Dedicated Feb. 20, 1991, Axe Lake Swamp State Nature Preserve is located in Ballard County. Originally 146 acres in extent, an additional 312 acres was dedicated on December 11, 2001, increasing the size of the preserve to 458 acres. This preserve was acquired with the assistance of The Nature Conservancy and represents the first steps for the commission in assisting with the long-term protection of the entire 3,000-acre Axe Lake Swamp wetlands complex which supports at least eight rare plant and animal species.

Axe Lake Swamp State Nature Preserve is a portion of Kentucky's best known example of a large, intact bald cypress-tupelo swamp. The 3,000-acre wetland contains a large great blue heron (Ardea herodias) rookery and is the only known nesting site for the great egret (Casmerodius albus) in Kentucky. Thousands of waterfowl, particularly wood ducks (Aix sponsa), roost here during the winter, and the site has been recognized as a priority wetland in the North American Waterfowl Management Plan.

Access is by written permission only.