Destinations

Lakes region provides abundance of outdoor activities

The Kentucky Lake region has to be high on the list of a family planning an outdoor vacation.

Perhaps it’s the great fishing that might first draw the attention of the anglers in the clan. The massive Kentucky Lake is 180 miles long. Its sister Lake Barkley adds another 1,000 miles of shoreline just a short distance away. Both Lakes are known for their lunker largemouths, smallmouths and spotted bass. Crappie anglers will find some of the best fishing in the world with two-pounders common. The lakes also offer good fishing for catfish, stripers, sauger and bluegill.

But it is the Land Between the Lakes that may well have the broadest appeal to vacationers. This 170,000-acre national recreation area was formed in 1963 by President John F. Kennedy to demonstrate how an area with limited timber, agricultural and industrial resources could be turned into a recreational asset. It is the only such national demonstration area in the country.

Wildlife viewing in the area is excellent, especially in the 700-acre Elk and Bison prairie. The area has been restored to its native habitat where elk and bison once roamed. A winding road will allow visitors an intimate view of the prairie. Spring is a good time to observe the bison calving while fall is a good time to hear elk bugling.

While at the Land Between the Lakes, don’t forget to look skyward. The Golden Pond Planetarium, in the Golden Pond Visitors Center, lets you explore the reaches of outer space. Three different shows are displayed daily on a 40-foot dome from March through December: “Images of the Infinite,” “The Voyager Encounters” and “Kentucky Skies.” The Golden Pond Observatory let’s you view the stars from one of four telescopes or see solar flares through the Hydrogen-Alpha refractor.

On the water, land or in the skies, there are many reasons to visit the Kentucky Lakes region. Biking, hiking, train rides, water parks and horseback riding are just a few of the other activities to enjoy in the region. Golfers will love the rolling terrain of the many courses available in the area.

OK, let’s start planning; first a place to stay. Campers have an almost unlimited choice of public and private campsites on both the lakes. Land Between the Lakes has developed family campgrounds, camping areas with more basic amenities such a drinking water and chemical toilets, and a horse camp.

Kentucky Dam Village is one of three state resort parks in the region. It offers 219 paved campsites with water and electricity hookups, a grocery store, three dump stations, and four central service buildings with showers and restrooms. Air Camp for aviators offers the opportunity to camp by your aircraft.

For those who want to stay indoors, the Village Inn Lodge has 72 newly-renovated rooms with patios or balconies that look out on Kentucky Lake. The spacious bow-shaped lobby offers a beautiful view of the lake. The Village Green’s 14 rooms are near the 18-hole golf course. There are also 68 cottages with one, two or three bedrooms available year around. There is a swimming pool for guests of the lodge and cottages. The Harbor Lights Restaurant serves the finest cuisine from its cedar planked salmon steak and New York strips to local Kentucky fare. Harbor Lights is also open for breakfast and lunch.

The park also has an extensive gift shop and there are daily summer activities planned for the youngsters. There are also tennis courts and horse riding stables open from Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day weekend.

Something for every outdoor recreational taste including great fishing; it doesn’t get much better than that.

Links:

Kentucky Dam Village
http://parks.ky.gov/findparks/resortparks/kd

Land Between the Lakes
www.lbl.org

Kentucky State Parks
http://parks.ky.gov