land between the lakes national recreation area

Just north of the LBL's main visitor center is the self-guided motor vehicle tour of the Elk and Bison Prairie. Cars, trucks and SUVs are all allowed, however, NO MOTORCYCLES (for safety reasons). The fee to enter is $5.00 at an automated station where you can pay by cash or credit card. You enter through an electrically controlled gate and drive across a cattle guard. The entire trail is paved and nearly all of it is one-way. There are a number of pull offs where you can get out and walk up to learning / information posts although signs warn you not to if the Elk or Bison are within 200 feet. The best times to go are early to mid morning or late afternoon, according to their sign, to give you the best chance to see the herds that roam there. As luck would have it, we arrived shortly after 12 noon but decided to chance it anyway. We came across a herd of about 20 Elk grazing and resting near a creek by a bend in the trail. This allowed us to drive within yards of these animals and observe the young frolic about while the elders kept a wary eye on us. Unfortunately, the only Bison we were (barely) able to see were way over in another pasture some quarter mile or so away. There was amble evidence that they do get around though as there were many signs (patties and such) as well as spots in the fields where they lay to waller about. If you take your time and stop at all of the interpretive locations, you can expect to spend roughly 2 hours on this venture. Simply drive it and you can be in and out in under 20 minutes.

I was on a motorcycle riding willy-nilly through the are and stopped in Kentucky for supper where I had a meal that came darned close to my grandmother's cooking. Little place with bench table seating and wood-fired stoves around the room where you served your own food for a very decent price. I asked where to c amp for the evening and the Land-Between-The-Lakes was recommended. I was even told to make a sandwich to take with me. Excellent food even the next day for lunch.I obtained a National Parks Pass at the gate wand was directed to a very quiet sanctuary in the woods. I was the only one there and had plenty of room for my tent and other trappings.It has been may years and I am sure it has been over run by now. I still highly recommend it for its beauty and for its historical significance.

The loop trip is well worth it to see one of the finest natural areas. Land where buffalo roam, lakes with great fishing, camping areas, hiking, and just relaxing.

A lovely area to visit and explore in Tennessee and Kentucky. Drive through, stop and visit the marinas, and visit with the friendly people who work there. Lovely scenery.

This area hold so much natural beauty and local history. One of my all time favorite weekend locations for family and friends!

My family and I were recently visiting this region of Kentucky for the first time, and were surprised by the activities available in the LBL National Recreation Area. We enjoyed the planetarium/visitors' center, elk and bison range, and the Kentucky Dam. Worth a weekend trip to the area. Recommended.

.loved it so much am buying a property nearby. prizer point is on lake barkley with swimming pools, all kinds of big and little boat rentals-even ones with slides, peddle boats,peddle bikes, marina to store your boats, even a repair shop for your boat, and so much water to boat on with lake barkley and kentucky lake running way down into tennessee. the land in between the lakes (land between the lakes) is a national recreational area

The nature center was wonderful, and so informative we spent the day! The homestead was just as much fun, and we spent most of a day learning and enjoying the animals, the buildings and the history. The planetarium is set up for children. I had hoped to learn something new. It is really just a glorified auditorium. The people at the visitor center were less friendly then the people at the welcome centers. DON'T get food from the campground store without checking expiration dates! ALL the meat and sandwiches we bought, even the bread, was expired and bad. There are too many drivers along the road in a hurry. Tailgating and taking away from the joy constantly, even with us going 4-5 over the speed limit when they pushed us. The hikes we took were wonderful. The scenic drive was wonderful! We saw bison both days, and were lucky to see one elk the second day. The view is lovely, though, so well worth it!

Kentucky Lake is found in western Kentucky. Exit I-24 near the community of Grand Rivers for the north entrance to Land Between the Lakes or off HWY 68 for south entrance. Follow signs from there to find the Elk and Bison Compound. This is a gated area allowing for an easy short drive during which you can see herds of Elk and Bison. These animals are protected and well cared for. The LBL general area is free, but expect a $5 entry fee at the compound which goes toward maintaining the area. Anyone who enjoys wildlife will appreciate this drive. Don't forget to take your camera!

There is many hiking trail which is pretty good and camp ground is in the woods, RV park has electric and water. But spider web many place is problems.

We did a beautiful hike around Hematite Lake, then visited the Nature Station, which is excellent for all ages. Lots of exhibits for kids. LBL is perfect for hiking, camping, picnicking, kayaking, swimming at certain beaches, mountain biking. No commercial services inside the park so make sure you bring in what you need.

Ken, you are right. On our new web page we did not place the warning about needing to be in an enclosed vehicle. We have added it now.http://www.landbetweenthelakes.us/seendo/attractions/elk-bison-prairie/The Elk & Bison Prairie fences in our large animals with only 700-acres to roam in order to provide you with a greater chance of seeing them while traveling the 3.5 mile loop. Many days visitors find the animals blocking the road. To keep people safe, we require enclosed vehicles.I am sorry for any inconvenience. Thank you for letting us know. Jan BushCommunications Department ManagerP.S. We will include the safety message on our write ups about the Prairie also. I see we did not mention it in these stories also. http://www.landbetweenthelakes.us/category/customer-service/elk-bison-prairie/

No doubt that LBL is a beautiful area! However, we just returned from a 4 day camping trip at Hillman Ferry. The campground is scenic, but it is not peaceful. We camped there a year ago and had a great time. However, in the last year, something has changed and there are KIDS driving ALL over the campground in Golf Carts and Mopeds at all hours. Not only is it a traffic issue, it is a safety issue as well. There is a reason that 12 year olds are not issued a driver's license. We saw several SCARY near misses! Bicyclists and pedestrians combined with preteens driving is a disaster waiting to happen. The bathhouses and shorelines are within easy WALKING or BIKING distance of all of the campsites. There is absolutely no reason to allow this to occur in a place where people go to enjoy the quiet of nature in a park setting. LBL needs to rethink its policy(or lack of) that has allowed this situation to get so out-of-hand. It is sad to see such a beautiful resource become a defacto go-cart track

We visited the planetarium and really enjoyed it and visiting the gift shop there at the visitor's center. We also drove around the Elk and Bison Prairie where we saw neither... only a few wild turkeys... maybe next time!

The trails are beautiful, and range from super easy to extremely challenging. Something for everyone and the views are beautiful