Owensboro Travel Guide

Trek Zone

City

Facts and practical information

Situated in the heart of the picturesque Kentucky region, Owensboro is a vibrant city that offers a perfect blend of natural beauty, rich history, and cultural experiences. Known as the "Barbecue Capital of the World," this charming city is a haven for food enthusiasts and offers a plethora of activities for visitors of all ages.

One of the main highlights of Owensboro is its stunning riverfront, which stretches along the Ohio River. Here, visitors can enjoy breathtaking views, take leisurely walks, or even embark on a river cruise to soak in the serene surroundings. The riverfront is also home to a range of events and festivals throughout the year, including the famous Owensboro BBQ Festival, where visitors can indulge in mouthwatering barbecue dishes and experience the city's culinary heritage.

For history buffs, Owensboro is a treasure trove of captivating stories and landmarks. The Owensboro Museum of Science and History is a must-visit attraction, housing fascinating exhibits that showcase the city's past and its impact on Kentucky's development. Additionally, the Owensboro Museum of Fine Art features an impressive collection of regional and international artworks, providing a glimpse into the city's cultural heritage.

Nature lovers will find solace in the abundance of outdoor activities Owensboro has to offer. The Western Kentucky Botanical Garden is a serene oasis, featuring meticulously designed gardens, walking trails, and a butterfly house. Visitors can immerse themselves in the tranquility of nature while admiring the vibrant flora and fauna.

Owensboro is also a hub for music enthusiasts, with a vibrant music scene deeply rooted in bluegrass and country music traditions. The International Bluegrass Music Museum is a testament to this rich musical heritage, offering interactive exhibits, live performances, and educational programs.

No visit to Owensboro is complete without savoring its renowned barbecue cuisine. With a wide range of barbecue restaurants and food festivals, visitors can indulge in mouthwatering dishes that have made the city a culinary destination. From smoked meats to savory sauces, Owensboro's barbecue scene is an experience that will delight the taste buds.

Alternative names: Settled: 1797Established: 1817 (207 years ago)Population: 59 thous.Area: 21.66 mi²Elevation: 397 ft a.s.l.Coordinates: 37°46'2"N, 87°6'45"W

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KentuckyUnited States

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Owensboro Top Attractions

Owensboro Attractions - What to See and Explore

Owensboro offers many attractions and places to visit. Here are the most important ones: Confederate Monument in Owensboro, St. Stephen Cathedral, William H. Natcher Bridge, RiverPark EyeCare. Below you will find a complete list of places worth visiting.

Monuments and statues • Old Owensboro
Confederate Monument in Owensboro
The Confederate Monument in Owensboro, Ky. is a bronze sculpture on a granite pedestal, located at the southwest corner of the Daviess County Courthouse lawn in Owensboro, Kentucky.
Church • Northwest Side
St. Stephen Cathedral
St. Stephen Cathedral is a Catholic cathedral and parish church located in Owensboro, Kentucky, United States. It is the seat of the Diocese of Owensboro.
Bridge
William H. Natcher Bridge
The William H. Natcher Bridge is a cable-stayed bridge that carries U.S. Highway 231 over the Ohio River. The bridge connects Owensboro, Kentucky to Rockport, Indiana and opened on October 21, 2002.

37°46'33"N • 87°6'34"W
RiverPark EyeCare
Concerts and shows • Concert hall • Theater
Bridge
Owensboro Bridge
The Owensboro Bridge is a continuous truss bridge that spans the Ohio River between Owensboro, Kentucky and Spencer County, Indiana. Dedicated to the memory of the late U.S. Congressman Glover H. Cary and often called the "Glover Cary Bridge," the bridge opened to traffic in September 1940.
Cemetery • Seven Hills
Rosehill Elmwood Cemetery
Rosehill Elmwood Cemetery is located at 1300 Old Hartford Road Owensboro Daviess County Kentucky. There are about 55,000 interments. It is officially recognized as a historical landmark by the state of Kentucky.
Church • Gothic Revival architecture
St. Joseph's Catholic Church
The St. Joseph Catholic Church in Owensboro, Kentucky, United States was a historic church at 4th and Clay Streets which was built in 1878 and demolished in 1989. It was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1983.
Synagogue • Old Owensboro
Temple Adath Israel
Temple Adath Israel, is a synagogue in Owensboro, Kentucky. The Moorish Revival facade of the modest building features a gothic-arched door flanked by a pair of gothic-arched windows punctuated by four pilasters.
Beaux-Arts architecture • Northwest Side
Callas Sweet Shop
The Callas Sweet Shop, at 420 Frederica Ave. in Owensboro, Kentucky was built in Beaux Arts style in 1921. It was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1986.
Specialty museum • Museum
International Bluegrass Music Museum
The Bluegrass Music Hall of Fame & Museum is a bluegrass music museum in Owensboro, Kentucky, United States. The museum has interactive exhibits, posters, costumes, live instrument demonstrations, and the International Bluegrass Music Association's Hall of Fame. The museum has 64,000 square feet of exhibits and offices on three floors.
37°45'55"N • 87°5'22"W
Felix Grimes House
The Felix Grimes House, at 1301 Leitchfield Rd. in Owensboro, Kentucky, was perhaps built around 1867–76. It was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1975.
37°46'12"N • 87°6'23"W
Yewell House
The Yewell House, at 630 Clay St. in Owensboro, Kentucky, was built in 1894. It is Queen Anne in style. It was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1986. It was deemed significant in 1986 "as an outstanding example of the Queen Anne style of architecture.
Park
Ben Hawes Golf Course and Park
Ben Hawes Golf Course and Park is a park located just outside Owensboro, Kentucky, in Daviess County. The park encompasses 297 acres, and was named after the former Mayor of Owensboro, Benjamin W. Hawes. It was acquired by the City of Owensboro in 1962. The Park opened Memorial Day in 1964.
37°46'27"N • 87°5'31"W
Le Vega Clements House
Le Vega Clements House, at 1500 N. Highland Ave. in Owensboro, Kentucky, was built in 1894. It was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1986. It is a two-story, double-pile brick house, with a projecting three-story hexagonal tower. It is Queen Anne in style.
37°46'36"N • 87°8'41"W
Western Kentucky Botanical Gardens Park
Garden • Park
Botanical garden • Dogwood Azalea
Western Kentucky Botanical Garden
The Western Kentucky Botanical Garden is a botanical garden in Owensboro, Kentucky. The garden contains several themed gardens, including a large collection of daylilies with an American Hemerocallis Society-recognized display garden.
37°45'52"N • 87°8'17"W
Dugan Best Recreational Center
Park • Dugan Best
37°46'24"N • 87°6'44"W
Odd Fellows Building
The Odd Fellows Building in Owensboro, Kentucky, also denoted DAOB 86, is a three-story building that was built in 1895. It served historically as a professional building, as a clubhouse, and as a specialty store.
Church • Northwest Side
Trinity Episcopal Church
The Trinity Episcopal Church in Owensboro, Kentucky, is a historic church at 403 W. 5th Street. It was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1972.

Day trips

Owensboro – popular in the area (distance from the center)

In the vicinity of Owensboro, it's worth seeing attractions such as: Bosse Field (Evansville), The Voyage Roller Coaster (Santa Claus), The Raven Roller Coaster (Santa Claus).

29 milesNW
Sport venue, Sport, Arenas and stadiums
Bosse Field, Evansville
Bosse Field is a classic piece of Americana nestled in the heart of Evansville, Indiana. As one of the nation's oldest ballparks, this stadium has been a hub of activity since its opening in 1915. It's not just a place for sports fans; history buffs and architecture...
27 milesNE
Amusement, Amusement park, Amusement ride
The Voyage Roller Coaster, Santa Claus
The Voyage is a wooden roller coaster located at Holiday World & Splashin' Safari in Santa Claus, Indiana.
27 milesNE
Amusement, Amusement park, Amusement ride
The Raven Roller Coaster, Santa Claus
The Raven is a wooden roller coaster at Holiday World & Splashin' Safari's Halloween section in Santa Claus, Indiana, United States.
27 milesNE
Amusement, Amusement park, Amusement ride
The Legend Roller Coaster, Santa Claus
The Legend is a wooden roller coaster at Holiday World & Splashin' Safari in Santa Claus, Indiana, United States. It was designed and built beginning in 1999 by Custom Coasters International, with the help of designers Dennis McNulty and Larry Bill; it opened on May 6, 2000.
22 milesNW
Museum, Native American architecture
Angel Mounds, Evansville
Angel Mounds State Historic Site, an expression of the Mississippian culture, is an archaeological site managed by the Indiana State Museum and Historic Sites that includes more than 600 acres of land about 8 miles southeast of present-day Evansville, in Vanderburgh and Warrick counties in Indiana.

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Best Time To Visit Owensboro

Learn when is the best time to travel to Owensboro weather-wise and what to expect in each season.

Popularity among visitors

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May is the most popular and therefore the most crowded month to visit this location. Many people also choose to visit in June, July, August and September.

Average temperatures in °F

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The highest air temperature is in June, July and August. While the coldest is in January.

Monthly rainfall in inches

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The lowest rainfall is recorded in January and October. Most of it rains in March, April and May.

Length of day in hours

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We can expect the longest days in June, while the shortest in December.

Sunrise

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What are the top attractions to visit in Owensboro?

The top attractions to visit in Owensboro are:

What is the best time to visit Owensboro?

May is the most popular and therefore the most crowded month to visit this location. Many people also choose to visit in June, July, August and September. The highest air temperature is in June, July and August. While the coldest is in January.