Amazing Attractions at Land Between the Lakes, Western Kentucky

I have lived all over the United States, from California to New York, to where I am now and a few places in between. America is a beautiful country from the west coast to the east coast, but people seam to forget about the middle of the country and the south. A lot of Americans think the south has nothing to offer. Well, I am here to tell you different. Five years ago I moved from New York to Kentucky and found that there are some great attractions here in western Kentucky. I am a city girl who has come to love country living.

Land Between the Lakes, Western Kentucky:

Land Between the Lakes welcomes you to the backwoods of western Kentucky, where your family getaway will encounter an amazing natural world. Land Between the Lakes is also known as LBL and is located 20 miles from Murray, KY.

Land Between the Lakes is an island peninsula from when the Tennessee and Cumberland rivers impounded, which created Kentucky Lake and Lake Barkley. Since the early 1800's this area has been known as "Between the Rivers" now called Land Between the Lakes. The massive size of LBL makes it the largest island peninsula in the United States, with more than 170,000 acres of land and 300 miles of undeveloped shores. Land Between the Lakes is beautifully nestled in western Kentucky and Tennessee. These amazing attractions hosts' roughly two million visitors each year, that comes from all over the world to experience what LBL has to offer.

Land Between the Lakes is a National Recreation Park and is managed by the USDA Forest Service. This vast park offers the best in outdoor sports and the opportunity for the whole family to learn about Kentucky's native environment, as well as gain some historical insight. This National Recreation Park offers visitors boating and marina services, tent and RV camping, fishing and hunting, hiking and biking, shopping and dinning, wild life services, special events and so much more. Throughout the 170,000 acres that make up LBL you will find some amazing attractions that draw me back every summer. Listed below are three of my favorite attractions at Land Between the Lakes.

Elk & Bison Prairie

This is a very special place to me and holds a piece of my heart. The state of Kentucky is actively trying to restore the land back to it's natural habitat, including reintroducing the animals which once roamed this land freely and in vast numbers. However, this is a grueling and slow process. Land Between the Lakes welcomes visitors to come explore these amazing creatures that are now roaming free and there numbers grow each year.

The Elk & Bison Prairie is located north of the Golden Pound Visitors Center, off the Trace and 68/80 Highway. The hours to view the animals are from dawn to dusk 365 days a year and the fee is 2.00 per car. The paved tour through this habitat takes about 1 hour to complete. Take note, if you want to get a great view and pictures of the animals the best time to go is at dawn or right at dusk as the animals are out more during these time foraging for food and water.

Golden Pound Planetarium

The Golden Pound Planetarium and Observatory are open March through September and is home to a 40-foot dome amphitheater that will take you away to outer space. This Planetarium offers some of the most exciting space exploration shows. Several of the shows here are for the novice astronomer and will teach you about the solar system and constellations. During the summer months the Planetarium host's Lazar light shows played to great classic rock like Pink Floyd and Led Zeppelin. After you have watched a show, take a walk outside to the observatory, where they welcome all visitors to gaze at the stars through one of the four telescopes. If you are really into astronomy, the Golden Pound Observatory has a Hydrogen Alpha Refractors, which will allow one to see a solar flare up close.

The Golden Pound Planetarium and Observatory is located at the center of LBL, where the Trace and US 68/80 Highway comes together, just follow the signs.

The Woodlands Nature Station

Here at the Woodlands Nature Station, they actively connect people to the natural environment with their interactive indoor discovery center and the guided nature trails. While taking one of these nature hikes you will encounter all kinds of wild life such as, different animals, wild looking insects, and an array of beautiful birds. If you are wanting to take a trail at your own leisure, keep in mind that most of the trails at LBL crossover to one another and go on for miles, so it is advised to get a trail map from the visitors center before you take on one of the hiking or biking trails. Note, all the trails here at Land Between the Lakes are marked so if you think you are lost just remember to follow the diamond shaped markers and you will find your way. The trails offered for mountain biking are top class and run from moderate to very grueling, there will be a trail for every one to enjoy.

Piney Camp Grounds

Come visit Piney Camp Grounds, where you will camp among the majestic whispering pine trees. This campground is beautifully set next to the calm waters off the southern tip of Kentucky Lake and is open from March to November, take note that fresh water is only available from April to October. Piney campgrounds offer an array of outdoor activities from a huge softball field, playground, Campfire Theater, boat ramps, swimming beach and fishing pier. At Piney campground campers can take advantage of the 300 campsites with or without electricity. Half of the campsites are lake front while the other half is more inland deep in the woodlands of Piney. Piney campground is my favorite place to stay at LBL because of all the great activities that are available for the whole family.

So, next time you are planning a family vacation; come and check out all that Land Between the Lakes has to offer. I guarantee that your whole family will have the experience of a lifetime.
Before you make plans for a trip to LBL, take time to visit the on-line web site and view the vidio of this area. The web site is "lbl.org".

References for this article came from gorp.away.com and camping.about.com