When summer rolls around in the Bluegrass State, it’s the perfect chance to hit up some of the best lakes in Kentucky! Whether you’re into swimming, boating, fishing, or just soaking in the scenic beauty, you’ll find plenty of lakes here that cater to all your summer activities.
Some of these lakes near Louisville might mean a bit of a drive, but don’t worry. They’re all within about three hours from the city. Plus, the trip is always worth it when you get to enjoy the refreshing water and serene views. Pack a picnic, bring your fishing gear, and make a day of it!
Patoka Lake
The 8,800-acre lake is only slightly more than a one-hour drive north of Louisville in Birdseye, IN. A habitat for freshwater jellyfish, river otters, osprey, and bald eagles, among many other aquatic and avian species, Patoka Lake offers boat rentals, boat tours, houseboat and cabin rentals, as well as a distillery, a brewery, and a winery.FALLING ROCK PARK LAGRANGE QUARRYJust 36 minutes from Louisville, the LaGrange Quarry is a massive limestone rock quarry that naturally filters the water around it, while will help keep you cool if you decide to go swimming while taking time to enjoy the scenery. Children are not allowed to swim at this quarry, however, and you must be 18 years old or older to swim and present your valid ID before you enter.NOLIN LAKE STATE PARKNolin Lake State park, located approximately an hour and a half outside of Louisville in Mammoth Cave is home to all kinds of fish including catfish, crappie, walleye and bass. Kids are permitted to access this lake, but no animals are allowed. There are plenty of amenities including a playground, a picnic area and showering and bathroom facilities.Laurel River Lake
Laurel River Lake, situated in Daniel Boone National Forest in London, KY is at least two — but less than three — southeast of Louisville. Among the beaches and coves is a swimming area at the spillway of Laurel River Lake dam. The 5,600 acre lake itself is among the cleanest bodies of water in Kentucky and it offers both snorkeling and scuba diving, in addition to boating and fishing. Kentucky TourismStarve-Hollow Lake
The 145-acre lake in Southern Indiana is only about a one-hour drive north of Louisville. It has a sandy beach patrolled by lifeguards and also offers canoe, kayak, and rowboat rentals. The recreation area around the beach has dressing rooms with showers. Starve-Hollow State Recreation Area has 11 miles of hiking trails, mountain biking trails, and playgrounds and pet-friendly camping. Jackson County Visitors CenterTaylorsville Lake
Located less than a one-hour drive from Louisville in Spencer County, this 3,050-acre lake is perfect for paddle boards, canoes, kayaks, and pontoons. Taylorsville Lake State Park also offers dry-land activities like 24 miles of biking and hiking trails, horseback riding, two playgrounds, and an equestrian-friendly campground.Green River Lake State Park
The natural beauty of this state park is approximately a two-hour drive South of Louisville in Campbellsville, KY. It has something for every summer day trip: a beach with swimming, a marina with boat rentals, hiking, miniature golf, and
concessions. Kentucky TourismHerrington Lake
A 90-minute drive southeast of Louisville in Lancaster, KY, this 3,600 acre lake is the deepest lake in Kentucky. Its 249-foot depth is home to bluegill, catfish, crappie, and bass. In addition to abundant fishing, Herrington Lake offers kayak, pontoon, and tube rentals and also has a restaurant. Kentucky TourismBarren River Lake
A full two-hour drive from Louisville in Lucas, Barren River Lake State Resort Park is a 10,100-acre reservoir with 141 miles of shoreline. The adjacent Barren Lake State Park offers several hiking trails, a two-and-a-half-mile biking loop, and an 18-hole golf course. The entire area is lush with plant and animal life. Kentucky TourismMCNEELY LAKE PARKOnly 21 minutes from Louisville’s downtown, this lake has a fantastic fishing spot with over 700 acres across the entire park. It’s one of the largest parks in the Louisville Metro Parks area. The park is open from 6 a.m. to 11 p.m.TOM WALLACE LAKEThis lake, about 25 minutes from Downtown Louisville, includes fishing holes and a walking trail for those who enjoy exploring the outdoors while taking in the scenery of this gorgeous, more lowkey lake. It’s also open to all non-motorized boating, so kayaking is on the table for those who want to get out on the water.DEAM LAKEDeam Lake is over 30 minutes away from Louisivlle, heading north to Indiana. This lake is open to families with children, with trails that span around the lake and camping grounds for those who want to stay overnight. The sandy beach will be open from Memorial Day through Labor Day weekend, with food concessions available on weekends. You can also rent rowboats and kayaks from Memorial Day through Labor day as well on the weekends.HARDY LAKEThis 741-acre lake, located in Scottsburg, IN 55 minutes from Louisville, is surrounded by limestone and rocky bluffs on all sides. It’s bolstered by an archery range, a basketball court, an open playfield, boating, fishing and much more. Visitors can go to any of the campsites located on the 2,100-acre plot to enjoy their stay.
Sign up. We hope you like us, but if you don't, you can unsubscribe by following the links in the email, or by dropping us a note at leo@leoweekly.com.
Signup
By clicking “subscribe” above, you consent to allow us to contact you via email, and store your information using our third-party Service Provider. To see more information about how your information is stored and privacy protected, visit our policies page.
Subscribe to LEO Weekly Newsletters
Sign up. We hope you like us, but if you don't, you can unsubscribe by following the links in the email, or by dropping us a note at leo@leoweekly.com.
To sign up now, enter your email address in the field below and click the Subscribe button.
By clicking “Subscribe” above, you consent to allow us to contact you via email, and store your information using our third-party Service Provider. To see more information about how your information is stored and privacy protected, visit our policies page.
