Western Kentucky is a vibrant community with endless possibilities for food, fun, entertainment, and recreation. After a hard day’s work, a long day at school, or a need to entertain the kids, there’s always something to do.
Visit various museums, movie theaters, wineries, parks, nature preserves, wildlife refuges, farms, hiking and biking trails, golf courses and country clubs, shops, spas, and more.
Many of the communities in Western Kentucky host an array of local celebrations, parades, festivals, and special events throughout the year.
Here’s a list to get you going with your entertainment options and recreation in Graves, Marshall, and McCracken Counties in Western Kentucky.
Things to Do in Graves County Kentucky
Mayfiled
- Wooldridge Monuments: Step back in time to the world of Colonel Henry G. Wooldridge, for whom the Wooldridge Monuments were built. The collection of historical statues, situated in Maplewood Cemetery, opened for viewing in 1892.
- Icehouse Gallery and Gift Shop: Get in touch with your inner muse at the Icehouse Gallery and Gift Shop. Home of the Mayfield/Graves County Art Guild, the gallery hosts exhibitions, classes, art festivals, book signings, and a gift shop with artistic creations and spiritual treasures.
- Mayfield Golf and Country Club: Since 1922, the private Mayfield Golf and Country Club has been bringing relaxation and recreation to Graves County residents. Reimagined in 1960 to double its size, it’s now a championship golf course.
- Edona Locus: The Edona Locus is a sprawling 17 room mansion built as a private residence in 1926 and was later converted to a public library. Today, the mansion houses the Mayfield, Graves County Chamber of Commerce, and Graves County Economic Development.
Wingo
- Rails to Trails: In Wingo, Kentucky, you’ll find 17 trails that span 54 miles. The trails, ideal for walking, hiking, and biking, are former railroad tracks that have repurposed for public recreation.
Water Valley
- Camp Beauregard: From 1861-1862, confederate soldiers trained by the thousands in the Civil War. However, disease destroyed the historical camp, which is now believed to be haunted.
Symsonia
- Henson’s Broom Shop: At Henson’s Broom Shop, you’ll find a collection of creatively hand-crafted brooms, many of which have found their way across the globe. In addition to handmade brooms, there’s also a gift shop with walking sticks, home decor, classic treats like Moon-pie and RC Cola, and Amish products.
Things to do in Marshall County
Benton
- Kentucky Opry: There’s nothing quite like a live performance, especially when the artists are a combination of young, up-and-coming stars and well-known celebrities. All the performances at Kentucky Opry are family-friendly and appropriate for all ages.
- Clarks River National Wildlife Refuge: Thousands of acres of bottomland hardwood forests create thriving varieties of wildlife and abundant hunting and fishing opportunities. Clarks River National Wildlife Refuge oversees and enriches the ecosystem and provides environmental education to locals and visitors.
- King Creek Resort and Marina: Break away from the grind of work and responsibility in a getaway to a private camping ground with a Kentucky lake marina. Owned and operated by a fourth-generation self-employed entrepreneur, the campground spans 12 acres and offers a floating swim dock, playground, and fishing.
- Hickory Hill Resort: Get in touch with nature and enjoy a vacation in unspoiled countryside. Situated along Kentucky Lake, the resort, and the surrounding area is ideal for fishing and boating in addition to golf.
Lakeside Campground and Marina: Lakeside Campground and Marina is a family-owned and operated campground located on Jonathan Creek, an inlet of scenic Kentucky Lake. Enjoy quiet, relaxing days filled with the natural beauty of Kentucky Lake and its abundance of activities.
Calvert City
- Apple Valley Hillbilly Garden and Toyland: Step into a world of whimsey, featuring creative, one-of-a-kind sculptures like none you’ve ever seen. After touring the Hillbilly Garden, drift back in time to Toyland for toys that are a blast from the past. Then, visit the Country Store Museum.
- Calvert Drive-in Theater: Family-owned and operated, the Calvert Drive-in Theater is described as a throwback to the ’60s. The venue is known for its family-friendly features and affordable, delicious food, including hamburgers and cherry cake.
- Calvert City Golf and Country Club: Tee off on soft greens with a view of wetlands wildlife. Play on a par 72, 18 hole golf course designed by Harold England, which has been bringing beauty and relaxation to Calvert City residents and guests since 1970. The venue also has a swimming pool and country club
Hardin
- Kenlake State Park Resort: Nested among the woods that line the shores of Kentucky Lake, the Kenlake State Park Resort offers not only lodging, but also swimming, boating, fishing, hiking, swimming, tennis, and also features an outdoor theater and playgrounds.
Things to do in McCracken County
Paducah
- Museums: Paducah, the primary city in McCracken County, is chock full of museums, including the National Quilt Museum, Lloyd Tilghman House and Civil War Museum, William Clark Market House Museum, and the Paducah Railroad Museum.
- River Discovery Center: One of the most exciting places in Paducah to visit is the River Discovery Center, where you can learn via a Skipper Program, an Animal Encounter Program, and a Mound Builder Program. Then, discover river bottoms, river habitats, and take a ride on a boat simulator, visit music stations, learn about Civil War history, and more.
- Historic Downtown and the Riverfront: Meander along streets lined with historical buildings turned modern-day boutiques, small family-owned businesses, and restaurant options from casual bites to a fine dining experience, all overlooking the Ohio River.
- Lower Town Arts District: Delight your inner muse while appreciating old-time architecture in the Lower Town Arts District. Here, historic homes have been creatively repurposed to house artist studios and galleries. Thanks to the Artisan Relocation Program, Paducah’s oldest neighborhood, drenched in nostalgia, now encompasses the Paducah School of Art and Design. Besides art exhibits, the area also offers hands-on, creative experiences, special events, including a music festival, and more.
- Purple Toad Winery: Paducah’s first winery, the Purple Toad Winery is family owned and operated. It’s also the largest winery in Kentucky. Of course, you can experience wine tastings and purchase your favorite bottle, but there are also special events and festivities like live music, a fall festival, winter festival, and more.
- Paducah Wall to Wall: Paducah’s history is artistically displayed on a series of brick walls in creative murals at the Paducah Wall to Wall art scene. More than a painting on canvas, the Paducah Wall to Wall Project consists of a collection of murals sponsored by the community’s members and local business. The venue is well maintained with sidewalks, lighting, and landscaping. It’s also open 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
Conclusion
No matter your age, interest, or background, there’s something for you to do in Western Kentucky. Within the counties of Graves, Marshall, and McCracken in Kentucky, there are a plethora of indoor and outdoor activities to keep you occupied.
Western Kentucky offers swimming, fishing, boating, camping, golf, museums, art galleries, live theater, drive-in movies,
The community is infused with history, art and culture, entertainment, and recreation. Whether you’re looking for indoor activities or an outdoor adventure, there’s always something to do in Western Kentucky.
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