Top 15 Must-Visit Attractions in Henderson, KY

The seat of the eponymous county, Henderson is a historic city situated on a sweeping bend of the Ohio River, facing Indiana. During the 1810s, when Henderson was a frontier settlement, the ornithologist and artist John James Audubon (1785-1851) resided here, experiencing a pivotal period in his life that motivated him to pursue art as his primary career.

Audubon’s time in Henderson is commemorated with a museum showcasing original artworks and personal artifacts, alongside more than six miles of trails in the adjacent state park. The downtown area of Henderson boasts an exceptional array of festivals throughout the summer, predominantly at the site of a waterfront grist mill established by Audubon, which was soon abandoned over 200 years ago.

1. John James Audubon State Park

Located in northern Henderson, the John James Audubon State Park encompasses 700 acres of hilly woodland, a significant portion of which is old-growth forest. During the Great Depression, the Works Progress Administration (WPA) constructed the chateau-style museum building that serves as the park’s central feature.

The Audubon Museum & Nature Center houses one of the most extensive collections of materials related to John James Audubon, displaying rare editions of his seminal work, *The Birds of America*, original engravings and lithographs, paintings by Audubon and his sons, family correspondence, and an inventory of personal possessions, including birds taxidermied by Audubon himself.

Visitors can explore the park via over six miles of trails, rent pedal boats on the lake, camp overnight, and enjoy a round of golf on the nine-hole course.

2. Downtown Henderson

A distinctive characteristic of Henderson’s historic downtown area is its waterfront location, providing a broad view of the Ohio River to the west and a picturesque glow at sunset. Along Main Street, Water Street, and their intersections, a surprisingly diverse selection of locally-owned shops and services can be found.

Quaint stores offer musical instruments, flowers, clothing, homewares, antiques, art supplies, jewelry, shoes, and more. Dining options include excellent establishments featuring southern cuisine and barbecue, along with pizza, tacos, breakfast items, and freshly roasted coffee.

Moreover, Downtown Henderson is lively throughout the summer, hosting various events, including a revitalized First Friday initiative centered around the Perch Pocket Park. For those seeking a quieter experience, all 16 cast bronze sculptures inspired by Audubon’s paintings in *The Birds of America* can be found in the area.

3. Audubon Mill Park

On a sunny day, it is difficult to imagine a more charming locale than this downtown riverside park, adorned with towering old trees and unobstructed views along the riverbend. The Indiana side is predominantly agricultural land and woodlands, while in the foreground stands the Henderson Bridge (1932), a railroad crossing that replaced an earlier structure from the 1880s.

The park occupies the site of a steam-powered grist mill constructed in 1816 by John James Audubon and his brother-in-law, Thomas Bakewell. This venture was short-lived, as Audubon quickly transitioned into the painting career for which he is best known.

Audubon Mill Park features an amphitheater, making it a fitting venue for summer festivals in the city, as well as an interactive water feature, the Henderson Boat Ramp, and a dock.

4. W.C. Handy Blues & Barbecue Festival

The largest of Henderson’s summer events is a four-day music and culinary extravaganza at Audubon Mill Park, occurring in mid-June. The W.C. Handy Blues & Barbecue Festival has been celebrated for over 30 years, captivating the community with crowds gathering long before the leading performances take place on the weekend.

The event has hosted an extensive roster of performers, including the likes of Walter Trout, Joe Louis Walker, Coco Montoya, Victor Wainwright, and Samantha Fish. A cherished tradition is the Street Strut on Saturday, a community parade where awards are given for various categories, including Best Decorated Umbrella to Most Spirited Strutter.

Additionally, food and beverages complement the music, with over 20 vendors participating alongside local restaurants and the Henderson Brewing Co.

5. Bluegrass in the Park Folklife Festival

In August, the picturesque Audubon Mill Park serves as the venue for one of the largest free bluegrass festivals in the United States. Bluegrass in the Park presents a weekend dedicated to bluegrass, Americana, and old-time music, accompanied by delicious food, children’s activities, folklife exhibits, artisan vendors, and more.

Previous lineups have featured prominent names such as Alison Krauss, Bill Monroe, Emmylou Harris, Glen Campbell, Ricky Skaggs, and John Hartford. Recent years have also introduced several exciting side events, including a 5k run, a disc golf tournament, and a unique street pole vault competition. Music typically begins as early as 7 AM and continues until after sunset.

6. Gallery 101

The Ohio Valley Art League (OVAL), founded in 1991, aims to promote visual arts within Henderson and the Tri-State area. Over the last 30+ years, this organization has curated numerous exhibitions and programs, enriching the city’s public spaces with art. One notable work is Don Gummer’s *The Optimist* (2001), prominently displayed in front of the Preston Arts Center.

At the time of writing, OVAL had recently inaugurated a permanent exhibition space, Gallery 101, within the riverfront Depot building adjacent to Audubon Mill Park. This dynamic venue hosts year-round art exhibitions, workshops, classes, and demonstrations.

7. Preston Arts Center

Situated on the Henderson Community College campus in the southwest part of the city, the Preston Arts Center is a remarkable multidisciplinary venue set against a stunning lakeside backdrop. The centerpiece of the facility is the 951-seat McCormick Hall, a beautiful setting for diverse events ranging from touring Broadway productions to local community theater.

This stage is utilized by various local arts organizations, including the Henderson Area Arts Alliance, which has an engaging calendar of events. The center also features art galleries that host valuable exhibitions throughout the year, with open hours from Monday to Saturday.

8. Ellis Park

Located on the north bank of the Ohio River, Ellis Park is a renowned thoroughbred racetrack with a history spanning over a century. Established in 1922, the park is undergoing significant enhancements, including an investment of $14.2 million aimed at improving grandstands, expanding the turf track, and implementing a lighting system that will enable night racing for the first time in the track’s history.

This transition is particularly beneficial during the summer months when it is safer for horses to race after dark. Ellis Park has offered gaming options for several years, and the recent improvements will introduce over 400 instant racing machines now legal in Kentucky since 2021.

9. Atkinson Park

Located north of downtown Henderson, Atkinson Park is another picturesque riverside park in the city. Positioned high on the riverbank, it offers magnificent views at sunset. The park features a disc golf course, a skate park, an open shelter, grills, baseball fields, and a playground.

Additionally, it serves as the starting point for the River Walk trail, which follows the riverbank for over a mile and connects to Red Banks Park to the south. Continuing further, visitors can enjoy another lovely waterfront site adjacent to the Henderson Bridge at Sunset Park.

10. Audubon Wetlands Trail

In 2011, a 650-acre parcel of wetlands and floodplain forest adjacent to the state park was acquired by the Audubon Wetlands Group with the intent of preserving it as a public area. The centerpiece of this preserve is a 1.5-mile, ADA-accessible looping trail, which is unmatched in the region.

The Audubon Wetlands Trail features an impressive 750-foot section of boardwalk, offering an optimal vantage point for observing wildlife as you traverse this vital ecosystem. As you walk, watch for otters, beavers, butterflies, turtles, frogs, and a diverse range of warblers and waterfowl.

11. The Perch Pocket Park

As a testament to the ongoing rejuvenation of downtown Henderson, this small plaza, located along the 200 block of Second Street where a parking lot once stood, opened in 2018. Conveniently located near various dining options in downtown, The Perch Pocket Park has become a favored spot for summer lunches, featuring a lighted pergola for shade.

The park includes a stage area for outdoor performances during First Fridays, along with an impressive mural commissioned by OVAL, with more additions planned for the future.

12. Sandy Lee Watkins Songwriters Festival

Each July, downtown Henderson hosts some of the most talented singer-songwriters in the music industry for an intimate series of acoustic performances spanning four nights. Attendees can expect enjoyable music, captivating stories, and valuable insights into the songwriting process.

At the time of writing, the festival was set to feature notable artists such as Don Sampson, Johnny Bulford, Tony Arata, Chris Gebulda, and Billy Crain, representing just a portion of the 30+ performers scheduled. Additionally, the Sandy Lee Watkins Songwriters Festival incorporates a philanthropic element, raising funds for vital local causes and non-profit organizations.

13. Porchfest

This free, family-friendly music event takes place along four blocks of South Main Street on a Saturday in early June. Porchfest is an intimate, evening-long celebration held in a residential area of Henderson, southwest of downtown.

Between Washington Street and Jefferson Street, nine different residences and the Henderson County Public Library host live music from their porches and lawns. A map is provided prior to the event, and food trucks are typically present. Just bring a blanket or lawn chair for an enjoyable evening of entertainment.

14. Henderson County Farmers’ Market

Considering the abundance of agriculture in the Henderson region, it is only fitting that a high-quality farmers’ market exists in the city. This county event takes place in a designated pavilion at the fairgrounds. From May through October, visitors can explore the Henderson County Farmers’ Market on Tuesday, Friday, and Saturday mornings for a rotating selection of locally sourced fresh produce.

In addition, locally raised meats, wines, flowers, honey, baked goods, jams, eggs, and unique handcrafted items are available for purchase.

15. Atkinson Pool

Beginning on Memorial Day weekend, Atkinson Pool becomes a popular summer destination for families in Henderson. This facility features a sizable L-shaped main pool, a wading pool for younger children, a waterslide, and a waterfall.

The pool operates seven days a week throughout the summer vacation period, and the entire complex is available for rental during evening hours for parties.