Month: June 2023

Top 4 Marinas on Kentucky Lake, TN

by Noah Ryan
benches, lampposts, and a gazebo on a jetty on the lake at sunset
Courtesy of Explore Kentucky Lake
  • These are the top four marinas on Kentucky Lake
    • Paris Landing State Park Marina
    • The Breakers Marina
    • Cypress Bay Marina & Resort
    • Pleasant View Resort & Marina

It’s easy to spend multiple days floating down the Tennessee River, but first, you must find a home on the water to moor and rest. This is where Kentucky Lake, an untouched fishing paradise, comes into the picture. Whether your ideal marina has a resort or just a dock, keep these four businesses on your radar when selecting one on Kentucky Lake.

#1. Paris Landing State Park Marina

a store at a marina on the water; Paris Landing State Park Marina on Kentucky Lake
Courtesy of Tennessee River Valley

Beautiful Paris Landing State Park sits at one of Kentucky Lake’s intersections near the state border, at the 66.1 river mile marker, and the marina here is the local favorite by far. This public harbor connects to a campground and golf course and has an average 4.6-star rating from over 2,000 Google reviews. Organized and run by the State of Tennessee, Paris Landing State Park Marina has served the community for the past 50 years.

With a comprehensive range of services, they offer gas, diesel, overnight transient dockage, and electric 30/50 amp hookups. Visitors can take advantage of the well-maintained restrooms and showers on-site. Essentials, such as ice or snacks, are available at the lodge. Also, the lodge restaurant and full bar provide all you need for a shoreside pit stop. Should any mechanical issues arise, a skilled mechanic is just a phone call away. Additionally, public boat ramps and a pump-out facility are available for added convenience. Though boat rentals are not offered, visitors can rent cottages or RVs for a comfortable stay.

Located at 400 Lodge Road in Buchanan, TN, Paris Landing State Park Marina is the go-to destination for an exceptional boating experience. For inquiries or reservations, contact them at (731) 641-4474.

Hours:

April 1 – May 31
8:00 AM to 4:00 PM

June 1 – July 31
Mon-Thur: 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM
Fri-Sun: 8:00 AM to 7:00 PM

Aug. 1 – Sept 30
Mon-Thur: 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM
Fri-Sun: 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM

Oct. 1 – March 31
8:00 AM to 4:00 PM

From Dec. 1 to Feb. 28, the marina is closed  Mondays, Tuesdays, and all holidays.

#2. The Breakers Marina

boats in a marina
Courtesy of The Breakers Marina

Another well-reviewed option sits on Kentucky Lake’s western shore in Buchanan, Tennessee: The Breakers Marina. Once you’re tied up, grab a bite from the restaurant for one of its well-known steaks, and stay a spell for the show. From boat runs to live music and disco nights, The Breakers Marina hosts scheduled events throughout the year.

For a smooth experience, they provide gas and overnight transient dockage, catering to the needs of both short-term and long-term visitors. The wharf offers boat slips at varying prices based on size and coverage preferences, ranging from $3,406 to $5,837. For further information or reservations, contact The Breakers Marina at (731) 232-8399. Visit them at 526 Shamrock Road for a memorable boating experience in Buchanan, TN.

Hours:

Mon-Thur: Closed
Fri: 2:00 PM–10:00 PM
Sat: 12:00 PM–11:00 PM
Sun: 12:00 PM–6:00 PM

#3. Cypress Bay Marina & Resort

building on the water
Courtesy of Cypress Bay Marina & Resort

Cypress Bay Marina & Resort offers a delightful retreat for nature lovers and fishing enthusiasts. This seasonal resort closes between November 1 and April 1, but the marina is open 365 days a year. Resting off of Kentucky Lake in Cypress Bay, the marina serves as the heart of the resort, where friendly staff is readily available to assist with guest registration and dockage, and they provide essential services and goods such as gas, ice, beer, cold drinks, and snacks.

For those interested in securing a slip at Cypress Bay Marina & Resort, annual contracts are available each March, while rates exclude Tennessee taxes and electric charges, which are billed monthly. The available cabins for rent feature open-concept full kitchens and living rooms, and units include modern amenities such as microwaves, baths, beds, and air conditioning. Prices range between $145 and $230 per night, and the seasonal resort closes from November 1 to April 1. Please note that smoking is prohibited in all cabins.

So, after a long day on the water, moor your ship, and kick up your legs at the rejuvenating Cypress Bay Marina & Resort. For further information or reservations, they can be reached at (731) 232-8221.

Hours:

Sun-Sat: 8:00 AM–5:30 PM

#4 Pleasant View Resort & Marina

boats on the water, grass, and a red car

Pleasant View Resort & Marina, our second featured resort-and-marina combination, sits on the western side of Kentucky Lake, Tennessee. This cozy resort offers a range of amenities to enhance your stay, including satellite TV, central heat and air, and a refreshing swimming pool with a lake view. They provide convenient boat slips, a store, and fuel for your boating needs.

The lodging accommodations at Pleasant View Resort & Marina are diverse, featuring two-bedroom cabins, lake-view cabins, three-bedroom houses, and lakefront cabins, all exuding a warm and rustic atmosphere. The marina has 55 slips at $800 per season (uncovered, March to November) with daily rates of $20.

The activities at Pleasant View Resort & Marina are not limited to the premises. Nearby attractions include a winery and a golf course, while the lake area offers a variety of activities such as horseback riding, kayaking, and mini golf. For further information or reservations, contact Pleasant View Resort & Marina at (731) 593-5511.

Hours:

Sun-Sat: 8:00 AM–7:00 PM

Now that you know the top four marinas on Kentucky Lake, it’s time to plan your next trip down the river. But the Tennessee River is more than Kentucky Lake, and we’ll see you next time in our blog about the top marinas on the Tennessee River!

Frequently Asked Questions

A Day on the Tennessee River

by Noah Ryan
trees, water, and a blue sky
Courtesy of River Gorge Excursions
  • There are numerous places to visit along the Tennessee River in western Tennessee:
    • Muscle Shoals
    • Land Between the Lakes
    • Fort Donelson River Battery

From Savannah to Chattanooga, there are several cities that call the Tennessee River home. From hit recording studios to nature preserves and the Civil War, the river shapes the state that we know today. So hop in the boat or car, grab your favorite snack, and journey with us through Tennessee’s lifeline.

Muscle Shoals

Courtesy of VisitTheUSA.com

Muscle Shoals, Alabama’s music capital, is just a stone’s throw away from Pickwick Lake. The town earned its reputation as the “Hit Recording Capital of the World” due to the influential music that was produced there. Starting in the 1960s, the area became a hotspot for recording studios and attracted renowned artists from various genres, including soul, R&B, rock, and country. Artists such as Aretha Franklin, Wilson Pickett, The Rolling Stones, Bob Dylan, and many others recorded their music in the storied studios of Muscle Shoals.

If walls had ears, the walls at Fame Studios, one of the most iconic studios, would sing throughout the night. Founded by record producer Rick Hall in 1959, Fame Studios became a hub for recording artists who sought the distinctive “Muscle Shoals Sound.” The studio’s rhythm section, known as the “Swampers,” played a significant role in shaping the sound and contributed to countless hit songs.

Land Between the Lakes

canoes in a river
bison calf
woods and water at Land Between the Lakes
Courtesy of Land Between The Lakes Canoe Trip 2

Covering over 170,000 acres, the Land Between the Lakes is situated between Kentucky Lake to the west and Lake Barkley to the east. This recreational area juts out between the two reservoirs and is shared between Kentucky and Tennessee. The LBL area is known for its scenic beauty, abundant wildlife, and outdoor opportunities. If you want to end your night in a tent, these woods beckon you away from the shores and beaches.

From wildlife to nature and culture, the Land Between the Lakes is filled with things to do. Visitors to the forest enjoy hiking, hunting, camping, fishing, and horseback riding. If you’re looking for a scenic drive through the woods, Woodlands Trace National Scenic Byway, a 43-mile route, travels through the landscape’s greatest features.

Want to learn more about the area’s heritage? The Golden Pond Visitor Center and Planetarium is a popular stop for learning about the region’s geology and history.

Fort Donelson River Batteries

cannon battery on the Tennessee River
Courtesy of Historical Publications

At the end of your journey down the river, dip into the cool waters of history at the Fort Donelson River Batteries. During the American Civil War, Confederate forces built multiple batteries along rivers to repel naval attacks by the Union, and the cannons in Dover are no different. There are two sets of batteries, one upper and one lower.

These Confederate batteries played a crucial role in the Battle of Fort Donelson, which took place from February 11 to 16, 1862. Union forces, led by Brigadier General Ulysses S. Grant, launched a combined land and naval assault on the fort. During the battle, Union gunboats, including the USS St. Louis and the USS Louisville, engaged the Confederate river batteries in fierce naval duels. The Union forces bombarded the fort and its river batteries, eventually leading to the surrender of the Confederate garrison on February 16, 1862.

Today, the area is preserved as a national battlefield and historic site. To get to the batteries by boat, head north on the Tennessee River until you cross into Kentucky, go through Barkley Canal, and down the Cumberland River until arriving near Dover, Tennessee. The battlefield is open every day of the week from 7:00 a.m.-8:00 p.m.

Now that you know some of the Tennessee River’s most iconic pitstops, you can embark on a journey filled with music, nature, and history along this historic waterway.

Frequently Asked Questions

Record producer Rick Hall.

The “Swampers.”

It is situated between Kentucky Lake and Lake Barkley, shared between Kentucky and Tennessee.

Hiking, hunting, camping, fishing, horseback riding, and scenic drives along Woodlands Trace National Scenic Byway.