Western Kentucky

Travel Guide

Photo provided by www.kentuckytourism.com
Photo provided by www.kentuckytourism.com
Photo provided by www.kentuckytourism.com
Photo provided by Southernmost Illinois Tourism Bureau
Photo provided by Southernmost Illinois Tourism Bureau

Tap your toes to the rhythms of musical Western Kentucky, a region with a rich character, historic communities and atmospheric natural beauty.

Listen for the twang of banjoes and the strains of blues riffs in Western Kentucky, a soulful region that has inspired many musical greats. Roam the waterlands around the Mississippi and Ohio rivers to discover what makes this region so special or visit simply for a vacation relaxing by picturesque lakes and rivers. The welcoming locals will greet you with a friendly smile and a full plate of delicious, barbecued food.

Wonder at the mysteries of Western Kentucky’s past at the Wickliffe Mounds. Native Americans of the Mississippian culture built a village here and farmed the land, before abandoning the site for unknown reasons in the 14th century. For further regional history, explore the Wrather West Kentucky Museum in Murray.

Embark on a musical pilgrimage throughout Western Kentucky, which was the birthplace of famed musicians such as the Everly Brothers and W.C. Handy. The International Bluegrass Music Museum in Owensboro charts the rise of the state’s favorite genre and often hosts concerts by popular Kentucky acts.

Stroll around historic downtown districts in cities such as Paducah and Henderson. Paducah features the National Quilt Museum, dedicated to the traditional craft of quilt making, and the family-friendly River Discovery Center. Follow in the footsteps of naturalist John James Audubon in the Audubon Museum and Nature Center, located in Henderson.

See more of the naturalist’s influence in John James Audubon State Park, which features hiking trails through scenic woods. Bring your binoculars to watch the trees for rare birds or rent a boat to paddle around the park’s lake.

Splash about in the fun parks and beaches of the Land Between the Lakes National Recreation Area. Embrace the outdoors on walking trails or find a place to relax on its 300 miles (483 kilometers) of undeveloped shores.

The nearest international airport to Western Kentucky is located in Nashville, Tennessee. Board a flight in Chicago to land at Barkley Regional Airport, in Paducah. Western Kentucky stays warm throughout the year. Visit in summer and cool off from the heat by swimming in the lakes and rivers of the region.

Where to stay in Western Kentucky

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Kentucky Bend

Restaurants and shopping are just a few things travelers like about Kentucky Bend. A stop by Mississippi River is also recommended if you've got time to explore the area.

Kentucky Bend
Kentucky Dam Village State Resort Park

Kentucky Dam Village State Resort Park

3 out of 5
113 Administration Drive, Gilbertsville, KY
The price is P5,021 per night from Aug 13 to Aug 14
P5,021
P5,535 total
Aug 13 - Aug 14
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3-star beach hotel in Gilbertsville. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and an outdoor pool. Our guests praise the restaurant and the helpful staff ...
9/10 Wonderful! (1,009 reviews)
"Always a great place to stay!"

Reviewed on Aug 8, 2025

Kentucky Dam Village State Resort Park
Greenfield Inn & Suites Owensboro, KY Airport

Greenfield Inn & Suites Owensboro, KY Airport

2.5 out of 5
3220 W Parrish Ave, Owensboro, KY
The price is P5,138 per night from Aug 12 to Aug 13
P5,138
P5,991 total
Aug 12 - Aug 13
includes taxes & fees
Book a stay at this business-friendly hotel in Owensboro. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (1,002 reviews)
"It was amazing! Great people!"

Reviewed on Aug 7, 2025

Greenfield Inn & Suites Owensboro, KY Airport
Drury Inn Paducah

Drury Inn Paducah

3 out of 5
3975 Hinkleville Rd, Paducah, KY
The price is P5,366 per night from Aug 17 to Aug 18
P5,366
P6,314 total
Aug 17 - Aug 18
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3-star business-friendly hotel in Paducah. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (1,007 reviews)
"Outstanding facility. Tommy, Phyllis and the rest of the staff were pleasant and very helpful. We stayed there last year on our trip to Chicago ND will stay again on the way back to Florida."

Reviewed on Aug 8, 2025

Drury Inn Paducah
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Natural Bridge State Resort Park

Natural Bridge State Resort Park

3.5 out of 5
2135 Natural Bridge Road, Slade, KY
Stay at this 3.5-star cabin in Slade. Enjoy free breakfast, free parking, and an outdoor pool. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in our ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (1,656 reviews)
"Great place"

Reviewed on Aug 9, 2025

Natural Bridge State Resort Park
Stellar Suites

Stellar Suites

4.5 out of 5
822 E Market St, Louisville, KY
Stay at this 4.5-star luxury aparthotel in Louisville. Enjoy free WiFi, free bicycles on site, and in-room massages. Popular attractions Whiskey Row and KFC ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (100 reviews)
Our sons 21st birthday getaway
"Overall was a great trip. Downfalls we experienced our room smelled like plant food but was clean. A little room air freshener then it was good. The plants made it feel homie. We had to pay for parking due to event we were unaware of prior to arriving. Loved the little kitchen it had in the room, ..."

Reviewed on Jul 20, 2025

Stellar Suites
The Lodges at Eden Reserve

The Lodges at Eden Reserve

3 out of 5
500 Mercedes Dr, Williamstown, KY
Stay at this 3-star cabin in Williamstown. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a picnic area. Popular attractions Ark Encounter and William Arnold Log House are ...
9.8/10 Exceptional! (36 reviews)
Must stay!!
"Amazing property and location."

Reviewed on Aug 5, 2025

The Lodges at Eden Reserve
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

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