Kentucky Lake facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Kentucky Lake |
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 Kentucky Lake
Location in Kentucky
Kentucky Lake
Location in Tennessee
Kentucky Lake
Location in the United States
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| Location | Kentucky / Tennessee |
| Coordinates | 37°00′45″N 88°16′12″W / 37.01256°N 88.27003°W |
| Type | reservoir |
| Basin countries | United States |
| Max. depth | 75 feet (23 m) |
Kentucky Lake is a very large lake in the United States. It stretches across parts of Kentucky and Tennessee. This lake is actually a reservoir, which means it's an artificial lake created by building a dam.
The lake was made in 1944 by the Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA). The TVA is a special government agency. They built the Kentucky Dam across the Tennessee River. This dam helped create Kentucky Lake.
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Discover Kentucky Lake
Kentucky Lake is huge! It covers about 160,309 acres (649 square kilometers). This makes it the biggest artificial lake by surface area east of the Mississippi River. It has a very long shoreline, stretching for 2,064 miles. Imagine all the places you could explore along its edges!
Even though it's so big, a nearby lake called Lake Barkley holds more water. Kentucky Lake is important for storing water. It can hold a lot of extra water during floods. This helps protect towns and farms downstream.
How Kentucky Lake Helps Us
Kentucky Lake does more than just look pretty. It also helps make electricity! The water flowing through the dam creates "hydro-electric" power. This is a clean way to get energy for homes and businesses.
The lake is also a big part of the Land Between the Lakes National Recreation Area. This area is a popular spot for outdoor fun. Many people visit western Kentucky and Tennessee because of this beautiful lake.
Fun Activities at the Lake
Kentucky Lake is a fantastic place for outdoor adventures. It's especially famous for fishing!
Fishing Records
Anglers love to fish here because of the many types of fish. Kentucky Lake holds records for some of the biggest fish ever caught in Kentucky. These include:
- A 5-pound white bass
- A 55-pound Buffalo carp
- A 1-pound, 4-ounce yellow perch
Parks and Recreation
The lake is also a major attraction for two Kentucky state parks. These parks offer lots of activities for visitors.
- Kentucky Dam Village State Resort Park is located at the northern end of the lake.
- Kenlake State Resort Park is found on the western side.
Both parks offer places to stay, boat ramps, and other fun things to do. They are perfect for families and anyone who loves being outdoors.
