Land Between the Lakes has a long and layered history, much of it easy to miss if you are focused only on trails and our big lakes. Inside LBL, you will find remnants of early industry and rural life that once shaped the region. Nearby towns add another layer, with Civil War sites and preserved landscapes that help put the area into context. Some lesser-known stops also appear in our Worth the Detour section, highlighting lesser-known and quiet places.
IRON INDUSTRY
Great Western Iron Furnace
- Located on The Trace
- Parking & Interpretive Signage
- No Facilities
The Great Western Iron Furnace sits along the Trace in the northern half of LBL and offers a clear look at 19th-century iron production. Stone ruins, interpretive panels, and a short walk around the site make it an easy stop without a long commitment. There is a nearby spring, just north of the furnance, a fresh water source used by the workers and community. It is a good example of how industry once operated in what now feels like a remote landscape.
Iron Industry
Center Furnace
- Located near Woodlands Nature Station
- Parking, Walking Trail, & Interpretive Signage
- No Facilities - Restrooms Located Nearby at Woodlands Nature Station
Center Furnace is located near Woodlands Nature Station and is easy to pair with a stop at the Nature Station trails. A short, self-guided interpretive loop (about 0.3 miles) walks you through the remains of the furnace site and the broader story of the iron industry that once shaped this area. It is a quick walk, but it gives you a clear sense of how much work and infrastructure once existed in what now feels like quiet woods.
CIVIL WAR
Fort Donelson National Battlefield
- 120 Lock D Road, Dover, TN
- Museum, Restrooms, Picnic Tables, Trails, Intrepretive Signage
- Open Year Round
Fort Donelson National Battlefield is located just outside LBL in Dover, Tennessee. It preserves the site of a major Civil War battle and includes walking trails, monuments, and views of the Cumberland River. The visitor center provides helpful context, making it a worthwhile half-day trip for anyone interested in military or regional history.
CIVIL WAR
Fort Henry Trail System
- FS Road 232, Dover, TN
- Trails, Earthworks, Views of Kentucky Lake
- No Facilities
The Fort Henry Trail System traces the area around the former Fort Henry site, now submerged by Kentucky Lake. While the fort itself is no longer visible, the trails help tell the story of its location and significance through signage and river views. It is a good blend of light hiking and historical context.
LIVING HISTORY FARM
The Homeplace Working History Farm
- 4512 The Trace, Dover, TN
- Museum, Exhibits, Demonstrations, Restrooms, Picnic Area
- Open March 1 - November 30
The Homeplace Living History Farm recreates daily life on a working farm from the mid-1800s. Costumed interpreters, period tools, and hands-on demonstrations show how families lived, worked, and produced their own food. It is one of the most immersive historic experiences inside LBL and especially popular with families and first-time visitors.
