Williams Park in Paducah, Kentucky
Williams Park is an important place in the community. Not only does it provide space for recreation and health, but it also facilitates connection – a key factor in the mental health and personality development of people.
Paducah has much to offer to its residents, and visitors alike. Here are some of the best things to do and see in this beautiful town! See More Info!
City of Paducah
The City of Paducah is a home rule-class city and the county seat of McCracken County, Kentucky. It is located at the confluence of the Tennessee and Ohio rivers halfway between St. Louis, Missouri, to the northwest and Nashville, Tennessee, to the southeast.
As a UNESCO Creative City, Paducah has an abundance of artistic activities for its visitors. Some of these include visiting an art museum, strolling through downtown shopping centers, and hiking beautiful trails.
The City of Paducah’s Lower Town Arts District is one of the most vibrant areas in the city, attracting thousands of tourists from across the country every year. This area is full of hands-on creative experiences, gallery exhibitions, and special events such as the popular Lower Town Arts & Music Festival.
Lower Town Arts District
Paducah’s Lower Town Arts District is one of the city’s oldest and most attractive residential neighborhoods. The area was annexed into Paducah in 1836 and stretches from Clay Street down to the Ohio River, Ninth Street and Jefferson Street.
Despite the encroachment of commercial development, Lower Town has maintained its historic integrity and beauty. It is now home to a large number of historical homes and an active arts community anchored by the Paducah School of Art and Design.
The majority of Lower Town’s homes were built during the late nineteenth century when Paducah had many talented building craftsmen and architects. The architectural styles include Victorian, Neo-Classical, Greek Revival and Romanesque. In addition, Lower Town has some excellent examples of Italianate. These houses often have elaborate window hoods, bracketed cornices and assymetrical designs.
River Discovery Center
Paducah is home to the River Discovery Center (formerly the River Heritage Museum), a fascinating center of learning about our nation’s rivers. The facility stimulates curiosity and understanding of our vital river system through real stories and interactive experiences for people of all ages.
The Ohio River is a big part of Paducah’s identity. The Discovery Center has exhibits that highlight both the history and future of inland waterways.
The River Discovery Center is managed by a dedicated team of volunteers who believe we should all be passionate about the land, wildlife and history of Pigeon River Country. They also work to educate a new generation of conservation-minded supporters. Learn more!
Chitlin’ Circuit
The Chitlin’ Circuit was a network of venues across the country where Black entertainers could perform. It began in the 1920s and lasted into the 1990s.
While these clubs were often run independently by local Black entrepreneurs, they were also a critical part of the network of booking agents that made the careers of many legendary artists possible.
They were also places for the traveling entertainers to find a little rest and relaxation. That’s how Paducah became known as a stop on the circuit.
Today, a variety of tours and attractions in Paducah and throughout Western Kentucky highlight the legacy of this national string of theaters. Some even offer a white-glove experience that brings the history to life.
Artist Relocation Program
The quiet river town of Paducah, Kentucky, is home to a quirky arts district called Lower Town. It’s a neighborhood that’s often on the tourist radar.
But Lower Town was once a struggling area, plagued with blight and other social issues. As the community reevaluated its needs and assets, they came up with the idea of inviting artists to relocate there.
Artists who move to Paducah are offered money and incentives to relocate to the city, as well as grants for buying or building homes. These investments have transformed the community, creating a model for other communities to emulate. Browse next article!
Driving direction from Bee Klean to Williams Park
Driving direction from Williams Park to LaCenter City Park