Welcome to Kentucky's Western Waterland

Kentucky's Western Waterland ... It's a phrase that describes a unique wonderland of natural splendor, manmade lakes, and cultural experiences. Kentucky Lake and Lake Barkley combined with our 4 major rivers -- the Ohio, Mississippi, Tennessee, and Cumberland -- are a virtual playground of recreation in the 15 westernmost counties of Ky. Naturally, there are unlimited opportunities for fun on the water including swimming, boating, jet skiing, sailing, fishing, tubing, and riding a ferry. If you don't have a boat or jet ski, rent a boat from one of the many marinas that dot the shores of both lakes.

Outdoors you can enjoy breathtaking scenery, golfing, fishing, hunting, horseback riding, hiking, biking, camping, wildlife viewing, tennis, and horse racing. We offer a multitude of cultural experiences and attractions including an Amish community, the National Quilt Museum, River Discovery Center, Adsmore House & Gardens, water parks, go-carts, miniature and disc golf, historic sites, living history, and museums dedicated to the Civil War, railroads, local authors, and Native Americans. This area is also home to the Land Between The Lakes National Recreation Area. Nestled between the beautiful Ky and Barkley Lakes, LBL's 170,000 acres offer unique opportunities for recreation and education. Whether you want to relax on 1 of 2 enchanting lakes, camp with the family on a weekend getaway, hike with friends on one of the scenic trails, plan a group wildlife viewing adventure, or visit the Planetarium, Woodlands Nature Station, or The Homeplace, Land Between The Lakes has something you are sure to enjoy. Follow the link to learn more about the Land Between The Lakes.

Shopping in western Ky is a delight. There are many boutiques, gift shops, antique stores, Ky-crafted, and other interesting places to shop. You will find a gift even for that person who has everything.

Enjoy the varied lodging available at our 4 with cabins state resort parks, numerous resorts with cabins and cottages, quaint bed and breakfast inns, hotels, motels, vacation rental homes, and RV parks. No matter your accommodation needs, we have lodging opportunities for you.

Dining treats range from mile-high meringue pie and 2" pork chops at Patti's 1880's Settlement to some of the best barbecue in the world with several barbecue festivals each year. Catfish, bison, and country ham are included in our menus. Many restaurants overlook the water providing a relaxing atmosphere. Enjoy southern cooking and hospitality all year long.

Festivals and other special events are held throughout the region all year. Our Labor Day Arts & Crafts Festival is one of the longest-running in western Ky and features over 100 vendors with all hand-made items. Our Calendar of Events is always full! The list of places to go and things to do appears endless.  Come visit us soon!

The regional visitor's guide and map we publish are the official regional publications. Follow the links to view our visitor's guide online and to learn how to receive visitor's guides by mail.

Grand Rivers, KY is the place to be Labor Day Weekend!

On Labor Day Weekend the "Pinta" and the "Niña," replicas of Christopher Columbus' ships will be open for touring in Grand Rivers, KY. The ships arrive at Green Turtle Bay Marina on Thursday, August 29 and will be there until their departure on Monday, September 2. While in the port, the general public is invited to visit the ships for a walk-aboard, self-guided tour every day. Admission prices are $8 for adults, $7 for seniors and $6 for students 5-18. Children 4 and under are free. The ship will be open every day from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. No reservations necessary.

In addition, Kentucky's Western Waterland will host their 38th Annual Labor Day Weekend Arts & Crafts Festival Saturday August 31 through Monday September 2 in Grand Rivers' Little Lake Park. Everyone is invited to attend this fun event with unusual and beautiful hand-made crafts and lots of good food. The vendors will be available from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday and from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Monday. Admission is $1 for walk-ins age 6 or older and $3 for a vehicle.

The Niña was built completely by hand and without the use of power tools. Archaeology magazine called the ship "the most historically correct Columbus replica ever built." The craftsmanship of construction and the details in the rigging make it a truly fascinating visit back to the Age of Discovery. The 'Niña' was also used in the production of the film '1492' starring Gerard Depardieu and directed by Ridley Scott.

The Pinta was built in Brazil to accompany the Niña on all of her travels. She is a larger version of the archetypal caravel. Historians consider the caravel the space shuttle of the fifteenth century. Both ships tour together as a new and enhanced "sailing museum" for the purpose of educating the public and school children on the "caravel," a Portuguese ship used by Columbus and many early explorers to discover the world.