You might not have Paducah, Kentucky on your list of places to see but let me make the case for it to be there with only three words: FLOOD WALL MURALS. We were on US-24 headed to Fort Massac and Metropolis, Illinois recently (I’ll write that visit up later) which mean Paducah is within 10 minutes of our stops. Which also means, we’re going to make time for it (since we’re not in the area everyday).
Follow the signs for historic downtown Paducah to find the murals. The Paducah Wall to Wall Portraits of Our Past project features snapshots of Paducah’s rich history from Native Americans through several wars to it becoming the Atomic City.
Fresh & Clean
There are more than 50 panels to see along the easy path along the riverside. The flood wall was built after a catastrophic flood hit Paducah in 1937. The outdoor gallery looks fresh and clean even though it’s more than 20 years old. The pristine condition is due to the care from the city and yearly touch-ups to the paint. The well maintained area makes for a great stop for road warriors who need to stretch their legs.
Parking:
There is a large free lot just across from the mural beginning, opposite end from the train display.
Admission:
There’s no charge to see the murals. Simply park and walk the strip.
Bonus tips:
You can walk through the wall down to the shore of the Ohio River. This is fun for the kids, especially when boats or barges are floating by. There are also plenty of restaurants and little shops across the street from the flood wall.
HISTORY FANS:
William Clark (of Lewis & Clark) established Paducah after purchasing the land for $5. He and his brother George Rogers Clark have strong ties to the area.
If you have time to walk around, don’t miss the Clark bought this land for $5 historical marker and the Lewis & Clark Expedition statues.
Looking for more tips and reviews about the downtown Paducah area?
Check out the TripAdvisor page from other mural visitors.
