike. This small Kentucky town abounds with unforgettable shops and restaurants. Enjoy the diversity of Mayfield. A warmhearted welcome awaits you.
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*[[Oak Grove]] - Kentucky’s “Rising Star” is located on the border of Western Kentucky and Middle Tennessee. Whether you’re planning a visit in the near future or a move to this area, we are happy to show you what Oak Grove has to offer and look forward to offering you some of that famous Southern Hospitality. [http://oakgroveky-tourism.com]
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*[[Oak Grove]][http://oakgroveky-tourism.com] - Kentucky’s “Rising Star” is located on the border of Western Kentucky and Middle Tennessee. Whether you’re planning a visit in the near future or a move to this area, we are happy to show you what Oak Grove has to offer and look forward to offering you some of that famous Southern Hospitality.
*[[Princeton]]
*[[Princeton]]
==Other destinations==
==Other destinations==
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'''Discover the area'''
'''Discover the area'''
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*'''[[Kentucky State Parks]]''' [http://parks.ky.gov]
*'''[[Kentucky State Parks]]''' [http://parks.ky.gov]
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Wherever you travel in Kentucky, you are never far from one of our 52 Kentucky State Parks. Each park has its own unique attributes, from shorelines to majestic mountains, from winding caves to enchanting woodlands.
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Wherever you travel in Kentucky, you are never far from one of 52 Kentucky State Parks. Each park has its own unique attributes, from shorelines to majestic mountains, from winding caves to enchanting woodlands.
Revision as of 13:51, 2 December 2009
Kentucky's Western Waterlands region [1] is at the western edge of the state, and is home to popular outdoor recreation areas around Kentucky Lake, Lake Barkley and Land Between the Lakes.
This article or section does not match our manual of style or needs other editing. Please plunge forward, give it your attention and help it improve! Suggested fixes: None specified. Please use the article's talk page to ask questions if you are not sure why this tag was added and whether it is safe to remove it.
Whether you like to swim with the fish or catch them, Kentucky’s Western Lakes & Rivers Region offers ideal opportunities for outdoor recreation. The Ohio, Cumberland, Tennessee and Mississippi Rivers, combined with Lake Barkley & Kentucky Lake, create a virtual playground of recreation in the 15 counties of Western Kentucky. Fishing, hunting, boating, hiking and wildlife
viewing are just a few of our many outdoor opportunities. Naturally, there are unlimited opportunities for fun on the water,
but on land you can enjoy the beautiful parks and privately owned resorts, quaint bed and breakfasts and hotels/motels around the region. Enjoy trips to history museums and art galleries, golf, tennis, horseback riding and more. Make plans to attend some of the one-of-a-kind festivals and other special events that add to the unique heritage and culture throughout the region.
Get your bags packed. Then sitback, relax, prop up your feet and stay for a while. Your friends in Kentucky’s Western Lakes & Rivers Region welcome you with Southern hospitality.
Hopkinsville[3] - From rural rolling farmland adored by bikers, to steep terrain with expansive vistas enjoyed by hikers, to golf, parks and loads of water sports, outdoor enthusiests can alwasy find something to do in Christian County. If a museum, community theatre, or antique shopping sound more intriguing, their is plenty of indoor entertainment options, too. Explore it all in Hopkins-Christian County.
Murray[4] - Influenced by Western Kentucky charm, a strong art and theater presence, and a progressive university town attitude, Murray is the perfect place to stay a day. . . or spend a lifetime.
Paducah[5] - Enjoy thriving arts district, wide variety of cultural pursuits, rich history, fine dining, and eclectic accommodations.
Benton / Gilbersville[6] - Just imagine an area where the people are friendly, life is easy, and the scenery is absolutely breathtaking. You have just pictured Kentucky Lake! You can choose peace and quiet or be in the center of the action. Stay on the water's edge or venture inland to a unique bed and breakfast. Anchor in a bay to yourself or head for the golf courses. Whatever your choices may be, you will have the vacation you'll always remember on the lake you'll never forget.
Cadiz - If you take a step back in time and walk downtown Main Street before the late 1800's and early 1900's you would find the same buildings dominating the city. After all these years the important elements of the city and county landscape still remain. The present day courthouse, completed in 1922 stands today, both serving as a center of county government and a witness to times past. Buildings built before we were born, reminiscent of days gone by. And yet they remain the basic building blocks of the city and its landscape. [7]
Eddyville / Kuttawa[8] - Simply irresistible Lake Barkley Combined with Kentucky Lake, you will find 160,000 acres of water and expansive shorelines ideal for boating, fishing, hunting, golfing, hiking, camping shopping, wildlife viewing and relaxing.
Mayfield[9] - Unfold the pages of time and discover the graciousness of Mayfield and Graves County, Kentucky. It is here that sporting events, cultural activities and historical districts attract visitors and residents alike. This small Kentucky town abounds with unforgettable shops and restaurants. Enjoy the diversity of Mayfield. A warmhearted welcome awaits you.
Oak Grove[10] - Kentucky’s “Rising Star” is located on the border of Western Kentucky and Middle Tennessee. Whether you’re planning a visit in the near future or a move to this area, we are happy to show you what Oak Grove has to offer and look forward to offering you some of that famous Southern Hospitality.
This article or section does not match our manual of style or needs other editing. Please plunge forward, give it your attention and help it improve! Suggested fixes: None specified. Please use the article's talk page to ask questions if you are not sure why this tag was added and whether it is safe to remove it.
The Cumberland River was dammed in Grand Rivers, just 2 miles from the Kentucky Lake Dam, to make Lake Barkley. The lake is more shallow than Kentucky Lake, but just as exciting. Anglers will find the fishing exceptional on Lake Barkley. While the lake is probably best known for its spring crappie run, catfish and game fish such as large and smallmouth bass can be caught yearround. Spring, summer and fall months are filled with swimming, camping, boating, sunning, skiing, horseback riding, fishing, and golfing. Accommodations vary from scenic lakeside lodging to motels, hotels, and bed and breakfast establishments. These scenic lakeside resorts offer town houses, efficiencies, cottages, condos, and cabins. For the family who camps, both privately and publicly owned campgrounds are available. Campers can choose from primitive sites to developed campgrounds. Paved boat ramps are available along the shoreline, with area marinas offering a variety of services. If you don’t own a boat, you can easily rent a fishing boat, pontoon, houseboat, or ski boat for the day or week. Lake Barkley and Kentucky Lake, with a freeflowing canal, provide more than 600 miles of round-trip cruising. Local marinas offer shopping that includes clothing, specialty items (fishing & water sports) and gift items along with restaurants overlooking beautiful Lake Barkley where you can enjoy a delicious meal in a relaxing atmosphere. Don’t forget to eat a country ham biscuit at the Cadiz Country Ham Festival in October.
Kentucky Lake was built during WWII by the Tennessee Valley Authority to generate electricity, to control flooding on the Tennessee River and create a recreational paradise. With 160,000 acres of water and 2,380 miles of shoreline you can fish, ski, tube, kayak, sail, jet ski, drag race, and relax on the lake. Kentucky Lake is the second largest man-made lake in the U.S. and the area offers a variety of restaurants, many antique stores, go-cart riding, championship golf courses, miniature golf courses, biking, hiking, nature viewing, music shows, festivals, and more. Fish for catfish, crappie, bluegill, white bass, sauger, stripers, and large and smallmouth bass, or enjoy hunting throughout the area. Calvert Drive-In offers an old fashioned movie experience and wonderful cheeseburgers. The largest single antique mall between St. Louis and Nashville, Twin Lakes Antique Mall is located in Gilbertsville. Draffenville is home to Kentucky Opry, a live Country Music Show, and the only combination hardware store and fashion boutique of which we are aware. Shop-O-Rama! Come see why the Kentucky Lake area is called “Heaven on Earth” with lots of good ole’ Southern hospitality, beautiful surroundings, an abundance of recreational water, and a friendly relaxed atmosphere. What more could anyone want?
The Tennessee and Cumberland Rivers run roughly parallel through western Kentucky. Both have had dams constructed near Grand Rivers for flood control and power production. The Tennessee River was dammed to make Kentucky Lake and the Cumberland River to make Lake Barkley. A canal between the two lakes was dug at Grand Rivers, creating an inland peninsula. The federal government purchased all of the land between the lakes to create Land Between The Lakes (LBL), a 170,000-acre national
recreation area. Land Between the Lakes offers all the outdoor recreation “basics” with opportunities for environmental and historic interpretation. Experience the environment through hands-on excitement at LBL. LBL has many hiking and biking trails, horseback riding, an off-road vehicle area, camping, drag boat racing and much more. Grand Rivers is the only community that fronts on both Kentucky and Barkley Lakes. Water recreation is nearly limitless in this area and so is
camping, hiking, biking and other outdoor recreation. Grand Rivers’ Badgett Playhouse is home to the musical revue, Variety! Music, Memories & More. The largest arts & crafts festival in western Kentucky is held
This article or section does not match our manual of style or needs other editing. Please plunge forward, give it your attention and help it improve! Suggested fixes: None specified. Please use the article's talk page to ask questions if you are not sure why this tag was added and whether it is safe to remove it.
Wherever you travel in Kentucky, you are never far from one of 52 Kentucky State Parks. Each park has its own unique attributes, from shorelines to majestic mountains, from winding caves to enchanting woodlands.
Kentucky Dam Village State Resort Park, [13], Kentucky Dam Village is one of three state resort parks near Land Between the Lakes National Recreation Area, a 170,000-acre wooded peninsula bound by Kentucky Lake and Lake Barkley.
Lake Barkley State Resort Park, [14], Lake Barkley State Resort Park rests on the shores of one of the world’s largest man-made lakes and provides for an array of outdoor activity.
Kenlake State Resort Park, [15], Located on the mid-west shore of Kentucky Lake, with the longest shoreline of any man-made lake in the eastern United States, Kenlake is the perfect spot to enjoy the great outdoors.
Mineral Mound State Park, [16], This peaceful setting on the shores of Lake Barkley is historically linked to the author F. Scott Fitzgerald.
Wickliffe Mounds State Historic Site, [17], The Wickliffe Mounds State Historic Site is an archaeological site of a Native American village of the Mississippian culture.
Columbus-Belmont State Park, [18], Columbus-Belmont State Park Columbus, often called the "Gibraltar of the West" by the Confederates, was considered by them the key to their defense of the upper Mississippi River valley.
Understand
Tourist information
There are multiple websites online today that provide information about the Wester Waterlands region. Whether you want to learn about Kentucky Lake & Lake Barkley fishing, golf courses, area restaurants, boating information, hunting information, community information, or more, the following websites can help you do research about where to go and what to do in the Western Waterlands region:
Hopkinsville - Christian County Airport - Hopkinsville - HVC [27]
Princeton - Caldwell County Airport - Princeton - 2M0 [28]
Nearest Scheduled Airline Service - Barkley Regional Airport [29] in Paducah.
Nearest International Airport - Nashville International Airport [30] in Nashville.
Get around
See
Itineraries
Do
Eat
Bee Spring Lodge, 573 Spring Road, Benton, KY 42038, ☎ 270-354-6515, [31]. 6:00 AM to 2:00 PM F-M. What a fun place to be for breakfast and/or lunch. Come and experience the excellent food at Bee Spring Grill. We are known for the best breakfast on Kentucky Lake!! (Lunches are pretty darn good too!) Enjoy breakfast or lunch inside at our cozy counter, or take in the atmosphere outside on our beautiful brick patio.
The Big Apple Cafe, 1005 Arcadia Circle, Murray, KY 42071, ☎ 270-759-8866, [32]. Monday - Saturday 11:00 am - Midnight. Enjoy unique mexican food, deli sandwiches, BBQ, Cajun Specials, Fresh Salads, and a full bar at this one-of-a-kind restaurant. Private Dining Rooms available for parties and meetings.
Brass Lantern Restaurant, 16593 US 68 E, Aurora, KY, ☎ 270-474-2773, [33]. Opan at 5 pm. Charbroiled steaks, prime rib, lobster tail. Children’s and lite menus starting at $2.99. Casual atmosphere. Call for reservations and/or days of seasonal operation.
Broadbent B&B Foods, 257 Mary Blue Road, Kuttawa, KY 420 (I24, Exit 40), ☎ 270-388-0609, [34]. 8:00 am to 4:00 pm Monday - Saturday. Whether you are looking for country sliced bacon, country sausage, delivious spiral sliced ham, a variety of dry cured meats, or if you are looking for country baked ham, or turkey; we have all of your meat needs covered. Visit our Broadbent Kentucky Proud Gourmet Market at the address above, featuring Broadbent country ham, smoked bacon, and smoked sausage. Or shop our site to find all of the finest breakfast meats cured country style."
Drink
The Oasis Southwest Grill, 42 Day Inn Dr, Kuttawa, KY 420 (I-24, Exit 40), ☎ 270-388-0777, [35]. Known for great steak & ribs, but also featuring bison, fish, chicken & pasta dishes. Full-service bar with draft & premium beer, wine & specialty drinks. 359-seat restaurant with TV’s, & music.
Buzzard Rock Cafe, 985 Buzzard Rock Road, Kuttawa, KY, ☎ 270-388-7925, [36]. Open March - October Seasonal Hours. Breakfast, lunch and dinner with view of Lake Barkley. In season weekend breakfast buffet, super salads and specials featuring the big 1/2 lb. Buzzard Burger. Cold beer, wine and spirits.
