Green River + 2 Locks is near Henderson, Kentucky at mile 9.1. In 1840, the original Locks and Dam no.1 and 2 on the Green River were inaugurated for better regulating barge and commercial traffic. However, the locks and dams 1 and 2 we see today were authorized as a replacement for the originals in July of 1943. The authorization was carried out by the secretary of the Army under Section 6 of the Rivers and Harbors Act approved in 1909.
The navigation locks of this dam are on the right descending bank of the river, and the upper pool is located above the dam and extends for 54 miles all the way to the Green River Dam no. 2. Dam no. 2 on the Green River is located near Calhoun, Kentucky at mile 63.1. The pool is managed upstream and goes on for another 45.4 miles until it meets dam no. 3.
There are some boat launching ramps located near Green River Locks and Dam no 1 and 2. Other than that, the channels of these two dams are maintained for recreational and commercial boat traffic. However, no public recreational facilities are available near the dam and lock site.
From Seymour, Green River Lock and Dam # 1 is about a three-hour drive away. Follow I-65 South and I-64 West to US-231 in Carter Township. From there, take exit 57-A from I-64 W and merge onto US-231 S. Continue onto US-60 for 6.5 miles and stay on US-60 W/Henderson Rd to Dam Rd in Reed for some 20 minutes to catch sight of Green River Lock and Dam # 1.
It’s about a 45 minutes ride from Lock and Dam # 1 to Lock and Dam # 2. Follow Dam Road to US-60 E. Continue on US-60 east towards Davies County. Follow KY-56 west and KY-815 S to 1st Street in Calhoun to reach the site of Dam # 2
Green River Lock and Dam #1 and Green River Lock and Dam #2 do not have any public facilities of their own, but fortunately, there is a very high-end Army Corps campground nearby called the Mammoth Cave Campground. The campground is one and a half hour drive from both dams. The campground offers 109 primitive campsites for tents and RVs. These campsites are spread around a paved parking area and surrounded by trees that give off the aroma of spring rain. The park’s visitor center is located close by, only five minutes walk away. The campground has many facilities such as drinking water, restrooms, coin-operated showers, flush toilets, grills, picnic tables, campfire rings, and a dump station. Pets are also allowed at the campground and the maximum RV length is 40 ft.
The campground is ADA accessible and surrounded by scenic valleys along the Green River with plenty of wildlife and recreational activities available for visitors to partake in.
Anglers frequent Green River for the quality muskie and crappie fishing opportunities it offers. This 8,200-acre lake is also home to channel catfish, flathead catfish, largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, spotted bass, sunfish, black crappie, white crappie, walleye, bluegill, and white bass. Fishing enthusiasts can choose their spot on the docks or explore the lake for their intended game by boating on the 250 miles of shoreline.
For the anglers to have access to this fishery, there are three marinas, two fishing piers, and numerous boat launch ramps.
Green River is accessible to boaters via various public boat ramps located in the upper, middle, and lower sections of pool 5 of Green River. On the Green River Wildlife Management Area, a single lane, paved and concrete ramp is located for trailered boats. This ramp takes the boat towards the headwaters for upstream and downstream fishing. If you are not fond of boat-fishing, you can make use of any of the several ramps located upstream and downstream to fish from shore.
Along the 618 kilometers of Green River in Kentucky, picnickers will find endless options to find just the spot they had in their minds. At the state parks dotted along the river, there are great outdoor areas with mesmerizing views of rolling hills and the river carving its way through them.
A picnic shelter is also available for reservation close to the dam and lock area equipped with picnic tables, two playgrounds, and grills.
A half-hour drive away from the dam is the Western Kentucky Botanical Garden. The garden offers many unique programs such as Lunch, Listen, and Learn. In this program, the chefs of the garden prepare a delicious lunch and the participant gets a chance to enjoy it, and embark on a guided tour of the garden marveling at all the various species of flora and learning new things at every step.
Less than a half-hour drive away from Green River Dam # 1 is the Owensboro Museum of Science & History. Founded in 1966, this museum is established inside a historic building from the 19th century. The museum’s exhibition and tours range from World War I memorabilia to artifacts and displays that offer tribute to the rich Coal Mine history of the region.
Only 1 hour 25 minutes away from the Dam, Mammoth Cave National Park is a grand and peculiar place. The National Park boasts the world’s longest known cave system and offers an experience you’re unlikely to get anywhere else. Explore more than 400 miles of cave systems and lose yourself in the labyrinth of complex chambers only to find your way out again. This place offers pure adventure with plenty of cave tours, and activities to partake in.
