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

Visitors to Kentucky Bend like its restaurants and shopping, and Mississippi River is a sight worth a stop.

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 S$124 per night from 9 Jul to 10 Jul
S$124
9 Jul - 10 Jul
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! (1,006 reviews)
"A nice place to stay. Not very expensive, but clean, quiet. Nice pool. Comfortable bed. Close to the lake. We enjoyed our stay."

Reviewed on 4 Jul, 2025

Kentucky Dam Village State Resort Park
Auburn Place Hotel & Suites - Paducah
Auburn Place Hotel & Suites - Paducah
2.5 out of 5
3994 Hinkleville Rd, Paducah, KY
The price is S$148 per night from 20 Jul to 21 Jul
S$148
20 Jul - 21 Jul
includes taxes & fees
Book a stay at this business-friendly hotel in Paducah. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (1,274 reviews)
"Staff was wonderful! I also liked the fact that I could walk across the parking lot and eat at Applebees. My room was at the top of the stairs and because the stairs were carpeted, I didn’t hear anyone going up or down. Also the room was spotless, which is a huge plus for a hotel that allows ..."

Reviewed on 30 Jun, 2025

Auburn Place Hotel & Suites - Paducah
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 S$132 per night from 13 Jul to 14 Jul
S$132
13 Jul - 14 Jul
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! (1,007 reviews)
"The complimentary breakfast included eggs, sausages, biscuits, gravy, make-your-own waffles, yogurt, cereal, juice, etc.!! The rooms were spacious and clean. The staff were all friendly. The only minor negative that I saw was that the door to the parking area would not close enough to lock it, but ..."

Reviewed on 7 Jul, 2025

Greenfield Inn & Suites Owensboro, KY Airport
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! (1,618 reviews)
"Great location, friendly staff. Rooms were clean, though smelled very musty."

Reviewed on 5 Jul, 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 KFC Yum Center and Fourth ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (99 reviews)
"Great spot a must stay"

Reviewed on 21 Jun, 2025

Stellar Suites
Pickle Factory Hotel
Pickle Factory Hotel
2.5 out of 5
13 Tobacco Aly, Covington, KY
Stay at this apartment in Covington. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and Netflix. Popular attractions Paycor Stadium and Great American Ball Park are located ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (50 reviews)
Will definitely return
"We loved the unique decor mixed with the historic building! The bed, pillows and linens were fresh and top notch. The area was quiet, easy to find and in a convenient location. Very professional direction and follow up with the manager/owner."

Reviewed on 24 Jun, 2025

Pickle Factory Hotel
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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