Attention: A fish consumption advisory has been issued for Metropolis Lake by the Cabinet for Health Services (Read Full Advisory).

Dedicated Aug. 10, 1984, Metropolis Lake State Nature Preserve is a 123-acre tract in McCracken County. This preserve contains the 50-acre Metropolis Lake, one of only a few natural lakes in the Ohio River floodplain. The area was acquired with the assistance of The Nature Conservancy. The lake is ringed with bald cypress (Taxodium distichum) and swamp tupelo (Nyssa aquatica) and provides habitat for five species of fish, two species of plants, and a crayfish that are rare or uncommon in Kentucky. The preserve is also a Watchable Wildlife Site.

• Features - natural floodplain lake, rare species
• Access - 0.75 mile interpretive trail over uneven terrain, moderate
• Facilities - none
• Parking - 20 cars; 2-3 buses
• Activities - birding, hiking, nature study, etc.
• Directions - McCracken County. From the junction of I-24 and U.S. 60 in Paducah, follow U.S. 60 west for 7.0 miles, then right on KY 996 for 5.5 miles. Turn right onto Stafford Road, drive past gate to lake parking area.