Location: Paducah
Top Things to do in Paducah
Countries
10 Museums in Paducah That You Shouldn't Miss
Paducah (/pəˈduːkə/) is a home rule-class city in and the county seat of McCracken County, Kentucky, United States. The largest city in the Jackson Purchase region, it is located at the confluence of the Tennessee and the Ohio rivers, halfway between St. Louis, Missouri, to the northwest and Nashville, Tennessee, to the southeast. The population was 24,864 in 2015, down from 25,024 during the 2010 U.S. Census. Twenty blocks of the city's downtown have been designated as a historic district and listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
Restaurants in Paducah
1. The National Quilt Museum
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 993 reviews
The National Quilt Museum is a nationally recognized art museum that exhibits the finest fiber art in the world. In an average year, the museum is visited by quilters and art lovers from all 50 states and over 40 countries worldwide. Our exhibits rotate throughout the year so they will be different every time you visit. The museum is an eight-time TripAdvisor Certificate of Excellence winner and a two time TripAdvisor Hall of Fame winner. If you enjoy art museum's you will love The National Quilt Museum.
Reviewed By jfadds
Paducah is fortune to have such a gem to draw visitors from far and wide There are changing exhibitions along with a permanent collection -plenty of parking and a gift shop too An hour would suffice for most folks to visit
2. William Clark Market House Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 62 reviews
This wonderful Museum, Paducah's oldest and ONLY general history Museum, is housed in the block long 1905 Market House in the center of Paducah's historic downtown area. The Museum houses some of the finest and most unusual artifacts in the area, which illustrate Paducah's rich cultural and historic heritage. Explore a time line beginning with Native American residents, through Paducah's founding by famous explorer William Clark in 1827, and view the original hand drawn town maps and land grants signed by Clark. A superb, colorful Old Paris wedding vase, given as a wedding present to Clark by the Marquis deLafayette, is also on display. Also experience the magnificence of the complete DuBois Robertson Drug Store golden oak woodwork interior... a hand carved masterpiece from 1877...and gaze through the colorful panes of the original stained glass windows. On permanent display is the town's first motorized fire truck (a 1913 LaFrance!) Experience an extensive Civil War display including furniture used by the Lincoln's, as well as Generals US Grant and Lew Wallace while they were in Paducah (Wallace was of Ben Hur fame.) A very special quilt made by Mrs Robert E Lee is also on display. A Kentucky Orphan's reunion ribbon insignia display is always a favorite, as well as elaborate hoop skirt dresses, beautiful rosewood furniture and a stately antique lamp with pigeon's blood shade, once owned by Paducahan John T Scopes' grandmother (of the Scopes Monkey Trial fame.) A 'Kentucky Headline' exhibit depicts the sad plight of Floyd Collins, who was tragically trapped and died in a cave. The story caught the breathless attention of the nation in 1925. Our 'Hall of Heroes', designed in 2013, honors Paducah firefighters, law enforcement and military personnel. Newly opened in 2014 is the Alben W. Barkley Memorial Room, honoring the Paducah area native who was 35th Vice President under Harry S. Truman. The exhibit is in a separate room, and devoted entirely to personal artifacts and belongings of Barkley, including his 1898 'surrey with the fringe on top', his inaugural tophat, as well as lovely, century old furniture from the home in Paducah, called 'ANGLES'. The first ever Vice Presidential flag and items from his Paducah law office and Washington political career are also on display. The Museum prides itself on now being Paducah's Barkley destination! A small but tastefully stocked gift shop is on premises and carries items of educational content, books, puzzles, etc., as well as ephemera and souvenirs. PLEASE NOTE: The Museum is sometimes closed on major holiday Saturdays, so please call ahead for verification. The facility closes for the winter season Dec 15th and reopens the first Saturday in March. Hours: Tuesday-Saturday 10-4, CST.
Reviewed By RICART75 - Peru, United States
This museum is smaller, but very nicely conceived. It holds a variety of historic items, which are tied interestingly to the history of the area and its inhabitants. The highlight for us was the fully restored pharmacy interior, housing many of the museum's artifacts. The woodwork and fret work is amazing; a testament to a time when craftsmanship and quality materials were appreciated and honored. Along with the stained glass windows, touring this facility was a real aesthetic uplift. The staff person in attendance was friendly and informative; and added to a very enjoyable experience.
3. River Discovery Center
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 105 reviews
The River Discovery Center's mission is to provide a fun, welcoming and educational environment in which visitors can learn about the importance of our rivers and the impact they have on our daily lives. Through interactive exhibits and guided tours, guests will come away with a better understanding and appreciation of the our nation's rivers.
Reviewed By ickypicky
i am a river freak and enjoy knowing and seeing them in all their splendor. To be at the confluence of the Ohio and Tennessee rivers was fantastic. The River Discovery Center is just off the beaten path from downtown but opposite the murals on the riverfront that depict Paducah's history. It has many informative displays on the boats that ply the rivers here as well as a simulator which lets you pilot three different boats on the river. It is co-located with the Seaman's Church.
4. Lloyd Tilghman House and Civil War Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 74 reviews
Reviewed By 18kathih
This is a very interesting place to learn about the Civil War. The curator, Bill Baxter, was so informative and explained so many interesting facts about the war. He made the visit so very enjoyable. My husband and I spent the whole afternoon there without even realizing it. It is well worth your time to visit this very interesting museum.
5. The PAPA Gallery
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 16 reviews
Located in the heart of historic downtown, the PAPA Gallery is Paducah's most unique and exciting gallery featuring the original art from approximately 100 local and regional artists. The large, well-lit gallery welcomes all to browse and experience the art. The show changes four times a year keeping the gallery fresh and insuring you can find the perfect original art to grace your home or office.
Reviewed By purplelady1114 - Bloomington, United States
An immediate friendly greeting was given upon entering the store which houses art by several local artists--several of whom were working in the store while I was there. There was a selection of jewelry, pottery, ceramics, paintings, sculpture and textiles. Very old fashioned storefront with lots of choices pleasingly arranged. The staff were knowledgeable about the various artists represented and helped me with several items. I was able to order a special tie vest from one of the artists who was working.
6. Paducah Distilled Spirits
7. Art Guild of Paducah Gallery and Gift Shop
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 2 reviews
The Art Guild of Paducah has a Gallery and Gift shop in downtown Paducah on the west side of Market House Square (S 2nd St). The shop features a wide variety of beautiful and affordable art and craft works hand made by Guild members in nearly any price range. Your purchases support local artists as well as providing important operating support for the Guild. You will find dozens of great gift ideas for weddings, birthdays, anniversaries, house warming, and more. It also is a fun place to bring out-of-town guests as you explore the Market House Square area together.
8. Yeiser Art Center
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 38 reviews
The Yeiser Art Center, a non-profit corporation with 501(c)(3) status, was established 1957 as the Paducah Art Guild for the “purpose of promoting the appreciation of the visual arts and for their creation.” It started as a small volunteer organization. Today, the Yeiser Art Center has a permanent exhibition space, a permanent collection, and a supporting membership. The Center strives to carry out its original mission and to further continue the development and appreciation of the visual arts by operating as a non-profit visual arts organization that serves adults and children of all ages throughout the region.
9. Paducah Railroad Museum
Overall Ratings
3.5 based on 63 reviews
Reviewed By 210jamiej - Bowling Green, United States
The train simulator is real cool! Well built and a guide is there to assist you. The museum has several artifacts and some interesting items you don’t see at every train museum. They have a large model train layout that is a work in progress. Admission is low and the place is operated by volunteers. A great place to visit and you should consider a donate to help them continue to preserve important American history.
10. Off The Corner Art
Off The Corner Art, located in the heart of downtown Paducah, KY, is the premier art gallery serving Paducah, Mayfield, Metropolis, Benton, Grand Rivers and surrounding areas since 2019. Our resident artist, Cathy, creates all the artwork and describes her style as quirky, colorful and shabby chic. She believes in having a price point for every budget to allow everyone to enjoy the unique beauty of art. In addition to her artwork, Cathy also offers handmade soaps, decorative boxes, wind chimes, handmade jewelry, glass decor, sculptures, candles, essential oils and much more. For your next art or gift purchase, visit Off The Corner Art in Paducah!
