Enjoy Paducah’s great outdoors with these family-friendly activities
Paducah, Kentucky, is famous for its creativity. The city is a UNESCO Creative City. It received the honor in 2013 in recognition of how special the local arts community is. You’ll fall in love with the city’s vibrant fiber arts community. Galleries and museums like the National Quilt Museum top most visitors’ must-see lists. One visit and you’ll understand what Paducah fans love about this special city.
One look at the setting here and you’ll feel inspired, too. Paducah is home to sparkling waterways and lakes. You’ll also find lush green landscapes and hiking, biking and wildlife-viewing opportunities. That all makes it a perfect place for family activities. Explore everything that makes this place great. Hit the trails. See the sights. Enjoy the great outdoors. Consider one of the region’s four popular spots for family fun.
Greenway Trail
When it comes to outdoor activities, Paducah visitors and locals don’t have to go far to find great things to do. The Greenway Trail is about 4.5 miles long. It connects Historic Downtown and Bob Noble Park. The city plans to extend the trail. It will link the riverfront to Perkins Creek Nature Preserve and other parts of the city. Walking, biking and jogging are popular here. The trail surfaces vary. Some parts have soft, rocky surfaces for walking, jogging and biking. Other parts have concrete sections for walkers and bikers who are looking for something smoother.
Clarks River National Wildlife Refuge
Clarks River National Wildlife Refuge was established in 1997. The refuge is the only national wildlife refuge in the state. You can expect to see many types of animals. Examples include fish, songbirds, deer, bobcats and otters. Popular family activities include photography, wildlife viewing, fishing and environmental education.
Lewis and Clark National Historic Trail
The Lewis and Clark National Historic Trail stretches across roughly 3,700 miles. It starts at Wood River in Illinois and goes to the Columbia River in Oregon. The trail’s Eastern Legacy covers areas in Kentucky. It also extends to other nearby states. The trail honors the Lewis and Clark Expedition. It connects American history with charming towns and notable sites along the way.
Land Between the Lakes
For family activities on the water, it’s hard to beat Land Between the Lakes. It’s located a little over a half-hour’s drive from Paducah. Land Between the Lakes offers water sports, camping, hiking and horseback riding. While you’re here, you might want to visit some of the other attractions. Stargazers love Golden Pond Planetarium. History buffs enjoy visiting The Homeplace, a 19th century working farm. Dock your boat at nearby Green Turtle Bay, a resort with an award-winning marina. It also has a private beach and attractions like the Grand Rivers Village on Lake Barkley.
There’s nothing like getting outside to take family activities to a whole new level. Explore all the outdoor recreation Paducah has to offer. It’s beautiful here. Have some fun. Get active. Stay healthy. Regular doctor visits are another part of staying healthy. Visit Mercy.com to make an appointment with a primary care physician or specialist today.
Interested in more stories like this? Our Summer Survival Guide is full of healthy living tips to start your summer right. Learn more here.
