the wandering chick
...Land Between the Lakes Natl Rec Area

Land Between the Lakes is a National Recreation Area with 300 miles of shoreline and more than 500 miles of hiking and biking trails spread over 170,000 acres. Needless to say, it's huge.

The layout is simple. It's literally a hunk of land between two lakes that run north and south: Kentucky Lake on the west and Lake Barkley on the east.

For anyone wanting something relaxing and remote, this would be a good choice. There is not a lot of entertainment or sightseeing to be done, but those who enjoy boating and fishing will find the supply endless.

I stayed at LBL for two and a half days, which was sufficient for me and probably for someone who wouldn't take advantage of the numerous lake activities that are available.

Woodlands Trace National Scenic Byway is the major route north and south through the park. It connects, among other things, a North and a South Welcome Station at the north and south entrances to the park.

Two highlights were the Elk and Bison Prairie and the Homeplace, an 1850s living farm. One may spend more time than planned for such outings because of the driving distances between them. For example, the distance between Dover, Tennessee at the south end of the park and Grand Rivers, Kentucky at the north end is right around 50 miles and one hour's drive due to the park's speed limit.

The park was beautiful, but my opinion is that not everything that is beautiful is picturesque. As someone who enjoys photography, I must admit I was a bit disappointed. Afterall, one can take only so many shots of vast blue lakes and thick green shorelines. So, here are pictures that I collected while there. To boaters: go, go, go! The waters as well as several camping grounds are at your disposal.

My first stop was the Elk and Bison Prairie. Lucky for me, the timing was good. A herd of bison was just crossing the path of the prairie's loop. When I drove around one more time, they had already left the area. No elk were seen.
on the western end of Kentucky and Tennessee
bison herd
bison herd
bison herd
bison hered
bison hered
bison hered
swimming lake
energy lake and dam
The swimming hole roped off at the Energy Lake campground
energy lake and dam
energy lake and dam
Energy Lake
energy lake and dam
energy lake and dam
energy lake and dam
Hematite Lake
Hematite Lake
Hematite Lake
Energy Lake
Hematite Lake
Picnic areas abound throughout the park, surrounded by lush green forestry, such as this one at Hematite Lake.
ore furnace
Hematite Lake
This limestone furnace is all that remains of the Great Western Iron Works industry in Stewart County, Tennessee in the 1850s. Coal would be poured into the top of the furnace from a bridge. The coal along with hematite ore and limestone would burn to 3000 degrees Fahrenheit in order to melt the ore. It was then released from the furnace at the bottom and guided into sand molds for cooling off.
The Homeplace is a replica of an 1850s middle-class family working farm. The buildings were designed for the hot southern climate, using covered porches and breezeways to provide shade for both man and animals. It's a step back in time as volunteers, dressed in mid-century farm attire, display, explain and demonstrate the everyday life on a working farm.
working farm
working farm
working farm
working farm
working farm
This and the two photos below are examples of the two main types of homes, those with two rooms, or "pens" as they were called, and those with one. Hence, a single-pen home and a double-pen home. The double-pen home had a central hallway that faced the prevailing winds. The family lived in one of the two rooms, and the second room was used by guests. In later years, a kitchen was added.
working farm
working farm
working farm
working farm
working farm
working farm
working farm
In the 1850s, tobacco was a main cash crop for farmers in the area.
It was just such a perfectly cute tail, I had to get a picture!
working farm
working farm
pickin' party
It just so happened that I was at the Homeplace on the weekend that its 21st annual Pickin' Party was being held. Above, members of the Dixie Volunteers do some pickin' on the porch of the double-pen house. They would be performing in the music lineup later in the day.
pickin' party
pickin' party
pickin' party
pickin' party
Below are a few backroad pictures taken after leaving Land Between the Lakes and heading north into Michigan.
barn
barn
An old seemingly abandoned barn on Kentucky's State Highway 56 somewhere southwest of Owensboro. The shot on the right was taken nearby.
barn
Ohio River Overlook
Tell City, Indiana
An overlook of the Ohio River in Leavenworth, Indiana

This and the remainimg shots were taken in the tiny village of Story, Indiana. Population as of 2019: 3. Founded in 1851 by Dr. George Story, the town was thriving as a lumber town and in later years agriculture, until the 1930s. As the population dwindled, so did the success of the town, and it lay dormant for years. All that remained in business were the general store, well known in the county for its supply of items. In the 1970s it was purchased by a couple who added the Story Inn and a kitchen for guests' meals. Progress was being made, and it continued on as a new owner came onboard in 1999.

Situated between Brown County State Park and the Hoosier National Forest, the town now is once more up for sale...with the stipulation that the spirit of Story never fades.

The town is about an hour south of Indianapolis and is on the National Register of Historic Places. Don't expect TVs or cell service, but do expect good food and tranquil relaxation.

Story, IN
Story, IN
Story, IN
Story, IN
Story, IN
Story, IN

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