riverboat cruise paducah ky

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Destination Spotlight: Paducah

Cruising the river, you’ll enjoy big cities and small river towns. Some you’ve heard of and others are a new adventure. In our Destination Spotlight series, we’ll help you get acquainted with these new destinations to prepare you for your cruise. Today we’re highlighting the river town of Paducah, Kentucky.

Paducah’s History

Originally founded by European Americans as Pekin in 1821, William Clark laid out the design of the town in 1827, renaming it Paducah – based on a Spanish transliteration of the name of the Comanche people, despite the local tribe being Chickasaw.  Paducah was incorporated as a city in 1838, with steam boats using the port for trade and transportation. Paducah built dry dock facilities for steamboats, and became a railway hub for the Illinois Central Railroad.

During the Civil War, transportation along the western front was pivotal to both sides. Although Kentucky initially attempted to be neutral, Union forces occupied Paducah after Confederate forces took Columbus. Access to and control of the Ohio, Mississippi and Tennessee Rivers was vital to the war effort. The Battle of Paducah in 1864 consisted of a confederate raid to steal supplies and ammunition.

In the early 20th century, the railroad became the biggest employer in Paducah after the Illinois Central Railroad built the nation’s largest locomotive workshop in 1924. In the mid 20th century, the workshop was converted to repair diesel locomotives.

The worst natural disaster in Paducah and the Ohio Valley was the 1937 flood. The driving rain and melting winter ice saw the Ohio River cresting over 60 feet, above Paducah’s 50-foot flood stage. Afterwards, the Army Corps of Engineers built the flood wall that still exists to protect the city.

Paducah named Creative City

Paducah was designated a UNESCO Creative City in 2013, the 7th in the world to be given the designation in the field of Crafts & Folk Art. The city is only one of two American cities recognized in this field, with Santa Fe. One of the top criteria for Paducah gaining this honor is its National Quilt Museum.

In 1991, the National Quilt Museum opened in Paducah. Their mission is to support the art of quilting by displaying quilt and fiber art exhibits, as well as providing education and workshops that promote the skill and art of quilting. When the museum opened, they displayed 85 quilts. Today the museum’s collection holds more than 600 art pieces. The museum is visited by over 115,000 visitors a year. With three galleries changing exhibits several times a year, there’s always something new to see and enjoy.

When Your River Cruise Stops in Paducah

Paducah has been welcoming river cruisers for a long time. There are many fun things for cruisers visiting for the day, including craft beer and wine, shopping, restaurants and trails to walk. Paducah even has a cell phone walking tour – just dial and listen to the history as you walk the town.

A popular stop for cruisers is the Lloyd Tilghman House and Civil War Museum. Robert Woolfolk built the house in 1852 for the family of Lloyd Tilghman, a West Point graduate who got a job with New Orleans and Ohio Railroad as a civil engineer. As a member of the Kentucky State Guard, Tilghman was supposed to defend Kentucky’s neutrality in the Civil War. The family stayed in the house until 1861. Lloyd Tilghman became a general in the Confederate forces and was killed in 1863. The family of Robert Woolfolk moved into the house in 1861, following Tilghman’s departure. The Union headquarters was established directly across the street. Woolfolk, being a Confederate supporter, caused a riot when he flew the Confederate flag above the house. In 1864, Woolfolk and his family were banished to Canada. Today, the house has been turned into a Civil War Museum, focused on the role of Western Kentucky in the war.

Paducah’s history has been captured in life-sized paintings on the floodwall. Tripadvisor’s most popular tourist attraction in Kentucky in 2014, the floodwall murals were created by Robert Dafford, and are available for public viewing at all hours.

The Four-Rivers Region refers to the Mississippi, Ohio, Tennessee and Cumberland Rivers. To celebrate the region, Paducah began pursuing the idea of a museum. The River Heritage Museum held its grand opening in 2003 with an exhibit gallery. In 2008, it was renamed the River Discovery Center, and opened new river industry exhibits, as well as a boat simulator. New programs have continued to expand the museum, including the Paducah Dragon Boat Festival and educational programs. You’ll find exhibits and artifacts about the rivers’ history, the lives that have been lived on the rivers, as well as the marine life that inhabits the rivers.

The Freight House was built by the Nashville, Chattanooga and St. Louis Railway in 1925. In 1996, it was converted into the Paducah Railroad Museum. Railroad is so important to the history of the town, and this is the place to learn about it. Also, you’ll enjoy the train models and memorabilia on display.

What goes better together than Kentucky and moonshine? Learn about the history and enjoy the flavors at the Moonshine Company in downtown Paducah! The building is over a century old, adding to your experience as you take the guided museum tour. See the historic stills used by the family that bootlegged more than 80 years ago, and sample the moonshine distilled on-site.

River Cruises that Visit Paducah

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AMERICAN CRUISE LINES 11 Days | Ohio River Cruise Westbound

PITTSBURGH TO ST. LOUIS Day 1 | Pittsburgh, PA. Embark. Begin your journey in "steel city," Pittsburgh. Long known for steel manufacturing, Pittsburgh was an essential stop along the Ohio River for national and international commerce, making it a wealthy town in the 18th and 19th centuries. (Please Note: River conditions can affect any cruise and the upper part of the Ohio River can be particularly sensitive to fluctuating conditions. In the event that the ship can’t dock in Pittsburgh, guests will be transported by bus from the hotel to the ship to begin their cruise. For those cruises ending in Pittsburgh, guests will be transported from the ship to Pittsburgh to enjoy the city excursions. Day 2 | Marietta, OH. The second-largest city in the Parkersburg-Marietta-Vienna Metropolitan area, Marietta was named in honor of Marie Antoinette. During the 18th and 19th century, the town experienced economic prosperity, as its location on the Ohio River made it an attractive stop for commercial steamboats, as well as travelers. Day 3 | Maysville, KY. Maysville is a quaint town with a rich history. An important stop on the Underground Railroad, Maysville was host to Harriet Beecher Stowe in 1883. Your stop will include idyllic country scenery and the native sounds of original bluegrass country music. Day 4 | Cincinnati, OH. Enjoy a visit to Cincinnati, a vibrant city and cultural center which boasts two major sports franchises, a zoo and botanical garden, and numerous theaters and museums. Stroll along its picturesque streets, abounding in eclectic architecture and shop at the famous Findlay Market, a longtime gathering place for vendors to sell local goods, meats, and fresh produce. Day 5 | Louisville, KY. Named after King Louis XVI of France, Kentucky was originally a part of Virginia, becoming the 15th state to join the Union in 1792. Louisville is best known for the famed Kentucky Derby, the first leg of the Triple Crown of Thoroughbred Racing, and the oldest continuously held horse race in the country. Discover why Louisville is often referred to as either the northernmost southern city or the southernmost northern city in the United States. Day 6 | Louisville, KY. Spend another day in Kentucky, known as the "Bluegrass State," due to the bluegrass found in many of its pastures because of the fertile soil. Admire the city's architecture which is a blend of old and new. Explore the Old Louisville neighborhood, the largest historic preservation district in the U.S., solely featuring Victorian homes and buildings. Day 7 | Henderson, KY. You won’t miss the presence of the notable resident, John James Audubon, whose “Birds of America” paintings are recreated as bronze statues throughout Henderson. Named after President Washington’s home on the Potomac, this bucolic river town is steeped in fascinating lore. Let our expert guide lead you on a tour of our famous first President's historic home and grounds. Day 8 | Paducah, KY. Residing at the confluence of the Tennessee River and the Ohio River, Paducah will make you feel as if you stepped back in time. As you walk the streets of this Chickasaw village site, discover Paducah’s rich history. View the Wall-to-Wall Mural Program, a collection of over 50 murals that covers a number of subjects including Native American history, the Civil War, and area landmarks such as the Old Carnegie Library. Day 9 | Cape Girardeau, MO. Enjoy the charming features of this historic town that in the late 1800s was a French trading post and lively river port. Today, it boasts Civil War sites and a tranquil setting commemorating the Cherokee Trail of Tears. Marvel at the outdoor murals reflecting the area's rich heritage and enjoy shore excursions to Cape River Heritage Museum and the Red House Interpretive Center. Day 10 | St. Louis, MO. St. Louis is sure to win you over. Admire the scenic riverfront, highlighted by the majestic Gateway Arch, the largest man-made monument in the U.S. Enjoy St. Louis’ many world-class attractions, including the Art Museum, Science Center, and the Missouri History Museum. End your day at the Missouri Botanical Garden, one of the world’s most popular public gardens. Day 11 | St. Louis, MO. Disembark. Departure day. We recommend you spend an extra day to explore this vibrant city. Visit the Missouri Botanical Garden, one of the world’s most popular public gardens. NOTE: Itinerary is subject to change without notice. For the most up-to-date information, please refer to the itinerary schedule you receive with your final documents.

Paducah, KY

River Discovery Center

The River Discovery Center is featuring several steamboat models including a huge model of the Delta Queen. Interactive hands-on exhibits include a Lock & Dam, a barge loader, a flood table and a hydroelectric dam. Music stations with river songs and a restored 1920s calliope give a lively experience of the river music. The movie theater is showing a 16-min River Film. The unique gift shop is featuring river related items, toys and CDs.

River Discovery Center www.riverdiscoverycenter.org

The River Discovery Center is located next to the floodwall in downtown Paducah.

Paducah Floodwall

The floodwall of Paducah has a lot of steamboat murals by Robert Dafford .

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Discover Our Museum

Explore the past, 

navigate the future.

At the Inland Waterways Museum you will learn captivating stories and interact with exhibits to experience the rich heritage of inland waterways. Our museum offers a unique blend of education and entertainment, making it suitable for visitors of all ages. We offer special discounts for our partners, children, senior citizens, and veterans. Come and discover the wonders of the river at our amazing facility. We hope that you will leave with a newfound appreciation for the inland waterways.

Plan your visit  

Monday - Saturday

9:30 AM - 5:00 PM

Sunday (May - October)

1:00 PM - 5:00 PM

C LOSED: 

Thanksgiving Day

Christmas Eve

Christmas Day

Any other closings will be posted on our social media. 

Adults: $12

Seniors (60+): $10

Children (4-17): $8

Group Rates   (Minimum of 10 people per group)

Guided Tour: $10 per person

Self-Guided Tour:  $8 per person

Riverboat schedule is subject to change.

Field Trips

To book a field trip, please email [email protected] or click HERE . 

117 S Water Street

Paducah, KY 42001

270-575-9958

Opening Hours

9:30 am – 5:00 pm

[email protected]

The Inland Waterways Museum is located in historic Downtown Paducah, Kentucky.

Whether you're looking for fine dining, an educational experience,

or a quiet place to get some work done, there is something for

everyone in Paducah! The best part is

you can experience it all without ever getting in your car! 

Be sure to  check out paducah.travel  to see all the things Paducah has to offer! 

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