Paducah, a river city, is located at the confluence of the Ohio and Tennessee Rivers in extreme western Kentucky just over the border from Illinois. While its river location defined the town's past as depicted on flood wall murals, Paducah today defines itself as a Mecca for artists through an artist relocation program. Over 45 painters, potters, printmakers and other artisans from around the world have been drawn to the river city so far.
On a horse-drawn carriage trip through the historic downtown, stop at River Heritage Museum, housed in the oldest standing structure in the area, to learn about the four rivers region (the Ohio, Tennessee, Cumberland and Mississippi). Travel on to the Museum of the American Quilter's Society, the largest quilt museum in the world, with over 100 on display. The 1905 Market House is home to the William Clark Market House Museum, Yeiser Art Center and Market House Theatre.
View the works of artists drawn to Paducah in the Lowertown Fine Arts District or "LoTo". Studios and galleries in this, the city's oldest neighborhood, are housed in Queen Anne homes, restored 1930s grocery stores and Italianate mansions. On weekends, enjoy new release independent films at historic Maiden Alley Cinema. Luther F. Carson Four Rivers Center features year-round entertainment events.
Enjoy the great outdoors at Metropolis Lake State Nature Preserve and see this natural lake surrounded by bald cypress and swamp tupelo. West Kentucky Wildlife Management Area offers seven fishing ponds, hiking, camping and horseback riding. Enjoy live harness horse racing at Players Bluegrass Downs or stockcar racing at Paducah International Raceway.
Dining options range from more than a half dozen barbecue spots to a variety of restaurants in the downtown area such as C.C. Cohen's Restaurant & Bar.
Paducah is located on the Ohio River in extreme western Kentucky, halfway between Nashville, TN and St. Louis, MO along I-24.
