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The Golden Pond’s Planetarium in Land Between the Lakes

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Now They're Just Showing Off!

Golden Pond Visitor's Center and Planetarium

The Golden Pond Visitor’s Center Planetarium and Observatory in Land Between the Lakes

There’s always something extra cool going on in Kentucky’s Land Between the Lakes region.  As I’ve said a million times before (more, but who’s counting?) you could go to the beautiful area between and around Lake Barkley and Kentucky Lake each weekend and see something new.

The Golden Pond Planetarium is definitely one of the places you’ll want to put on your “Must See” list.   The gift shop, alone, is worth the trip!  Shows at the Planetarium create memories that’ll last a lifetime – they’re very special and the entire experience will leave your jaw somewhere on the floor near your feet.

After reading the following press release from the Friends of Land Between the Lakes, I’m guessing that now the jaw will just go right through the floor.  I’m cool with that.

The world’s first full-dome, full-color digital planetarium with single lens projection, the MEDIAGLOBE II, arrived at Land Between The Lakes (LBL) National Recreation Area just in time for the 2012 season. “This compact, full-color dome projection system has thrilled our audiences since we installed it in March,” reported Ross Workman, the new Golden Pond Planetarium manager. He continued, “The projection range covers our entire dome with vibrant colors, sound, and action by using the ‘3D astronomical simulation’ function. It’s amazing!”

New digital videos will entertain and educate people of all ages. Computer animated programs are offered throughout the day starting at 10am. People can find the complete schedule of planetarium shows and times on LBL’s website, www.lbl.org, under the “See and Do” tab. Topics include:

  •  “The Little Star That Could” teaches how stars are formed.
  •  ”IBEX–Interstellar Boundary Explorer” joins scientists searching for the edge of the solar system.
  •  “Earth, Moon, and Sun” explores the relationship between the earth, moon, and sun while weaving in Native American traditional stories.

New for this 2012 season only, school teachers can go to any of LBL Planetarium MEDIAGLOBE II programs for free. To take advantage of this introductory offer, teachers must present a valid school administrator or teacher identification card at the point of sale to gain admission for free.

The Golden Pond Visitor Center, Planetarium, and Observatory are located south of US68/KY80 junction on Woodlands Trace National Scenic Byway (KY Hwy 453).

“Friends of LBL” is a nonprofit partner with the Forest Service, U.S. Department of Agriculture, which manages Land Between The Lakes. Together, they provide outdoor recreation and environmental education for the public to enjoy on a 170,000-acre peninsula with 300 miles of natural shoreline. Visitors are encouraged to review LBL’s official website at www.lbl.org often for the Land Between the Lakes Calendar of Events, updates on programs and policies, safety information, maps, and temporary trail and road closures. Additional LBL information can be found on the website or by calling 1-800-LBL-7077 or 270-924-2000.

Friends of LBL invite you and your family to come Outside and Play at Land Between The Lakes National Recreation Area!

Below is a great video (courtesy RoundAbout U.) that’ll give you an introduction to the Golden Pond Planetarium and Observatory. As you’ll see, this is someplace you’ll want to see as soon as possible. Just be sure to see the gift shop!

Filed Under: Featured, Golden Pond Planetarium, Kentucky Vacations, LBL

Land Between the Lakes Gears Up for 2012: That’s Always Welcome News!

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Oxen at The Homeplace

Beautiful Oxen at The Homeplace, Land Between the Lakes

Now, don’t get me wrong, I love winter as much as anyone. I’m one of those nuts that just stands at the window staring, without even blinking, at snow. I’m also ALL ABOUT UK basketball, so this time of year is always exciting. And how much fun has Murray State been?!?! Hopefully UK, Murray State, and U of L will all go far in the NCAA Tournament.

Having said all of that, I am SO READY for spring and summer! Baseball, grilling out, gardening, hummingbirds and robins returning… and lots and lots of trips to Land Between the Lakes. How could I not be ready?

Land Between The Lakes (LBL) National Recreation Area is also SO READY for warm weather. LBL begins its 2012 operations on Thursday March 1, when they’ll open several wildly 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.

One of my favorite places in the world, 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. Visit www.lbl.org 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.

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. Visit our website at www.lbl.org and click on Alerts & Notices for alternate routes

Pigs at The Homeplace, Land Between the Lakes

A few more of my friends at The Homeplace in Land Between the Lakes Recreation Area

Photography Credit:  Michael (aka, the husband!)

Filed Under: Featured, Golden Pond Planetarium, LBL, Springtime in Kentucky, Summertime in Kentucky, The Homeplace, The Nature Station Tagged With: , , ,

Land Between the Lakes Planetarium Holiday Shows

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Christmas Tree Ornament

Kentucky has endless Christmas and other holiday celebrations planned in the coming weeks.  I’ll be adding all the information to the website as it comes to me.  Apparently the Land Between the Lakes area is THE place to be in the next two months. Then again, it’s a pretty remarkable place year round.

From LBL:

Come explore the customs and celebrations of the holiday season with the Golden Pond Planetarium at Land Between The Lakes (LBL) National Recreation Area.

The Golden Pond Planetarium offers shows Wed-Sun, Nov. 25 – Dec. 23.  ‘Tis the Season and Christmas Story look at the seasonal, religious, and cultural rituals from around the world, and how the stars and planets have played an important role in these celebrations throughout history.

“The skies offer celestial beauty and important lessons to be learned this time of the year,” said Jim Taylor, Director of Operations for “Friends of LBL.”  “This is a wonderful environmental education experience for both families and groups.”

Admission to the Golden Pond Planetarium is $4 ages 13 and up; $2 ages 5-12; free ages 4 and under.  Organized groups may schedule either show at other times and receive group rates.  Please call 270-924-2020 for more information.  Show times are as follows:

‘Tis the Season                        Christmas Story

Wed-Sun, 10am, 1 & 3pm      Wed-Sun, 12 & 2pm

 

The Homeplace, Nature Station, North and South Welcome Stations, and Golden Pond Planetarium and Visitor Center will be closed Thanksgiving Day,

Come Outside and Play at Land Between The Lakes National Recreation Area, managed by the Forest Service, U.S. Department of Agriculture, in partnership with “Friends of LBL,” to provide public lands outdoor recreation and environmental education.  We encourage visitors to review LBL’s official website at www.lbl.org each season, and throughout the season, for our Calendar of Events, updates on programs and policies, safety information, maps, and temporary trail and road closures.  Follow us on Twitter @LBLScreechOwl and on our blog at http://landbetweenthelakes.blogspot.com/.  Additional LBL and “Friends of LBL” information is available on our website or by calling 1-800-LBL-7077 or 270-924-2000.

Filed Under: Golden Pond Planetarium
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