The Great Western Furnace

April 14, 2025 - Lydia
My most recent trip down to Land Between the Lakes turned up a real gem – the remains of the Great Western Iron Furnace. You can't miss it, right off the scenic Woodlands Trace, and this old limestone structure just pulled me in. It's funny to stand there now, surrounded by all that peaceful woodland, and imagine it as a bustling industrial site. What really struck me was learning that even ... Read More...
Wandering to Pryor Creek Bridge

April 7, 2025 - Lydia
Recently, I took advantage of a warm day to explore a historical site within Land Between The Lakes: the old Pryor Creek Bridge. I was intrigued by its story – originally built near the Tennessee River in the 1920s, it was later moved to its current location on Pryor Creek in the early 1940s when Kentucky Lake was created. Knowing it likely closed sometime after the formation of Lake ... Read More...
The Last Resident of Land Between the Lakes

March 31, 2025 - Lydia
My recent visit to Land Between The Lakes (LBL) was a unique experience, particularly my stop at the home of Cleo Griffin, the last resident to remain after the TVA takeover in the 1960s. It's a place steeped in history, a link to the over 2,000 families who once called this land home. Standing before the failing structure, you can almost feel the past. Griffin, a World War II veteran who ... Read More...
April at the Woodlands Nature Station: Explore Careers in Science

March 31, 2025 - Press Release from Friends of LBL
The Woodlands Nature Station in Land Between the Lakes National Recreation Area invites families to visit during April for spring break and homeschool programming encouraging children to explore science careers and dive deeper into the "ology" (study of) nature! "As the weather warms, April is a great month to visit the Land Between the Lakes," says Nickolaus Willis, public programs coordinator ... Read More...
The Golden Pond Visitors Center and Planetarium

March 21, 2025 - Lydia
During a recent trip to Land Between the Lakes, I had the opportunity to visit the Golden Pond Visitor Center & Planetarium. This attraction offers an interactive and educational experience for visitors of all ages. While the visitor center itself provides valuable context on the region's local history, the Planetarium offers an entirely different kind of exploration. Once inside the ... Read More...
Woodlands Nature Station to host Girl Scout Day on March 22nd

March 19, 2025 - Press Release from Friends of LBL
The Woodlands Nature Station in Land Between the Lakes National Recreation Area invites scout troops and families to Girl Scout Day: Wonders of Nature on Saturday, March 22nd, from 10 AM to 3 PM. During this event, Daisies, Brownies, Juniors, and Cadettes can meet the requirements for a wildlife-related badge through hands-on programs and activities led by naturalists and volunteers. “We ... Read More...
Stepping Back in Time at The Homeplace in LBL

March 17, 2025 - Lydia
Hidden within the beauty of Land Between the Lakes, The Homeplace Working Farm and Living History Museum isn't just a museum; it's a time machine. I recently had the incredible opportunity to visit this unique attraction. From the moment I stepped onto the grounds, I was transported to a mid-Tennessee farm during the Victorian Era. Sixteen original log structures that have been preserved showed a ... Read More...
Woodlands Nature Station in Land Between the Lakes

March 10, 2025 - Lydia
I recently had the chance to visit the Woodlands Nature Station in Land Between the Lakes, and let me tell you, it's a must-see! If you're looking for a mix of fun and learning about the local wildlife, this is the place. I was immediately impressed by how close I could get to the animals, from owls and turtles to snakes and even the endangered red wolf. The staff were incredibly knowledgeable ... Read More...
St. Stephen's Church in Land Between the Lakes

March 5, 2025 - Lydia
St. Stephen's Church, located in the heart of Land Between The Lakes, is a historical landmark from the early 1900s. Built by German American settlers, it was a functioning church until around 1942, before being abandoned for many years. What makes St. Stephen's truly remarkable is its survival. When the Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) acquired the land for LBL in 1963, the church was somehow ... Read More...
Launching the New Homepage

March 1, 2025 - Staff Report
This morning we debuted the new homepage for Explore Kentucky Lake! We're excited to bring a fresh, new look with updated content covering all things Kentucky Lake, Lake Barkley and Land Between The Lakes! "Lakin' It with Lydia" will be a new feature that showcases the hot spots and lesser-knowns around the lakes area. We'll have plenty of stuff coming in the next few weeks, so make sure you ... Read More...