What to do and see in Owensboro, Kentucky (KY): The Best Budget-friendly Things to do

Visit the historical O.Z. Tyler Distillery, Owensboro, Kentucky's only Bourbon Whiskey distillery. Gift shop open year-round and tours + tastings offered for a small fee. See how traditional Kentucky Bourbon Whiskey is made firsthand, then see our exclusive TerrePURE® technology in action.

The Bluegrass Music Hall of Fame & Museum is the world's only facility dedicated to the preservation of the international history of bluegrass music. Plan a trip to Western Kentucky and bring your instruments! Newly opened in 2018, the Hall of Fame features a 450 seat indoor concert venue and an outdoor amphitheatre. Attend our jam sessions, concerts, and the ROMP Bluegrass Roots & Branches Festival. Then walk the hills of Jerusalem Ridge, and visit the homeplace of Bill Monroe, just down the road. Exhibits: Bluegrass Hall of Fame, VOHP documentary series highlighting First Generation musicians, historically significant bluegrass instruments, the timeline of bluegrass music, following the roots from the Scots-Irish string bands to camp meetings and gospel quartets, through fiddling conventions, the jazz era, and the folk music revival.

Dedicated on April 20, 1992, Panther Creek Park features 4 screened-in shelters and 3 open air pavilions. Screened-in shelters are available for rental April 1 - October 31 each year where many groups host company picnics, family reunions and birthday parties. Wedding are frequently held at the two gazebos in the park. The park also boasts a 6 acre lake that is regularly stocked by the Kentucky Department of Fish & Wildlife. Waterfowl and turtles also call the lake home, making it a wonderful educational experience. Fishing guidelines follow those of the Kentucky Department of Fish & Wildlife and are posted at the park. Seven walking trails wind throughout the park with 1,800 feet of unique elevated trails. Visitors are invited to explore the wetlands as well as wooded areas. Trails are handicapped accessible. Six ball diamonds are available, accommodating softball and baseball.

Originally purchased in April 1974 from John Stone and opened to the public in May 1978, Yellow Creek Park provides a multifaceted recreational and leisure opportunity. Nestled along the wooded banks of Yellow Creek at Thruston, the 152 acre park features hiking trails, multi-purpose sports areas, a Pioneer Village, and several outdoor pavilions. Other amenities that set Yellow Creek Park apart from other area parks include a swinging bridge, a refurbished one room school house, a 7 acre lake, and multiple walking trails. Our trail guide can be found here. Yellow Creek Park is a frequent backdrop for both professional and amateur photographers. Family portraits and senior pictures are often taken near the iron bridge and the James Lambert Pioneer Village. The Pioneer Village boasts two log cabins and two log barns that are the perfect setting for photos, weddings and family gatherings.

Preservation Station Market, Restaurant, and Event Center is a 39,000 fully heated and air-conditioned former elementary school transformed into an antique, unique, boutique and vintage country mall and restaurant with over 60 permanent shops open daily Tuesday thru Saturday 10-5 and Sunday 9-5. The restaurant on-site serves Southern favorites and is open Tuesday through Friday 11am - 2pm, Saturday 11am - 3 pm with a Sunday Brunch Buffet 9 am - 2 pm. The facility can also be rented.