Western Kentucky Travel Guide

Tourist 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
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 ฿2,916 per night from 14 Oct to 15 Oct
฿2,916
฿3,400 total
14 Oct - 15 Oct
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this business-friendly hotel in Owensboro. Enjoy free breakfast, free Wi-Fi and free parking. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff in ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (1,022 reviews)
"Great stay"

Reviewed on 30 Sept 2025

Greenfield Inn & Suites Owensboro, KY Airport
Drury Inn Paducah

Drury Inn Paducah

3 out of 5
3975 Hinkleville Rd, Paducah, KY
The price is ฿2,916 per night from 2 Nov to 3 Nov
฿2,916
฿3,431 total
2 Nov - 3 Nov
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3-star business-friendly hotel in Paducah. Enjoy free breakfast, free Wi-Fi and free parking. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (1,023 reviews)
"Very Clean and Very Nicely Kept Property"

Reviewed on 30 Sept 2025

Drury Inn Paducah
Comfort Suites

Comfort Suites

2.5 out of 5
3918 COLEMAN CROSSING CIR, Paducah, KY
The price is ฿2,865 per night from 26 Oct to 27 Oct
฿2,865
฿3,522 total
26 Oct - 27 Oct
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this business-friendly hotel in Paducah. Enjoy free breakfast, free Wi-Fi and free parking. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (853 reviews)
"Clean room with great ac"

Reviewed on 29 Sept 2025

Comfort Suites
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 their ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (1,715 reviews)
"All good"

Reviewed on 29 Sept 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 Wi-Fi, free bicycles on-site and in-room massages. Popular attractions Whiskey Row and KFC ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (107 reviews)
"It was so adorable and a great location!"

Reviewed on 13 Sept 2025

Stellar Suites
Hancock House

Hancock House

3 out of 5
601 East Jefferson Street, Louisville, KY
Stay at this 3-star aparthotel in Louisville. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and rainfall showerheads. Popular attractions Whiskey Row and KFC Yum Center are ...
8/10 Very Good! (241 reviews)
"Very nice apartment near the NuLu district. Lots of great restaurants and coffee shops. Free parking which was great too. Somewhat confusing on my credit card statement, since they charged twice for half the amount. Total was fine, but confusing."

Reviewed on 23 Aug 2025

Hancock House
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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Cities near Western Kentucky