Family Outings Near Land Between the Lakes | Holiday Hills Resort
Plan a 3-day family getaway on Lake Barkley near the north end of Land Between the Lakes and Grand Rivers—easy hikes, wildlife, planetarium, and iconic dining.
Hiking
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Biking
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History
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Fishing
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Elk & Bison Prarie
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Hematite Lake
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The Homeplace Working Farm
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Hiking ✳︎ Biking ✳︎ History ✳︎ Fishing ✳︎ Elk & Bison Prarie ✳︎ Hematite Lake ✳︎ The Homeplace Working Farm ✳︎
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Family Outings Near Holiday Hills Resort
Looking for an easy, family-friendly spring getaway that doesn’t require a ton of driving? Holiday Hills Resort on Lake Barkley is a strong home base for exploring the north end of Land Between the Lakes (LBL) and spending a day in Grand Rivers—with wildlife, light hiking, scenic drives, and family attractions all within a short radius. LBL’s official hub is the Golden Pond Visitor Center, which is a great first stop for maps and current conditions
3-Day Itinerary: North Land Between the Lakes + Grand Rivers
Day 1: Grand Rivers Day
Walk, Shop, and Eat in Grand Rivers
Start with a slow lake stroll at Holiday Hills Resort to Stoval Springs Cafe & Coffee
Explore local shops and lake-town stops around Grand Rivers.
Dinner at Patti’s 1880’s Settlement (a classic Grand Rivers staple—plan ahead for peak times).
Optional: a family-friendly walk out on the Grand Rivers Jetty & Walking Trail for sunset-worthy views.
Day 3: Easy Hiking + Living History
Hematite Lake Trail
Do Hematite Lake, an approachable loop trail around the lake (about 2.2 miles) with boardwalk/bridge sections—great for families who want “real nature” without committing to an all-day hike
Homeplace 1850s Working Farm
Wrap your trip with the Homeplace Working Farm, a living history farm with interpreters and hands-on style demonstrations (seasonal schedule—check hours before you go).
Day 2: North LBL Wildlife + Get Outdoors (Pack a Picnic)
Elk & Bison Prairie (Drive-Through Adventure)
Take the family through the Elk & Bison Prairie, a 700-acre enclosure with a 3.5-mile loop road—perfect when you want a big experience without a long hike.
Golden Pond Visitor Center + Planetarium
Stop at the Golden Pond Visitor Center for maps and “what’s open today” info.
Then do the Golden Pond Planetarium, a family-friendly indoor attraction with scheduled shows.
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If you are interested in staying at Holiday Hills Resort, please check avaliability below or fill out the form.