The many lakes and rivers of western Kentucky paint a pretty picture in the midst of gentle hills and valleys. Back in 1944 the Tennessee River was dammed, forming beautiful Kentucky Lake, one of the largest man-made lakes in the world. Twenty years later, a dam was built along the Cumberland River and Lake Barkley was born. Between these two very large lakes, a recreational area developed called - appropriately enough - "Land Between The Lakes." Opportunities for outdoor fun abound here as well as in picturesque state parks scattered throughout the region.