10 Gorgeous Lakes To Visit Around Louisville This Summer
Myan Mai
Author
When summer descends upon the Bluegrass State, it can only mean one thing: time to go play at one of the best lakes in Kentucky! Whether it’s swimming, boating, fishing, or simply admiring the beautiful bodies of water around our city, there are plenty of Kentucky lakes that are well suited for any of your summer needs Some of these Louisville lakes may require a bit of driving, but they’re all located within a three-hour radius of the city.
Home to one of the most beautiful waterfalls in Louisville, McNeely Lake Park is located right here within city boundaries and is a favorite for many residents in the city. This park offers beautiful trails, great fishing spots, boating ramps, and sports fields. This lake offers a little bit of everything for the entire family to enjoy.
Lake Shelby, located just under 40 minutes away in Shelbyville, Indiana, is a fisherman's dream. The waters are loaded with bluegill, crappie, bass, catfish, and more. The lake is popular for fishing, but many people simply take their canoes and kayaks out and explore nature here.
Related Stories
The Swimming Hole Near Louisville That Will Make Your Summer Epic
The One Hikeable Lake In Louisville That's Simply Breathtaking
Most People Don't Know About This Magical Sunflower Field Hiding In Louisville
Also located two and a half hours away, the beautiful Lake Cumberland is surrounded with spots for hiking, horseback riding, fishing, and boating. Cumberland Lake prides itself in being "the Houseboat Capital of the World," as the marina offers 100 open slips, rental fishing boats, pontoon boats, houseboats, and ski boats. People just can't get enough of this gorgeous lake, so they decide to live on it!
What do you think are the best lakes in Louisville? Let us know in the comments below or on Facebook! To learn about more beautiful Kentucky lakes, check out this article about the best lakes in Kentucky.
OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.
More to Explore
Beautiful lakes in Louisville
What are some beautiful beaches to visit in Kentucky?
Looking for the most beautiful beaches to visit in Kentucky? Head to Laurel River Lake, which boasts clear-blue waters that are so beautiful, they absolutely rival anything you'd find in the Caribbean. Laurel River Lake is located near London, Kentucky in the heart of Daniel Boone National Forest. This 5,600-acre lake has a lot to offer, including beautiful water and lovely surroundings. As one of the deepest and cleanest lakes in Kentucky, this is a unique place to get out on the water, but there is plenty to experience from its shoreline. The Laurel River Dam is also an incredible engineering feat. The photo below shows the dam after some winter flooding. Near the dam's spillway, you'll find an unexpected sandy beach where you can relax for the day and play in the water. The beach is maintained by the Corps of Engineers, and while not known all over the state, it is a favorite summertime spot for those who live in and visit the area. Roll out a towel and relax!
Of course, if you're up for a drive, there's a beach about three hours from Louisville that, in our opinion, is *the* best and most beautiful in Kentucky. We're talking about Jenny Wiley State Resort Park, one of the most underrated treasures in the state. This Kentucky State Park is 2,871 acres of pure Bluegrass beauty, offering an abundance of opportunities for outdoor recreation of both the land and water varieties. The park’s crown jewel is the 1,100-acre Dewey Lake, a cerulean pool with some of the bluest water in the state. You’ll be dazzled by its azure waters, which make Jenny Wiley State Park truly stand out — even in a state that’s known for its abundance of rivers and lakes!