6 Free And Cheap Things To Do In Paducah, Kentucky
Paducah, Kentucky is a city located at the confluence of the Tennessee and the Ohio rivers.
The city was founded in 1827 by William Clark. Today it has a population of around 27,000 residents and serves as the county seat of McCracken County.
We have taken multiple trips to Paducah and always have a good time.
Below are some free and cheap things visitors can see and do in the town.
Wacinton Totem: This massive totem was hand chiseled from a local 56,000 pound Red Oak by sculptor Peter “Wolf” Toth and is free to view. It can be found in Noble Park and is part of a series of giant wooden sculptures of Native Americans for every state in the nation created by the artist.
Paducah Wall to Wall: Portraits of our Past murals: Located on the historic waterfront are over 50 life-sized murals spread over three blocks of the city’s floodwall. The murals showcase the history of Paducah and are an amazing free attraction for visitors to the city.
Be sure to check out the 2-8-2 Mikado, number 1518 train on display near the murals as well.
National Quilt Museum: This museum features extraordinary quilts from the United States and around the world. They have permanent exhibits as well as rotating ones.
Ticket prices are $15.
Inland Waterways Museum: Located in the oldest surviving antebellum building in Paducah this museum explores the history and importance of our nation’s great rivers. I hear they have a cool boat simulator as well.
Tickets are $12 for adults and $8 for children.
Paducah Railroad Museum: This museum showcases railroad equipment and memorabilia and tells the history of the early days of rail travel. Don’t miss the railroad simulator which makes you feel like your riding in a locomotive cab.
Tickets are $6 for adults and $3 for children.
Lloyd Tilghman House & Civil War Museum: This historic house in downtown Paducah, now acts as a Civil War Museum focused on Western Kentucky’s role in the war.
Tickets are $5 for adults and $1 for children.
For more information on anything listed above click on the link for my full post.
Paducah is a large town full of unique shops, restaurants, and businesses including a Walmart.
Fifteen minutes away is the town of Metropolis, Illinois known as the adopted “Home of Superman”. It has a lot of fun tourist attractions including the World’s Largest Superman Statue!
It’s also home to Fort Massac State Park which we have camped at multiple times and love.
Paducah is a great city filled with fun and educational attractions that are sure to put a smile on any visitor’s face.
