Places to Experience in Land Between The Lakes
While there are many things to see and places to go in Land Between The Lakes, there are five that are the most popular and visited.
Woodlands Nature Station
This is a must-see for families with kids! The Nature Station features live animal exhibits commonly seen in the Land Between The Lakes region. Several species of birds, owls and reptiles are on hand.
The endangered red wolf, which was common hundreds of years ago, has a residence at the Nature Station. Coyote, deer, bobcat, turkey, opossum, groundhog, turtles and many other types of critters call the Nature Station their home.
Hummingbirds are a common sight during the warmer months. And of course, you can't miss the gorgeous American Bald Eagle.
Many programs and events take place throughout the day for families and kids to participate. Canoe rentals are available during the season as well. It's a great place to visit when exploring Land Between The Lakes!
Quick Facts
- Season: March 1 - November 30
- Hours: April - October: Daily 10am-5pm; closed Mondays & Tuesdays in March & November
- Admission: $7 for ages 16 and over; ages 15 and under are free. Special events may have higher admission prices. Group rates available and annual passes available. Call for details.
- Location: 3146 Silver Trail, Golden Pond, KY 42211
- Contact: 270-924-2299
The Homeplace 1850s
Step back in time and experience what life was like during the decade before the Civil War at the Homeplace 1850s.
This is a "living history farm," complete with period buildings, barns and other structures common to the mid-19th Century.
Several workers dressed in clothing from the 1850s are happy to share with you the ways chores and tasks were completed on the farm 170 years ago. During the season, several demonstrations take place throughout the day.
From spinning wool, to creating rugs, to making shingles and so much more - The Homeplace is a great place to experience history.
Quick Facts
- Season: March 1 - November 30
- Hours: April - October: Daily 10am-5pm; closed Mondays & Tuesdays in March & November
- Admission: $7 for ages 16 and up; ages 15 and under are free. Special events may have higher admission prices. Group rates available and annual passes available. Call for details.
- Location: 4512 The Trace, Dover, TN 37058
- Contact: 931-232-6457
The Elk & Bison Prairie
The Elk & Bison Prairie is a drive-through scenic area in Land Between The Lakes that contains dozens of buffalo and elk. The best time to see the wild animals are in the mornings and during the late afternoons and evenings.
The one-way paved road is very scenic, winding around bends and on top of ridges that provide a beautiful view of the prairie grasses and wooded areas of the preserve.
It's quite common to see wildlife hanging out on the road - especially buffalo - so make sure you stay in your vehicle.
With the prairie open year-round, it can offer incredible views during occasional snowfalls in the winter months.
Quick Facts
- Season: All Year
- Hours: Sunrise to Sunset
- Admission: $5.00 per car
- Location: The Trace, two minutes north of the Visitor's Center
- Contact: 270-924-2000
Golden Pond Planetarium & Observatory
A wide variety of educational programs can be viewed on the 40-foot dome of the Golden Pond Planetarium.
Friends of LBL provides interpreters to present different programs to viewers. One of the more popular programs is "Tonight's Sky Live" which discusses what we can see in the sky on any given night.
Shows are available daily and is open throughout the year.
You can see showtimes on our Events Calendar.
Quick Facts
- Season: All Year
- Hours: Daily 10am-5pm. Closed Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Years. Closed at 3pm on Christmas Eve and New Year's Eve.
- Admission: $6 for ages 13+; $3.50 for ages 5-12, ages 4 and under are free. Laser shows are $8.
- Location: 238 Visitor Center Drive, Golden Pond, KY 42211
- Contact: 270-924-2233
Turkey Bay OHV Area
Enjoy 100 miles of primary, secondary and tertiary trails featuring many different types of OHV riding.
This 2,500-acre area has been set aside for Jeeps, ATVs, dirt bikes, four-wheel drives, side-by-sides or any other OHV vehicle. Experience different terrain types ranging from easy to difficult.
Self-service camping is available at Turkey Bay. Please remember to "Call Before You Haul" to make sure Turkey Bay is open.
Sometimes closures are needed due to heavy rains or other severe weather. The number is 270-924-2000.
Quick Facts
- Season: All Year
- Hours: Sunrise to Sunset (camping available) (park may close due to heavy rains or storm damage)
- Admission: $20 for 1-3 day permit; annual permit $100
- Location: 80 Turkey Creek Road, Golden Pond, KY 42211
- Contact: 270-924-2233 / Call Before You Haul: 270-924-2000.