Western Waterlands Region | Kentucky Tourism - State of Kentucky - Visit Kentucky (2024)

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Bordered by the Mississippi and Ohio rivers and home to the two largest lakes in Kentucky, the Western Waterlands offer an inviting mix of outdoor recreation, arts and culture, history and family fun.@Model.HeadlineTag> More Things To Do In The Western Waterlands Region@Model.HeadlineTag> Trip Inspiration@Model.HeadlineTag> Horses, Hats, & Bourbon With Claudia Coffey@Model.HeadlineTag> Share Western Waterlands Memories@Model.HeadlineTag>

Bordered by the Mississippi and Ohio rivers and home to the two largest lakes in Kentucky, the Western Waterlands offer an inviting mix of outdoor recreation, arts and culture, history and family fun.@Model.HeadlineTag>

Kentucky Lake,Lake Barkleyand theLand Between the Lakes National Recreation Areaform a popular vacation destination with all the water recreation imaginable: fishing, skiing, sailing, tubing, kayaking, jet skiing, swimming, and just relaxing. Head for aKentucky state parkor a National Scenic Byway to enjoy outdoor activities such as hiking, biking, horseback riding, ATV trail riding and other area attractions.

More Things To Do In The Western Waterlands Region@Model.HeadlineTag>

The friendly communities and historic hamlets of the Western Waterlands are packed with opportunities for entertainment, activity and inspiration. Play golf in one of the top retirement destination in the U.S., visit Kentucky’s largestAmish community, shop in a railroad town transformed into an antique shopper's heaven, travel through lush farmland rich in Native American history, and visit a "living house" museum complete with immersive historical exhibits. Take a walking tour of historic downtowns likePaducah, where you can get a dose of culture at theNational Quilt MuseumandRiver Discovery Center.

Dine in restaurants overlooking the lakes, enjoy live entertainment at Grand Rivers Badgett Playhouse, take in a movie at an old fashioned drive-in, shop at the largest single antique mall between St. Louis and Nashville, visit art museums and play with us at one of our award-winning festivals and events. And when it's time to turn in, the Western Waterlands also offers lodging ranging from rustic tentand RV campsites to luxurious hotels and resorts.