Attractions

Lake Barkley / Barkley Dam
In 1964, the Cumberland River was dammed near Grand Rivers to form Lake Barkley.  Although still not quite as large at its sister Kentucky Lake, Lake Barkley provides recreation to west Kentucky with over 1000 miles of shoreline, and nearly 60,000 acres of water at summer pool.  The lake is 134 miles long and stretches to the Clarksville, TN area.  Lake Barkley is navigable, and provides great opportunities for all types of recreation including fishing.

Land Between The Lakes
About one-third of Lyon County lies in The Land Between The Lakes National Recreation Area.  Lyon County is the northernmost county in The Land Between The Lakes, or LBL, and is accessible through Livingston County at Grand Rivers.  LBL offers a wide variety of activities and attractions including hunting, fishing, bird and wildlife watching, hiking, biking, educational centers, horseback riding, annual events, and so much more.  The 170,000-acre park features several nature centers, smaller lakes, historic sites, a buffalo-elk range... the list goes on a on.  LBL has more than one million visitors annually, so see for yourself why it is so popular.

Historical Sites
Lyon County provides more history than perhaps all the seven counties in the Kentucky Lakes Area.  Most fascinating is that both Eddyville and Kuttawa had to be relocated when the Cumberland River was impounded to form Lake Barkley.  The Old Eddyville site is fun to visit during winter pool, when Lake Barkley is five feet less than normal.  There, you can see streets, sidewalks, and foundations of the city that once was there over 35 years ago.  Lyon County is also home to the mammoth Kentucky State Penitentiary.  While many would question a prison being an attraction, this one is an exception.  The facility was built in 1889 and looks very much like a castle.  The prison has been commonly referred to as "The Castle on the Cumberland".  The facility's towers stand over Lake Barkley, providing an exceptional picturesque setting.  The Lyon County Museum is also a favorite for historical buffs.  The museum is near the KSP and features all sorts of exhibits, murals, maps, a replica iron furnace, and more.  The Lyon County Museum is open on a seasonal basis.  For more information, contact the Lyon County Tourist Commission at (270) 388-5300.

Mineral Mounds State Park Golf Course
Lyon County now has a new, challenging but beautiful golf course at Mineral Mounds State Park!  More details...

Nature Trails
Lyon County has several hiking trails for those who love to hike!  Most notably is the Anderson Hiking Trail.  Located in Old Kuttawa, this trail is a National Recreation Trail dedicated to different types of species of trees.  On this trail, hikers will experience 40 different species of trees which are all marked.  The Anderson Hiking Trail is also home to Kentucky's largest Black Oak tree.  The Chestnut Oak Nature Trail is Lyon County's newest trail with over three miles of hiking and biking.  This particular trail is excellent for wildlife viewing.  Other trails in Lyon County exist, including trails at Mineral Mounds State Park.

Family Entertainment

Venture River Water Park
   90 Funway Drive 
   Eddyville, KY  42038
   (270) 388-7999 

West Kentucky Factory Outlet Mall
   100 Outlet Avenue 
   Eddyville, KY  42038
   (270) 388-7379

Pictured top to bottom:  A man enjoys fishing at Barkley Dam, the Kentucky State Penitentiary, and Venture River Water Park