There are so many things to do in Owensboro, KY as a visitor. It is one of the best-funfilled tourist locations in the entire United States.
This post reveals some exciting things you can do in Owensboro, Kentucky.
Best & Fun Things to Do in Owensboro, KY
Below are some things you can do in Owensboro, Kentucky for fun.
1. Go and Have Fun at the Smothers Park
The smothers park is more or less the best place to appreciate Owensboro’s fame and prosperity.
A visit to Smothers Park will keep your eyes restless as you will catch amazing sights of pretty fountains and great playgrounds.
The playgrounds here are the best fit for both children and young teenagers, and it is rated as one of the best in the entire United States.
You’ll take exciting river views while swinging on the swing. At Smothers Park, hunger is not a challenge since there are tons of places where you can eat.
The place sometimes hosts some live music shows at night. You can as well sit on its riverside benches for discussions with loved ones and stand a chance to be cooled by the river’s gentle breeze.
The Smothers Park is located at 199 W Veterans Blvd, Owensboro, KY.
2. Pay a Visit to the O.Z. Tyler Distillery
If you’re interested in knowing some of Owensboro’s history, then head straight to the historical O.Z. Tyler Distillery; it’s definitely one of the best things to do in Owensboro KY.
The O.Z. Tyler Distillery is Kentucky’s only Bourbon Whiskey distillery and has been a tourist attraction for ages.
Your tour of this place will not only be fun, but you will also find it informative as you will learn about Bourbon, from the preparatory rules to the result.
You’ll also be entertained with fresh, firsthand Bourbon Whiskey whose taste is guaranteed to turn you on.
The distillery also offers guests a gift shop that’s open all year round. You can decide to buy some unique items here for your loved ones.
Good to note also is the friendliness of the staff here.
The tour guide and all other services are rendered with care and respect.
Don’t hesitate to come and see the technology of Bourbon Whiskey in action, as this is definitely one of the many things to do in Owensboro KY for fun!
The O.Z. Tyler Distillery is located at 10 Distillery Rd, Owensboro, KY 42301-1422
3. Experience World-Class Music at the Bluegrass Music Hall of Fame & Museum
If you’re in for some emotional relief from world-class music, then the Bluegrass Music Hall of Fame & Museum is a good option for you.
The Bluegrass Music Hall of Fame and Museum stands as the only facility dedicated to preserving the history of Bluegrass music in the world presently.
The place features a 450-seat indoor concert hall and an outdoor amphitheater. This offers jam sessions, concerts, and the ROMP Bluegrass Roots & Branches Festival.
And, guess what? You can also bring your musical instruments to play alongside several other musicians from around the world. Taking a tour of its museum is also a time trip back into the town’s musical past.
You can as well lay your hands on ancient and modern musical instruments; probably, this is the best place to start your musical career!
Some other things you are bound to enjoy here include free parking slots, a gift shop, and many nearby restaurants where you could grab a meal.
You cant get a better experience somewhere else!
The Bluegrass Music Hall of Fame and Museum is located at 311 W 2nd St, Owensboro, KY 42301
4. Go Shopping at Owensboro’s Preservation Station Market And Event Center
Now, you mustn’t leave Owensboro, Kentucky, without buying a fantastic gift for your loved one from the Preservation Station Market and Event Center; it is one of the many things to do in Owensboro KY for fun.
Owensboro’s Preservation Station Market & Event Center is a large mall with efficient heating facilities for cold and air-conditioning for hot days.
The mesmerizing structure here would make you doubt if it was formerly an elementary school that was later transformed.
This place offers a unique boutique with extensive collections of all kinds of fabrics, and a country mall where you can buy almost everything you can think of. It also houses a restaurant so you can grab affordable meals.
Generally speaking, this facility is adorable and easy to navigate through; don’t miss it!
The Preservation Station Market And Event Center are located at 9661 State Route 56 The Old West Louisville Elementary School, Owensboro, KY; 42301-9321.
5. Go Apple-Picking at Reid’s Orchard
Even at 60, apple picking doesn’t seem stressful at Reid’s Orchard.
The farm is owned and managed by Reid’s family, and it’s a place with a great history of involvement while reflecting the local history of Owensboro.
Every fall, Apple Festivals are hosted here, where visitors and vendors worldwide meet to experience great food and fun.
The farm is beautiful, with many flowers, butterflies, and lively apple trees. It also houses a shop that offers a variety of apples, baked goods, vegetables, and gifts.
Some other things you can enjoy in Reid’s Orchard include a train ride, petting zoo, corn maze, water games, slides, and bouncy platform, amongst other fun activities. I can’t tell you all; you need to see them for yourself!
Reid’s Orchard farm is located at 4818 State Route 144, Owensboro, KY 42303-9791
6. Explore the Yellow Creek Park
If you want your visit to Owensboro to be filled with multifaceted recreational and leisure activities, then you definitely need to spend some time at Yellow Creek Park.
Being in service for over 43 years, Yellow Creek Park is out to offer you pleasure-filled historic excitement. The park features several hiking trails, a Pioneer Village, multi-purpose sports arenas, and outdoor pavilions. It also meets you with a swinging bridge and a 7-acre lake.
Credit: Bridgehunter.com
Interestingly, this 152-acre park weaves along the wooded banks of Thruston, offering you a mesmerizing view of nature’s beauty. It is no wonder why it is a hotspot for professional and amateur photographers when creating fantastic artworks.
You can also afford to engage any of them for a fantastic photoshoot with your family and loved ones. The environment is always clean and makes a good match for a family reunion, featured picnics, and day camps.
The Yellow Creek Park is located at 5710 State Route 144, Owensboro, KY; 42303-9772.
7. Explore the Panther Creek Park
Another park you can’t afford to miss exploring is the 29 years old (April 20, 1992) Panther Creek Park.
The park offers three (3) open-air pavilions, four (4) screened-in shelters, and six (6) ball courts, accommodating softball or baseball. You can as well decide to rent any shelters available here for picnics, family reunions, and birthday parties anytime from April 1 to October 31 each year.
There is also a 6-acre lake where you can see fishes and aquatic wildlife ranging from waterfowl to turtles.
Please while here, do take advantage of the park’s seven (7) excellent hiking trails where you can see others having fun through the woods.
At Panther Creek Park, you’re not sure of how long a hike could take because you can’t help but pause to watch exciting baseball and softball games while still on the track. The park is indeed a blend of nature excitements and sporty entertainment.
The Panther Creek Park is located at 5160 Wayne Bridge Rd, Owensboro, KY; 42301-8160.
8. Go on a Nature Trail at the Western Kentucky Botanical Garden
If you find that gardening and horticulture turn you on, then why wait to visit the Western Kentucky Botanical Garden? A place that’s an oasis of breathtaking natural beauty.
The Western Kentucky Botanical Garden houses over twenty (20) super-friendly gardens with easy-to-navigate paths.
As you walk your way through the rose gardens, you’ll discover tons of beautiful blooming flowers and daylilies.
The garden also has a koi pond, whimsical touches, ponds, a garden/playhouse for children, and wind sculptures.
The staffs and volunteer workers here are also really superb; they’ll make you feel at home.
You can make use of the garden’s open well-planned fields to do your weddings, birthday parties, and festivals as well. You could also be lucky to experience any of the events and festivals hosted here throughout the year.
Also, ensure that your Smartphone or digital camera is all charged up cause you can’t resist taking amazing pictures all through your stay here.
The Western Kentucky Botanical Garden is located at 25 Carter Rd, Owensboro, KY 42301-8678
9. Feast Your Eyes on Amazing Art Pieces at the Owensboro Museum of Fine Art
If you want to see the other side of a museum now, then you need to hop into the Owensboro Museum of fine art.
This place is so unique and filled with tons of beautiful art pieces for you to feast your eyes on.
The Owensboro Museum of Fine Art is a place that’s worth spending a lot of time in, from the antebellum house attached to the museum, to the stained glass exhibit down to the kaleidoscope, you cannot forget the joy that dancing in the dark kaleidoscope room brings.
Also, try not to miss the groovy room with a projector that turns your silhouette into a psychedelic experience.
The museum also houses an excellent collection of fabric art, religious art, and an assortment of Victorian-era furniture. Admission here is also free of charge; however, donations are widely accepted.
The museum is managed by a group of friendly and interactive staff. The Owensboro Museum of Fine Art is located at 901 Frederica St, Owensboro, KY; 42301-3052
10. Experience Live Sporting Events at Jack C. Fisher Park
If you’re a huge fan of softball and other related sporting events, then a visit to Jack C. Fisher Park would be one of the best things to do in Owensboro KY for fun.
The Park combines unique fishing ponds, cool relaxing stations, and softball entertainment.
Jack C. Fisher Park rests on the western outskirts of Owensboro and houses four (4) softball fields used for BPA tournaments, a bike path through which you can ride around Owensboro.
Credit: Visitowensboro.com
You should also take advantage of the park’s quiet environment for long discussions with your loved ones. Interesting place for a first date!
You can also sit and watch fantastic softball tournaments while the kids play with kites in the open space, or just decide to take exciting strolls along the paved trails, stopping by from point to point to take amazing pictures. The mature trees near the entrance of the ball fields and picnic tables would make a great background for you.
The park also has excellent concessions and hygienic restroom facilities. The fields are well arranged and close to each other. So there would be no stress of hopping from one field to another. They also have large parking lots to keep your ride safe.
John C. Fisher Park is located at 3900 W 5th Street Rd, Owensboro, KY; 42301-1500.
11. Host an Event at White Chateau at Cecil Farms
If you’re planning a birthday party, wedding ceremony, or anniversary celebration and you want your ceremony to be filled with nature’s peace and beauty, White Chateau and Cecil Farms is everything you have ever wanted.
Credit: Whitechateau.com
This place is so elegant and spacious, thus containing lots of people yearly.
You can as well choose to hop in to witness exciting ceremonies. The staffs here are also superb and willing to go the extra mile to make everything perfect for you.
Everything here, from the venue to the hall design, is worth more than the price. The White Chateau at Cecil Farm is located at 8753 Mulligan Rd, Owensboro, KY; 42301-9351.
12. Engage in Live Sports Scenes at Owensboro Sportscenter
If you are a retired basketballer or sports fan, your visit to Owensboro would not be complete without a visit to the Owensboro Sportscenter.
The Owensboro Sportscenter is the home to occasional events for the community and indoor sports such as basketball. You can catch amazing scenes of talented basketballers performing breathtaking skills.
Take a chance to support your favorite team in an epic battle!
img class=”wp-image-2943″ src=”https://docrina.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/owensboro-sportscenter-ky-1024×683.jpg” alt=”owensboro-sportscenter-ky” />Credit: Visitowensboro.com
As you keep your eyes fixed on the gorgeous court, you can’t resist the urge to nod your head to the beat of the fantastic musical band playing in the background.
The Sportscenter has a five thousand (5,000) seating capacity, so you don’t need to worry about space.
You can also grab beverages and hot foods available for purchase within the arena. You’ll also get the opportunity to sit side by side with other supporters from other cities and countries around the world; probably the best place to make new friends.
Owensboro Sportscenter is located at 1215 Hickman Ave, Owensboro, KY; 42301-2879.
13. Enjoy Amazing Live Performances at the Theatre Workshop of Owensboro
It has always been an excellent time for upcoming actors and movie lovers at the Theatre Workshop of Owensboro.
The Theatre Workshop of Owensboro renders quality productions in the newly-renovated Empress Theatre. They host the best of plays and live entertainment for guests yearly.
Over here, you’ll have the opportunity to watch local people do what they love doing; the kids will also like it here!
Aside from the plays, there are occasional live music concerts here, and over the years, the theatre has featured exciting plays like:
- Shine on the Stage,
- Twelve angry men,
- Pride, and Prejudice.
As you feast your eyes on what is going on at the stage, while sitting on the soft, comfortable, you can also grab some nice and yummy meals to keep you going.
This place is the best choice for a night out with your family or a date with that special someone.
The Theatre Workshop of Owensboro is located at 407 W 5th St, Owensboro, KY; 42301-0764.
14. Do Yoga at the Cottage on Hill
Yoga is not just an exercise that energizes your physical body, it also goes a long way in granting you emotional relief and mental wellness.
Now, suppose you want to have a taste of any of these, simply head straight to Yoga at the Cottage, Owensboro KY.
This place offers vinyasa yoga and Aerial Yoga and uses hammock silks to achieve different yoga postures.
As a professional in Yoga, you can take advantage of the excellent yoga facilities to train up for your next tournament, and as a novice, you can benefit from any of the available classes here, all at an affordable price.
Yoga classes here suit people of all ages and experience levels.
The staff and instructors are also well trained and will help no matter your experience level.
You’ll leave here empowered and impressed with what your body and mind have accomplished. It is worth more than the money and time you’ll spend, and also one of the best things to do in Owensboro KY for fun.
The Yoga at the Cottage on Hill is located at 309 Hill Ave, across from Jimmy Johns, off Frederica Street, Owensboro, KY; 42301-5062.
15. Go and See the World’s Largest Sassafras Tree
After reading a lot about such an old historical tree, its actual site will change your view of biology and nature in general.
The great Sassafras tree, which stands along Frederica Street in Owensboro, is believed to have lived over 300 years. It has also earned a title as the great-great-great-grandmother of trees worldwide.
This is because it is the only living Sassafras tree that has lived that long in the world.
This old tree is considered a sage one since it has seen a lot of life pass, and its appearance can narrate the ordeals of a long, rugged life.
From a distance, you can see people trying to wrap their arms around the wide circumference, and you’ll be amazed when those with considerable heights have their hands only go halfway around the tree.
Lots of people also stop to grab a photo with the tree, and you too can do the same with your company, or join other excited visitors to create a fantastic pictorial memory.
The world’s largest Sassafras tree is located at 2098 Frederica St, Owensboro, KY; 42301-4819.
16. Host an Event at Owensboro Convention Center
The Owensboro Convention Centre is not just the best in Owensboro; it is probably the best you can find throughout the entire United States.
This place is architecturally beautiful, with soaring ceilings and well-maintained large rooms. The hall has expansive windows to let in plenty of natural light and a cool breeze from the Ohio River.
There is also an overflow of striking artworks by professional glass artists that adds to the beauty of this space.
Over the years, Owensboro Convention Center has been known to have an annual tradition of holding top-notch shows, some of which include:
- After 5’s Pier Stage musical acts,
- Dwight Yoakam,
- Concerts by great bands,
- Dog shows,
- and lots more…
While in a meeting or show, you can afford to grab a meal from their Kentucky Legend Café.
The staff here are the best and easy to interact with.
The acoustics and technology here are as well breathtaking, making it an excellent atmosphere to host conferences!
Owensboro Convention Center is located at 501 W 2nd St, Owensboro, KY; 42301-0738.
17. Pay a Visit to Owensboro Museum of Science and History
If you are in the market for the best place to learn science and history in one of the best ways possible, then head straight to Owensboro Museum of Science and History – It is indeed, an interesting, informative, and fun-full place for adults and children to see and learn different things.
The many unique exhibits that are made available here make it a fun spot for both adults and kids to unwind.
Some of the things you can’t get your eyes off in this place include the large sucker fish tank, the fantastic train model to play with, a giant mammoth skeleton, the touring Dino exhibit, and lots more.
You’ll also get to learn a lot about history here as you’ll get a chance to see some of the early American inventions, wagons, ancient fabrics, etc. There is also a section dedicated to motorsports filled with cars, boats, drag racers, soapboxes, and many more.
The kids would stick to the children’s climbing tube that stands as high as six meters and leads outside the building. It’s absolutely an excellent place for kids of all ages.
Owensboro Museum of Science and History is located at 122 E 2nd St, Owensboro, KY; 42303-4108.
18. Go Shopping at Owensboro Antique Mall
One of the fun things to do in Owensboro KY Antique Mall is shopping. Owensboro Antique Mall is located downtown and is readily accessible to everyone within the region. Many people say it is a treasure in Owensboro after seeing the wide variety of items of various sorts in a well-organized setting.
Everything in this mall is kept clean and neatly organized, from the interior to the exterior. You could hop in to buy a piece of costume jewelry or fancy item for your loved ones back home, or just decide to walk around and feed your eyes with stunning historical pieces.
When shopping for antique pieces here, you won’t be disturbed by the usual antique smell because the antiques here are all odorless and not as junky as in other antique places.
In all, it is a clean, fun spot to appreciate the past or buy to add to your collection. Owensboro Antique Mall is located at 500 W 3rd St, Owensboro, KY; 42301-0706.
19. Explore the Rudy Mines Trails
The best things to do in Owensboro KY Rudy Mines Trails include both hiking and cycling.
This place has over seven miles of paved hiking and biking trails where you can see the beauty of the woods along the path. A hike here will expose you to nature’s beauty as you enjoy the sight of some small ponds and the sound of flowing streams.
Credit: Owenboroparks.org
Here, neatness and beauty are very certain!
You’ll get to see beautiful flora in the spring and colorful leaves in the fall along the paths.
The trails are easy and are an excellent place to start your mountain biking experience. A bonus is the mine site, whose history is fascinating.
Rudy Mines Trails are located at 137 Overstreet Rd, Owensboro, KY; 42301-9200.
20. Have a Lovely Time at Joe Ford Nature Park (JFNC)
The Joe Ford Nature Center is another beautiful opportunity to see nature’s awesomeness. It sits just off the Owensboro Bypass and has several different paths, each having different features.
The trails available here are easily accessible and beautiful, with clear paths that focus on local flora and fauna.
Credit: Owensboroparks.org
Whenever you visit, there’s a new direction here to try out.
The park is stacked with several hiking/walking trails. It also has a nature center building with various exhibits, a bird and animal sanctuary, and a children’s sensory zone play area.
And finally, the Joe Ford Nature Park also houses about ten (10) physical fitness stations and benches where you could wind out your body’s stress along the trails.
You can also bring your kids here for the periodically held Nature camps.
Joe Ford Nature Park is located at 3870 W. 2nd Street, Owensboro, KY.
What is the Cost of Living in Owensboro, KY?
Just as knowing the things to do in Owensboro KY for fun is important, it’s also important to note how much it would cost you, all through your stay or visit.
Basically, the average cost of living in Owensboro, KY is about $1,406 monthly, and this works best if you work in a job that pays you about $2,500 monthly.
Also, the average cost to rent a house in Owensboro, KY is about $878.