The Largest Artificial Lake East Of The Mississippi Is A Fishing And Boating Paradise Straddling Two States

A vast lake in the southeastern United States is known for tournament fishing, boating, and 2,300 miles of shoreline, but until the middle of the 20th century, it didn't exist. Stretching 184 miles across southern Kentucky and northern Tennessee, Kentucky Lake was created by a federal utility company in 1944, and it is now the biggest artificial lake in the eastern U.S. With abundant fish species and 250 square miles of water, Kentucky Lake is a beautiful destination for fishers and boaters, and welcomes millions of visitors each year.

Kentucky Lake was formed by the construction of Kentucky Dam, built between 1938 and 1944 by the Tennessee Valley Authority to manage repeated flooding in the Tennessee River Valley and provide electricity to area residents. The project required the relocation of farms, families, roads, and cemeteries, and the remains of former towns are still at the bottom of the lake. Today, the region is a popular spot for weekend water warriors, and visitors gush over the water's beauty and the peaceful surroundings.

Anglers flock to Kentucky Lake thanks to its supply of fish such as largemouth bass, crappie, and bluegill, and fishing tournaments are held in the area throughout much of the year. The eastern part of the lake, much of which is home to Kentucky's sprawling Land Between the Lakes National Recreation Area, tends to be quiet due to its lack of commercial development. A popular fishing locale further south is Tennessee's Paris Landing State Park, which includes a wheelchair-friendly fishing pier. Anglers should be sure to get a fishing license for the state where they're trying their luck.

Boating is another popular activity on the lake, and several marinas provide services for visitors, while the boat ramps within Land Between the Lakes are free to use. For travelers who need to rent a boat, Kentucky Dam Marina offers options including kayaks, paddleboards, pontoons, and fishing boats. Wildlife watchers looking to hop in a boat to spot migratory birds or eagles nesting in the trees around the lake might want to visit the Tennessee National Wildlife Refuge, a tranquil location free from the busier vibe of more commercial areas, although visitors should note that parts of the refuge are closed from November 15 through March 15 to provide safe areas for birds through the winter.

Both Tennessee and Kentucky have resorts and parks with shorelines along Kentucky Lake. Land Between the Lakes National Recreation Area in Kentucky offers backcountry campsites as well as campgrounds with bathrooms and full electrical and water hookups. For travelers who want to skip the tent, the park offers primitive cabins with beds and electricity but no kitchen or bathroom facilities. Kenlake State Resort Park and Kentucky Dam Village State Resort Park have lodges and cottages along with amenities like a golf course and swimming pools. For a bite to eat, stop by Patti's 1880's Settlement and enjoy its "Mile High" lemon meringue pie in the under-the-radar town of Grand Rivers, which also offers lakeside recreation and seasonal local festivals.

On the Tennessee side of the lake, Paris Landing State Park offers cabins and camping as well as 91 rooms in the four-level park lodge that opened in 2022. The lodge's restaurant is open daily for lunch and dinner, with breakfast reserved exclusively for lodge guests. While staying at Paris Landing, visitors can stop by the nearby underrated city of Paris, Tennessee, to see the 60-foot replica of the Eiffel Tower in honor of the town's namesake. 

The closest major airport to Kentucky Lake is Nashville International Airport. It's about a two-hour drive from Paris Landing State Park and a 1½-hour drive from Land Between the Lakes.