Owensboro Travel Guide

A comprehensive travel guide for Owensboro, Kentucky featuring top attractions, best things to do, where to stay, and more.


Introduction to Owensboro

Owensboro is a picturesque city located in the western part of the state of Kentucky, United States of America. The city has amazing natural beauty, scenic trails, and a rich cultural heritage that draws tourists from all over the world. Whether you are a nature lover, history buff, or a foodie, Owensboro has something for everyone.

List of Places to Visit in Owensboro

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

When in Owensboro, these museums and historical places are worth a visit:

Owensboro Museum of Fine Arts

The Owensboro Museum of Fine Arts is an art museum that is dedicated to promoting visual arts in Owensboro. The museum houses a vast collection of permanent and temporary displays of art.

International Bluegrass Music Museum

The International Bluegrass Music Museum is a must-visit for music lovers in Owensboro. It is the world’s only museum dedicated to preserving and presenting the history of bluegrass music.

RiverPark Center

The RiverPark center is Owensboro’s premier performing arts venue. The center hosts concerts, theater productions, and other performing arts events throughout the year.

Owensboro Museum of Science and History

The Owensboro Museum of Science and History is a museum that aims to promote science literacy and history education in Owensboro. The museum has exhibits on the history of Owensboro, the science of brewing, and much more.

Natural Attractions of Owensboro: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

If you love outdoor activities and scenic views, then these natural attractions in Owensboro should definitely be on your list:

Owensboro Riverfront

The Owensboro Riverfront is a beautiful and scenic area along the Ohio River that offers a great view of the city skyline. It is a perfect place for a leisurely stroll or run.

Panther Creek Park

Panther Creek Park is a beautiful park on the outskirts of Owensboro that offers a variety of outdoor activities such as hiking, fishing, and camping.

Greenbelt Park

Greenbelt Park is a beautiful park that offers a scenic bike and hiking trail. The park is a popular spot for outdoor enthusiasts to enjoy the beautiful scenery.

Smothers Park

Smothers Park is a family-friendly park that offers a play area for children and a paved walkway for strolling and cycling. The park has a water fountain, a café, and plenty of open space to relax.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Owensboro

The Owensboro Greenbelt Trail is a beautiful 26-mile trail that is perfect for walking, running, and cycling. The trail boasts stunning views of the Ohio River and the city skyline.

Best Things to Do in Owensboro: Activities and Tours

Owensboro offers a variety of activities and tours that are perfect for a day of fun:

The Owensboro Symphony Orchestra

The Owensboro Symphony Orchestra is a must-see for music lovers. The orchestra offers a variety of classical and contemporary performances throughout the year.

Moonlite Bar-B-Q

Moonlite Bar-B-Q is a famous restaurant that serves mouth-watering barbecue dishes. It is a must-visit restaurant for food lovers in Owensboro.

Owensboro Pedal Wagon

The Owensboro Pedal Wagon is a group bike ride that tours the city and visits local bars and restaurants.

Week-Long Itinerary for Owensboro

Here is a suggested week-long itinerary for Owensboro that includes the top attractions and activities:

Day 1: Visit the International Bluegrass Music Museum and the Owensboro Riverfront.

Day 2: Explore the Owensboro Museum of Science and History and take a leisurely walk at Smothers Park.

Day 3: Take a hike or mountain bike ride at Panther Creek Park followed by a picnic.

Day 4: Visit the Owensboro Museum of Fine Arts and enjoy a performance at the RiverPark Center.

Day 5: Tour the city on the Owensboro Pedal Wagon followed by an evening meal at Moonlite Bar-B-Q.

Day 6: Drive to nearby Hazel, KY and go fishing or boating on Kentucky Lake.

Day 7: Spend the day at Greenbelt Park and enjoy the outdoors.

Food and Drink Scene of Owensboro

Must-Try Dishes

When in Owensboro, these are the must-try dishes:

Barbecue

Owensboro is known for its barbecue! Moonlite Bar-B-Q and Old Hickory Barbecue are among the top places to try it.

Burgoo

Burgoo is a hearty stew that is made with a variety of meats and vegetables. Owensboro’s annual International BBQ Festival hosts a burgoo cook-off.

Hot Brown

An open-faced turkey and bacon sandwich topped with Mornay sauce, hot brown is a must-try comfort food in Owensboro.

Local Beverages

When visiting Owensboro, you should try these local beverages:

Bourbon

Owensboro is located in Kentucky, the heart of bourbon-making country. If you are a bourbon connoisseur, be sure to tour the local distilleries such as O.Z. Tyler and the Old Forester Distillery.

Ale-8-One

Ale-8-One is a regional soda that is only produced in Kentucky. It has a unique ginger and citrus flavor and is worth trying while in Owensboro.

Where to Stay in Owensboro: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

When in Owensboro, you can find a variety of hotels, hostels, and guesthouses at different rates:

Hampton Inn Owensboro South

Hampton Inn Owensboro South is a modern hotel that is perfect for families. The hotel offers free breakfast and a pool.

Comfort Suites Owensboro

Comfort Suites Owensboro is a hotel that offers comfortable suites and free breakfast.

The Creme of the Crop Bed and Breakfast

The Creme of the Crop Bed and Breakfast is a great option for travelers looking for unique accommodations. It provides a home-like atmosphere with its antique-filled rooms.

What to Buy in Owensboro: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

When in Owensboro, these are the souvenirs and local products you should consider bringing home:

Barbecue Sauce

Moonlite Bar-B-Q sells their famous barbecue sauce. Grab a bottle to enjoy the flavors of Owensboro at home.

Bourbon

Pick up a bottle of bourbon from a local distillery such as O.Z. Tyler or the Old Forester Distillery.

Local Culture and Customs of Owensboro

Owensboro is known for its kindness and hospitality. The friendly locals will go the extra mile to make you feel welcome. It is customary to respect the local culture and traditions.

Best Time to Visit Owensboro

The best time to visit Owensboro is during spring or fall as the weather is pleasant, and the outdoor festivals are in full swing.

Do’s and Don’ts of Owensboro

Do:

  • Respect the local culture and traditions
  • Try the barbecue and other local dishes
  • Pick up a bottle of bourbon or Ale-8-One to bring back home
  • Visit the local museums and historical sites

Don’t:

  • Litter or pollute the environment
  • Take photographs of people without their consent
  • Disrespect any religious or cultural monuments

Safety and Health

Safety in Owensboro

Owensboro is a safe and welcoming city, but it is always wise to take general safety precautions while traveling such as avoiding unlit areas and not flashing cash.

Health in Owensboro

One should not drink tap water or consume food from roadside stalls. The local medical facilities are top-notch and easily accessible in case of emergencies.

Getting to Owensboro: Transportation Options and Logistics

Airports Near Owensboro

The nearest airport to Owensboro is the Evansville Regional Airport, which is 50 miles away. Another option is Louisville International Airport, which is 100 miles away.

Bus Stations Near Owensboro

The Greyhound Bus Lines station is located in the downtown area, making it an ideal option for city explorers.

Other Options

Renting a car is an excellent option if you want to explore the surrounding area or beyond. Taxis and ride-sharing services such as Uber and Lyft are also available in Owensboro.

How to Get Around in Owensboro

The best way to get around Owensboro is a personal car or taxi. Public transportation is limited in Owensboro.

Where to Go Next from Owensboro: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

Owensboro is located in the heart of Kentucky, making it an excellent base to explore the surrounding area’s natural beauty. Some nearby destinations and excursions are:

Mammoth Cave National Park

Mammoth Cave National Park is the world’s longest cave system and is only a two-hour drive from Owensboro.

Land Between the Lakes

Land Between the Lakes is a national recreation area that is located between Kentucky Lake and Lake Barkley.

Conclusion

Owensboro is a beautiful city that has a lot to offer its visitors. From its rich cultural heritage to outdoor activities and great cuisine, it is a city that everyone should consider visiting. We hope this travel guide provides a comprehensive look at Owensboro, and you will enjoy exploring the area.

Bluegrass Music Hall of Fame & Museum Bluegrass Music Hall of Fame & Museum Glover Bridge and Smothers Park in foreground Glover Bridge and Smothers Park in foreground BBQfestival2008 BBQfestival2008 Western Kentucky Parkway Western Kentucky Parkway