Quad Cities Iowa or Kentucky Lake for the 4th?

My wife and I along with our young kids are debating on where to pull our 22' boat for the 4th of July. We have not been to either place and have heard good things about both places. The only thing is we have no idea on where to stay at either place. We have looked places up on the internet but that is kinda a crap shoot. We are looking for something that will have a trans slip and kinda family friendly. Also the quad cities are about 2 hours away where as Kentucky lake is about 7, but we are looking to be gone for about 6 nights so that kinda justifies a long trip. Any comments would be welcomedhttp://forums.iboats.com/images/smilies/cool.gif

Re: Quad Cities Iowa or Kentucky Lake for the 4th?

If you are not familiar with the Mississippi River, it can be difficult to navigate. Especially avoiding "wingdams". But the water should still be pretty high, they might not pose a threat.
I would choose Kentucky Lakes.
Actually I would chose the Illinois River, in and around Peoria.

Re: Quad Cities Iowa or Kentucky Lake for the 4th?

I grew up on KY lake and Lake Barkley and that is where all of my family currently lives. The lakes will be extremely busy as any lake will on the 4th. I-24 runs right by so if you're looking to stay at a hotel, that will be relatively simple as long as you book now and are willing to drive 20-30 min. Ky Dam Marina is on the very North end of the lake and has a big lot and ramp to put in, but check to see if any bass tournaments are out of it that weekend. Either way it will be busy, but I think it is a 4 boat ramp. The advantages are the lake is 120 miles long and at summer pool you will be okay, but I would advise getting a map, because unless you stay in the creek and river channels, you won't want to run freely. Also, you only have the west bank that is residential, the other side is land between the lakes and can be very enjoyable having a bay to yourself (no houses). Again, being probably the busiest weekend of the year you may have company, but it won't be like the lakes up here in Michigan where people are always around you. Also, you have a canal on that end of the lake that connects to Lake Barkley which is about 66 miles long. It is on the other side of land between the lakes. Make sure you eat at Patti's Restaurant in Grand Rivers while your there. It's very popular (costly though).

I don't think you will be dissappointed if you go there. It is a damed river and doesn't have near the clarity that lakes up here do. Just the difference between spring fed and "river" fed.

Hope this helps! I'll probably have my boat on Lake Michigan for the weekend.

(Ky Lake is the Tennessee River and Lake Barkley is the Cumberland River)

Re: Quad Cities Iowa or Kentucky Lake for the 4th?

I'm familiar with Kentucky Lake. MI9's post is all very good information. I'll fill in some.

There are many small privately owned resorts on both Kentucky Lake and Lake Barkley that may be attractive to you. We stay at The Moors Resort, located about 7 miles south of Kentucky Dam on Kentucky Lake. But, for the 4th of July, it may be tough to get accommodations or a slip. It's worth a phone call.

http://moorsresort.com/index.html

MI9's caution about water depth is also good information. At summer pool, the shallow water threat is much greater over on Lake Barkley. One can boat the northern parts of Kentucky Lake mostly worry free, but of course have a map and pay attention.

Another note of caution is to make sure your boat is in good running order. Kentucky Lake is quite wide at the north end and if you're in the middle of the lake and you have problems, it's a lonnggg way to shore. Take a marine radio. There also will be occasional commercial barge traffic in the channel on the eastern side of the lake.

All that open water can also create hazardous boating conditions if a line of thunderstorms blows up. If you're on the east side of Kentucky Lake and weather blows up, you may consider staying put instead of trying to race back across to the marinas on the west side.

The boat ramp at Kentucky Dam Village State Park is by far the best, public or private. It has lots of parking and prep area. The ramp is four-wide and not too steep. Farther down the lake, Kenlake State Park has a good ramp, but parking is limited. Most of the private resorts will have ramps.

This website covers the area well:

http://www.explorekentuckylake.com/index.htm

Re: Quad Cities Iowa or Kentucky Lake for the 4th?

My wife grew up in Quad cities every now and then I'm forced into having to go ther old and dirty and thats not just the river. Her parents and grandparents still live there and choose to fish in MN. Kentucky sounds like the better choice. Try the Great Smokey Mountains, Lake Fontana 10,600 acres of lake, 11.5 miles long and 125 miles of shore line. If your going to Quad city to gamble we have a casino also. Trout steams every where. Be careful though I came here on vacation and never left.

Re: Quad Cities Iowa or Kentucky Lake for the 4th?

I agree with TilliamWe. The Illinois is pretty user friendly around Peoria. Fireworks are rated in the top 3% in the nation. The boat traffic is heavy getting to the boat ramps afterward but if you were in a transient slip, no problem. The Wharf, The Ivy Club, and East Port will have slips. The Ivy Club and East Port have pools. East Port has closer lodging. Ivy Club has full yacht club aminities. Lots of variables. Just depends on what you're looking for.
CaptGare