One of the largest bodies of water east of the Mississippi River, Kentucky Lake covers over 160,000 acres of southwestern Kentucky and northwestern Tennessee. This artificial reservoir, which the Tennessee River flows into and out of, is known for its boating and fishing opportunities — some of Kentucky’s largest fish have been caught here. You’ll find numerous public boat docks around the lakeshore, and its vast waters lend themselves to a whole host of activities, from water skiing and tubing to freshwater scuba diving.

On land, the lake’s 2,000 miles of shoreline include several state parks with miles of hiking, biking, and ATV trails — paved and unpaved, flat and challenging — winding through forests and meadows. Waterfowl, beavers, and turtles frequently venture onto the lake’s sandy shores to have a look at the human swimmers, while deer, turkeys, and owls emerge from the dense forests at regular intervals, darting back into the trees soon after.

Summers on Kentucky Lake are generally hot and humid, providing excellent weather for enjoying water-related activities, as well as the multi-day Fourth of July festival, when rental cabins are popular. From May through October, head to Calvert City, on the northern part of the lake, for Food Truck Fridays, when you’ll find plenty to eat and plenty of people to watch.

Fall and spring provide cooler, pleasant temperatures for hiking, exploring the ATV trails, and horseback riding. While Kentucky Lake is typically considered a seasonal destination, there are still things to do during the winter months. Fishing continues through fall, but once the snowfalls begin, you may want to forgo the water in favor of trekking about in waterproof boots and warm clothing. From November through mid-January, Grand Rivers’ Festival of Lights fills the city’s streets with 2 million dazzling Christmas lights.

The Tennessee River Folklife Interpretive Center and Museum

Located along Kentucky Lake’s southwestern shore on Pilot Knob — one of the highest points in West Tennessee — this museum showcases artifacts that tell the story of logging, fishing, and musseling in the area, as well as traditional arts and handicrafts. The attendants will show you a short historical video about the area on request.

The Land Between the Lakes

Covering 170,000 acres between Kentucky Lake and Barkley Lake, the Land Between the Lakes provides miles of shoreline, forests, and wetlands, including the Woodlands Nature Station, the Homeplace 1850s Working Farm, and Golden Pond Planetarium and Observatory. Visitors can also explore over 250 miles of hiking trails, 70 miles of mountain bike trails, and a skate park.

Ben E. Clement Mineral Museum

Located in Marion, Kentucky, the Ben E. Clement Mineral Museum showcases thousands of fluorite crystals, rare mineral samples, and fossils. An extensive collection of photographs and tools on display provide insight into mining in the early 1900s. The museum also organizes monthly digs between April and October.