Stretching across the Kentucky–Tennessee border between Kentucky Lake and Lake Barkley, Land Between the Lakes is one of those places that’s packed with outdoor adventure but still somehow feels a little under the radar. With 170,000 acres to explore, it’s easy to fill a few days here, or even longer if you’re not in a rush. In this post, I’m sharing some of the best things to do at Land Between the Lakes, from scenic drives and wildlife viewing to historic sites and outdoor activities on the water. Whether you’re planning a weekend trip or passing through on a road trip, this guide will give you plenty of ideas for how to experience LBL for yourself.
About Land Between the Lakes
Tucked between two massive lakes on the Kentucky–Tennessee border, Land Between the Lakes (LBL) is one of those places that feels like it was made for slow travel days and spontaneous detours. This 170,000-acre inland peninsula is one of the largest contiguous blocks of public land in the southeastern United States, and once you’re there, it’s easy to forget how much is packed into it.
LBL stretches between Kentucky Lake and Lake Barkley, with over 300 miles of natural shoreline to explore. Whether you’re into scenic drives, quiet hiking trails, or just finding a peaceful spot by the water, there’s no shortage of ways to spend your time here. There’s no general entrance fee to visit, which makes it an easy add to any road trip budget (though a few specific attractions within LBL do charge a small fee).
The area is now managed by the U.S. Forest Service, but its history goes back decades before it became the recreation area we know today. During the Great Depression, the Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) began building dams in the region to help with flood control and electricity generation. As those lakes were created, around 800 families were forced to leave their homes due to flooding, and entire communities disappeared beneath the water. What remained between the two lakes eventually became the Land Between the Lakes National Recreation Area, officially designated in 1963 by President Kennedy.
Today, LBL has transformed into a place centered around outdoor recreation, but there’s still a deep sense of history here if you take the time to look for it.
1. See the Iron Furnaces
Land Between the Lakes is full of history, and one of the most unique ways to experience it is by visiting the remaining iron furnaces scattered throughout the area. Back in the 1800s, this region was rich in iron ore, which was used to produce pig iron and then shipped off to factories across the region. Today, you can still see two of the original eight furnaces that once operated here: the Great Western Iron Furnace and the Center Furnace. The Great Western Furnace is one of the best-preserved in the area, while Center Furnace offers a short trail with informational signs that walk you through how the site operated, making it a great stop if you want a little more context with your visit.
2. Drive Through the Elk & Bison Prairie
One of the most popular things to do in Land Between the Lakes is visiting the Elk & Bison Prairie. This 700-acre stretch of native grassland is home to roaming herds of elk and bison, and the best way to see them is by driving the 3.5-mile paved loop through the prairie. Along the way, you might also spot wild turkeys, songbirds, and other wildlife. Your best chance of seeing the herds is during the cooler parts of the day, early morning or evening, especially in the summer. There’s a $5 per vehicle fee to enter, and all visitors must stay in enclosed vehicles (so no walking, bikes, or motorcycles). There are a few designated pull-offs where you can step out briefly if it’s safe and no animals are nearby, but for the most part, this is a drive-through wildlife experience you won’t want to rush.
3. Step Back in Time at The Homeplace 1850s Working Farm
If you want to get a feel for what life looked like here before the lakes were created, a visit to The Homeplace 1850s Working Farm is a must. This living history farm represents a two-generation homestead, just like the ones that once covered this area. Costumed interpreters bring it all to life by doing real daily chores, and in some cases, you can even jump in and help. The property features 16 original log structures, most of which were sourced from within 10 miles of the Pryor Creek area, making it feel incredibly authentic. You’ll also find heritage breed livestock, heirloom gardens, and plenty of hands-on, pre-Civil War-era activities to try.
Admission is $7 for ages 16 and up, while kids 15 and under are free. The farm is typically open Wednesday through Sunday from 10am–5pm in March and November, and daily from 10am–5pm April through November, but it’s always a good idea to double check hours before you go.
4. Visit the Planetarium at Golden Pond
Inside the Golden Pond Visitor Center, you’ll find a 40-foot domed planetarium that’s well worth a stop. Shows cover everything from constellations and galaxies to live night sky programs, and most run about 40 minutes. There are usually several shows offered throughout the day, plus seasonal programs and even laser light shows. The on-site observatory, home to a Meade 16-inch Schmidt-Cassegrain telescope and a solar telescope, is open on select Saturdays. Daytime shows are $7 for ages 13+, $4.50 for kids 5–12, and free for 4 and under, while laser shows are $8 for all ages. You can check the current schedule online before you go.
5. Explore the Woodlands Nature Station
The Woodlands Nature Station is kind of like a mini zoo focused entirely on native wildlife. You’ll find animals both indoors and outside, including birds of prey, coyotes, red wolves, reptiles, and more. They also offer daily programs where you can see animals up close. When we visited, we caught a snapping turtle feeding and got to ask the ranger all our random questions. It’s open March 1 through November 30, with hours varying slightly by season, and admission is $7 for ages 16+ while kids 15 and under are free (some special events may cost extra).
6. Visit the Historic Cemeteries
One of the more unexpected things you’ll come across in Land Between the Lakes is just how many cemeteries there are, over 270 in total. Many are small family plots or old church cemeteries, and they’re remnants of the communities that once existed here before the lakes were created. Some are still in their original locations, while others were relocated. You can research specific sites ahead of time using FindAGrave.Com or Google Maps, but honestly, you’ll likely stumble across a few while exploring, and they offer a quiet, meaningful glimpse into the area’s past.
7. Go Fishing
Fishing is one of the most popular things to do here, and for good reason. With more than 300 miles of undeveloped shoreline along Kentucky Lake and Lake Barkley, plus smaller ponds throughout LBL, there’s no shortage of places to cast a line. Common catches include bass, crappie, sauger, catfish, and bluegill. Just make sure you check regulations ahead of time, since rules and license requirements differ between Kentucky and Tennessee (and depend on your age and exactly where you’re fishing). Anglers in Kentucky aged 16 and up need a state fishing license, and anyone 13 and up needs one in Tennessee, but there are parts of Kentucky Lake that are reciprocal.
8. Spend a Day Boating or Paddling
With easy lake access all over the area, boating is another must-do at LBL. There are free boat ramps throughout the peninsula, plus access points to smaller spots like Energy Lake and Bards Lake. If you’re more into kayaking or canoeing, check out one of the designated water trails like Ginger Bay, Honker Lake, or Taylor Bay, which are all set up with easy launch points and scenic routes. The Land Between the Lakes Water Trail Initiative is working on adding even more water trails for paddlers. There are also plenty of nearby marinas and state parks where you can rent boats if you’re not traveling with your own.
9. Hit the Trails (Hiking & Biking)
Land Between the Lakes has around 100 miles of trails that wind through forests, along the shoreline, and across open fields. Whether you’re looking for a short walk or a longer ride, there’s something for everyone. Popular hiking only spots include Honker Lake and the south parts of the North/South Trail, while bikers tend to love routes like the Canal Loop and Central Hardwoods Scenic Trail. Class-1 e-bikes are also allowed on designated motor routes, including Forest Service legal roads and bike trails.
10. Try Geocaching
If you’re up for a little adventure, geocaching is a really fun way to explore LBL. It’s basically a GPS-based treasure hunt where you search for hidden containers scattered all over the area. Some just have a logbook to sign, while others include small trinkets you can trade. You can use geocaching.com to find caches nearby, and the Forest Service even hosts special yearly challenges with collectible coins, just keep in mind those tend to go fast.
11. Go Horseback Riding
LBL isn’t just for hikers and bikers, there are plenty of options for horseback riding too. Horses are allowed on designated backcountry roads and horse trails, with Wranglers Campground serving as a hub for equestrian visitors. There’s also boarding available nearby at the Rocking U Stables. Trails like Wranglers 1–12 offer a mix of scenery, from wooded paths to open areas where you might spot wildlife along the way.
12. Hunt (In Season)
Hunting is a big part of how wildlife is managed in Land Between the Lakes, especially since there aren’t many large predators in the area. There are over 250 days of in-season hunting each year, including opportunities for white-tailed deer, wild turkey, squirrel, and more. If you plan to hunt, you’ll need both a Land Between the Lakes Hunter Use Permit (for all hunters aged 16 and up) and the appropriate state license, depending on whether you’re in Kentucky or Tennessee.
13. Go Camping
There are so many camping options at LBL that you could easily plan an entire trip around it. From developed campgrounds like Piney, Hillman Ferry, and Energy Lake to more basic self-service sites, there’s something for every style of camping. There are also options for equestrians at Wranglers Campground, off-roaders at Turkey Bay, group camping at Colson Hollow, and even backcountry and backpacking sites if you want something more secluded.
14. Find a Place to Swim
With hundreds of miles of shoreline, it’s easy to find a spot to cool off. There are several designated beach areas throughout LBL, including popular spots like Moss Creek, The Sands, and Kuttawa Recreation Area, plus additional access points at nearby state parks. There are no lifeguards, so you’re swimming at your own risk, and it’s a good idea to bring water shoes and consider a life jacket, especially for kids or less experienced swimmers.
15. Ride at Turkey Bay OHV Area
If you’re looking for something a little more high-energy, the Turkey Bay OHV Area offers around 100 miles of off-highway vehicle trails. There’s a mix of terrain for all skill levels, from easier primary trails to more technical routes and designated challenge areas. You’ll need a permit and a signed liability waiver to ride, permits are $20 for 1–3 days or $100 annually, and can be purchased at the gatehouse or the Golden Pond Visitor Center.
Bonus: State Parks at Land Between the Lakes
There are several state parks near LBL, including:
- Kentucky Dam Village State Park, Kentucky
- Kenlake State Resort Park, Kentucky
- Lake Barkley State Resort Park, Kentucky
- Mineral Mounds State Park, Kentucky
- Paris Landing State Park, Tennessee
More to Do Near Land Between the Lakes
Be sure to check out our trip recap to Land Between the Lakes, when we stayed at Kentucky Dam State Resort Park:
A Week RVing in Western Kentucky: Land Between the Lakes and More
