Kentucky Dam is 22 miles upstream from the confluence of the Tennessee River with Ohio. The dam is the longest in the TVA system, and the reservoir—which stretches for 184 miles across Kentucky and Tennessee—is the largest in the eastern U.S.
Kentucky Reservoir is home to many varieties of fish, including largemouth and smallmouth bass, catfish, bluegill, sauger, and crappie. Numerous boat docks and launching ramps dot the coves of Kentucky’s shoreline.
Located on Kentucky’s shores are the Land Between the Lakes National Recreation Area, four state parks, the Tennessee National Wildlife Refuge, numerous public access areas, and two state wildlife management areas. There are resorts and campsites, areas for swimming and picnicking, and a back-country undeveloped recreation area for off-road vehicles.
Water skiing, sailing, and windsurfing are popular here, as well as bicycling, horseback riding, hunting, and fishing.
TVA utilizes the reservoir’s strategic location and vast storage capacity to help reduce flood crests on the Ohio and Mississippi rivers. Kentucky Dam is also a major producer of hydroelectric power. It has a net dependable generating capability of 184 megawatts.
The filling of the Kentucky Reservoir in 1945 opened the Tennessee River to year-round navigation and linked the Tennessee Valley with the nation’s Inland Waterway System. Indeed, Kentucky Lock is the busiest in the eastern U.S.
Learn about TVA history, the generating facility and the benefits of TVA’s activities to you. View maps of the Tennessee River and tributaries that allow us to provide power, support economic development and protect natural resources for the 10 million people we serve. You can also talk with TVA retirees about their service and ask questions about what it means to you.
Open first weekend of April to last weekend before Thanksgiving in November from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Closed on federal holidays. The restroom is closed first of December through the end of March. Anglers restrooms open year-round.
The center is located at 640 Kentucky Dam Rd, Grand Rivers, KY 42045 (Google directions).
From Paducah, Ky.: Take 1-24E to exit 27 for US-62E toward Kentucky Dam; turn right onto US-62E, and you will see Kentucky Dam on the right.
From Nashville, Tenn.: Take I-24W and follow signs for Clarksville; take exit 31 for KY-453 toward Grand Rivers; turn left onto KY453S/Dover Road. Take the ramp to US-62W/US-641S, then turn right. The destination will be on your right.