GOLDEN POND, Ky. - Land Between The Lakes (LBL) National Recreation Area begins its 2012 operations on Thursday March 1, by opening several popular visitor attractions.

The Homeplace, Woodlands Nature Station, Golden Pond Planetarium, and North & South Welcome Stations open their doors March 1, along with Hillman Ferry and Piney Campgrounds.  The Homeplace, Nature Station, and North & South Welcome Stations will be open Wednesday through Sunday during March, and then open seven days a week beginning April 1.  

The Elk & Bison Prairie remains open from dawn until dusk every day, year-round.  The Golden Pond Visitor Center, Wranglers Campground, Energy Lake Campground, and Turkey Bay Off-Highway Vehicle Area remain open year-round as well.

“At LBL, the spring season brings fresh opportunities for environmental education.  We are excited about the programs we have planned for 2012, such as the Spring Break Programs at Nature Station,” stated Sharon Waltrip, Program Manager for environmental education.  “Our facilities provide opportunities for hands-on learning and encourage visitors to get outdoors to experience nature and history for themselves.”  

The Golden Pond Planetarium, open daily beginning March 1, provides a full dome viewing experience complete with brand new digital multimedia equipment.  Click here or call (270)924-2020 for show schedule.  Come join us for an exciting glimpse of the night skies filled with celestial objects, constellations, and more!

LBL’s spring calendar is full of a variety of fun programs for visitors of all ages and interests.  The popular Discount Package, which offers a 25% discount on admission to multiple attractions, will be available again this year, as well as the LBL Fun Card, a discount opportunity that primarily benefits area residents and others who frequent LBL.  The LBL Fun Card provides your choice of 10 admissions to The Homeplace, Nature Station, Planetarium, or a combination of all three.  With no expiration date, the LBL Fun Card is good until all 10 visits have been used.

LBL honors the America the Beautiful National Parks and Federal Recreation Lands Access and Senior Passes along with the Golden Age and Access Passports.  In addition to the 50% discount offered for the basic campsites, the Passes and Passports will also be honored at The Homeplace, Nature Station, and Golden Pond Planetarium for 50% off general admission for the card holder.

Click here for the 2012 Motor Vehicle Use Map (MVUM).  Printed copies are also available at the Golden Pond Visitor Center.  Licensed motorized vehicles are only permitted on roads identified on the MVUM.

Visitors are reminded that due to the partial collapse of the Eggner’s Ferry Bridge resulting from the Delta Mariner cargo ship collision on January 26, motorist will need to take alternate routes to LBL if traveling from the west on US68/KY80.  For more, click here to visit the LBL website, then click on Alerts & Notices for alternate routes.