10 Best Things to do in Paducah, KY | Top Attractions

Paducah is a beautiful place that is surrounded by numerous waterways in the country. It is said that this downtown is located in the heart of the well-known “Four Rivers Basin” in western Kentucky. People searching for a water-surrounded town for their next exploration should visit Paducah.

We are saying this because it is covered with the Tennessee and Ohio Rivers, Mississippi Rivers, and Cumberland’s banks. All these make it a must-visit site. To make your things a bit easier, we are here with a list of things to do in Paducah, KY.

Keep scrolling to find out more.

Why visit Paducah?

If you have doubts about the reasons to give it a space in your bucket list of destinations, then you should know a few things. The city is painted with multi-colored and beautiful murals.

When it comes to Paducah KY key attractions, there are plenty. It can include (but is not limited to) the local eateries, discovery centers, public event spots, museums, gardens, forests, and education spaces. Simply put, Paducah has almost everything to offer that can make your upcoming trip memorable.

Places to Visit and Things to do in Paducah

As mentioned earlier, Paducah is all about natural and manmade attractions. If your are confuse about what to do in Paducah KY, below is a list of some of the most popular ones. Take a look:

1. The National Quilt Museum Paducah, United States

Situated near the historic district, the National Quilt Museum is world-famous. It showcases the creative aspects of this city as well as the country. As a prominent institute of fiber artworks and quilting, over 100000 patrons and tourists come to this museum to see the mesmerizing collection.

This stunning museum has a wide collection of quilts and other artworks. Along with rotating galleries, this museum always has something different on its display. Since it opens 7 days a week, visiting this museum is one of the best things to do near Paducah, KY. It is an ideal place for enthusiastic quilters. Additionally, you can join the “junior quilters clubs”, “adult workshops”, “multi-day retreats”, and so on.

2. Historic Downtown

The historic downtown of Paducah grabs the attention of numerous visitors and locals alike. It is separated by the appealing Floodwall Murals. The streets are shaded and narrow but have so many museums, galleries, local eateries, and so on. All these are a few reasons why you must take a tour of this place on your feet as it is one of the best things to do around Paducah, Kentucky.

In this downtown, there are so many popular spots but you should not miss out on a few places. It includes the 19th century William Clark Market House Museum along with a well-known artworks center Yeiser Art Center, and best places to eat your meal at the Kirchhoff’s Deli and Bakery in Paducah KY. To enjoy classic films, you can also go to the Maiden Alley Cinema and Gallery.

3. Wall to Wall Floodwall Murals – Paducah, KY

When you are in Paducah, you should not miss out on the opportunity to capture the beautiful and colorful floodwall murals. Across the streets, you will be able to see more than 50 morals. These murals are vibrant and interestingly tell the history of Paducah.

One of the most appealing murals is the one that showcases the city’s introduction as an Atomic City. This mesmerizing public art was created by the world’s well-known muralist – Robert Dafford. In each mural, you will get to see detailed art and a story. So, when you are here, just take out some time from your schedule to visit and appreciate the mural artwork.

Floodwall Murals Directions

4. River Discovery Center

It is one of the main attractions in Paducah, Kentucky. This is a well-known all-ages museum that highlights the significance and heritage of the Four Rivers Basin’s surroundings. Interactive displays and exhibits at the River Discovery Center are all about the historical, cultural, and natural attributes of the place.

This center also consists of different galleries including rainwater and river basins, steamboats and captains, etc. In addition to this, the center sponsors several educational events and programs along with career days, animal encounters, and the yearly festival called – Paducah Dragon Boat Festival.

5. The Land Between the Lakes National Recreation Area

This area is administered and managed by the US National Forest Service or USFS. Expanded in an area of over 170000 acres, this is a popular place to enjoy various things to see in Paducah, KY. The main activities to enjoy at the Land Between the Lakes National Recreation Area are cycling, hiking, fishing, haunting, and various water sports.

Wildlife watching, picnicking, and geo-caching are some more activities that you can enjoy here. In this recreation area, the Woodlands Nature Center is counted among the must-visit spot. It features guided nature walks, kids-focused nature programs, and animal viewing areas. By visiting this place, you will get a chance to capture the beauty of this place with your camera.

Directions

6. Bob Noble Park – All You Need to Know

This is a 135 acres park that is located on the northern side of Paducah. This masterpiece offers countless yet family-friendly activities to enjoy. For instance, it has 5 acres of lake which is a perfect spot for fishing. Other popular outlets at this park are a skate park, a playground, and a swimming pool.

If you love walking hand-in-hand with your partner, then you can choose to walk on the Clyde F. Boyles Greenway Trail as it is one of the best things to do in Paducah KY for couples. This pedestrian path is a perfect way to explore Bob Noble Park. For kids, it has so many courts and athletic fields where they can play and enjoy their time.

Bob Noble Park Directions

7. Clyde F. Boyles Greenway Trail

As mentioned above, it is a connecting downtown cum pedestrian path with Bob Noble Park. This is a non-motorized path that is quite popular for numerous activities. It includes cycling, walking, strolling, etc. Simply put, Clyde F. Boyles Greenway Trail is a perfect combination of natural and cultural attractions.

When you are here, try to spend some time walking and exploring things. The trail also has sitting arrangements. You can either sit or simply walk and enjoy the natural landscapes. If you want to bring your feline here, then you can also do it as there is a Stuart Nelson Park which is pet-friendly.

8. Shawnee National Forest

Touching the borders of Kentucky and Illinois, this is a perfect spot to capture the natural side of the city. The Shawnee National Forest has towering rock formations, shaded campgrounds, and plenty of water activities. Due to these, visiting this place is the most exciting thing to do in Paducah.

This natural playground is no less than a paradise for adventure lovers. It is because they can enjoy swimming, boating, camping, and hiking in this forest area. Within this area, you will also find the Bell Smith Springs Scenic Area, the Hidden Springs Ranger Station, and the Garden of Gods.

Get the Directions Here

Visiting Kentucky and looking for a great activities, there’s no better option than exploring one of the many nearby states! From the picturesque mountains of West Virginia in the east to the history-filled towns of Tennessee in the south, and Ohio, Indiana, and Illinois in between, each state offers incredible experiences. Whether you’re looking for outdoor adventures, cultural attractions, or simply a chance to relax and unwind, you’ll find something to suit your needs in one of these nearby states.

9. Paducah Railroad Museum

When you want to get familiar with the locomotive history of the city, you must schedule your visit to the Paducah Railroad Museum. It is a perfect spot for those who are train enthusiasts and want to see historical models and artifacts of the city.

This place is such a wonderful place to feel the famous Train Simulator. However, you should know the timings and opening days of this museum. It is open between Wednesday and Friday from 12 pm to 4 pm. You can also schedule a group or guided tours in advance.

Directions

10. Paducah Farmers Market

After exploring the local attractions and beautiful murals, you can go and spend some time at the Paducah Farmers Market. This is an open-air huge market bustling on all Saturdays but from April to October. It is particularly famous for farm-fresh eggs and meats, seasonal and exotic veggies and fruits, and various handmade items.

In addition to this, the Farmer’s Market also conducts various events, live music concerts, and face painting events. You can also attend the Celebration Saturday events to enjoy with your friends and family.

Final verdict

Paducah is a gorgeous town to visit and have fun with your friends and family. The list of things to do in Paducah, Kentucky will also help you make the most out of your vacation. But yes, always check the local rules and make all your bookings in advance to avoid a last-minute price rise. And yes, have a happy vacation.