The Western Kentucky and Tennessee region is rich with a vibrant history, native wildlife, and natural beauty. These are just a few of the things highlighted at numerous visitor attractions at the USDA Forest Services Land Between The Lakes (LBL) National Recreation Area.

Attractions include The Homeplace living history farm, The Woodlands Nature Station environmental education center, the Elk & Bison Prairie habitat restoration, and the Golden Pond Planetarium & Observatory. These four facilities join LBL's other fascinating attractions -- including the ruins of the Great Western Iron Furnace, the Bison Range, and the Golden Pond Visitor Center -- to make it a place worth visiting.

The Homeplace, located in the southern portion of LBL, allows visitors to experience life much as it was in mid-19th century rural America. Through a blending of artifacts, historic structures, and the re-creation of farm activities, the Homeplace gives visitors a glimpse of the traditions and lifestyles of this era in American history. As Homeplace Facility Manager Darrin Samborski noted, "The Homeplace doesn't just bring history to life, it brings it into the here and now."

In addition to re-creating such daily activities as cultivating and harvesting tobacco, working farm animals, and household chores, the Homeplace also spotlights social events of the period. Special events include: a Pickin' Party, a traditional July Fourth celebration and the fall Harvest Celebration. The Nature Station provides an up-close look at the outdoors with live plant and animal exhibits. It also, as the name suggests, serves as a starting point for exploring nature as a destination.

"We offer guided hikes and investigations along trails, streams, ponds, and lakes, as well as canoe trips and other programs that teach about the wildlife found in LBL," said Nature Station Lead Interpreter Amber Pogue. Like The Homeplace, The Nature Station offers special events throughout the year, in addition to the regular calendar of programs and demonstrations.

Among the most popular events are guided bald eagle excursions. These van and boat tours take visitors into the field to see the migratory bald eagle population wintering in LBL each year. The Elk & Bison Prairie is another fascinating LBL facility. Opened in June 1996, this 750-acre area is a restoration of the native prairie habitat that thrived in Western Kentucky and upper Middle Tennessee over 200 years ago. Native wildlife such as elk and bison inhabit the prairie; visitors can take a self-guided driving tour of the site along a 3.5-mile road that features three interpretive stops.

The Golden Pond Planetarium is located inside the Golden Pond Visitor Center. The planetarium features an 81-seat theater and offers state-of-the-art planetarium shows several times daily during the LBL operating season. It's also home to the Western Kentucky Amateur Astronomers (WKAA), which holds monthly meetings and stargazing sessions. The public is invited to attend the WKAA meetings free of charge.

The Homeplace and The Nature Station are open March 1-November 30; admission is $3.50 for ages 13 & up, $2 for ages 5-12, and 4 & under, free. The Elk & Bison Prairie is open year-round, dawn to dusk; admission tokens can be purchased for $3 per vehicle.

The Planetarium is open March 1-December 21, including a special holiday show in December. Admission is $2.75 ages 13 & up, $1.75 ages 5-12, and 4 & under, free. To receive a calendar of events for LBL's visitor facilities or to inquire about group rates, please call 1-800-LBL-7077.

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