• What is there to do in Paducah, Kentucky?
    • There are many things to do in Paducah, Kentucky, whether visitors are interested in art or history, looking for educational activities, or simply want to enjoy a cup of coffee.
  • What makes Paducah unique?
    • Visitors and locals alike can immerse themselves in the heritage and history of America and discover the city’s distinctively creative culture in this UNESCO Creative City.
  • What can guests do in Paducah?
    • Whether guests are in town for the weekend or attending an event or festival, they’ll find plenty to keep them busy.

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1. Dry Ground Brewing Company


Savor unusual craft beers or enjoy affordable drinks in a laid-back setting.

Dry Ground Brewing Company

© Dry Ground Brewing Company

  • What is Dry Ground Brewing Company?
  • How did Dry Ground Brewing Company get its name?
    • The brewery's name comes from the site where the first craft brewery in Paducah was opened, inspired by a historic event from 1937.
  • What is the historical significance of the location?
    • In 1937, Paducah and the Coca-Cola bottling plant owned by Luther Carson were submerged by the flooding of the Ohio River.
  • What is the story behind the name "Dry Ground"?
    • Floating to safety in a syrup keg, Luther Carson stated, “If I ever reach DRY GROUND, it is there that I will build my new bottling plant.” The dry ground where he was off-loaded is now the site of the brewery.

3121 Broadway St, Paducah, KY 24001, Phone: 270-201-2096

2. Etcetera Coffee House


Enjoy quick coffee breaks or savor affordable brews in a cozy atmosphere.

Etcetera Coffee House

© Etcetera Coffee House

  • What is Etcetera Coffee House?
    • Etcetera Coffee House first opened its doors to the public in 2006. Owned and operated by Allan and Johanna Rhodes, the coffeehouse has grown from a small shop into a neighborhood staple.
  • How many locations does Etcetera Coffee House have?
    • There are now two coffee shops owned by the couple: Etcetera Coffee House on North 6th Street and Etcetera Squared in downtown Paducah on 2nd Street.
  • What values is Etcetera Coffee House built upon?
    • Etcetera was founded upon the principles of great coffee, responsible business practices, and community involvement.
  • What kind of coffee does Etcetera serve?
    • The coffee shop is known for its fair-trade and organic brews in Paducah.
  • Does Etcetera offer drinks other than coffee?
    • Yes, in addition to its range of coffees, the shop also offers bubble tea.

320 North 6th St, Paducah, KY 42001, Phone: 270-443-7760

3. Fort Massac State Park


Explore exciting historic grounds or walk along easy scenic river trails.

Fort Massac State Park

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  • What is Fort Massac State Park?
    • Fort Massac State Park is a historic and scenic park located in southern Illinois, just outside of Paducah. It spans nearly 1,500 acres and offers a mix of outdoor recreation and history.
  • What activities are available at Fort Massac State Park?
    • The park is great for hiking, picnics, disc golf, fishing, camping, and boating. It also offers seasonal hunting programs.
  • Why is Fort Massac historically significant?
    • Fort Massac is a fascinating reminder of the past, providing visitors with an interesting journey through American history.
  • When was Fort Massac established as a state park?
    • Fort Massac is the first state park in Illinois and has been maintained and preserved since 1908.

1308 E 5th St, Metropolis, IL 62960, Phone: 615-524-4712

4. Lloyd Tilghman House & Civil War Museum


Discover unusual Civil War artifacts and enjoy affordable historic exhibits.

Lloyd Tilghman House & Civil War Museum

© Lloyd Tilghman House & Civil War Museum

  • What is the Lloyd Tilghman House & Civil War Museum?
    • The Lloyd Tilghman House & Civil War Museum is housed within the former home of General Lloyd Tilghman, a railroad worker turned Confederate general. The house was built in 1852 and now serves as a museum dedicated to “The War Between the States.”
  • What perspective does the museum present?
    • The museum provides a Confederate perspective on Civil War history, as it is owned by the Paducah chapter of the Sons of Confederate Veterans.
  • Does the museum include information on the impact of the war?
    • Yes, it includes some information about the destruction caused by the Confederate army, such as General Nathan Bedford Forrest’s raid on Paducah in 1864.

631 Kentucky Ave, Paducah, KY 42001, Phone: 270-575-5477

5. National Quilt Museum


Admire exciting textile art or explore unusual quilt designs from around the world.

National Quilt Museum

© National Quilt Museum

  • What is the National Quilt Museum?
    • The National Quilt Museum is a renowned institution that attracts more than 150,000 art and quilt enthusiasts annually, offering visitors a chance to tour its exhibits and facility.
  • Where do visitors come from?
    • The museum serves as a global destination, welcoming guests from across the United States as well as from more than 40 other countries each year.
  • What kind of exhibits does the museum feature?
    • The museum showcases three galleries of remarkable fiber and quilt art, which rotate seven or eight times per year, ensuring that visitors always have something new to experience.
  • Are the museum’s exhibits available outside its location?
    • Yes, the museum provides touring exhibits that can be seen in galleries and museums across the country.

215 Jefferson St, Paducah, KY 42001, Phone: 270-442-8856

6. Paducah Railroad Museum


Visit affordable exhibits and discover exciting local rail history.

Paducah Railroad Museum

© Paducah Railroad Museum

  • What is the Paducah Railroad Museum?
    • The Paducah Railroad Museum was established as a project of the National Railway Historical Society’s local chapter in Paducah. The museum displays memorabilia and equipment from America’s railroad era.
  • What does the museum highlight?
    • The museum emphasizes the importance and impact of trains in the development of both the region and the United States as a whole.
  • What interactive experiences does the museum offer?
    • A new simulator at the museum allows visitors to experience a ride in one of the locomotive cabs.
  • What artifacts and memorabilia are on display?
    • Exhibits include photographs, maps, tools, books, signals, lights, vintage telephone and telegraph equipment, lanterns, and a hand pump car.

200 Washington St, Paducah, KY 42003, Phone: 270-908-6451

7. Paducah Wall to Wall


Walk along romantic mural paths and explore unusual public art scenes.

Paducah Wall to Wall

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  • What is Paducah Wall to Wall?
    • The rich heritage of western Kentucky comes to life at Paducah Wall to Wall through the floodwall murals created by Robert Dafford over five seasons of painting.
  • How can visitors experience the murals?
    • Visitors can take a leisurely stroll along the floodwall to view Paducah’s history through pictures.
  • Are there descriptions of the murals?
    • Yes, interpretive panels are placed in front of each mural, providing descriptions of the artwork.
  • Are guided tours available?
    • Yes, guided tours of Paducah Wall to Wall are available upon request.
  • What makes the location of the murals special?
    • The floodwall overlooks the confluence of the Tennessee and Ohio Rivers, attracting both locals and tourists who come to admire the detail and style demonstrated by Dafford in the murals.

200 South Water St, Paducah, KY 42003, Phone: 270-519-1321

8. Purple Toad Winery


Savor affordable local wines or enjoy exciting tastings in a relaxed setting.

Purple Toad Winery

© Purple Toad Winery

  • What is Purple Toad Winery?
    • Purple Toad Winery is Paducah’s first and only winery. Situated on the edge of the town, the winery was established on July 1, 2009.
  • What can visitors experience at the winery?
    • Visitors can take a stroll through the vineyard and enjoy the picturesque setting while learning about the winery’s history.
  • Does Purple Toad Winery offer wine tastings?
    • Yes, the tasting room at the winery allows guests to sample several wines produced at Purple Toad.
  • What kinds of wines does the winery produce?
    • The winery uses Kentucky grapes to create award-winning wines, ranging from dry to sweet. They also produce fruit wines made from strawberries and blackberries.
  • Are tours available?
    • Yes, tours of the winery are offered free of charge and last approximately 20 minutes.

4275 Old US Highway 45, Paducah, KY 42003, Phone: 270-554-0010

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