58,000 acres of water at Lake Barkley give Lyon County a distinctive starting point for exploring nature. The lake offers opportunities for hiking, cycling, boating and birdwatching. Fishing is also popular year-round; species mentioned include crappie, largemouth bass, striped bass, catfish, walleye and sunfish. Activities on the water go hand in hand with opportunities to explore the landscape on foot or observe wildlife.
Lake Barkley and Trails Along the Water
At Old Kuttawa Recreation Area, visitors can swim, fish and go boating. Those who would rather explore on foot can take the 0.5-mile Anderson Woodland Trail. It is a good place for birdwatching and taking in the region’s tall trees. Two large picnic pavilions, an amphitheater, a playground, restrooms and paved parking spaces round out the recreation area’s facilities.
At Mineral Mound State Park, access to the water is geared toward boating: the boat ramp allows visitors to launch recreational or fishing boats on Lake Barkley and is open year-round. The park’s wildlife refuge offers a different kind of wildlife viewing. Visitors may see ospreys, deer, foxes and albino skunks there. Those looking to add other recreational interests to their visit can play the 18-hole, par-72 course at The Cullan at Mineral Mound. The course’s operations and facilities may change; check its current status before visiting.
Wildlife from Different Perspectives
Elk and bison roam freely in the 700-acre enclosure at Elk & Bison Prairie. Visitors explore the area in an enclosed vehicle along a 3.5-mile paved loop. This offers a different kind of wildlife viewing from a visit to a natural area where wildlife can be observed.
Woodlands Nature Station serves as a gateway to the 8,500-acre Nature Watch Area, where visitors can observe wildlife. Activities on offer include guided canoe tours and afternoon hikes; Cool Critters Day is also held there. Since programs may change, check in advance which activities are currently available. The range of nature experiences becomes clear in comparison: a drive through a designated enclosure alongside wildlife viewing, hikes and guided tours.
Local History, Farm Life and Astronomy
Old Eddyville Historic District consists of nine historic structures preserved from the original town. The Gideon Dyer Cobb House is the oldest surviving structure in the district. Remnants of foundations, sidewalks and streets from the former town can also be seen along the shores of Old Eddyville. Together, these sites reveal different traces of the past: preserved buildings on the one hand, and remnants of the former streetscape and town on the other.
Homeplace Working Farm represents a two-generation farm. It operates seasonally; visitors can see interpreters in period clothing carrying out daily tasks. Its seasonal nature is important when planning a visit, as the farm offers a limited-time experience rather than an exhibit open year-round.
Astronomy is another part of Lyon County’s offerings. Golden Pond Planetarium presents shows on astronomy and Earth science in a theater with a 40-foot dome. The Observatory at Golden Pond has a 16-inch Meade Schmidt-Cassegrain telescope and a telescope for safe solar viewing. The two locations have different focuses: the planetarium centers on shows beneath the dome, while the observatory centers on its telescopes.
Another water attraction is Venture River Family Water Park in Eddyville. The Kupuna River is a winding, continuous waterway covering more than 16,000 square feet. At Hurricane Bay Wave Pool, the water is up to 7 feet deep when the waves are on and 4.5 feet deep when they are off. Pool operating conditions may change; check before your visit.
Discover more destinations: Kuttawa, Eddyville, Boone County, Woodford County, McCreary County, Pulaski, Warren, Bell County.
For the main travel overview: Kentucky.
