Land Between The Lakes NRA
🦌 170,000 Acres Between Two Lakes — Elk Herds, Bison, 1850s Living History, and the Southeast’s Greatest Outdoor Peninsula — Land Between The Lakes National Recreation Area on the Kentucky-Tennessee border with 170,000 acres, Kentucky Lake and Lake Barkley, elk and bison herds at Elk & Bison Prairie, The Homeplace 1850s working farm, Woodlands Nature Station, Golden Pond Planetarium, 200+ miles of trails, camping, fishing, hunting, OHV trails, backcountry — Lyon/Trigg Counties KY, Stewart County TN
Land Between The Lakes is a 170,000-acre inland peninsula stretching 40 miles between Kentucky Lake and Lake Barkley — two of the largest man-made lakes in the eastern United States. Created by the TVA in the 1960s, the peninsula is now a massive recreation area with elk herds, bison, a working 1850s farm, a planetarium, and 200+ miles of trails.
This is the place where the Deep South meets the Midwest — hardwood forests, open prairies, and two enormous lakes teeming with bass, crappie, and catfish.
Must-See Attractions
| Attraction | Details |
|---|---|
| Elk & Bison Prairie | 700-acre enclosed prairie — drive through to see elk and bison roaming free. Native grasses restored |
| The Homeplace 1850s | Working 1850s farm with costumed interpreters. Heritage breeds, log cabins, period farming demonstrations |
| Woodlands Nature Station | Live animal exhibits — eagles, red wolves, coyotes, owls. Hands-on nature education |
| Golden Pond Planetarium | Astronomy shows and night sky programming. Dark sky location — excellent stargazing |
Recreation
| Activity | Details |
|---|---|
| Fishing | Kentucky Lake + Lake Barkley — largemouth/smallmouth bass, crappie, catfish, bluegill. 300+ miles of shoreline |
| Hiking | 200+ miles of trails — Canal Loop, Hematite Lake, North/South Trace backcountry |
| Camping | Multiple campgrounds plus dispersed backcountry camping. Lakeside sites available |
| OHV Trails | Turkey Bay Off-Highway Vehicle Area — 100+ miles of trails for ATVs and dirt bikes |
| Hunting | Deer, turkey, waterfowl. Managed hunts and archery zones |
| Boating | Multiple boat ramps on both lakes. Marinas nearby |
Best Time to Visit
| Season | Best For |
|---|---|
| Fall (Sep–Nov) | 🍂 Fall color, elk bugling, hunting season, comfortable hiking temps |
| Spring (Apr–May) | 🎣 Bass spawn, wildflowers, The Homeplace opens, migrating birds |
| Summer (Jun–Aug) | Swimming, full campgrounds, all attractions open. Hot and humid |
| Winter (Dec–Feb) | Eagle watching on the lakes, quiet hiking, planetarium shows |
Frequently Asked Questions
How big is Land Between The Lakes?
170,000 acres — a 40-mile-long peninsula between Kentucky Lake and Lake Barkley. It’s one of the largest inland recreation areas in the eastern United States, managed by the U.S. Forest Service.
Can I see elk and bison?
Yes — drive through the 700-acre Elk & Bison Prairie to see free-roaming herds in restored native grassland. Best viewing at dawn and dusk.
Is the planetarium free?
Small admission fee for shows. The Golden Pond Planetarium offers astronomy programs and is located at a dark sky site — excellent for stargazing after the show.
🦌 170,000 Acres Between Two Lakes
Elk and bison herds, a working 1850s farm, 200+ miles of trails, and two of the largest lakes in the East — on the Kentucky-Tennessee border.
Wildlife & Nature
Land Between The Lakes NRA — 170,000 acres between Kentucky Lake and Lake Barkley — one of the largest inland peninsulas in the US. The area supports bald eagles (one of the densest eagle populations in the eastern US), elk, bison (at the Elk & Bison Prairie), and wild turkeys. Over 300 miles of shoreline.
Nearby Attractions
Golden Pond — central visitor area. The Homeplace 1850s Working Farm — living history. Woodlands Nature Station — wildlife education.
