Texaco Lowertown Visitors' Center

0.5 mi

We enjoyed visiting Paducah for the first time in Early June 2025. The Paducah convention and this…read moreThursday Bureau was very beneficial to learning about the various museums and locally owned shops and restaurants were available to us.

From the owner: Welcoming you to Paducah, Kentucky with visitor information and assistance for individuals and…read moregroups! Looking for directions or up-to-date event information? Our knowledgeable team is here to help! Connect and explore at paducah.travel, the official destination resource, featuring interactive maps and inspiration guides that invite you to customize the local experience to your travel style.

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Fort Massac State Park

3.9

(16 reviews)

7.1 mi

Stayed in the campground, which is open year-round. They have a new bath house with 8…read moreseparate/private restroom/showers. 6 are locked up for the season. For the two that are open, the rooms are blazing hot but the showers are very cold. Not quite ice cold but the are not even "like warm". Totally unacceptable. They need to take the money wasted on overheating the rooms to heating the water to a reasonable temperature.

The highlight of this park is a reconstructed wooden fort, which overlooks the river and is fairly…read moreimpressive. I assume there is some more action during business hours as it wasn't the most happening place in the evening. There are a variety of trails and other facilities, as well as a disc golf course. Maps suggest that a road leads to another forest park, but the road does become unpaved dirt and gravel before the point of crossing under the main highway. The water fountains did not work for me. It is a free park with some interesting features and a variety of possible uses.

Statue of the man who led the capture of the Fort

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Trail of Tears State Park

(2 reviews)

54.8 mi

I stopped here on a road trip. The visitor center was shut down due to COVID-19 but it was still…read moreeasy to find my way around. I went to the scenic overlook and got a great view of the muddy Mississippi River. we (me and my dogs) then hiked a mile, which wasn't bad. but it was hilly. there was also a lake where people were swimming. this a great park, if you are driving through the area be sure to stop by and enjoy the nature it has to offer.

A lot of sad but informative history at the visitors center, don't pass it by. The visitors center…read morealso features wildlife of the area, and the staff is helpful and knowledgeable. Camping, swimming, picnic areas available. Couple of nice lookout points for photos.

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Giant City State Park

4.4

(34 reviews)

47.9 mi

Although short, I had a great time exploring the park. The trail that I really wanted to see was…read moreinaccessible because of construction. The visitors center is also wonderful and I highly recommend exploring this park especially in spring or Fall. There are several accessible trails.

Even though me and my wife were disappointed that we didn't have time to check out the Welcome…read moreCenter since it was closed down Memorial Day we were able to check out a few of the trails at Giant City state park. I enjoyed the mixed variety of Trail Lengths mainly just because I'm not much of a hiker myself. The state park is actually a solid place to check out if you're in the area or are coming to the area since there's many things to check out especially on this side of the Shawnee National Forest compared to the east side. There's plenty of parking spaces and amenities at most of these trailheads. The area is still a well-kept secret in my opinion that I don't feel like a lot of tourists still come and check out. Overall, the state park is actually worth checking out and thankfully the parking is free or you don't need a parking pass of any source

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Hopkinsville - Christian County Convention & Visitor's Bureau

64.8 mi

Visit Hopkinsville and come to this place first!…read more One of the best visitor centers I ever went to in my travels. This is the place to go to see the amazing things Hopkinsville has to offer. Amy Rodgers was very professional, gracious, and helpful in giving me a brief tour of Hopkinsville. The visitor center was about to close in 13 minutes, yet she encouraged me to take my time. I loved how everything was displayed and how you could rent a bicycle from there to tour the surrounding area. I learned so much about Hopkinsville in my brief visit there. I saw that they had a free African American tour you could dial in from your cellphone, the "Dark Side" of Hopkinsville, and so much more. Finding the address was a little difficult on my navigator. Postcards are not free like most postcards in visitor centers. They do have free items like chapstick, pens, a cloth bag, a cd of "the little green me" or aliens in the area, and notepads. I bought some stickers and postcards. My favorite purchase was a metal five pointed rustic star. Despite the time constraints, I was very happy and satisfied with my visit there.

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John James Audubon State Park

4.5

(16 reviews)

75.2 mi

By far one of the nicest State Parks we've ever visited and we've been to quite a few of them. We…read morewere there during the leaf change and the colors were spectacular. They have one of the finest museums with so many Audubon artifacts that you can't see all of them in one visit. They also have a beautiful lake, nice cabins and a very well run, clean Campground. If you're looking for a nice place to visit this is it.

We love hiking around this park. It's close, the trails are easy to hike. You can't get lost, they…read moreall circle around. Lot's of woodpeckers. It's interesting to see actual Audubon prints.

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Depot Community Room

75.9 mi

I don't normally review visiters centers. They are what they are. But I'm recommending this one!…read moreIt's absolutely beautiful. The building houses a gift shop and art gallery. But most important to note is the staff. Yes they are full of knowledge. Yes they are very helpful. But most of all the are full of Souther Hospitality. Heather, who works in the gift shop is the most shining example of this. She could not possibly be more helpful or more friendly. I highly recommend that you make this your first stop when visiting Henderson and hope Heather is working the day you do.

Garden of the Gods

4.9

(50 reviews)

37.1 mi

My wife and I wanted to check this place out since it was on her bucket list and apparently it…read morebecame on my bucket list as well since I love to see some other worldly things in my own home state of illinois. Thankfully we lucked out and we didn't get rained on but this place was still pretty busy. Depending on when you show up parking can be a bit Limited. The trails to the top is not too long either but the interaction is so long and breathtaking. I've never been to a park since I've been to Matheson State Park where you are able to climb on every little thing. The views here and the experience is unlike any other. It felt like I was back in the Smoky Mountains but with less tourists. They have public restrooms here as well though if there's a line it could take a while. Me and my wife spent a good few hours here and if you follow the trail it will take you right back to the parking lot. We also enjoyed that this place is also dog friendly too!

Glad we went the route we did which is to the right as opposed to the left. This has the frequent…read morestairs/incline with is better for my knees than the sharp decline if we were to go the other way. I also liked that the multiple or compiled sandstones was the last we saw as opposed to the first, like a grand finale. And then the gradual decline on the way down to complete the circle. This is a very quick route where you can see the famous camel rock actually many of the rocks look like faces ;)

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Paducah / I-24 / Kentucky Lake KOA

4.0

(22 reviews)

15.1 mi

A quiet place to relax and enjoy the outdoors. Very large campground with beautiful views of…read morenature, legacy trees, and wild flowers. Mockingbirds and Redbirds galore. Roam through the woods and hunt for Jasper gemstones. Just off I-24, easy off, easy on and very quiet.

Enjoyed our RV site! It was Spacious, clean, and surrounded by nature, it's ideal for relaxing or…read moreexploring nearby attractions. Full hookups, easy access for all sizes of rigs, and a peaceful atmosphere made it the perfect spot. Easy off and on I24 but far enough where the noise doesn't reach you. We will be back for sure!!

Large swimming pool

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Auburn Place Hotel & Suites

This was one of the nicest places I ever stayed at it gets A plus. Our room was so clean I met…read moreShannon and she was so kind helped me find my way around the motel. Breakfast was delicious and hot cook did a wonderful job keeping up with servicing the breakfast bar. Front desk people were great with customer service and all were kind and friendly. Construction was going on so pool was closed but next trip into this area I will stay and enjoy the crystal clear waters.

What an amazing hotel.... we have stayed there numerous times and I had never thought to Yelp this…read moreestablishment, but I am now.... From the time we got there till the time we left each and every staff member was fabulous. It was very refreshing to have staff members, friendly, smiling and happy. This is being written April 2026. They are remodeling the first floor so we stayed on the second floor. Our room was extremely nice. Very clean and I am very picky. Our room looks to have been completely remodeled within the last 2 to 3 months... The Auburn is conveniently located next to a exit ramp. You don't have to go search for it in a conglomeration of industrial area. They have a very nice restaurant attached Rafferty's excellent food also other restaurants and gas stations nearby along with a brand new coffee shop.

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Swim area

Texaco Lowertown Visitors' Center - landmarks - Updated July 2026

People who viewed Texaco Lowertown Visitors' Center also viewed

Boy Scout Troop 1

The Boy Scouts organization had to start somewhere and that place is... not Paducah. Instead,…read morePaducah has one of the oldest troops in the organization with this marker pointing out the history. On the front, "The Boy Scouts of America was incorporated on February 8, 1910. During that first year, Reverend Clinton S. Quin, Rector of Grace Episcopal Church, organized Troop 1 in Paducah. By 2016, Grace Episcopal Church had continuously chartered Troop 1 for more than a century, providing meeting facilities and volunteer leadership. Over." And on the reverse, "Documented as the seventh-oldest troop in the United States, Troop 1 is a member of the Lincoln Heritage Council, one of the oldest local councils serving both urban & rural areas in the nation. Troop 1 works to promote the principles written in the Scout Oath and Scout Law which foster spirit, instill service, and develop leadership skills." The Boy Scouts of America is one of the largest scouting organizations and one of the largest youth organizations in the United States, with about 1.2 million youth participants. The stated mission of the Boy Scouts of America is to "prepare young people to make ethical and moral choices over their lifetimes by instilling in them the values of the Scout Oath and Law." Youth are trained in responsible citizenship, character development, and self-reliance through participation in a wide range of outdoor activities, educational programs, and, at older age levels, career-oriented programs in partnership with community organizations. [Review 16320 overall - 133 in Kentucky - 1827 of 2021.]

Paducah - McCracken County Historical Marker

On a busy surface street in front of a business selling yard sheds, this marker points out the…read morehistory of the city of Paducah and McCracken County. There is parking nearby though not on the road. The front of the marker reads, "Paducah. McCracken county seat, founded by General William Clark, of Lewis and Clark Expedition, at confluence of Ohio and Tennessee rivers. Named for legendary Indian Chief Paduke. Home of Vice President Alben Barkley and birthplace of Irvin S. Cobb. First occupied in Civil War by General US Grant. Became supply base of his Mississippi River campaign. Great Atomic Energy Plant nearby." And the reverse, "McCracken County. Formed, 1824, from Hickman County. Named for Captain Virgil McCracken of Woodford County, Ky., who was killed in Battle of River Raisin near Detroit during War of 1812. Area 237 square miles. Ohio and Tennessee rivers brought industry dependent on river transportation. First county seat at Wilmington, 1825, and moved to Paducah, 1832. Government is County Commission." This is marker number 840 and it was erected by the Kentucky Historical Commission. [Review 1233 of 2024 - 264 in Kentucky - 22256 overall]

$5 Bought Paducah Historical Marker

You've heard the story about buying the island of Manhattan for $24? Well, now you can learn…read moresomeone paid $5 for Paducah. This marker is located quite close to the river and it reads, "In 1827, Gen. Wm. Clark purchased 37,000 acres of land, including the site on which Paducah now stands, for $5. This land, part of a Revolutionary War grant to his brother, George Rogers Clark, was secured from George Woolfolk, of Louisville, who had been named administrator of George Rogers Clark's estate when he died. Marker presented by Hart's Bread, 1967." [Review 16314 overall - 128 in Kentucky - 1821 of 2021.]

McCracken County Public Library

4.3

(3 reviews)

If you think the library is just a quiet place all about books, you are WRONG!! The McCracken…read moreLibrary is a very underutilized resource in our area. They have activities for all ages groups. They will help you with your computer or tablet, and they offer a variety of classes. Thursday night game night is a great time with your family. The list could go on and on. I suggest you pick up an event calendar and try something new.

Well, I don't really have much experience with other libraries, but I can't imagine one being any…read morebetter than this one in a city the size of Paducah. Always helpful, always well-staffed, always clean. Having a large family, we are there pretty often for movies, books, and the special programs. Of course, there is a large selection of books, but it's the other stuff that my family loves. Its downtown location also provides convenient internet access for a large amount of the population, I think that's an excellent service to the community!

Lewis and Clark in Kentucky

Located in a parking lot right next to the Flood Wall Murals, this marker points out that the Lewis…read moreand Clark expedition spent some time right here in Kentucky on their journey to explore the west. On the front of the marker, "Lewis and Clark, with the nucleus of the Corps of Discovery, stayed in present McCracken Co. in Nov. 1803 while traveling down the Ohio River on their journey to the Pacific. Clark returned in 1827 to establish Paducah. Over." On the reverse, "Nov. 11-13, 1803, Lewis and Clark stopped at Ft. Massac, Ill., near present-day Paducah and recruited men, including Indian interpreter George Drouillard. On Nov. 13, they camped in area of Metropolis Lake State Nature Preserve." The Lewis and Clark Expedition from August 31, 1803, to September 25, 1806, also known as the Corps of Discovery Expedition, was the United States expedition to cross the newly acquired western portion of the country after the Louisiana Purchase. The Corps of Discovery was a select group of U.S. Army and civilian volunteers under the command of Captain Meriwether Lewis and his close friend Second Lieutenant William Clark. The expedition made its way westward, and crossed the Continental Divide of the Americas before reaching the Pacific Coast. [Review 16318 overall - 131 in Kentucky - 1825 of 2021.]

Wacinton Totem

4.0

This mildly creepy but well executed totem is Wacinton and the marker points out the history. It is…read morewell worth checking it out so appreciate the artistry on display. It reads, "Wacinton. (To have understanding.) Hand chiseled from a local 56,000 pound Red Oak to honor the Chickasaw Indians who lived and hunted in this area until the Jackson Purchase, 1818. By Sculptor Peter "Wolf" Toth. Dedicated May 26, 1985 to the City of Paducah and the Commonwealth of Kentucky. Mayor Joe Viterisi. Commissioners P. J. Grumley * Harold Ford * Robert Coleman * Hal Cole" There is parking in the neighboring event center. [Review 1237 of 2024 - 268 in Kentucky - 22260 overall]

Fern Lake Campground

4.6

(14 reviews)

We were in Paducah to attend the 2026 Quilt show. The reservation process was simple, affordable,…read moreand completed several months in advance. Check-in was efficient, and the staff was exceptionally helpful. Throughout our stay, we experienced no issues with the water supply, electrical, or sewage systems. Our pull-through site accommodated our 35-foot trailer without difficulty. While the Wi-Fi, as is common in RV parks, was not optimal for streaming, it was sufficient for basic phone and tablet use. The water had a noticeable chlorine taste, but our in-line filter and Brita pitcher resolved this. Paducah was conveniently located, offering a wider selection of stores and restaurants than anticipated. The campground offered various activities during our visit. Each morning, a vendor sold fresh baked goods, jams, and jellies, which we found to be very good. Mark Cope provided a BBQ wagon, and his BBQ and potato salad were also excellent. The park also hosted an ice cream social and a wine tasting by "Purple Toad Winery," a family-owned winery in Paducah, KY. There is a lake on-site where fishing is available, and bait is sold. We will certainly choose Fern Lake Campground for our next visit.

Had reservations for a two night stay. Check in was quick and friendly. Site was clean and level…read more Wi-Fi was strong. Right off of 24w. Very quiet and peaceful. Downtown area 15 minutes away. Walked to dinner (great Mexican restaurant). Would stay again!

Horse Water Fountain

This is one of those weird roadside things that I just can't pass up. Buried behind some shrubbery…read morethat needs some serious maintenance, this is a water fountain for horses. Yes, I've seen hundreds of people water fountains and dozens of dog water fountains, but this is the absolute first water fountain for horses. There are two plaques. The one at horse eye level reads "1907 presented by the National Human Alliance. Hermon Lee Jenson Founder." The one at ground level, "This horse watering fountain moved by Beasley Monument Company 15 feet southward from a former location June 1, 1979 at the direction of H. Eugene Katterjohn, Jr. This marker placed September 1993." The fountain itself doesn't look clean enough for horses to drink from at the moment, aside from the fact that the bushes need trimming. [Review 16306 overall - 122 in Kentucky - 1812 of 2021.]

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