I have driven through Paducah many times traveling to other cites. We usually planned this as our stop to grab a quick bite to eat and get gas before hopping back on the interstate. What I didn’t know was the wealth of history, art and other treasures available in the Lower Riverfront District. Designated as one of three UnEsco Creative Cities in the US, it’s a treasure trove of activity for the creative mind. Bryan and I recently had a chance to spend a day relaxing and exploring the sites. We parked in a huge (free!) parking lot along the river and took a few minutes to gaze at the Ohio river before turning our attention to The Floodwall Murals.
Built to protect the city after the devastating 1937 flood, this wall has been turned into a history of the city of Paducah with over 50 murals hand painted by Robert Dafford and his team of muralists. This self guided tour begins with plaques detailing the rich history of the Native Americans and first settlers and progresses to the modern years. It’s a nice, flat stroll and would be perfect for a romantic evening paired with a walk along the riverbank.
From there we walked across the parking lot to the National Quilt Museum. With over 150 quilts, this is the largest museum devoted to quilt and fiber art in the world. I wasn’t allowed to make pictures of the quilts inside the museum, but was amazed at the time and effort devoted to many of these projects. One of the quilts was made with an intricate design and had appliqued crystals on the back. A detailed statement from the quilter stated she had spent over 16,000 hours making the quilt! I was impressed and envious of her quilting skills. While the central gallery contains a permanent collection, the two side wings host new exhibitions. One of my favorite quilts contained pictures of mom’s sharing “words of wisdom” like “Don’t run with scissors. You’ll poke your eye out!” I was sure I needed to find a quilt like that for my kids! Rates are $11 for adults. Children 12 & under are free when accompanied by an adult. The museum is open from 10 AM-5 PM Monday through Saturday on on Sundays, from March 1st until November 30th, from 1:00- 5:00 PM.
Located directly across from the Floodwater Murals, the River Discovery Center is a must see for the entire family. Containing interactive exhibits sure to fascinate the kids, the museum begins with a history of the river and the earliest boats used on the river. I was surprised by how much I learned about the use of Locks and Dams and River Bottoms. I was glad the museum was not crowded the day we visited because both Bryan and I were sucked into the Boat Simulator exhibit. I’d been told “it was a kid favorite, but adults like it too” by the staff. As soon as I entered the room I knew why. This simulator is also used by the US Coast guard for training and the surroundings made us feel as if we were on a boat. We were able to choose which boat we wanted to guide, a Coast Guard boat, a barge or a speedboat, a day or night setting and the path we wanted to take along the river. Sadly, I would have been banned from actually driving a boat at night because my experience did not turn out well. The simulator was addicting and both Bryan and I kept trying different scenarios.
Stepping outside of the boat simulator, we found the 24 hours on the River exhibit, which allowed us to track the activities happening on the Riverfront and surrounding area. Be sure to take a trip upstairs to see the period furnishings and decor that would have been used in the upstairs room when the museum was first built and used as a bank and residence.
Rates for the River Discovery Center are $8 for adults and $5 for children 12 and under. The River Discovery Center is open 9:30-5:00 on Monday through Saturday and 1:00 -5:00 PM on Sunday.
Can you believe this mansion, Whitehaven, is a rest area that offers free guided tours of the home? Restored to it’s original grandeur, this Classical Revivalist mansion features period antiques and tours between the hours of 2:00 and 4:00 pm. We weren’t able to visit the upstairs due to floor stripping and waxing, but the guide graciously took us through the downstairs rooms. Once abandoned and vandalized, the lobby is open 24 hours a day for weary travelers.
Have you visited Paducah, Kentucky? What was your favorite activity?
I received complementary admission to these Paducah attractions. As always, my opinions are my own.
I live in Paducah. It is a great town full of festivals, family activities, and fun!
The mansion (now called “Whitehaven”) is my mother’s childhood home.
One of the best things about Paducah (if not THE best thing) is the BBQ. NOBODY does pulled pork BBQ like Paducah, Kentucky! I take my Mom to the Paducah “Down on the River” BBQ fest -which I’m pretty sure is this month- and we load up! I could eat it every day!!
Many, many years ago I met a view vloggers from Paducah and learned quite a bit about the city. The art scene is amazing and its not really the first thing that comes to mind when you think about Kentucky.
I have never visited Kentucky but I would love to go see the Whitehaven mansion. I bet it is incredible inside and I would like to take the tour.
The whitehaven mansion looks gorgeous, I love those old style of homes. Too bad you didn’t get to see the entire house!
my aunts were really into quilting, they’d love that museum. Everything looks so quaint and inviting
I have never been to Kentucky, so good to know where to visit, if I do go someday. I love that mansion, so beautiful!
I once applied to a job in Paducah! I know we weren’t really going to move there, but I Wanted to keep my options open. It sounds like a nice place!
This place looks amazing! I have family in Kentucky so I’ll have to keep it in mind on our next visit.
I know NOTHING of Kentucky but have a friend who just visited Paducah! How funny is that? I love seeing historical places.
I’ll have to keep this in mind if I am ever back in Kentucky! The last time we visited friends in Hopskinville, there was absolutely nothing to do!
We went thru there a few years ago. Wish we had the time to stop. Need to go back.
I love history so the museum and mansion would be first on my list. I’ve never been to Kentucky, but I’d love to at some point.
That mansion is gorgeous! We’ve been to Kentucky twice (for a long weekend.) Sadly, we’ve never visited Paducah.
Wow I love all the pictures! I love art! I’ve never been to Paducah, Kentucky but it’s only a few hours away from me! I would love to take a weekend trip there!
The amount of creativity and work required to make even 1 quilt is amazing. I think I should visit the National Quilt Museum in Paducah, Kentucky just to see all the ones on display.
I will be visiting Kentucky next year. It looks like there is a lot of great things to do.
I would love to get there someday. It sounds like a great place to visit!
Those are reasonable entry fees! I’d love to go, it sounds amazing to me!
The Mansion is beautiful. My boys are getting older and I can’t wait to take them to interesting museums and learn about history.