The themes in Livingston range from a natural sandstone bridge to historic sites and attractions in Grand Rivers. Mantle Rock Nature Preserve gives the natural landscape a specific focal point; Grand Rivers is the northern gateway to Land Between the Lakes and offers its own cultural and recreational attractions. When choosing accommodation for your stay, it helps to first decide whether landscapes, history or the attractions in Grand Rivers will be the main focus.
Nature Areas and Trails
Mantle Rock Nature Preserve includes a natural sandstone bridge that is 30 feet high and spans 188 feet. These measurements give you an idea of the scale of this rock arch. A hiking trail in the preserve also lets you walk more than a mile of the historic road used by Cherokee travelers in 1838, where they camped.
The nature areas of Livingston County include mature oak forests, cypress swamps and steep, wooded bluffs. Only foot traffic is allowed for hiking there; ATVs, off-road vehicles and mountain bikes are not permitted. A colony of great blue herons (Ardea herodias) is located along Bissell Creek in the Livingston County Natural Areas. The rock formation, forest, swamp and heron colony each highlight a different aspect of the area’s natural attractions.
Grand Rivers on the Water
Grand Rivers offers access to Kentucky Lake and Lake Barkley. The Grand Rivers Walking Trail runs along Kentucky Lake and starts at the Grand Rivers Jetty Pavilion. If you include this trail in your plans, the Pavilion is a convenient starting point. Grand Rivers is also the northern gateway to Land Between the Lakes.
The town also has cultural and recreational attractions: Badgett Playhouse is a nonprofit performing arts theater in the center of Grand Rivers. At Patti’s 1880’s Settlement, there is mini golf on the grounds at “The 19th Hole.” The two attractions offer different experiences, from a theater performance to a round of mini golf.
Patti’s Settlement in Grand Rivers also serves a 2-inch-thick pork chop. If this dish is part of your plans, check its availability before your trip.
Historic Sites and Memorabilia
The Carrsville History Museum is housed in a former Methodist church building constructed in 1875. The museum of the Livingston County Historical and Genealogical Society features a historic classroom with memorabilia, including a cast-iron stove and old wooden desks. Both places give history a distinctive setting through tangible buildings and exhibits.
A brochure offers a self-guided walking and driving tour of the historic Smithland Cemetery. The creation of Kentucky Lake is also part of the region’s history: it was formed by the construction of the Kentucky Dam. These are different ways to explore the area’s history—a former church building, a furnished classroom, a cemetery tour and the story of a lake.
One practical difference concerns getting around: the Smithland Cemetery brochure describes a self-guided tour on foot and by car, while hiking in the county’s nature areas is permitted on foot only. This can help you balance nature and history when planning your trip.
Discover more destinations: Grand Rivers, Pike County, Boone County, Graves County, Monroe County, Franklin, Grant County, Calloway County
For the general travel overview: Kentucky.
