Top 15 Attractions and Activities in Owensboro, Kentucky

Situated along a curve of the Ohio River in Western Kentucky, Owensboro is a city enriched with culture, characterized by a vibrant downtown and a newly revitalized riverfront. Here, visitors can immerse themselves in several local classics, all of which start with the letter “B”.

Firstly, recognized as “The Barbecue Capital of the World,” Owensboro offers delectable pit barbecue and burgoo stew at various local restaurants, especially during the International Bar-B-Q Festival held on the second weekend in May.

The striking Bluegrass Music Hall of Fame & Museum, located along the riverfront, provides an insightful overview of the unique musical genre that originated in this region during the early 20th century.

Bourbon is another highlight, with several distilleries nearby, including the Green River Distilling Company, which welcomes guests for tours and tasting experiences at its historic headquarters.

1. Smothers Park

The centerpiece of Owensboro’s newly rejuvenated riverfront is this remarkable park, which has a history stretching back to 1816.

Following an extensive refurbishment in 2012, Smothers Park now serves as an ideal location to observe the flowing Ohio River while hosting significant outdoor events such as the annual air show in September and the Friday After 5 series.

Additionally, Smothers Park is an enticing playground for children, featuring the state-of-the-art Lazy Dayz Playground and Spray Park, both of which are ADA accessible. Facilities include complimentary Wi-Fi, clean restrooms, and a summer concession stand.

2. International Bar-B-Q Festival

During a weekend in mid-May, the aroma of hickory smoke fills the Owensboro riverfront as teams vie for accolades, including the esteemed Governor’s Cup.

Established in 1979, the International Bar-B-Q Festival is an excellent opportunity to sample regional specialties such as mutton, Bar-B-Q pork sandwiches, and burgoo.

For attendees, the main attraction is food, offering delightful samples from competitors alongside familiar fair favorites like funnel cakes and corn dogs.

The weekend is filled with additional activities, including contests, carnival rides, arts and crafts, and live music.

3. Green River Distilling Company

Located within a collection of historic brick buildings in the western part of Owensboro is one of the world’s oldest bourbon distilleries.

The westernmost stop on the renowned Kentucky Bourbon Trail, the Green River Distilling Company was founded in 1885, ranking as the tenth-oldest in the state.

The establishment is currently managed by eighth-generation Master Distiller Jacob Call; after decades of being known as the O.Z. Tyler Distillery, it has reverted to its original name.

During a tour, visitors can learn about the production process, from grain to glass. Following the production overview, a guided bourbon and rye tasting session is available with the distillery’s experts.

The facility also serves as a living museum, showcasing items such as the rediscovered desk of founder John W. McCulloch and bottles from the early years of production.

4. Bluegrass Music Hall of Fame & Museum

OWensboro is in proximity to the birthplace of musician and songwriter Bill Monroe (1911-1996), known as the Father of Bluegrass.

Therefore, it is fitting that the hall of fame and museum dedicated to this cherished genre is located in the city, having relocated to a new facility on the riverfront in 2018.

Here, visitors can trace the complex history of bluegrass, exploring its connections with jazz, blues, folk, and gospel music, along with significant figures including Monroe, 5-string banjo player Earl Scruggs, and guitarist Lester Flatt who collaborated with him.

The museum also features compelling profiles of contemporary musicians who carry on this legacy, such as Alison Krauss, Sam Bush, and Ricky Skaggs, along with numerous engaging interactive exhibits designed to enhance appreciation for the art form.

Live performances are held at the 447-seat Woodward Theatre, specially designed for acoustic music, and in the picturesque outdoor stage area.

5. Downtown Owensboro

One of the remarkable features of downtown Owensboro is its seamless connection with the riverfront area and its exciting new developments.

This fusion creates a rich blend of long-established restaurants, bars, coffee houses, and live music venues, along with a variety of stores offering homewares, fashion, and antiques, all within walking distance of Owensboro’s primary attractions.

Many historic storefronts have been revitalized in recent years, with newly paved sidewalks featuring trees, elegant street furniture, and abundant outdoor seating for local dining establishments.

At the eastern edge, downtown and riverfront converge at the RiverPark Center, a remarkable performing arts venue that hosts musicals, concerts, comedy shows, and various other events.

6. Moonlite Bar-B-Q Inn

If you enjoy meat, a visit to “The Barbecue Capital of the World” necessitates a taste of the local pit barbecue.

Your initial destination should be this family-owned establishment, which has been operating since 1963 and is now in its fourth generation. Moonlite Bar-B-Q Inn sources only premium cuts, slow-cooked in custom hickory pits to achieve perfect tenderness.

The aromatic scent of hickory smoke is an integral part of the experience, with visitors traveling from afar for its well-known buffet, which has a dedicated room.

The buffet features an enticing array of meats (be sure to try the mutton), served with southern-style vegetables and Moonlite’s signature corn muffins. A salad bar is also available, with the banana salad being highly recommended.

7. Owensboro Museum of Fine Art

For a cultural experience, Owensboro boasts an art museum featuring a substantial collection of over 4,000 items, covering periods from the 1400s to the present, and encompassing American, Asian, and European art.

Notable artists represented in the collection include Picasso, Kentucky-native Frank Duveneck, Charles Wilson Peale, and Sir Thomas Lawrence, the renowned English Regency portraitist.

The museum is situated in Owensboro’s historical Carnegie Library building erected in 1909, while its decorative arts wing is housed in the pre-Civil War John Hampden Smith House.

In spring, the museum hosts the Owensboro Art Guild Juried Exhibition, which has been a highlight for over 60 years, showcasing talent from more than 70 local artists.

8. Owensboro Convention Center

This modern, award-winning facility adjacent to the riverbank consistently hosts a variety of trade shows, conferences, concerts, sports events, exhibitions, fairs, markets, and other special occasions.

The convention center features a spacious exhibition hall of over 44,000 square feet while integrating the outdoor Kentucky Legend Pier, which offers a stunning venue for open-air events.

This location provides the optimal setting to enjoy the city’s 4th of July fireworks display or the Owensboro Air Show, typically scheduled for September.

Even on days when there are no scheduled activities, visitors can dine at the Kentucky Legend Cafe, open Monday through Friday and offering a menu that includes salads, sandwiches, and wraps.

9. Owensboro Museum of Science & History

Designed for young learners, this interactive museum is positioned downtown within an impressive four-story building dating back to the early 1900s.

The permanent exhibits feature the Owensboro Rotary Playzeum indoor playground, motorsports-themed Speedzeum, hands-on Encounter, Ford Government Gallery, Coal Mine Gallery, and the RiverHeritage History Gallery, which is currently under development.

Additionally, there is a rotating exhibit that changes every few months. Notably, the Playzeum serves as a valuable resource for parents and children under ten, featuring play components inspired by Owensboro’s history and its surroundings.

10. Owensboro’s Sassafras Tree

Adjacent to the Daviess County Public Library at 2100-2166 Frederica St, stands a towering sassafras tree estimated to be around 300 years old.

This remarkable tree, marked by the Kentucky Historical Society, rises over 100 feet tall, significantly larger than the average sassafras.

It holds the distinction of being the largest sassafras tree in the United States, according to the American Forestry Association, and may well be the largest in the world.

Notably, this tree has been recognized for its size since the 1880s and was saved from destruction in 1957 by Dr. and Mrs. Grace Rash.

11. Friday After 5

The Owensboro riverfront comes alive on Friday evenings throughout the summer.

During this season, an award-winning weekly gathering by the Ohio River features live music, food trucks, and family-friendly entertainment.

Friday After 5 is conducted at five different venues along the eight-block riverfront, combined with a street fair that children are sure to enjoy, along with costumed characters.

This free event, which requires no tickets, has been a staple since 1997, making it an ideal way to kick off the weekend.

12. Legion Park

Shaded by numerous mature trees, this pleasant park in southern Owensboro has been a popular picnic destination for approximately 130 years.

A contemporary feature drawing families to Legion Park is the remarkable SprayPark, operational from Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day.

Additional amenities include a half-mile walking trail equipped with workout apparatus, a lighted basketball court, a tennis court, a playground, one open picnic shelter, and two screened picnic shelters.

If visiting during the holiday season, be sure to take your family to admire the traditional Christmas light display, adding a festive touch to your visit.

13. Western Kentucky Botanical Garden

This enchanting botanical garden in the western part of Owensboro has been developing over the past 30 years.

Upon arrival, you will discover a tapestry of themed gardens, including an extensive herb garden, an English cottage garden, a rose garden, a children’s garden, an ericaceous garden, a Japanese memorial garden, and a Kentucky symbol quilt garden.

For those interested in horticulture, the University of Kentucky Extension display garden and the Western Kentucky University experimental garden provide fascinating insights.

The grounds also feature various historic buildings, including a doctor’s office from 1890, a gazebo, a classroom, a conservatory, a historical 19th-century ticket booth, and a sizable gazebo.

14. Reid’s Orchard

A worthy excursion from Owensboro is this family-operated orchard located just around the bend on the east side of the city.

Reid’s Orchard was established by the great-grandfather of the current owner in 1873, continuing a fruit-growing legacy spanning nearly 150 years.

Visitors can stop by in season to purchase strawberries, peaches, blackberries, pears, cherries, apples, and a diverse selection of vegetables from the farm market.

A key event to note is the third weekend in October when the farm hosts its renowned Apple Festival, featuring approximately 100 craft booths, diverse food stalls, carnival rides, hayrides, and a petting zoo.

15. Preservation Station Market & Event Center

A unique destination a short distance from Owensboro is a repurposed elementary school building transformed into a retail marketplace featuring over 60 shops.

The Preservation Station spans nearly 40,000 square feet of retail space, showcasing a diverse range of vendors specializing in antiques and unique handmade crafts.

Special market days present opportunities for even more vendors, complemented by live music in a festive atmosphere.

A 100-seat restaurant recently opened here, offering Southern specialties such as fried green tomatoes, wild catfish with hush puppies, and a half-pound chuck burger glazed with bourbon sauce.