EVENTS PART OF SUMMER AT LAND BETWEEN THE LAKES

Special events are part of the summer schedule at Land Between the Lakes. Here are a few upcoming activities.

Today -- Visitors to the Homeplace-1850 will be treated to a demonstration of common bread making methods of the period during "Hearth Cooking: Bread," from 1 to 2 p.m. Also today from 1:30 to 2:30 p.m., a "Nature Shot" photography seminar will be held at the Nature Station. Experts will present tips and techniques for photographing nature. The seminar offers a great chance to get some close ups of Land Between the Lakes' animals and plants. Bring your own cameras and film.

Aug. 9 -- Learn firsthand what life was like in 1850 during "Family Living History Experience" at The Homeplace-1850 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Your family will be outfitted in period clothing and join the staff for a day of farm activities, an old-fashioned family dinner and other traditional experiences. Pre-registration is required.

Aug. 10 -- The Perseid Meteor Shower, the largest meteor shower of the year, will be at its peak in mid-August. In honor of the event, Land Between the Lake's Nature Station is offering a late-night program called "Starry, Starry Night." Backyard astronomers and amateur stargazers will have a chance to view this annual celestial spectacle under the guidance of trained staff. Viewing scopes will be available, but visitors are encouraged to bring their own binoculars. The program departs from the Nature Station at 10 p.m. for a moderate walk to the viewing area. The program concludes at midnight. Fee is $7.50 ages 13 and up, $4.50 ages 5 to 12 and includes same-day admission to the Nature Station. Rain or cloud date is Aug. 11. Reservations are required.

Aug. 10 -- Join The Homeplace farm wives for a day of quilting from 1 to 4 p.m. Historic quilts will also be on display. The Homeplace-1850 later offers a Sundown Serenade, complete with guitar and banjo music, flickering fireflies and humming crickets. The program presents an evening of traditional music starting at 6:30 p.m. The farm will be open for self-guided tours from 5 to 6:30 p.m. Visitors are encouraged to bring picnics, lawn chairs and blankets. Desserts and drinks will be available for sale. Admission is $7 ages 13 and up, $4 ages 5 to 12, and 4 and under, free.

Aug. 10-11 -- The Kentucky Drag Boat Association will host the third series of drag boat races, featuring blown alcohol, hydro, jet and flat boats traveling at speeds faster than 150 miles per hour. Races are held in Pisgah Bay, located south of Hillman Ferry Campground. Parking and grass seating are available at Birmingham Ferry Lake Access Area. Time trials will be held Aug. 10 and competition is set for Aug. 11. Times are 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. both days. A $4 per person admission fee will be charged.

Aug. 11 -- Water Works Canoe Trip leaves from the Nature Station at 10 a.m. for a tour of the aquatic habitat. Old clothes and tennis shoes are a must.

Aug. 17 -- Squirrel hunting season opens. Hunters must have a Hunter Use Permit and appropriate state license.

To register or for more information about upcoming events, call 502-924-2020.

Fun facts

Golden Pond, Ky., located in Land Between the Lakes, was historically the moonshine capital of the world.

Rich in Civil War history, the Land Between the Lakes region is the area that made General Ulysses S. Grant famous.

The region was a primary iron production center during the mid-19th century; 17 iron furnaces operated in what is now Land Between the Lakes and the ruins of two are accessible to visitors.

Land Between the Lakes includes over 200 miles of hiking and biking trails and over 60 miles of horse and wagon trails.

The region has more shoreline than Lake Superior (3,500 miles to 2,590 miles)

Land Between the Lakes is the largest inland peninsula in the United States. It is the second largest contiguous block of forested public land east of the Mississippi.