Land between the Lakes

If you are looking for someplace new to visit, let me suggest the Land between the Lakes area.  

Ky. Dam backs up the Tennessee River and creates the largest manmade lake in the eastern US.  Construction of the Dam began in 1938 and took 6 years to complete.  Many area residents were asked to relocate and sell their land to the Tennessee Valley Authority in order to make way for the Lake project.  Cleo Griffin of Model, Tn., was the only person who refused to leave his home.  He remained there until 1990.  You can read about his strong spirit and determination here:  http://www.flickr.com/photos/scott_fam_pics/2556390844/

The house is still standing and we visited it last year.  It was in pretty bad shape but I love to poke around inside old buildings and think about the people who used to occupy them.

Kentucky Lake alone has over 2300 miles of shoreline.   Kentucky Lake is part of the Land between the Lakes (LBL) recreational area that covers 170,000 acres stretching over Kentucky and Tennessee.   It was created by President Kennedy. 

There is so much to see and do in this area:

·         Swimming

·         Boating

·         Fishing ( Bass, Crappie, Blue Gill, Catfish, Perch)

·         Water skiing

·         Tubing

·         Jet skis

If your personal tastes run more to the on-shore activities, check this out:

·         Hiking (over 200 miles of trails ranging from easy to strenuous)

·         Biking (easy to advanced, as well as 2 mountain bike trails)

·         Camping (16 different camping locations to choose from)

·         OTV Trails (over 100 miles of off-highway trails)

·         Hunting (deer, duck & turkey)

·         Golf

You can also camp, rent a cabin or a cottage, stay at a B&B, or a resort.  Visit The Homeplace to see a working farm from the 1850’s.  Drive through the Elk and Bison prairie and see herds of bison wallowing in the water holes.  Pull off to the side of the road and watch the elk feed.  Visit the Nature Center and see owls, turkey, wolves, possums and many other animals indigenous to the area.  Visit the Planetarium and look at stars through the telescopes they have there.  Be sure to stop and check out the Great Iron Furnaces.  Read about their history by visiting this site:   http://www.explorekentuckylake.com/lbl/iron.htm

Or just kick back and watch the sun set....

There is a world of options that appeal to just about anyone.  So if you are looking for someplace new to explore this summer, consider the Land between the Lakes area and discover it for yourself!  Here is a link if you want to investigate the area further.  http://www.kentuckylake.com/