Paducah Travel Guide

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Located in the western region of Kentucky, Paducah is a charming city that offers visitors a unique blend of history, culture, and natural beauty. With its rich heritage, vibrant arts scene, and stunning riverfront views, Paducah has something to offer every traveler.

One of the highlights of Paducah is its historic downtown district. Stroll along the picturesque streets lined with beautifully preserved Victorian buildings, and explore the boutique shops, art galleries, and antique stores that dot the area. The National Quilt Museum is a must-visit for anyone interested in textile art, showcasing an impressive collection of quilts from around the world.

For a taste of Paducah's cultural scene, head to the Lower Town Arts District. This vibrant neighborhood is home to a thriving community of artists, who open their studios to the public during the popular Paducah's Artist Relocation Program. Explore the galleries, meet the artists, and discover unique artworks, from paintings to sculptures to ceramics.

Nature enthusiasts will find plenty to enjoy in Paducah as well. The city is nestled along the Ohio River, offering scenic riverfront views and opportunities for boating, fishing, and leisurely walks along the riverwalk. The nearby Shawnee National Forest is a haven for hikers, with its miles of trails winding through lush forests and dramatic rock formations.

History buffs will appreciate Paducah's role as a key player in the Civil War. Visit the Lloyd Tilghman House and Civil War Museum to learn about the city's strategic importance and explore artifacts from this tumultuous period in American history. The Paducah Railroad Museum is another fascinating stop, showcasing the city's railway heritage.

When it comes to dining, Paducah offers a range of options to suit every palate. From cozy cafes serving up Southern comfort food to upscale restaurants specializing in farm-to-table cuisine, there's something to satisfy every craving. Don't miss the chance to sample Paducah's famous barbecue, a local specialty that will leave you wanting more.

Alternative names: Established: 1830 (194 years ago)Population: 24.9 thous.Area: 20.63 mi²Elevation: 338 ft a.s.l.Coordinates: 37°5'13"N, 88°36'4"W

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KentuckyUnited States

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Paducah Top Attractions

Paducah Attractions - What to See and Explore

Paducah offers many attractions and places to visit. Here are the most important ones: The National Quilt Museum, River Discovery Center, St. Francis de Sales Catholic Church, Lloyd Tilghman House. Below you will find a complete list of places worth visiting.

Museum • Fashion museum • Art museum
The National Quilt Museum
The National Quilt Museum, located in Paducah, Kentucky, is an art museum that exhibits fiber art and quilting from around the world. The museum is recognized by USA Today as one of the world's top quilt displays. This textile museum supports local and expert quilters by providing workshops and other educational activities.
37°5'15"N • 88°35'39"W
River Discovery Center
Museum • Specialty museum
Church • Downtown Paducah
St. Francis de Sales Catholic Church
The St. Francis DeSales Roman Catholic Church is a historic church building at 116 S. 6th Street in Paducah, Kentucky. It was built in 1899 and, together with its 1927-built rectory, was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1979.

Museum • History museum
Lloyd Tilghman House
The Lloyd Tilghman House is an historic home located in downtown Paducah, Kentucky, United States. It is also known as the Tilghman-Woolfolk House and the Lloyd Tilghman House and Civil War Museum.
Bridge
Brookport Bridge
The Brookport Bridge is a ten-span, steel deck, narrow two-lane truss bridge that carries U.S. Route 45 across the Ohio River in the U.S. states of Illinois and Kentucky. It connects Paducah, Kentucky, north to Brookport, Illinois.
Monuments and statues • Fountain Avenue
Lloyd Tilghman Memorial
The Lloyd Tilghman Memorial is an historical statue located in Paducah Kentucky, honoring native son Lloyd Tilghman, a brigadier general for the Confederate States of America who died at the Battle of Champion Hill in May 1863.
37°5'35"N • 88°36'7"W
Fort Anderson
Fort Anderson, in Paducah, Kentucky was the site of the Battle of Paducah. Originally a supply depot, it was rebuilt as a seven-gun fort.
37°5'8"N • 88°35'41"W
Paducah Railroad Museum
Museum • Specialty museum • History museum
Church • Gothic Revival architecture
Grace Episcopal Church
Grace Episcopal Church is a historic church in Paducah, Kentucky. The church is located at 820 Broadway in the historic centre of Paducah, close to the Lloyd Tilghman House and Civil War Museum. A church has been on the site since 1846.
37°5'1"N • 88°38'14"W
Noble Park Pool
Park
Museum • History museum • Greek Revival architecture
David Yeiser House
The David Yeiser House is a historic residence on the western side of Paducah, a city in the far western part of the U.S. state of Kentucky.
Archaeological site • Rowlandtown
Rowlandton Mound Site
The Rowlandton Mound Site is a Mississippian culture archaeological site located in Paducah in McCracken County, Kentucky, on the edge of an old oxbow lake a little south of the Ohio River.
37°5'6"N • 88°35'42"W
Paducah Freight House
The Nashville, Chattanooga, and St. Louis Railway Office and Freight House, simply known as the Paducah Freight House, is a historic railroad freight depot located in the southern portion of downtown Paducah, Kentucky.
Obelisk • Northside
Confederate Monument in Paducah
The Confederate Monument in Paducah, located northwest of downtown Paducah, Kentucky is a historic monument located in Paducah's Oak Grove Cemetery. It was built in 1907 on behalf of the United Daughters of the Confederacy. It is a 20-foot-tall granite obelisk. Six Confederate war dead are buried by the monument.
37°4'5"N • 88°37'1"W
Brooks Stadium
Park • Cornell
Synagogue • Clay Shire
Temple Israel
Temple Israel is a Reform synagogue in Paducah, Kentucky. According to the Temple Israel website, the synagogue is home to a small Reform congregation of 32 families in 2017.
37°4'50"N • 88°35'58"W
Masonic Temple
The Masonic Temple in Paducah, Kentucky was a historic building dating from 1904. It was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 2002.
Universities and schools
West Kentucky Community and Technical College
West Kentucky Community and Technical College is a public community college in Paducah, Kentucky. It is part of the Kentucky Community and Technical College System and was formed by the 2003 consolidation of Paducah Community College and West Kentucky Technical College.

Day trips

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

In the vicinity of Paducah, it's worth seeing attractions such as: Magnolia Manor (Cairo), Adsmore (Princeton), Old Custom House (Cairo).

32 milesW
Historical place, Architecture, History museum
Magnolia Manor, Cairo
Magnolia Manor is a postbellum manor located in Cairo, Illinois, located in Alexander County. It has been listed on the National Register of Historic Places since December 17, 1969.
40 milesE
Garden, Park, Museum
Adsmore, Princeton
Adsmore is a living history museum located on North Jefferson Street in Princeton, Kentucky. It is the only living home museum in Kentucky. Its name is believed to be derived from numerous additions and renovations over 150 years.
32 milesW
Architecture, Historical place, History museum
Old Custom House, Cairo
The Old Custom House is a historic government building in downtown Cairo, Illinois. Built from 1869 to 1872, the building served as a customs house, post office, and courthouse. Alfred B. Mullett, the U.S.
23 milesS
Monuments and statues, Memorial
Wooldridge Monuments, Mayfield
The Wooldridge Monuments are a series of historical monuments located in Maplewood Cemetery of Mayfield, Kentucky. They were built for Colonel Henry G.
31 milesW
Park
Fort Defiance, Cairo
Fort Defiance, known as Camp Defiance during the American Civil War, is a former military fortification located at the confluence of the Ohio and Mississippi rivers in the city limits of Cairo, in Alexander County, Illinois.

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Best Time To Visit Paducah

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

Popularity among visitors

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July and September are the busiest months in this location. Many people also choose to visit in April, June and August.

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, August and October. Most of it rains in March, April, May and December.

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 Paducah?

The top attractions to visit in Paducah are:

What is the best time to visit Paducah?

July and September are the busiest months in this location. Many people also choose to visit in April, June and August. The highest air temperature is in June, July and August. While the coldest is in January.