Ready. Aim. Fun! From lush nature trails to mouthwatering barbecue joints, Hopkins County, Kentucky, has something for everyone. Whether you’re stopping by for an afternoon or planning a long weekend, here are 13 experiences to add to your West Kentucky bucket list!
Mahr Park Arboretum
Rolling hills, ponds, and greenery abound at Mahr Park Arboretum – the perfect spot for nature lovers. Spanning 265 acres, this tranquil green space features several paved trails and dirt paths that meander through 40 acres of wooded landscape. As you explore, you’ll be surrounded by wildflowers, native birds, and mature trees. Don’t forget your fishing pole! Cast a line in one of the seven ponds or take a canoe out on the expansive 420-acre Lake Pee Wee. Before you head out, enjoy a round of disc golf on the 18-hole championship course!
Tradewater Brewery
Get your drink on at Madisonville’s first-ever craft brewery. Located downtown, Tradewater Brewing Company serves small-batch beers crafted with locally sourced ingredients in a chic, industrial-style space. Beers on tap rotate seasonally with past flavors, like the BBL Dilly with its unique notes of dill pickle (don’t knock it until you’ve tried it), offering something new for beer lovers. Feeling hungry? Order a burger or hot dog from the rotating outdoor food trucks!
Grapevine Bike Trails
Incredible lake views and biking trails, too, are what you’ll find at the 188-acre Grapevine Lake in Hopkins County. Get your adrenaline pumping as you navigate tight, winding turns, conquer steep climbs, and plunge into drop-in valleys throughout the dense forest on eight miles of biking trails. Beyond biking, the lake has a ramp for non-gasoline-powered boats (perfect for a picnic on the water). Or, spend a lazy afternoon fishing for catfish and sunfish.
Glema Mahr Center for the Arts
Prepare for an unforgettable night of music, theater, and dance at this state-of-the-art 1,000-seat theater! Catch local community productions like Into the Woods and The Sound of Music, or enjoy performances by renowned entertainers like pianist Brian Woods, comedian Bill Engvall, and country artist Martina McBride. Be sure to check out the free Anne P. Baker Gallery, which features rotating exhibits ranging from Asian American artwork to stunning stained glass pieces made by local artists.
The Crowded House
Dig into delicious Kentucky flavors at The Crowded House – the only gastropub in Madisonville. Start out with the giant pretzel, served with fresh bier cheese and spicy mustard. If you want more of a kick, the Fahrenheit 151 burger is a must-try, seasoned with crushed pepper rub and then topped with jalapenos, pepper jack, and chipotle aioli. Quench your thirst with one of 16 brews of tap, ranging from Porters to IPAs. Not a beer drinker? This cozy pub has an impressive wine selection and cocktails like margaritas and martinis. Don’t miss the live music on Saturday nights!
Train Car Tiny Home Caboose Airbnb
Booking a night in this Train Car Tiny Home Caboose is a must! This former train car-turned-tiny home sleeps two guests with a queen-sized bed. While this caboose has been renovated to feature modern amenities, like a fully-equipped kitchen, private outdoor shower, and WiFi, it still retains many of its original features. The best part? You’ll get close-up lakeside views from the outdoor deck. Sip your morning coffee while watching the sunrise, then spend the day relaxing in the lakeside hammock with a good book. Even better, it’s pet-friendly! Note: There are no bookings during the winter months.
West KY BBQ Belt
Barbecue connoisseurs cannot miss the West Kentucky Barbecue Belt. This hidden culinary passage, winding through Western Kentucky’s rolling hills and backroads, features dozens of family-owned, no-frills barbecue joints. While the passage spans several counties, you’ll discover some standout spots right here in Hopkins County. For hickory slow-smoked barbecue in a nostalgic setting, stop into Swaggy P’s Country Market. Craving barbecued ribs? You can’t go wrong with Brothers Bar-B-Que in Madisonville – they’ve been around for over 50 years!
Ferrell’s Snappy Service
Ferrell’s is more than a restaurant; it’s been a Madisonville landmark since 1929. Take a seat on a green swivel stool at this diner’s nostalgic countertop. From your seat, you can watch the cooks fry up delicious burgers, onion rings, fries, and hot dogs – but save room for a piece of homemade pie for dessert! In the mood for breakfast? This spot serves omelets, biscuits and gravy, and crispy bacon all day long. Grab a selfie with the green neon “Ferrell’s” sign before you go!
Historical Society Museum of Hopkins County & Governor Ruby Laffoon’s Cabin
For a dose of Kentucky history, explore the Historical Society Museum of Hopkins County. Located in the former library, this museum is home to 1800’s memorabilia, exhibits highlighting the area’s coal industry, and a 1910 Buick Buggyout. The museum also showcases books from local authors. Discover more history at Governor Ruby Laffoon’s cabin. Built in the mid-1800s, the cabin has been relocated and renovated, offering visitors a glimpse into the life of Kentucky’s 43rd governor. Check out the period furnishings and Laffoon family memory on display.
Pennyrile Nature Trail
Immerse yourself in the great outdoors with a hike on the Pennyrile Nature Trail located in Pennyrile Forest State Resort Park. Stretching 13.5 miles, this rocky trail provides stunning views of scenic bluffs, local wildlife and the banks of the Tradewater River in Dawson Springs. Not in the mood for a hike? Check out other activities in the park. Hit the trails on horseback. Rent a kayak or pedal boat and glide across Pennyrile Lake. Fish for bluegill, crappie and largemouth bass. Or, stop by the gift shop for a souvenir to commemorate your trip!
Take a Walking Tour of Downtown Madisonville
There’s no better way to explore downtown Madisonville than on a walking tour, and you’ve got three to choose from. On the History Walk, historic homes and nostalgic diners are a total blast from the past. Check out the Hopkins County Historic Courthouse, the Old Post Office and the Hockersmith Home, a French Mansard-style house built in the early 1800s. The Patriotic Walk highlights spots like the Madisonville Veterans Memorial and the former lot of an old Civil War hospital. While the Art Walk showcases public art, gardens and murals found throughout town. Check out the full brochure here.
Elmer Kelley Stadium’s Mural
As you explore Madisonville, you can’t miss the murals on Elmer Kelley Stadium. Commissioned in 2018 and painted by muralist Steve Lane, this project stands as the largest outdoor art display in the county, showcasing a visual timeline of important events, people, and places in Madisonville. Located in Madisonville City Park, the stadium is surrounded by 250 acres of hiking trails, golf courses, and lakes. Catch a baseball game while you’re here!
Sit in the Big Blue Chair
Looking for the perfect photo op in Hopkins County? Head over to Beard’s Park in downtown Madisonville to snap a picture with the massive blue Adirondack chair underneath a sign that reads, “The Best Town on Earth Welcomes You.” No trip to Hopkins County is complete if you haven’t struck a pose with the chair!
