Cities and Towns in Lyon County, Kentucky

Founded in 1854, Lyon County is one of 120 counties in the state of Kentucky. Historically, Lyon County was formed from Caldwell County. The city of Eddyville is the county seat. With FIPS code of 143, Lyon County has a population of 8,803 and area of 216 square miles (559 km²).

List of all cities in Lyon County, KY alphabetically

City/Town	Postal Code	Area Code
Confederate, KY	42038	270
Eddyville, KY	42038	270
Kuttawa, KY	42055	270
Lamasco, KY	42038	270
Overlook, KY	42038	270
Suwanee, KY	42055	270

Major Cities and Towns in Lyon County, Kentucky

Eddyville

Area, Population, and Zip Codes:

• Area: 7.6 square miles
• Population: Approximately 2,600 residents
• Zip Code: 42038
• Latitude: 37.0942° N
• Longitude: 88.0800° W

City Location and History:

Eddyville, the county seat of Lyon County, is located in western Kentucky, along the northern shore of Lake Barkley. Originally established in 1799, Eddyville was a vital river town on the Cumberland River. The city prospered as a commercial and transportation hub during the steamboat era. However, much of old Eddyville was relocated when Lake Barkley was created in the 1960s due to the construction of the Barkley Dam. Today, the new Eddyville benefits from its location on the lake, making it a popular destination for boating, fishing, and tourism. Eddyville also has historical significance, having been the site of the Kentucky State Penitentiary since the 1800s.

Major Schools and Landmarks:

Eddyville is home to Lyon County Elementary, Middle, and High School, which serve students throughout the county. Significant landmarks include the Kentucky State Penitentiary, often referred to as the “Castle on the Cumberland” due to its Gothic architecture. The city’s proximity to Lake Barkley State Resort Park offers recreational activities such as hiking, fishing, and boating. Mineral Mound State Park, located near Eddyville, features an 18-hole golf course and beautiful lakefront views. The annual Eddyville Days festival is a key event, celebrating the town’s history and community spirit with parades, music, and local crafts.

Kuttawa

Area, Population, and Zip Codes:

• Area: 2.9 square miles
• Population: Approximately 700 residents
• Zip Code: 42055
• Latitude: 37.0584° N
• Longitude: 88.1228° W

City Location and History:

Kuttawa, located just east of Eddyville, was established in 1872 and originally thrived as a rail town during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. The town’s name comes from the Cherokee word for “beautiful,” reflecting the area’s natural scenery. Like Eddyville, much of Kuttawa was relocated during the construction of Lake Barkley in the 1960s. The new town was built nearby, and today, it is known for its picturesque lakeside setting, attracting tourists for water recreation and outdoor activities. Kuttawa’s peaceful atmosphere and proximity to both Lake Barkley and Land Between the Lakes make it an appealing location for those seeking a lakeside lifestyle.

Major Schools and Landmarks:

Kuttawa’s students attend Lyon County schools in nearby Eddyville. The town’s key landmarks include Kuttawa Harbor Marina, which provides access to Lake Barkley for boating and fishing enthusiasts, and the Kuttawa Recreation Area, which offers swimming beaches and picnic spots along the lake. The nearby Land Between the Lakes National Recreation Area offers additional opportunities for camping, hiking, and wildlife viewing. Kuttawa is also home to several historic buildings and churches, reflecting its past as a rail town. The annual Kuttawa Day festival celebrates the town’s lakeside beauty and community spirit with events, food, and entertainment.

Suwanee

Area, Population, and Zip Codes:

• Area: Unincorporated community
• Population: Approximately 100 residents
• Zip Code: 42038
• Latitude: 37.1615° N
• Longitude: 88.0256° W

City Location and History:

Suwanee is a small, unincorporated community located in northern Lyon County, near the Cumberland River and Lake Barkley. The town was founded in the 19th century, and its history is closely tied to the region’s agricultural and river-based industries. Although Suwanee has always been a small community, its proximity to the river made it a convenient location for farmers and traders in the 1800s. Today, Suwanee remains a quiet, rural area with deep connections to the natural landscape and the history of Lyon County. It has not experienced significant growth over the years, but its location near Lake Barkley offers scenic beauty and recreational opportunities.

Major Schools and Landmarks:

Suwanee’s children attend schools in the Lyon County School District, with students typically traveling to nearby Eddyville for their education. The town is surrounded by the natural beauty of Lake Barkley and the Cumberland River, offering outdoor activities such as boating, fishing, and hiking. Suwanee is also located near Mineral Mound State Park, known for its golf course and views of Lake Barkley. Although small, Suwanee’s rural charm and scenic surroundings make it an ideal spot for those who appreciate Kentucky’s natural beauty and quiet country living.

Eddy Creek

Area, Population, and Zip Codes:

• Area: Unincorporated community
• Population: Approximately 300 residents
• Zip Code: 42055
• Latitude: 37.0433° N
• Longitude: 88.1275° W

City Location and History:

Eddy Creek is a small, unincorporated community located near Lake Barkley in Lyon County. The town takes its name from the nearby Eddy Creek, which flows into Lake Barkley. Historically, the area was home to farmers and fishermen who took advantage of the fertile lands and abundant waters. The creation of Lake Barkley in the 1960s transformed Eddy Creek into a popular spot for recreation and vacation homes, with many people drawn to the area for its peaceful lakeside setting. Today, Eddy Creek is primarily a residential and recreational area, known for its proximity to the lake and its relaxed lifestyle.

Major Schools and Landmarks:

Eddy Creek’s students attend Lyon County schools in nearby Eddyville. The community is home to the Eddy Creek Marina Resort, a popular destination for boaters, offering docks, a campground, and cabins. The surrounding area is ideal for fishing, water sports, and enjoying the natural beauty of Lake Barkley. Eddy Creek is also located near Land Between the Lakes, a national recreation area that provides a wide range of outdoor activities. The town’s close-knit community, combined with its access to some of Kentucky’s most beautiful natural attractions, makes Eddy Creek a desirable location for those seeking a quiet, lakeside retreat.

Fairview

Area, Population, and Zip Codes:

• Area: Unincorporated community
• Population: Approximately 150 residents
• Zip Code: 42055
• Latitude: 37.0700° N
• Longitude: 88.0964° W

City Location and History:

Fairview is a small, unincorporated community located in the northern part of Lyon County, near Kuttawa and Lake Barkley. The town was founded in the late 19th century and has remained a small rural community ever since. Fairview has traditionally been an agricultural area, with farming playing a central role in its economy. The construction of Lake Barkley and Kentucky Dam in the mid-20th century brought more attention to the region, but Fairview has largely maintained its rural charm and quiet, small-town atmosphere. The area is known for its scenic beauty, with rolling hills and close proximity to the lake.

Major Schools and Landmarks:

Fairview’s children attend schools in the Lyon County School District, including Lyon County High School in Eddyville. The community is near several recreational areas, including Lake Barkley State Resort Park and Land Between the Lakes. Fairview’s rural landscape, dotted with historic farms and old churches, provides a glimpse into Kentucky’s agricultural past. While the town itself is small, its location near Kuttawa and Lake Barkley makes it a convenient spot for outdoor enthusiasts. Fairview’s peaceful, rural setting offers residents a quiet lifestyle with easy access to the lake and other recreational areas in Lyon County.