AURORA · KENTUCKY LAKE · LAND BETWEEN THE LAKES

There’s a lot to do.
Make the day your own.

A fishing trip, a trail ride, a wildlife drive or a little family fun. Find things to do near Kentucky Lake, then follow the detailed guides to plan a day that feels like you.

PICK YOUR KIND OF ADVENTURE

What would you love to do?

Keep it simple or mix a few ideas. Each stop has a planning link so you can check the details before heading out.

15 ideas for your stay

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Family outings · Local stops

Forgotten Past

A nostalgic family-attraction idea from our local guide, with games and gift-shop browsing.

Confirm current attractions and opening days with the venue before planning a visit.

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On the water

Fishing on Kentucky Lake

Plan a morning on the water, choose a launch and get your gear together. Our fishing guide brings ramp locations, a packing checklist and planning resources into one place.

Check current licenses and rules for the water you will fish.

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On the water

Boating & lake days

Make time for Kentucky Lake and Lake Barkley. Start with our boating guide, then check the conditions dashboard and plan the specific access point you will use.

A lake reading does not establish safe boating conditions.

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On the water · Family outings

Beaches & swimming

Build a warm-weather day around a designated swimming area. Explore the lake-beach guide and check the official recreation information before choosing a spot.

Check posted swimming guidance and current access; never assume a beach is supervised.

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Trails & outdoors

Turkey Bay OHV riding

A day on the trails calls for a little preparation. Explore our Turkey Bay guide for trip planning and a comfortable base back in Aurora.

Check official alerts and riding requirements, and plan to transport your vehicle to Turkey Bay; there is no direct trail access from our property.

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Trails & outdoors

Hiking & biking

Choose a trail that fits your group and your pace. Land Between the Lakes has hiking and biking resources to help you plan a route through lake country.

Use the official trail maps and check conditions and permitted uses.

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Wildlife · Family outings

Elk & Bison Prairie

Explore a prairie landscape by vehicle and look for elk, bison and other wildlife. Keep your camera ready, but let the animals set the pace.

Enclosed vehicles are required. Follow posted wildlife guidance; sightings are not guaranteed.

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Wildlife · Family outings

Woodlands Nature Station

Add wildlife learning and naturalist-led programming to your visit. Check the program calendar for something that interests your family.

Seasonal opening and program schedules apply.

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Family outings

Homeplace Working Farm

See living-history interpretation and a working farm in the Tennessee portion of Land Between the Lakes. A change of pace for curious visitors of different ages.

Seasonal attraction in Dover, Tennessee. Check programs and opening dates.

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Family outings

Golden Pond Planetarium

Trade the trail for a domed theater and a journey through astronomy and earth science. Pick a scheduled show suited to your group.

Check showtimes and age guidance. Observatory activities depend on weather.

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Trails & outdoors

Seasonal hunting trips

For guests planning a hunt, our dedicated guide covers rooms and cabins, gear-friendly amenities and official planning links.

Review the exact area, season and permit requirements before your trip.

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Family outings · Local stops

Kentucky Shores Family Fun

Consider go-karts, miniature golf or an indoor glow-in-the-dark arcade for a family outing in Gilbertsville.

Confirm seasonal operation and which activities are available.

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Family outings · Local stops

Maggie’s Jungle Golf

Try a round of miniature golf or explore the animal trail. A family outing to consider alongside your lake plans.

Use our guide to plan your visit, and check current activity options and operation on the venue’s website.

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Family outings · Local stops

Kentucky Opry

Make room for a live show. Browse the performance calendar for music and family-friendly entertainment that fits your visit.

Choose a specific performance and check ticket information.

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Family outings · Local stops

The Hitching Post

An old-country-store stop in Aurora for sweet treats and nostalgic browsing. Consider fudge or ice cream between your day’s adventures.

Check current store service and offerings.

A GOOD DAY STARTS WITH A LITTLE PLANNING

Before you head out.

01

Check the latest alerts

Trails, access and scheduled activities can change. Check official LBL alerts and the attraction’s own information for your visit.

Official LBL alerts ↗

02

Plan for the weather

Our conditions page brings together the local forecast and available lake readings. Always follow posted guidance at your destination.

Lake conditions & weather ↗

03

Leave room for a meal

Find breakfast before an early start, a lunch stop or dinner after exploring. Our dining guide makes the next choice easy.

Where to eat local ↗

These are trip ideas, not live opening notices. Check seasonal schedules, entry requirements, accessibility and available activities with each destination. LBL extends into both Kentucky and Tennessee.

Guest rooms and covered porches at Early American Motel in Aurora
Your home base at Early American Motel.

COME BACK TO A COMFORTABLE STAY

Your adventure.
Your pace.
Your place in Aurora.

Choose a room, cabin or suite for your Kentucky Lake visit. We’ll help with the stay while you make the most of your days.