Top 15 Must-Do Activities in Murray, Kentucky

Located in the Jackson Purchase region, just west of Kentucky Lake, Murray is a welcoming small town known for being the home of Murray State University.

Sports enthusiasts are likely familiar with the Murray State Racers, a nod to the area’s thoroughbred legacy. As consistent participants in NCAA tournaments, the men’s basketball team poses a significant challenge and has contributed to the development of numerous NBA talents, including the notable Ja Morant.

Murray serves as an ideal base for a vacation at Kentucky Lake, which is within a 20-minute drive from downtown, offering an array of activities.

For a local experience, downtown Murray presents an enjoyable atmosphere, complemented by the tranquil green countryside that features historic tobacco farms visible along a scenic quilt trail.

1. Kentucky Lake

Drive approximately ten minutes east of downtown Murray to arrive at the shores of the largest artificial lake east of the Mississippi, boasting over 2,000 miles of shoreline.

Formed by the Kentucky Dam, Kentucky Lake is situated on the Tennessee River alongside the expansive Lake Barkley, with both substantial reservoirs encircling a land formation recognized as the Land Between the Lakes National Recreation Area, which will be discussed in detail next.

The coastline near Murray features numerous marinas, a public golf course, campgrounds, and family-friendly resorts. Fortunately, there is no need to bring your own canoe or boat for paddling or fishing, as many nearby resorts and marinas provide rental services.

If you venture north toward the dam, you will discover a collection of attractions, including the Kentucky Shores family fun center and the Venture River Water Park.

2. Land Between the Lakes National Recreation Area

Murray is a mere 15 minutes from the vast protected region that lies between Kentucky Lake and Lake Barkley, home to elk, bison, beavers, and a rich diversity of birdlife.

This 170,000-acre peninsula consists of untamed forests, wetlands, and open fields, featuring approximately 300 miles of shoreline and around 500 miles of trails.

A fantastic way to explore the natural abundance of the Land Between the Lakes is by navigating the system of waterways that wind through the forest, with five designated water trails available.

Although wilderness prevails on this peninsula, it remains inviting for visitors, with various campgrounds, picnic areas, boat ramps, fishing spots, and attractions such as the Woodlands Nature Station, where you can observe the diverse wildlife of the region.

3. Historic Downtown Murray

Within a span of four square blocks surrounding the central Court Square, there exists over 200 years of rich history waiting to be explored.

The Murray Convention and Visitors Bureau, located on the south side of Court Square, provides an extensive guide and map to ensure you do not miss any significant sites.

This includes many local enterprises, primarily positioned along Court Square, featuring a selection of restaurants and shops offering collectibles, gifts, literature, craft supplies, home goods, and more.

Just a block or two away, you can discover more than a dozen notable landmarks, ranging from churches to beautiful Victorian houses, including the old National Hotel building that reflects the city’s growth in the early 20th century.

4. Murray Court Square

When there’s an event occurring in downtown Murray, it is likely to take place on the lawn of the impressive Calloway County Courthouse (constructed in 1913).

This building exemplifies Classic Revival architecture, having replaced an earlier structure that was destroyed by fire in 1906, and it was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1986.

We will mention the farmers’ market that is hosted here during the summer, along with many other seasonal celebrations at this location.

The most prominent is the Dickens Downtown event in December, which centers around the lighting of Murray’s Christmas tree at this site.

Another event is Easter on the Square, featuring an egg hunt and a visit from the Easter Bunny, or the Ice Cream Festival in September, which includes complimentary ice cream and amusements for young children.

5. Wrather West KY Museum

This local history museum is open on weekdays and is housed in the prestigious Wrather Hall, originally the first permanent building constructed on the MSU campus, completed in 1924.

In the early years, Wrather Hall served multiple purposes, including hosting classes, debates, pep rallies, performances, and accommodating administrative offices, laboratories, a post office, and bookstore.

Currently, the museum provides insights into the economic, cultural, and social evolution of Western Kentucky and the Jackson Purchase.

At the time of writing, the museum was in the process of updating its displays in preparation for the university’s centennial celebration.

A captivating temporary exhibit was the traveling Smithsonian exhibit, “Voices and Votes; Democracy in America,” which explores the principles and advancements of a government that serves its people.

6. Murray State Racers Men’s Basketball

One of the MSU’s varsity programs that possesses a national reputation is the basketball team, which has a storied history and has produced more than two dozen NBA draftees.

The most recent notable player is NBA All-Star Ja Morant, whose jersey No. 12 has been retired by MSU. Based at the 8,600-seat CFSB Center,

The Racers have claimed the Ohio Valley Conference championship no fewer than 18 times, having transitioned to the Missouri Valley Conference at the time of this writing. In their last OVC season, they achieved an impressive 18-0 regular season record.

Much of their home-court advantage stems from their enthusiastic crowd, which set a record in 2012 for the loudest sound registered in an indoor basketball arena at 138 dBA.

7. Downtown Farmers’ Market

Murray’s vibrant Downtown Farmers’ Market has become a summer tradition for over 25 years. The primary market operates Saturday mornings from May through October at Court Square in the historic downtown area.

The market features a diverse array of local vendors offering seasonal produce, meats, honey, eggs, plants, and flowers, alongside artisans selling baked goods, preserves, handmade crafts, and more.

This lively event introduces something new each week, whether it be a cooking demonstration or engaging educational activities for children. From July through September, an additional market is held on Tuesday afternoons at 8th and Poplar.

8. The Arboretum at Murray State

Situated on the 40-acre Pullen Farm in the southwestern region of the MSU campus, this fascinating public educational garden serves as a peaceful haven for all.

In a serene environment, visitors can stroll through the gardens, meticulously maintained by students, and enjoy ever-expanding collections of perennials, annuals, trees, and shrubs.

During the summer, the Butterfly Garden is a delightful attraction, inviting visitors to identify numerous butterfly species. Additionally, a grand view of the Pullen Farm can be enjoyed from the garden’s elevated “Mountain.”

9. Central Park

Located east of the MSU campus, Central Park is Murray’s premier public park, bustling with activities, especially during the summer months. Among its features is the Murray City Pool, which includes a lap pool and a brand new splash park catering to younger visitors.

Moreover, the park boasts a highly regarded disc golf course, a skate park, numerous picnic shelters, a dog park, sports facilities, an amphitheater for outdoor events, and the Playhouse in the Park, which will be elaborated on later in this article.

For those simply enjoying a leisurely walk or bike ride, a network of trails connects main facilities and navigates through wooded areas and rolling landscapes.

10. Clara M. Eagle Art Gallery

This gallery, operated by MSU’s Department of Art and Design, is open during the academic semester and serves as a vital component of the department.

Featuring four distinct exhibition spaces, the gallery houses over 1,200 works in its permanent collection and presents outstanding temporary exhibitions.

Recent highlights include contemporary art from across the United States, African art, ironwork, contemporary textiles, and innovative woodwork.

Two key events in the yearly calendar are the biennial Magic Silver photography exhibition and the Kentucky National (for all media), both of which are prestigious nationally juried shows.

11. Playhouse in the Park

The Murray-Calloway County Community Theatre finds its home in the historic Murray Freight Depot.

This building, previously part of the Louisville and Nashville Railroad, was extensively renovated in 1979 and relocated to Central Park, where it now provides a venue for showcasing Murray’s artistic talent.

From February through October, the theatre hosts a diverse array of musicals, comedies, dramas, and children’s performances, featuring impressive production values and talent.

Among the productions highlighted during our research were Elf, Sister Act, and The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time.

12. Cheri Theatres

Close to Central Park and the MSU campus, this locally owned cinema has been a core entertainment destination in Murray since 1967.

The signage evokes the charm of mid-century cinema, while the theater has evolved over the years. Currently, it features seven auditoriums equipped with comfortable stadium seating and cutting-edge Dolby surround sound and projection technology.

Notably, Cheri Theatres is recognized for its excellent maintenance and facilities, providing affordable admission prices and reasonably priced concessions, along with discounts for matinee screenings (before 5:30 pm).

13. Miller Memorial Golf Course

This public golf course, located just east of Murray, is highly regarded as one of the best in the Kentucky Lake region. Miller Memorial Golf Course presents an 18-hole, par 71 layout, spanning 6,592 yards from the longest tees.

Featuring well-maintained Bermuda grass on greens and fairways, the course presents an interesting contrast between the hilly front nine and the longer back nine, requiring precise iron play.

Additionally, the course introduces a variety of hazards, including about 50 bunkers and three lakes, all contributing to a scenic backdrop for many holes. On-site amenities include a pro shop, snack bar, and a 7,500-square-foot putting and chipping green.

14. Calloway County Quilt Trail

Murray occupies a picturesque agricultural setting, characterized by numerous quaint farms, many of which have remained within the same families for generations.

A delightful way to rejuvenate and enjoy the scenic rolling landscape is along The Calloway County Quilt Trail.

With over 60 stops, this represents one of the longest trails of its kind in the region, showcasing canvases painted on barns and homes throughout Murray and the wider Calloway County.

Often displayed on historic tobacco barns, these quilts are visually pleasing and come with intriguing narratives that provide insight into the local community.

A full guide can be downloaded via the Murray Convention and Visitors Bureau, allowing visitors to explore the various stops and learn more about each quilt’s history.

15. Murray Peddlers Mall

Well-regarded in the antiques and collectibles community, the Murray Peddlers Mall is part of a chain with branches in Kentucky, Ohio, and Indiana. Within this expansive venue, multiple vendors showcase their offerings, inviting you to discover unique treasures.

The array of items includes furniture, toys, home appliances, vintage sports equipment, tools, military surplus, dishware, artwork, vinyl records, literature, clothing, seasonal decorations, musical instruments, games, and comic books.

Visitors will always find surprises here, as the inventory changes frequently, ensuring that each visit offers new discoveries.