Here in Kentucky, when we want to relax, we head to the lake. And while there are many, many lakes in The Bluegrass State, the eponymous Kentucky Lake is the ultimate destination. Often referred to as “The South’s Great Lake,” it’s the largest man-made lake in the eastern U.S. It’s two miles wide and backs up the Tennessee River for 184 miles, from western Kentucky down through Tennessee. It’s so massive that there’s no land in sight when you look down the middle of it; it’s as if you’re looking out into the open seas… but you’ve never left Kentucky. With so much to do and see, we’ve compiled a list of 13 things to do around Kentucky Lake, so you can start planning your next lakeside adventure!
Similar to Michigan’s Great Lakes, the “South’s Great Lake” is actually comprised of two bodies of water: the eponymous Kentucky Lake and Lake Barkley.
Lee T/TripAdvisor Together, this dynamic duo provides seemingly endless opportunities for outdoor recreation. Here are some Kentucky Lake musts:
Have a beach day.
John Adams/Google Local Simply put, Kentucky Lake really is the ultimate beach getaway in the state. With deep azure waters and expansive shorelines, you’ll totally forget you’re in Kentucky.
Enjoy some quality time with your furry bestie, too!
Rebecca Ferch/Google Local Bring your pup to Kentucky Lake for a day of fun in the sun!
Go big and rent a boat!
Kentucky Lake - KentuckyLake.com/Facebook There are countless options to rent a boat on Kentucky Lake, from fishing boats to house boats.
Enjoy an adrenaline-pumping adventure by renting jet skis.
Kentucky Lake - KentuckyLake.com/Facebook You’ll have a blast exploring Kentucky Lake via jet ski! There’s nothing more exhilarating than zipping around this expansive, resplendent lake.
Explore the terrestrial wonder known as the Land Between the Lakes.
Kentucky Lake - KentuckyLake.com/Facebook In between the two lakes is paradise: Land Between The Lakes National Recreation Area. It’s 170,000 acres of forest and meadows with ample room for hiking, biking, horseback riding and wildlife viewing.
Take in the Kentucky wildlife.
Land Between the Lakes National Recreation Area - U.S. Forest Service/Facebook One of the most geographically diverse areas of the state, Land Between the Lakes is home to an abundance of wildlife, including white-tailed deer, Fallow deer, American bison, elk, bobcats, coyotes, foxes, river otters, mice, squirrels, moles, shrews, bats, and myriad birds.
Combine two Bluegrass musts: horses and lakes!
Wranglers Riding Stable Dreams can come true! At Wranglers Campground and Riding Stable in Land Between the Lakes National Recreation Area, you can enjoy a horseback ride through some of the most stunning scenery in the state. It’s a totally memorable experience that belongs on your Kentucky Lake bucket list.
Channel major hygee vibes by renting a charming lakefront cottage.
Lighthouse Landing/Facebook Kentucky Lake is a popular destination for locals and visitors from all over the region who are seeking beautiful water and relaxation. And right on the water within Lighthouse Landing in Grand Rivers, you’ll find these charming, quaint lakefront cottages in Kentucky.
Or splurge on a waterfront property.
VRBO This lakeside cabin has its own private marina, and is just 100 feet from the shores! Imagine waking up to the gentle lull of Kentucky Lake, right outside your window… dreamy, right?
Dine with a view.
Ralph’s Harborview Bar & Grill/Google Local For peak lakefront dining, head to Ralph’s Harborview Bar & Grill. You’ll find this local favorite at Moors Resort & Marina on Kentucky Lake, and the atmosphere here will have you feeling like you are on vacation from the minute you step inside. They serve all three meals of the day, and you’ll probably want to experience all of them when you’re in the area. (The burgers here are perfection.) The food and drinks here are outstanding and the vibes are pure waterfront happiness.
Spend some time in a charming beachside town.
Moors Resort & Marina/Facebook While there are many beachside towns around Kentucky Lake, the charming town of Gilbertsville is a delightful little gem. Located on the northern end of Kentucky Lake, right next to the Kentucky Dam, Gilbertsville is a unique little beach town and one-of-a-kind destination. This town is all about the water and you can find nearly every aquatic activity along its shores. With a number of marinas, accommodations, restaurants, and activities, it’s the perfect vacation spot at Kentucky Lake.
Go stargazing.
U.S. Forest Service - Land Between the Lakes National Recreation Area/Facebook With little in the way of light pollution, Kentucky Lake is a prime spot for stargazing. Golden Pond Planetarium and Observatory is a great place to start! And if you’re a camper, Land Between the Lakes has some incredible incredible campsites.
Take a sunset boat ride.
Big Bear Resort on Kentucky Lake/Facebook If you’ve been wanting to take a boat out on Kentucky’s largest lake, then check out Big Bear Resort. Their marina has everything you need, including a variety of boat rentals. If you want to make a getaway out of your visit, they have it all: campgrounds, cabins, villas, cottages, and more. The resort also has unique amenities such as a beach and seasonal activities. If you want a family-friendly marina experience, head here!
No matter what you decide, you’re sure to have the time of your life at Kentucky Lake!
larrybraunphotography.com/Moment Collection via Getty Images
So who’s ready for a little vacation at The South’s Great Lake? We sure are! What are your favorite things to do around Kentucky Lake? If you have any other must-visit destinations, be sure to pass those along in the comments below!
Lee T/TripAdvisor
Together, this dynamic duo provides seemingly endless opportunities for outdoor recreation. Here are some Kentucky Lake musts:
John Adams/Google Local
Simply put, Kentucky Lake really is the ultimate beach getaway in the state. With deep azure waters and expansive shorelines, you’ll totally forget you’re in Kentucky.
Rebecca Ferch/Google Local
Bring your pup to Kentucky Lake for a day of fun in the sun!
Kentucky Lake - KentuckyLake.com/Facebook
There are countless options to rent a boat on Kentucky Lake, from fishing boats to house boats.
You’ll have a blast exploring Kentucky Lake via jet ski! There’s nothing more exhilarating than zipping around this expansive, resplendent lake.
In between the two lakes is paradise: Land Between The Lakes National Recreation Area. It’s 170,000 acres of forest and meadows with ample room for hiking, biking, horseback riding and wildlife viewing.
Land Between the Lakes National Recreation Area - U.S. Forest Service/Facebook
One of the most geographically diverse areas of the state, Land Between the Lakes is home to an abundance of wildlife, including white-tailed deer, Fallow deer, American bison, elk, bobcats, coyotes, foxes, river otters, mice, squirrels, moles, shrews, bats, and myriad birds.
Wranglers Riding Stable
Dreams can come true! At Wranglers Campground and Riding Stable in Land Between the Lakes National Recreation Area, you can enjoy a horseback ride through some of the most stunning scenery in the state. It’s a totally memorable experience that belongs on your Kentucky Lake bucket list.
Lighthouse Landing/Facebook
Kentucky Lake is a popular destination for locals and visitors from all over the region who are seeking beautiful water and relaxation. And right on the water within Lighthouse Landing in Grand Rivers, you’ll find these charming, quaint lakefront cottages in Kentucky.
VRBO
This lakeside cabin has its own private marina, and is just 100 feet from the shores! Imagine waking up to the gentle lull of Kentucky Lake, right outside your window… dreamy, right?
Ralph’s Harborview Bar & Grill/Google Local
For peak lakefront dining, head to Ralph’s Harborview Bar & Grill. You’ll find this local favorite at Moors Resort & Marina on Kentucky Lake, and the atmosphere here will have you feeling like you are on vacation from the minute you step inside. They serve all three meals of the day, and you’ll probably want to experience all of them when you’re in the area. (The burgers here are perfection.) The food and drinks here are outstanding and the vibes are pure waterfront happiness.
Moors Resort & Marina/Facebook
While there are many beachside towns around Kentucky Lake, the charming town of Gilbertsville is a delightful little gem. Located on the northern end of Kentucky Lake, right next to the Kentucky Dam, Gilbertsville is a unique little beach town and one-of-a-kind destination. This town is all about the water and you can find nearly every aquatic activity along its shores. With a number of marinas, accommodations, restaurants, and activities, it’s the perfect vacation spot at Kentucky Lake.
U.S. Forest Service - Land Between the Lakes National Recreation Area/Facebook
With little in the way of light pollution, Kentucky Lake is a prime spot for stargazing. Golden Pond Planetarium and Observatory is a great place to start! And if you’re a camper, Land Between the Lakes has some incredible incredible campsites.
Big Bear Resort on Kentucky Lake/Facebook
If you’ve been wanting to take a boat out on Kentucky’s largest lake, then check out Big Bear Resort. Their marina has everything you need, including a variety of boat rentals. If you want to make a getaway out of your visit, they have it all: campgrounds, cabins, villas, cottages, and more. The resort also has unique amenities such as a beach and seasonal activities. If you want a family-friendly marina experience, head here!
larrybraunphotography.com/Moment Collection via Getty Images
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Address: Kentucky Lake, United States
