Owensboro KentuckyATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Owensboro, Kentucky.
1. Green River Distilling Co.
HISTORIC BOURBON EXPERIENCE
Green River Distilling Co. is a premier bourbon destination in Owensboro offering fascinating tours of their historic facilities. Visitors can learn about the bourbon-making process from grain to bottle while experiencing the rich heritage of Kentucky's bourbon culture. The distillery also offers tastings of their award-winning spirits in a charming setting along the Green River.
2. Smothers Park
RIVERFRONT FAMILY FUN
Smothers Park is a beautiful riverfront park in downtown Owensboro featuring an award-winning playground, interactive fountains, and stunning Ohio River views. The park includes the unique Lazy Dayz play area with elaborate climbing structures and the Spray Park where children can cool off during summer months. Visitors can also enjoy the iconic cascading fountains, scenic promenades, and regular community events throughout the year.
3. Bluegrass Music Hall of Fame & Museum
CELEBRATING MUSICAL HERITAGE
The Bluegrass Music Hall of Fame & Museum celebrates the rich history and cultural significance of bluegrass music through interactive exhibits and memorabilia. This state-of-the-art facility showcases vintage instruments, costumes, and recordings from legendary performers while telling the story of this uniquely American art form. The museum also hosts live performances in its intimate theater and sponsors the annual ROMP festival that brings world-class bluegrass musicians to Owensboro.
4. Reid's Orchard
SEASONAL FARM EXPERIENCE
Reid's Orchard offers a delightful agricultural experience where visitors can pick their own seasonal fruits including apples, peaches, and berries. The family-friendly destination features a country store selling fresh produce, homemade jams, and baked goods throughout the growing season. Each fall, their Apple Festival attracts thousands of visitors with activities like hay rides, petting zoos, and apple-themed treats in a charming rural setting.
5. Western Kentucky Botanical Garden
LUSH FLORAL RETREAT
Western Kentucky Botanical Garden showcases beautiful themed gardens, walking paths, and educational exhibits across its expansive grounds. Visitors can explore diverse plant collections including rose gardens, Japanese-inspired landscapes, and native Kentucky species throughout the changing seasons. The garden also hosts educational programs, art exhibits, and special events like tea parties in their historic homes and pavilions.
6. Owensboro Museum of Fine Arts
CULTURAL ART TREASURE
The Owensboro Museum of Fine Arts houses an impressive collection of American, European, and Asian artworks spanning several centuries. The museum showcases both permanent and rotating exhibits featuring paintings, sculptures, and decorative arts in a beautifully renovated historic building. Visitors can also enjoy the museum's educational programs, art workshops, and the unique River Artes public art installations that extend throughout the community.
7. The Miller House
HISTORIC SOUTHERN DINING
The Miller House offers fine dining in a magnificently restored 1905 red-brick home with period furnishings and elegant ambiance. Guests can enjoy Southern cuisine featuring local ingredients while surrounded by the charm of this historic Owensboro landmark. The restaurant is particularly famous for its bourbon selection, reportedly offering the largest bourbon bar in western Kentucky with over 600 varieties to sample.
8. Moonlite BBQ Inn
LEGENDARY KENTUCKY BARBECUE
Moonlite BBQ Inn is an iconic Owensboro institution famous for its authentic Kentucky mutton barbecue and extensive buffet of Southern specialties. The family-owned restaurant has been serving slow-smoked meats and homemade sides since 1963, attracting visitors from across the country. Their distinctive barbecue style and welcoming atmosphere have earned Moonlite recognition in numerous national publications and food shows as a must-visit culinary destination.
9. Preservation Station Market
VINTAGE SHOPPING HAVEN
Preservation Station Market offers an eclectic shopping experience featuring antiques, vintage items, and handcrafted goods from multiple vendors. The market is housed in a historic building that adds character to the treasure-hunting experience as visitors browse through unique collectibles and home décor. Beyond shopping, the venue also serves as an event center hosting community gatherings, workshops, and special themed markets throughout the year.
10. Owensboro Convention Center
RIVERFRONT EVENT HUB
The Owensboro Convention Center is a modern facility situated along the scenic Ohio River waterfront hosting conferences, concerts, and community events year-round. The architectural showpiece features expansive glass walls offering panoramic views of the river and downtown skyline from its meeting spaces and exhibition halls. Visitors can attend diverse public events ranging from craft shows and food festivals to touring performances and sporting competitions in this central Owensboro venue.
11. Owensboro's Sassafras Tree
NATURAL HISTORIC LANDMARK
Owensboro's Sassafras Tree is a remarkable natural landmark believed to be one of the largest sassafras trees in the United States. This impressive specimen stands as a living piece of Kentucky's natural heritage, estimated to be hundreds of years old. Visitors can marvel at this botanical wonder while learning about its historical significance and the traditional medicinal uses of sassafras in Appalachian culture.
12. Creme Coffee House
COZY DOWNTOWN CAFÉ
Creme Coffee House is a charming local café in downtown Owensboro serving specialty coffee drinks, pastries, and light fare in a welcoming atmosphere. The café features comfortable seating areas, local artwork, and a community-focused environment that makes it a popular gathering spot for residents and visitors alike. Guests can enjoy freshly roasted coffee while taking advantage of the café's central location as a starting point for exploring Owensboro's downtown attractions.
13. Fridays After 5
WEEKLY RIVERFRONT ENTERTAINMENT
Fridays After 5 is a beloved summer concert series held at Owensboro's riverfront featuring free live music performances every Friday evening. The family-friendly event showcases local and regional musicians across various genres while offering food vendors, activities, and spectacular Ohio River sunsets. This popular community tradition creates a festive atmosphere where visitors can experience Owensboro's vibrant local culture and hospitality throughout the summer months.
14. Owensboro Outdoor Murals
PUBLIC ART WALKING TOUR
The Owensboro Outdoor Murals tour showcases impressive large-scale artwork painted on buildings throughout the downtown area depicting local history, culture, and landmarks. These vibrant public artworks transform ordinary city walls into stunning visual stories that celebrate Owensboro's heritage and community spirit. Visitors can take self-guided walking tours to discover these artistic treasures while exploring the revitalized downtown district and learning about the city's unique character and history.
15. Old Hickory Bar-B-Q
TRADITIONAL KENTUCKY SMOKEHOUSE
Old Hickory Bar-B-Q is a beloved Owensboro institution serving authentic pit-smoked barbecue since 1918 with recipes passed down through generations. The restaurant specializes in the regional specialty of smoked mutton alongside pork, chicken, and beef prepared with traditional methods and served with their signature vinegar-based dip. Diners enjoy a casual, homestyle atmosphere where they can experience genuine Kentucky culinary traditions in one of the state's oldest continuously operating barbecue establishments.