Lake Barkley is a major reservoir in Western Kentucky, named after former Vice President Alben W. Barkley. It spans across Livingston, Lyon, and Trigg counties.

Created by the impoundment of the Cumberland River due to the construction of Barkley Dam, Lake Barkley was opened in 1966 as part of a flood control and power production project managed by the U.S Army Corps of Engineers.

The lake boasts an impressive size with over 57,900 acres at summer pool (359 ft above sea level) and stretches approximately 134 miles long providing recreational opportunities such as boating, fishing for bass among other species), swimming hiking trails around its scenic shoreline.

Created in 1966 by the impoundment of the Cumberland River, Barkley Dam and its accompanying reservoir were named after U.S. Senator Alben W. Barkley, a Kentucky native who served as Vice President under Harry S. Truman.

Prior to becoming a park area, much of the land surrounding what is now known as Lake Barkley was used for agricultural purposes with numerous small communities scattered throughout; some areas also featured light industrial use related to natural resource extraction or processing.

The United States Army Corps of Engineers oversaw construction and retains ownership over certain operational aspects while other sections are managed by state entities such as Kentucky State Parks for recreational activities including boating, fishing, hiking trails within Land Between The Lakes National Recreation Area which borders it on one side.

Historical features within the encompassing park include remnants from early settlements like foundations or cemeteries that predate dam construction.