You'll find plenty of places to cool off and splash in the water throughout the Bluegrass State, but there is nowhere quite like Barren River Lake in Kentucky. Located in southern Kentucky, Barren River Lake State Resort Park is home to rolling blue hills, a pristine lake, and abundant wildlife. Don’t let its name deter you; contrary to its name, this lush oasis in Kentucky is absolutely spectacular. When the temperatures soar this summer, head to this man-made reservoir in Kentucky that has its own sweet beach and swimming area.
Barren River Lake is a 10,100-acre reservoir that was created in 1964 by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. The dam across the river is 146 feet high, and this beautiful reservoir has 141 miles of shoreline.
Barren River Lake State Resort Park was created not long after the reservoir was built. It's the perfect place to spend the day, or even an entire weekend.
Address: 1149 State Park Road, Lucas, KY, 42156
Head for the sandy beach on the lake, where you can splash, swim, and bask in the sun to your heart's content.
Lifeguards are on duty to keep you safe, but you'll want to make sure that kids have life vests, too.
Bring a picnic lunch and play all day long! Build a sandcastle, have a water fight, and make some family memories that will last a lifetime.
On sunny summer weekends, the beach can get pretty crowded...
...but if you can visit on a weekday, or during late spring/early fall months, you might find that you have it all to yourself!
For more splashing fun, stay overnight at the Louie B. Nunn Lodge, which offers 51 rooms and 22 cottages. The lodge overlooks the lake, and you'll have some great views from your room.
The resort's swimming pool opens for guests of the lodge and cottages every morning at 10 a.m.
Whether you're just visiting the beach for the day, or staying at the lodge overnight, you'll want to stop in at the Driftwood Restaurant or Highlands Pub.
Enjoy a Kentucky hot brown, burger, salad, or entree for lunch or dinner, or visit for breakfast before you play at the park.
Check out Barren River Lake State Park's website for more information, and follow its Facebook page to see what's new there. Have you visited this pretty beach? Tell us about your day at beautiful Barren River Lake in Kentucky!
If you're looking for more great places to go swimming this summer, check out this old-school water park in Kentucky that's the most fun you've had in ages.
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