Kentucky Lake is in the Western Waterlands of Kentucky and the West Tennessee region of Tennessee.

Understand

Kentucky Lake was built during World War II by the Tennessee Valley Authority to generate electricity, to control flooding on the Tennessee River and create a recreational paradise.

Cities and towns

• 1 Benton
• 2 Aurora
• 3 Calvert City
• 4 Grand Rivers
• 5 Gilbertsville
• 6 Murray
• 7 Paris

Get in

There are four major routes providing access to the lake. I-24 and US 62 provide access to the north. US 68 runs through the central part of Land Between the Lakes National Recreation Area and US 79 provides access to the south.

Do

With 160,000 acres (64,000 ha) of water and 2,380 miles (4,000 km) of shoreline you can fish, ski, tube, kayak, sail, jet ski, drag race, and relax on the lake. Kentucky Lake is the second largest man-made lake in the U.S. and the area offers a variety of restaurants, many antique stores, go-cart riding, championship golf courses, miniature golf courses, biking, hiking, nature viewing, music shows, and festivals. Fish for catfish, crappie, bluegill, white bass, sauger, stripers, and large and smallmouth bass, or enjoy hunting throughout the area.

Go next

• Kenlake State Resort Park
• Land Between the Lakes National Recreation Area
• Lake Barkley