Wildlife viewing areas in Land Between the Lakes are numerous and well spread out. Wildlife management is a key mission of our Federal Partner the USDA Forest Service at Land Between the Lakes National Recreation Area. (LBL).
There is such an abundance of wildlife to be viewed at Land Between the Lakes National Recreation Area. When you wish to escape the pressures of society, visit our place of peace in these 170,000 acres of nature and wildlife along with recreation and environmental education. LBL is a special place for viewing wildlife. Come on out today.
Wildlife at Land Between the Lakes National Recreation Area (LBL)
Bison Viewing
Elk and Bison Prairie
Visit the Elk and Bison Prairie which lies north of the Golden Pond Visitor Center a very short drive.
The Elk and Bison Prairie at Land Between the Lakes National Recreation Area (LBL)
South Bison Range
Visit the South Bison Range which lies across the Scenic Woodlands Trace from the Homeplace Working Farm and Agricultural Museum
Elk Viewing
Elk and Bison Prairie
Visit the Elk and Bison Prairie which lies north of the Golden Pond Visitor Center a very short drive.
Further information may be found here.
Fallow Deer Viewing
Nature Watch Area
Visit the Nature Watch area in the vicinity of the Woodlands Nature Station and you can view the Fallow Deer herd at Land Between the Lakes National Recreation Area.
Environmental Education Sites of Special Interest
LBL has a number of special places where you can enjoy nature close up, enjoy cultural history close up and be educated at the same time.
The Woodlands Nature Station
Get up close and personal with the natural world at our environmental education attraction, Woodlands Nature Station. Nestled in the woods between Honker and Hematite Lakes, the Nature Station serves as a gateway to the 8,500-acre Nature Watch Area. The friendly staff also serves as our “go to” specialists for wildlife viewing throughout Land Between the Lakes.
Location: 3146 Silver Trail Road, Cadiz, KY 42211
The Woodlands Nature Station at Land Between the Lakes National Recreation Area (LBL)
View the program schedule at the Woodlands Nature Station
The Homeplace Working Farm and Agricultural Museum
The Homeplace 1850s Working Farm and Living History Museum represents a two-generation farm, located within the gently rolling hills and scenic fields of northwest Tennessee. When you visit the Homeplace, you will see interpreters in period clothing going about their daily chores on a real, working farm. You can even lend a hand and join in on the farm fun! You’ll find the perfect blend of artifacts, restored historic structures, and traditional seasonal activities to step you back in time to relive history before the Civil War. Even our livestock includes rare and endangered breeds. We cultivate many varieties of garden plants and field crops; most from heirloom seeds dating back before the Civil War.
Location: 4512 The Trace, Dover, TN 37058
The Homeplace Working Farm and Agricultural Museum at Land Between the Lakes National Recreation Area (LBL)
View the program schedule at the Homeplace Working Farm and Agricultural Museum
The Golden Pond Planetarium and Observatory
When you visit the Golden Pond Planetarium, you will enjoy a variety of entertaining and educational programs presented with our SkyExplorer Digital Planetarium Software combined with 2k Hi-Resolution Laser Projection system which displays stunning, realistic images on the 40-foot dome of the theater.
Friends of Land Between the Lakes provides qualified interpreters at the Planetarium who supplement the automated presentations with live, personal interactions with the audience. “Tonight’s Sky Live” is a live presentation which allows visitors to learn about planets, stars, and constellations in the night sky of the coming evening. Planetarium shows are offered daily. Check our program calendar on this page to learn more and plan your visit!
Location: 238 Visitor Center Dr, Golden Pond, KY 42211
Golden Pond Planetarium and Observatory at Land Between the Lakes National Recreation Area (LBL)
View the program schedule of the Golden Pond Planetarium
Hiking at LBL
Trails for visitor use has long been an important feature of LBL. There are linear trails from north to south and from East to West on LBL. There are also short connecting route trails in specific areas of LBL.
LBL offers trails for virtually anyone who has interest in the great out of doors. We have:
Hike and Bike Trails – This involves a great variety of trail options including Canal Loop, Woodlands Nature Watch Trail, Hematite Trail, Long Creek Trail, Honker Lake, North South Trail, Scenic Hardwoods East West Trail, and the Fort Henry Trail. PLEASE NOT THAT WATER IS NOT AVAILABLE FOR HIKERS ALONG THESE TRAILS.
Backpacking Trails – Overnight camping with permits are allowed at Canal Loop, Northern section of the North/South Trail, Southern section of the North/South Trail, and the Fort Henry Trail
Horse Trails – LBL offers a network of Horse trails in the vicinity of the Wrangler Campgrounds upon which riders may see a great variety of wildlife as well as beautiful plant life along their enjoyable riding trails.
Recreational Vehicle (ATV) Trails – You may enjoy approximately 100 miles of trails and view wildlife and enjoy wonderful lake views along these trails.
Water Trails – Land Between the Lakes Regional Water Trails are being developed to provide a series of water trails for paddlers on Lake Barkley and Kentucky Lake in Kentucky and Tennessee.
Iron Industry History
You may visit the Great Western Furnace and other pre-civil war iron. There are other iron furnace remnants at various locations of LBL.
Recreation Activities
Boat Launching
You may use our boat launching facilities as you practice safe driving and boating procedures.
Canoe and Kayak Use
Depending upon weather conditions and vegetation growth in bodies of water at LBL you may rent canoes or kayak at Energy Lake or Woodlands Nature Station.
These make a relaxing way to enjoy nature along the waterways adjacent to LBL.
Picnic areas at a variety of location on LBL and some with children’s swings
We offer the visitor an opportunity to stop and enjoy a meal at a picnic table and a fire ring at a variety of locations on LBL. These include North Welcome Station, Boarding House just below Woodlands Nature Station, Jennie Ridge Picnic Area, Golden Pond Picnic Area, Cedar Pond Picnic Area, Homeplace Picnic Shelter, South Bison Range Picnic Area, Colson Overlook Picnic Area, South Welcome Station, Star Camp, and other select areas on LBL.
If you choose to picnic in there areas or another scenic spot of your choosing, please remember to take your picnic debris and properly dispose of it. We encourage all visitors to practice Pack it in and Pack it out to maintain the scenic beauty for all who come after you.
Birding
You will find great opportunities to enjoy seeing the diverse birdlife on LBL as well as simply listening to their memorable song while you are practicing your bird watching skills at LBL.
more information may be found here
Brandon Spring Group Camp
Brandon Spring Group Center offers visitors with year-round overnight facility for groups which have scheduled their group by calling (270) 924-2020.. Nestled on a wooded knoll, it overlooks scenic Bards Lake. as well as Lake Barkley in the Tennessee portion of Land Between the Lakes. The center provides the perfect atmosphere for all your group gatherings. It offers scheduled groups a challenge course, recreational sports, hiking, an amphitheater, and many other great activities and features.
A plethora of opportunity for the family who relish the out of doors.