The Barren River was the historic route for westward traveling pioneers. They would travel down the Barren River to a trading post at present-day Bowling Green, Kentucky, where their journey would proceed by land. Barren River was named by early pioneers for its treeless fields. The open fields were actually created by Native Americans, who burned sections of woodland, forming grasslands to attract grazing buffalo. There are many historical features and sites to visit and explore. In the 1960s the dam was built for area flood control covering 20,150 acres at maximum flood control pool. When not needed to store flood waters, the Army Corps of Engineers manages more than 10,000 acres for wildlife management and recreation. Come and visit the warm season native grass fields and view what historically was the landscape in Allen and Barren County. Barren River Lake has four campgrounds offering casual camping, hiking, fishing, boating, hunting, biking, birding, or just sitting back and enjoying the scenery.

From Louisville, 95 miles south on I-65 to Cave City, 10 miles south on KY 90 to Glasgow, 5 miles south on US 31 to KY 252, 9 miles south to dam.