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    Western Waterlands Region

    Bordered by the Mississippi and Ohio rivers and home to the two largest lakes in Kentucky, the Western Waterlands offer an inviting mix of outdoor recreation, arts and culture, history and family fun.

    Kentucky Lake, Lake Barkley and the Land Between the Lakes National Recreation Area form a popular vacation destination with all the water recreation imaginable: fishing, skiing, sailing, tubing, kayaking, jet skiing, swimming, and just relaxing. Head for a Kentucky state park or a National Scenic Byway to enjoy outdoor activities such as hiking, biking, horseback riding, ATV trail riding and other area attractions.

    More Things To Do In The Western Waterlands Region

    The friendly communities and historic hamlets of the Western Waterlands are packed with opportunities for entertainment, activity and inspiration. Play golf in one of the top retirement destination in the U.S., visit Kentucky’s largest Amish community, shop in a railroad town transformed into an antique shopper's heaven, travel through lush farmland rich in Native American history, and visit a "living house" museum complete with immersive historical exhibits. Take a walking tour of historic downtowns like Paducah, where you can get a dose of culture at the National Quilt Museum and River Discovery Center. 

     

    Dine in restaurants overlooking the lakes, enjoy live entertainment at Grand Rivers Badgett Playhouse, take in a movie at an old fashioned drive-in, shop at the largest single antique mall between St. Louis and Nashville, visit art museums and play with us at one of our award-winning festivals and events. And when it's time to turn in, the Western Waterlands also offers lodging ranging from rustic tent and RV campsites to luxurious hotels and resorts.

    Trip Inspiration

    Hotel Metropolitan

    During the era of segregation, the Hotel Metropolitan in Paducah was a safe haven for traveling African Americans not welcome in lodging elsewhere. The hotel became known for hosting musical legends like Louis Armstrong, Ella Fitzgerald, Ray Charles and Billie Holliday. Walk through the same doors today to gain a better understanding of the struggles traveling African Americans faced, and learn how this welcoming place not only provided guests a bed, but also “a front door dignity” as Hotel Director Betty Dobson describes it.

     

    Immerse Yourself In Kentucky Community Highlights

     

    Horses, Hats, & Bourbon With Claudia Coffey

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