The charms of Marshall County and Kentucky Lake don’t disappear when the summer crowds have thinned. Whether you’re paddling along quiet coves, looking for gentle bison, or dancing to live music, the off-season brings its own kind of magic.
Here are ten reasons Kentucky Lake is just as fun—and even more beautiful—when you visit outside peak season.
1. Explore Kentucky Lake by boat
The end of summer does not mean the end of water fun on Kentucky Lake.
Rent a kayak, pontoon, or jet-ski from one of the resorts or marinas that dot the shoreline of this spacious lake. Paddle your kayak along inlets and coves as you take in the oranges and golds of fall foliage.
Or pile onto your pontoon for a leisurely float and visit the popular Rock Quarry without the crowds. Over the years, graffiti artists have painted this hip hangout, transforming it into part natural retreat and part urban art gallery.
2. Joyride through Land Between the Lakes
Discover the natural beauty of Land Between the Lakes with a scenic drive. This narrow land strip sits between Kentucky Lake and Lake Barkley, offering tallgrass prairie habitats, undeveloped forests, and lake views.
Follow the Woodland Trace Ridge Highway (a National Scenic Byway) for beautiful wilderness views in all seasons, from spring wildflowers to winter’s open vistas. You can also turn into the Elk & Bison Prairie, an enclosed wildlife habitat. Drive slowly—these majestic grazers have been known to siesta in the middle of the road. Roll down your window in the fall to hear the distinctive bugle of the elk bulls.
3. Catch a double feature at an old-fashioned drive-in
The classic Calvert Drive-In Theater is one of only seven left in Kentucky and has been a local staple since the 1950s.
These days, you can catch double features of everything from 1930s classics to 1980s family favorites to hot new releases. Head up to the grill for tasty burgers, pizza, and hot dogs, and say hello to the folks in the car next door while you wait for the feature. Then prop up some pillows, set your car stereo to pick up the movie audio, and enjoy the show!
4. Tap your toes at a local bluegrass festival
Join the locals at Calvert City Memorial Park each October for the annual Calvert City River Folk Fest. This family-friendly event brings an uptempo bluegrass soundtrack to a weekend of food, fun, and community.
Kids can pet bunnies and sheep at the petting zoo before burning off energy jumping on the inflatables. Grown-ups can wander the arts and crafts show and sample local eats from the onsite food trucks. And everyone will enjoy the bluegrass bands playing all day long.
5. Raise a glass to local wine and beer
Add some relaxation to your itinerary with a visit to a local winery or brewery. Schedule a private tasting at Poca Terra Winery, specializing in reds and rosés made from estate-grown and bottled Chambourcin. Then, stroll through the vines to soak up the scenery.
Beer lovers will love local microbrewery The Dam Brewhaus. Their tap wall boasts up to 22 beers, from the hop-heavy Haus Hazy to the oak-aged Walnut Brown. Pair your beer with hearty pub fare and stick around for live music or “Singo,” a song-based bingo game.
6. Tee-off in the Kentucky hills
The Kentucky Lake area is perfect for a weekend golf trip, with several quality courses to choose from. The award-winning Calvert City Golf & Country Club is a lovely par-72 course with expertly maintained fairways and fast greens. The grounds are lush with shade trees, lakes, and a natural creek.
A short drive away, Kentucky Dam Village State Resort Park offers beautiful tree-lined fairways on rolling hills. Designed by celebrated course architect Perry Maxwell, you’ll find elevated greens and challenging approaches for intriguing play.
7. Fish for your supper
Fishing in Kentucky Lake is best in the off-season. The lake is a prime habitat for largemouth and smallmouth bass, crappie, and smaller panfish like bluegill and perch. The April/May spawning season is particularly bountiful!
Rent a boat and try your luck on your own. Or hire a fishing guide to lead you to the best spots. Some guides will also provide bait and tackle, so all you’ll need to bring is your Kentucky or Tennessee sport fishing license.
8. Explore on two wheels
When the summer heat is gone, the biking trails are at their best. Cruise along the paved Calvert City Greenway from the heart of the city all the way to Kentucky Lake. This road bike-friendly path is an easy route with lovely lake views at the end.
For a more rugged biking adventure, tackle the trails in Land Between the Lakes. The northern leg of the North-South Trail is a 31-mile stretch that weaves through woods and offers shoreline lake views. Or try Canal Loop Bike Trail for a fast track with challenging hills, crossing creeks and forest roads. You’ll spot Kentucky Lake, Lake Barkley, and the canal.
9. Celebrate Christmas in Kentucky
Christmas kicks off at Patti’s 1880s Settlement in Grand Rivers, a restaurant, hotel, and collection of boutiques on one sprawling property. The entire site twinkles and glows during its annual Festival of Lights, with nearly two million lights creating a walkable winter wonderland. Take photos with Santa, shop for gifts, and stop by the restaurant for their famous pork chop.
Nearby Calvert City hosts a full calendar of holiday events. Browse the stalls of the Calvert City Christmas Bazaar for art, home goods, jewelry and more. And visit Santa’s Workshop for DIY activities like wreath-making or pouring candles. There’s also a festive 5k, tree lighting ceremony, Christmas parade, and more.
10. Get back in the saddle at Wrangler’s Ranch
Over 100 miles of backcountry roads and authorized horse trails wind through Land Between the Lakes, offering scenic lookouts and lush natural scenery. Bring your own mount year-round, or book a ride with Wrangler’s Riding Stable from April through October.
Ride over rolling hills and follow the shore of Lake Barkley as you look for hawks, wild turkeys, and white-tailed deer. You can also spot historic sites, like the ruins of two 19th-century iron furnaces from the area’s past as an iron forge boomtown.
