Firefighters Armstrong & Gordon Memorial Recreation Area
Rate this placeNearby: Lincoln Playground Washburn Park
Last Updated: December 5, 2025
Firefighters Armstrong & Gordon Memorial Recreation Area is located in the state of Kentucky and serves as a beautiful destination for visitors.
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Summary
This recreation area is named after two fallen firefighters, John Armstrong and William Gordon, who lost their lives in the line of duty.
There are several reasons why people should visit this recreation area, including the stunning views of the lake and the beautiful surroundings. The recreation area is an excellent place for fishing, hiking, and sightseeing. Visitors can also take advantage of the picnic areas and playgrounds, making it an ideal spot for families.
One of the main attractions of Firefighters Armstrong & Gordon Memorial Recreation Area is the lake itself. Visitors can enjoy fishing for a variety of fish, including bass, catfish, and bluegill. There are also several trails for hiking and exploring the area. Additionally, the recreation area has a variety of picnic tables, grills, and shelters for visitors to use.
Interesting facts about this area include its history as a coal mining town, with the nearby town of Dawson Springs once being a major coal producer. The area has also been used for farming and logging in the past.
The best time of year to visit the Firefighters Armstrong & Gordon Memorial Recreation Area is during the summer months, as the weather is warm and perfect for outdoor activities. However, visitors can also enjoy the area during the fall months when the leaves change colors and the scenery is beautiful.
Overall, the Firefighters Armstrong & Gordon Memorial Recreation Area is an excellent destination for anyone looking to enjoy the great outdoors and learn more about the history of the area.
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Park & Land Designation Reference
Large protected natural areas managed by the federal government to preserve significant landscapes, ecosystems, and cultural resources; recreation is allowed but conservation is the priority.
State Park
Public natural or recreational areas managed by a state government, typically smaller than national parks and focused on regional natural features, recreation, and education.
Local Park
Community-level parks managed by cities or counties, emphasizing recreation, playgrounds, sports, and green space close to populated areas.
Wilderness Area
The highest level of land protection in the U.S.; designated areas where nature is left essentially untouched, with no roads, structures, or motorized access permitted.
National Recreation Area
Areas set aside primarily for outdoor recreation (boating, hiking, fishing), often around reservoirs, rivers, or scenic landscapes; may allow more development.
National Conservation Area (BLM)
BLM-managed areas with special ecological, cultural, or scientific value; more protection than typical BLM land but less strict than Wilderness Areas.
State Forest
State-managed forests focused on habitat, watershed, recreation, and sustainable timber harvest.
National Forest
Federally managed lands focused on multiple use—recreation, wildlife habitat, watershed protection, and resource extraction (like timber)—unlike the stricter protections of national parks.
Wilderness
A protected area set aside to conserve specific resources—such as wildlife, habitats, or scientific features—with regulations varying widely depending on the managing agency and purpose.
Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Land
Vast federal lands managed for mixed use—recreation, grazing, mining, conservation—with fewer restrictions than national parks or forests.
Related References
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Washburn Park
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