Are you curious about the oldest man-made lake in Kentucky? This gorgeous spot serves many purposes in the community, not the least of which is amazing recreation. You’ll find some 2,335-acre acres of water surface is plenty of space for your swimming, boating, water sports, and nearby hunting.
Check out the wildlife and amazing facility at the dam where hydroelectric power generates energy for surrounding areas.
What is the Oldest Man-made Lake in Kentucky?
The oldest man-made lake in Kentucky goes by the name of Herrington Lake. The damming of the Dix River, a tributary of the Kentucky River formed the lake. The lake was created in 1925 to generate hydroelectric power.
At its deepest point, Herrington Lake hits 249 feet, making it not only the oldest man-made lake in Kentucky but the deepest lake in Kentucky.
Herrington Lake is the oldest man-made lake in Kentucky. It’s also the deepest lake in the state.
At the time of its construction, the Dix Dam was the largest earth-filled dam in the world. The major engineering feat is still celebrated today, particularly with its 100th birthday soon in 2025.
Where is Herrington Lake?
The oldest man-made lake in Kentucky rests in Mercer, Boyle, and Garrard counties. It was created in the 1920s and was built for the construction of Dix Dam and for the hydroelectric plant that is located close to the site to help meet energy needs.
Here it is on a map:
Things to Do Near Herrington Lake
Herrington Lake is the deepest lake in Kentucky, it’s stocked well with fish regularly providing optimum angling opportunities to state tourists and locals alike.
©iStock.com/JerryGrugin
Herrington Lake is the deepest man-made lake in Kentucky. The lake has many different activities you can participate in such as swimming, hiking, fishing, and boating. While the lake offers a beautiful display of nature for a perfect weekend getaway, you can also visit the local Marinas, camping spots, and resorts.
In fact, there are also restaurants all along the shores of the lake.
Additionally, Herrington Lake follows the Dix River which is a common jet-skiing and paddle-boating activity area. In fact, the Dix River is considered a local gem that is worth the trip.
Furthermore, fishing on Herrington Lake offers well-stocked fishing hotspots and is a great choice for trying to wrangle in species such as bluegills and catfish.
Wildlife Near the Oldest Man-made Lake in Kentucky
A popular activity at Lake Herrington is bald eagle watching. The stunning birds make nests all around the lake and nearby areas.
©PHOTOOBJECT/Shutterstock.com
Wherever you visit in Kentucky, you could come across a host of intriguing animals. Many folks enjoy wildlife viewing, birding, and fishing at Lake Herrington, in particular. Here any of the following animals could be spotted (or caught).
Bass, Rock Bass, Bluegill, and Sunfish.) – other fish species:
- Raccoons
- Black bears
- Elk
- Sandhill cranes
- Catfish
- Hybrid striped bass
- Bluegill
- Largemouth bass
- Spotted bass
- Crappies
- Horses (usually on trails!)
- Kentucky spotted bass
- White bass
- Bald eagles
- Northern cardinals
- Little brown bats
- Cave salamanders
- Kentucky cave shrimp
- White-tail deer
- Rabbits
- American toads
- Coyotes
- Opossums
- Squirrels
- Skunks
- Foxes
- Mice
- Pine voles
- Eastern woodrats
- Snapping turtles
- Swamp darters
- Masked shrews
- Kirtland snakes
- Cooper’s hawks
- Northern bobwhites
- Wild turkeys
- Green herons
- Indigo buntings
- Ring-necked ducks
- American redstarts
- Scarlet tanagers
- Rose-breasted grosbeaks
The photo featured at the top of this post is © Seth Manley/ via Getty Images
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