Paducah, the largest city in the far western area of Kentucky known as the Jackson Purchase region, is located along the banks of the Ohio River, near it’s confluence with the Mississippi. We’ve uncovered the best places to stay, things to eat and things to do in Paducah, Kentucky. Paducah has situated itself as an attractive destination for those who are interested in the heritage and history of America. The town has been designated as a UNESCO Creative City – one of 180 cities around the world that has committed to investing in creativity and creative tourism.
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Best Things to Do in Paducah, Places to Eat and Drink in Paducah, and Best Places to Stay in Paducah
Things to do in Paducah, Kentucky
National Quilt Museum
The National Quilt Museum in Paducah houses one of the world’s best quilt displays through it’s permanent and rotating exhibits. The collection includes best examples of fiber arts and quilt works from around the world. In addition to the exhibits, the museum often hosts special events, classic and educational workshops designed to promote fiber arts and quilting.
215 Jefferson Street, Paducah, KY | 270-442-8856
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Lloyd Tilghman House & Civil War Museum
Visiting the Lloyd Tilghman House is one of the best things to do in Paducah for history lovers. The home is a 19th-century Greek Revival that houses a Civil War Museum. The house was built for Lloyd Tilghman, a Confederate Civil War general and railroad construction engineer. The museum focuses on a Confederate version of Civil War history with a particular emphasis on the Paducah area.
631 Kentucky Avenue, Paducah, KY | 270-575-5477
Paducah Railroad Museum
The Paducah Railroad Museum tells the story of rail travel through exhibits of memorabilia and equipment from the days of rail travel. The museum outlines the significance of train’s in Paducah’s history and development. The museum offers an exciting simulator experience where visitors can experience what it’s like to ride in the cab of a historic locomotive.
200 Washington Street, Paducah, KY | 270-908-6451
River Discovery Center
Paducah’s River Discover Center sits in the town’s historic downtown, overlooking the riverfront. The Center sits just opposite the murals of Paducah Wall to Wall (see below). The Center has a number of interactive exhibits that help guests to learn about the importance of rivers and the impact they have on our daily lives. The center is fun and welcoming and one of the best things to do with kids in Paducah.
117 S. Water Street, Paducah, KY | 270-908-6451
Paducah Wall to Wall
It would be hard to miss these murals along the Paducah Floodwall, and you certainly wouldn’t want to miss them. Painted by the Dafford Mural Team, the murals tell the story of Paducah’s rich history throughout the medium of paint. The murals are located in a nice location overlooking the Ohio and Tennessee Rivers and are open 24/7. In the evening there are lights illuminating the display.
100 Water Street, Paducah, KY | 270-519-1321
William Clark Market House Museum
This local history museum tells the story of Paducah’s past through a chronological exhibition in a 100 year old building that was once the public market of Paducah. The museum begins back in the time when Native Americans and Chief Paducah lived in the area. It includes Civil War history and memorabilia, artifacts from the World Wars and information about local celebrities. Exhibits include a 19th century drugstore and a life-like statue of the famous Henry Clay. Market House Theatre is housed in the same building and is a nice place to catch a live show.
121 Market House Square, Paducah, KY | 270-443-7759
Bob Noble Park
Spending some time at Bob Noble Park is one of the most family friendly things to do in Paducah. The park centers around a 5-acre lake with fishing, a fountain and a walking path. There’s also a swimming pool, playgrounds and a skate park. The Clyde F. Boyles Greenway Trail passes through the park and goes all the way to downtown. The trail is meant for non-motorized use and is popular with walkers, cyclists and rollerbladers. It also stops at Stuart Nelson park where you can find a dog park and disc golf.
2801 Park Avenue, Paducah, KY
Land Between the Lakes
Land Between the Lakes is one of the best places to enjoy the outdoors near Paducah. This popular national recreation area is surrounded by two large, manmade lakes. Popular activities include hiking, boating, hunting, cycling and water sports. There are a number of campsites available ranging from RV sites to primitive tent sites in the backcountry.
100 Van Morgan Drive, Golden Pond, KY | 800-525-7077
Visit Fort Massac State Park
Fort Massac State Park is located just across the Ohio River from Paducah, in Illinois. It surrounds a site where several forts were successively built, overlooking the Ohio River. Today, a replica of an 1802 American Fort has been constructed so park visitors can learn about what life once was like at the park. The park offers prime opportunities to enjoy the outdoors, spread over approximately 1,500 acres. You’ll find fishing, camping, picnicking, boating and hiking opportunities. There’s also an 18-hole disc golf course. Throughout the year, the park hosts many special events surrounding Colonial and early American history including the popular Fort Massac Encampment Festival which is held each year in October.
1308 E. 5th Street, Metropolis, IL | 618-524-4712
Shawnee National Forest
The Shawnee National Forest is also a popular thing to do near Paducah, but it’s actually located across the river in Illinois. The recreation area spans nearly 300,000 acres and offers a range of outdoor activities and recreational spaces. Lake Glendale Recreation Area is the closest to Paducah at about an hour away. It offers visitors hiking, camping, boating and swimming.
Lake Glendale Rec Area: Lake Road, Golconda, IL | 618-638-3246
Best Places to Eat and Drink in Paducah, Kentucky
Cynthia’s Ristorante
Cynthia’s restaurant in Paducah is one of the best places to eat in Paducah for a special occasion or date night. Cynthia’s serves “California Tuscan” cuisine, a term that describes an American take on traditional Italian food. The space is classy and nice with a rustic elegance and accents like exposed brick, stained glass and nice lighting.
125 Market House Square #0789 | 270-443-3319
Flamingo Row
Flamingo Row is quite popular, so you can expect a crowd. However, it’s easy to see why. The tropical island-themed interior at this restaurant space is the perfect backdrop for enjoying a menu that includes Caribbean-inspired sandwiches, salads, stuffed breads, tacos, burgers and some of the best margaritas and tropical cocktails in Paducah.
2640 Perkins Creek Drive, Paducah, KY | 270-442-0462
Pizza by the Pound
This laid-back restaurant with retro-style interior and a jukebox serves some of the best pizza in Paducah. You’ll find a range of specialty pies on their menu or you can build your own – piled high with all the toppings and mozzarella cheese you could hope for. They have traditional, New York Style Thin Crust and Deep Dish options. In addition to pizzas they serve gourmet sandwiches, salads, dinner specials and tons of different appetizers.
600 North 32nd Street, Paducah, KY | 270-442-0067
Dairyette Plus
You won’t find any frills here, but the food is fantastic. Experience housemade Kentucky Barbecue at this traditional burger and barbecue spot. They make their barbecue on site each day, and many claims it’s the best bbq in Paducah. Make sure to leave room for a milkshake or ice cream as there are plenty of chilled dairy treats to enjoy.
100 S. Friendship Road, Paducah, KY | 270-554-3617
Parker’s Drive-In
The old-fashioned drive-in restaurant was once a staple of American life. Nowadays the trend is mostly gone, but one Paducah restaurant is keeping the experience alive. Parker’s Drive-In Restaurant is a 50’s-style drive-in and diner that serves great American food, and dependably good service. The menu features burgers, fries, ribeye sandwiches, reubens and other types of sandwiches accompanied with a range of different sides.
2921 Lone Oak Road, Paducah, KY 42003 | 270-554-7602
Dry Ground Brewing Company
At Dry Ground, you’ll find 28 craft beers on tap, including a number that are brewed on site. The company got its name from a time when the local Coca Cola plant flooded and owner Luther Carson floated to safety. He pledged to build a bottling plant on the first dry ground he reached. Check them out to enjoy a local brew indoors or on the patio in good weather.
3121 Broadway Street, Paducah, KY | 270-201-2096
Purple Toad Winery
It may surprise you that Paducah has its very own local winery. Located just on the edge of town, the Purple Toad Winery has a tasting room where visitors can try several varieties of wines. The winery uses local grapes to create a range of tasty wines. Tours of the winery are also available at no cost.
4275 Old US Highway 45, Paducah, KY | 270-554-0010
Etcetera Coffee House
Etcetera Coffee House has been one of the most popular coffee spots since the original location was founded in 2006. They’ve expanded to have two locations in town: the original one in Lowertown and a second inside Kirchhoff’s Bakery. They serve traditional and specialty coffee, always fair trade and organic. As well as traditional tea drinks, specialty teas and bubble teas. They also offer homemade breads, brownies, cookies and a killer brownie sundae as well as other baked goods.
Etcetera Coffeehouse: 320 North 6th Street, Paducah, KY | 270-443-7760
Etcetera Squared: 118 South 2nd Street, Paducah, KY | 270-443-7760
Silent Brigade Distillery
Silent Brigade Distillery produces hand-crafted bourbon and flavored moonshines with a number of interesting flavors including apple pie, blackberry and peach. Visitors can sample their creations in the tasting room on-site, and for those who aren’t visiting Paducah, you can order online and have bottles shipped directly to your home. Other attractions include a nature station with rehabilitated animals, an elk and bison grazing land, and a planetarium.
426 Broadway Street, Paducah, KY 42001 | 270-709-3242
Best Places to Stay in Paducah, Kentucky
Holiday Inn Paducah Riverfront offers riverfront views and close access to some of the best things to do in Paducah. It also has a full service restaurant, a roomy fitness center and conference spaces, making it a versatile option for all types of travelers.
The 1857 Hotel is also a good option of where to stay in Paducah. We think historic homes just ooze romance, and the 1857 Hotel proves it. With its vaulted ceilings, exposed brick and views of the Paducah Riverfront, the 1857 is one of the most romantic hotels in Western Kentucky. The property sits right in downtown Paducah with it’s fantastic restaurant scene, local craft beer breweries and numerous live entertainment venues. Match this convenience with the southern Hospitality at the 1857, and you’ll have a romantic getaway you won’t soon forget. There are king and queen suites available, each of which blend the historic charm of the old building with modern furnishings and all of the amenities you need for an enjoyable getaway.
Find more Romantic Hotels in Kentucky here
Another historic hotel, the 1895 Washington Hotel is one of the best bed and breakfasts in Paducah. It sits on Broadway Street with a sun terrace and views of the city. There are several rooms with different themes and furnishings including special features like hydromassage spa bath and a secret stair balcony. The home itself is beautiful with lots of historic touches, but all of the modern amenities you could ask for.
Find Other Great Hotels in Paducah on Expedia.com
