Paducah is one of the most picturesque cities in Kentucky. This vibrant city is rich in history and has fun things to do that will make your trip here a true experience. The city is on the banks of the Ohio River and it is referred to as the Quilt City USA. Paducah is the perfect mix of tradition and creativity and it has something to captivate every kind of traveler.
Keep reading to discover the best 15 things to do in Paducah, KY, and how you can make the most out of your time here!
Things to Do in Paducah, KY
1. Visit the National Quit Museum
The National Quilt Museum, founded in 1991, is a must-see while you are in Paducah, KY. Here you will find an impressive 600 quits collection and two fiber art galleries to admire. This museum is perfect for visitors of all ages and it houses exhibitions by both local and international artists.
It is easy to spend two hours at least in this museum and allow the beauty of fiber art and quits to fascinate you.
Find the National Quit Museum at 215 Jefferson St, Paducah, KY 42001, and use the phone number (270) 442-8856 to get in touch with the staff.
The museum is open Monday to Saturday from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. and on Sundays from 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Tickets are $15 for general admissions, $13 for seniors and military veterans, and $5 for students. Children younger than 12 have free entrance if they are accompanied by an adult.
2. River Discovery Center
Paducah is a city with an interesting maritime history, presented at the River Discovery Center. Besides the maritime exhibitions you will find here, the museum offers activities for children and even rentals for private events.
You can watch short films about maritime life and the importance of rivers and learn about the life and habitats specific to these areas. There is also a gift shop where you can purchase souvenirs inspired by the maritime lifestyle.
Find the River Discovery Center at 117 S Water St, Paducah, KY 42001.
The museum is open Monday to Saturday from 9:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. and closed on Sundays. Tickets are $12 for adults, $10 for seniors, and $8 for students. Children younger than 4 years old have free entrance.
3. Admire the murals at Paducah Wall to Wall
Art lovers will be fascinated by the 50 murals they can see at Paducah FloodWall, which was created in 1991 and became one of the main local attractions. Among these murals, you will find the artwork of famous artists such as Herb Roe or Robert Dafford.
Here you can snap pictures and enjoy a tasty coffee or snack while you admire the art around you.
You can find the Paducah FloodWall at 100 Water St, Paducah, KY 42003, and there is no fee.
4. Paducah International Raceway
If you like racing cars, you will enjoy an exciting evening at the Paducah International Raceway! Here you can find all kinds of races and even place bets on your favorite participant.
The atmosphere is electrifying and you will also find a shop with souvenirs and snacks. Make sure to check the website to see the schedule and buy your tickets for a highly entertaining night with your friends!
You can find it at 4445 Shemwell Lane, Paducah, KY, and admission fees range from $20 to $40. There are discounts for kids and seniors as well, depending on the event you want to join.
5. Paducah Railroad Museum
The Railroad Museum in Paducah was created in 1996 and includes the local railroad history and its charms and curiosities. You can join tours with professional guides but also modern simulators and a gift shop to purchase interesting souvenirs to take home with you.
Here you will learn about antique cars and railroad equipment but also the latest creations in the matter. Find the museum at 200 Washington St, Paducah, KY 42003, and phone number (270) 908-6451.
The museum is open Wednesday to Friday from 12:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. and on Saturdays from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
6. Paducah Antique Mall
There are few places as charming as the Paducah Antique Mall! The mall spreads on 7500 sq. Ft and include 65 booths with all types of products. You will find vintage treasures, some of them unique to this place and the prices cover all ranges. From vintage objects to books, records or decorations, and even clothes, this antique mall has everything you can think of!
Find this incredible mall at 407 Broadway, in the Historic Downtown area, and reserve a couple of hours to spend here as you will find interesting items!
The mall is open Monday to Friday from 10:a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Saturday from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., and Sunday from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.
7. Yeiser Art Center
If you are an art lover, you have to check out the Yeiser Art Center! This center started in 1957 as a small organization based on volunteer work and it evolved into an iconic art center nowadays. The founding members, Mary Yeiser, Ginny Black, and Bob Evans, established not only the structure of this art center but also organized the first exhibitions.
At present, YAC holds a collection of 300 artworks and houses seven shows each year. Also, there are art classes available for people of all ages and interesting lectures that captivate art lovers.
You can find the Yeiser Art Center on 200 Broadway, Paducah, KY, and the art center is open Tuesday to Saturday from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
8. Paducah Farmers Market
Besides its great history and fun attractions, Paducah also has an inviting farmers’ market with local produce. The market opens every Saturday in the Downtown area and you will find everything from fresh veggies and fruits as well as local cuisine specialties but also local artwork.
If you want to try food that is locally grown or cooked, this is the place for you! At times, the market will be animated with live music and other performances that will make your time here even more exciting!
9. Whitehaven Welcome Center
This incredible mansion brings you a piece of history in an interesting tour. Whitehaven is an interstate welcome center that dates back to the 1860s. The round Corinthian portico design was built at the beginning of the 20th century, under the guidance of the businessman Edward Lafayette Atkins.
From the 1970s until 1984, the building was rather abandoned and neglected. But in 1984, it was converted into a welcome center that started to attract the admiration of tourists and locals. In the same year, the mansion was added to the National Register of Historic Places.
Visitors can enjoy a free tour from Monday to Saturday between 8:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. Find the mansion at 1845 Lone Oak Rd, Paducah, KY 42003, United States, and bring your camera with you because you will most likely want to snap pictures!
10. Bob Noble Park
If you want to enjoy some time in nature, Bob Noble Park is one of the best places to go to in Paducah. This park spreads over 135 acres and it has plenty of fun things to do, regardless of your age.
Two big playgrounds will keep the children entertained and can be great places for quality family time. An interesting place in this park is the interactive music garden where you will find all kinds of musical instruments. Also, the outdoor amphitheater is perfect for performances and even private events.
Find the Bob Noble Park at 2801 Park Ave, Paducah, KY 42001, and check it out any time of the year. The trees and beautiful nature around you will be charmed regardless of the weather.
11. Dry Ground Brewing Company
Beer lovers will find the Dry Ground Brewing Company a very welcoming and fun place in Paducah. The company was founded in 2014, but it became a popular attraction fast and even a notorious gathering place in the city.
The selection of drinks here is impressive and you will find beers and ciders of all kinds. At times, there are live performances to make the evenings even more interesting.
You can find the brewery at 3121 Broadway St, Paducah, KY 42001, and use the phone number (270) 201-2096.
12. Lloyd Tilghman House
The Lloyd Tilghman House was built in 1861 and has an impressive Greek revival-style design that will intrigue and attract you. This house is also a museum featuring exhibitions of the Civil War and a valuable piece of history. It is one of the best attractions to check out on a rainy day.
You will learn the involvement of Western Kentucky in the Civil War and you can also book a guided tour for more information. There is a gift shop for souvenirs and a highly cultural experience to unveil between these walls.
Find this museum at 631 Kentucky Ave, Paducah, KY 42001, and use the phone number (270) 575-5477 to reach the staff.
13. Paxton Park Golf Course
Paducah has a great golf course as well if you want to learn this sport or practice the skills you already have. The course spreads among three lakes and offers vibrant nature scenery to charm you every time you give it a try.
This golf park was designed by the British George Davies, who made sure everything was built perfectly back in 1940. Davies contributed to the construction of over 40 courses in his life. Even if the Paxton Park Gold was renovated a few times along its history, the structure, and configuration of the park were conserved as George Davies created it.
Find this golf park at 841 Berger Road, Paducah, KY 42003, or use the phone number (270) 444-9514 to get in touch with the staff.
14. Purple Toad Winery
If you like premium wine, make sure to check out the Purple Toad Winery in Paducah. The winery opened in 2009 and grew in a significant way, as a family-owned business appreciated by wine experts from all over the country.
This winery is the first one in the city of Paducah, and it managed to become a notorious local brand in the past 14 years. At the Purple Toad Winery, you will find premium wines from Kentucky, a very relaxing atmosphere, and a lot of friendly people to converse with.
You can also enjoy a session of wine tasting and even purchase a few bottles to take home with you!
15. Explore Historic Downtown Paducah
The Historic Downtown of Paducah is impressive and it is seen as one of the most beautiful streets in America. The Historic Riverfront, or Historic Downtown, is the perfect place for a relaxing or romantic walk and even a shopping session.
In this area, there are great dining places, attractive cocktail bars, and plenty of tourist attractions that will keep you busy and entertained. You can watch live performances, admire art galleries, and simply take in the vibe of Paducah.
