Things to Do
Big Bear Resort is located within a short distance of some fantastic attractions that offer something for everyone! Whether you want to gaze at nature’s splendor, do some shopping or go for a wild ride on a giant water slide the Kentucky Lake area offers great fun for the entire family!
Amusement Parks/Miniature Golf
Forgotten Past
Close to Big Bear Resort. Go-carts, 18 hole miniature golf, bumper cars, museum, arcade and gifts. Open daily at 1 p.m. Memorial Day through Labor Day. Open weekends in May and September.
3390 US-68, Benton, KY 42025
(270) 527-9244
Kentucky Shores
Go-carts & miniature golf. Open seasonally
6215 US-641, Gilbertsville, KY 42044
(270) 362-4774
Maggie’s Jungle Golf
Putt-putt at its best. Enjoy shuffleboard, live animals, petting zoo, nature trail & picnic area. Take a ride in the safari car. 7301 US-641, Gilbertsville, KY 42044
(270) 362-8933
Venture River Water Park
7 exciting water slides, Cyclone, Old Man River, kiddie/wave pools & more.
280 Funway Dr, Eddyville, KY 42038
(270) 388-7999
Adventure Park at Talon Falls
An park that includes a lot of activities for younger kids.
2932 KY-849, Melber, KY 42069
(270) 674-5690
https://talonfallsadventurepark.com
Food
Lake City Fish Market
Full range of seafood and freshly caught Catfish. Open 8-4 Mon – Sat
834 US-62, Grand Rivers, KY 42045
(270) 362-8308
https://www.facebook.com/LakeCityFishMarket
Higgins Meats & Eats
Local quality ingredients.
736 US-62, Grand Rivers, KY 42045
(270) 921-2026
https://higgins-meats-eats2.website.spoton.com/home/
Fast Eddie’s Place Restaurant
Close restaurant attached to the Fast Eddies Gas Station. Good quality food and atmosphere. Open 11-8 Tue – Sat
8492 US-68 E, Benton, KY 42025
(270) 354-6793
https://fasteddiesbaitandtackle.com/
Antiques
Antiques Et Cetera & Emporium
Selection of antiques, jewelry, primitives, pottery and more.
1026 Main Street, Benton, KY.
(270) 527-7922
https://www.loc8nearme.com/kentucky/benton/antiques-et-cetera/3138992/
Cadiz Antique Mall
15 miles East of Aurora. Miles of aisles await in the antique mall of Cadiz.
34 Main St, Cadiz, KY 42211
(270) 522-7880
Mantiques Antiques
7 miles South of Murray. More than 200 dealers in 13 stores.
317 Main St, Hazel, KY 42049
(305) 332-5770
Hitching Post
Old country store, antique mall. Large selection of t-shirts & sweatshirts, gifts, Hadley pottery & more.
16747 US Hwy 68E, Aurora, KY.
(270) 474-2266
Paducah Downtown Historical District
Stroll down brick side-walks past turn-of-the-century buildings filled with unique antique malls, quilts, restaurants, ice cream, candy & gift shops. There are 22 antique shops and malls in historic downtown.
Located on Broadway & Market House Square, Paducah, KY.
(800) PADUCAH
Twin Lakes Antique Mall
Over 170 Vendors & Dealers and 26,000 Sq. Ft. of antiques “Open 7 Days a week”
6953 US Highway 641 N, Gilbertsville, KY, United States, Kentucky
(270) 362-2218
https://www.facebook.com/TwinLakesAntiqueMall
Traders Mall Flea Market
Open every weekend, all year long, Saturday and Sunday 9-5 with indoor and outdoor spaces to sell and browse thru. Even includes a restaurant called Traders Cafe.
6900 Benton Rd, Paducah, KY 42003
(270) 898-3144
Golf
Arrowhead Golf Course
“183 Arrowhead Clb Dr, Cadiz, KY 42211 (270) 522-8001”
Golf Pro: N/A
Par: 72/72/72/71 18 Holes / Semi-Private
Yardage: 6,750/ 6,197/ 5,520/ 4,908
Rating: 71.7/ 69.6/ 67.3/ 69.1
Slope: 129/ 124/ 120/ 119
Benton Golf & Country Club
1830 Golf Course Rd, Benton, KY 42025 (270) 527-9673
Golf Pro: N/A
Par: 72/72/72 18 Holes / Open-Private
Yardage: 6,319/ 5,831/ 5,164/ 4,399
Rating: 69.8/ 68.1/ 65.3/ 65.5
Slope: 128/ 124/ 119/ 114
https://bentongolfandcountryclub.com
Calvert City Country Club
123 Country Club Ln, Calvert City, KY 42029 (270)395-5831
Golf Pro: Adam Webb
Par: 72/72/72 18 Holes / Semi-Private
Yardage: 6,762/ 6,507/ 5,416
Rating: 70.3/ 69.1/ 69.3
Slope: 111/ 108/ 109
https://www.calvertcitycountryclub.com
Kentucky Dam Golf Course
185 Village Green Circle, Gilbertsville, KY 42044 (270) 362-4271
Golf Pro: N/A
Par: 72/72/72/72 18 Holes / Public
Yardage: 6,554/ 6,307/ 5,839/ 5,094
Rating: 73/ 71/ 70.1
Slope: 135/ 131/ 124
https://parks.ky.gov/parks/find-a-park/kentucky-dam-village-state-park-golf-course-8048
Lake Barkley Golf Course
2711 Blue Spring Rd, Cadiz, KY 42211 (270) 924-9076
Golf Pro: Bill Love
Par: 72/72/72 18 Holes / Public
Yardage: 6,699/ 6,363/ 5,604/ 5,282
Rating: 72.1/ 70.8/ 67.5/ 64.2
Slope: 124/ 121/ 114/ 108
https://parks.ky.gov/explore/lake-barkley-state-resort-park-golf-course-4511
Mayfield Golf & Country Club
1301 W. Broadway Mayfield, KY 42066 (270) 247-1862
Golf Pro: Trent Johnson
Par: 70/70 18 Holes / Open-Private
Yardage: 6,305/ 5,423/ 5,016/ 4,735
Rating:70.6/ 66.9/ 64.0/ 61.8
Slope: 122/ 115/ 107/ 114
https://www.mayfieldgravescountryclub.com
Miller Memorial Golf Course
2814 Pottertown Rd, Murray, KY 42071 (270) 809-2238
Golf Pro: Nick Newcomb
Par: 71/71/71 18 Holes / Public
Yardage: 6,592/ 6,239/ 5,869 / 5,058
Rating: 72.6/ 70.8/ 67.5/ 63.5
Slope: 134/ 132/ 130/ 111
https://www.millermemorialgc.com
Murray Country Club
2200 College Farm Rd, Murray, KY 42071 270-753-6113
Golf Pro: Mike Noland
Par: 72/72/72/72 18 Holes / Semi-Private
Yardage: 6,348/ 6,144/ 5,469/ 5,096
Rating: 71.2/ 69.9/ 67.2/ 65.7
Slope: 128/ 125/ 114/ 108
Oaks Country Club
363 Oaks Country Club Rd, Murray, KY 42071 (270) 753-6454
Golf Pro: Wanda Brown
Par: 72/72/72 18 Holes / Open-Private
Yardage: 6,333/6,052/ 5,090
Rating: 69.5/ 68.2/ 68.1
Slope: 112/ 110/ 108
Paxton Park Golf Course
841 Berger Rd, Paducah, KY 42003 (270) 444-9514
Golf Pro: Bob McBride
Par: 71/ 18 Holes / Public
Yardage: 6,657/ 6,169/ 5,452/ 5005
Rating: 72.9/70.5/ 66.8/ 64.1
Slope: 127/ 124/ 118/ 113
PAR 3 COURSES
Sullivan’s Par 3 Golf Center
1647 N. 16th St. Murray, KY 42071
(270) 753-1152 Golf Pro: Lynn Sullivan
Par: 54 / 18 Holes / Public
Yardage: 1,986/ 2,593
https://www.sullivansgolf.com/index.html
Horse Racing/Horseback Riding
Double “J” Stables
542 Lincoln School Rd, Mammoth Cave, KY 42259
(270) 286-0310
Oak Grove Racing, Gaming & Hotel
Located just 1 hour way, Oak Grove has live racing every Monday and Tuesday with special events and charity races throughout the year.
777 Winners Way, Oak Grove, KY 42262
(270) 286-0310
https://www.oakgrovegaming.com/gaming
Four Rivers Sport Horse Centre, LLC
Provides boarding, horse training and lessons with horse rental and leasing available.
4982 Lovelaceville Rd, Paducah, KY 42001
(270) 554-3774
Museums
Adsmore
Relive the legacy and lifestyle of this prominent Kentucky family in their spacious home. Decor changes with the seasons of the year. Closed Sunday thru Wednesday
304 N Jefferson St, Princeton, KY 42445
(270) 365-3114
Forgotten Past Museum
A collection of antique farm equipment, buggies, sleighs, fire trucks & many nostalgic items. Open 1pm. daily: Memorial Day – Labor Day. Weekends only in May & September.
3390 US-68, Benton, KY 42025, 4 miles from Big Bear Resort.
(270) 527-9244
The William Clark Market House Museum
Located in historic downtown Paducah on the Riverfront, the area also features an art gallery and theater. Open Wednesday thru Saturday
121 Market House Square, Paducah, KY 42001
(270) 443-7759
The National Quilt Museum
“One of its kind” in the US. This 30,000 sq. ft. museum houses 3 galleries with 200 quilts displayed. View themes from antique to contemporary. Book and Gift shop. Open Everyday
215 Jefferson St, Paducah, KY 42001
(270) 442-8856
Rose Hill Museum
An early 19th century house overlooking Lake Barkley. Rose Hill stands in the shadow of “The Castle on the Cumberland”, the KY State Penitentiary. Guided tours. Open Friday thru Sunday
2261 KY-730, Eddyville, KY 42038
(270) 388-9986
https://www.murraystate.edu/campus/wrathermuseum.aspx
Lloyd Tilghman House & Civil War Museum
Civil War museum in a 19th-century Greek Revival home once owned by General Lloyd Tilghman. Open Tuesday thru Saturday
631 Kentucky Ave, Paducah, KY 42001
(270) 331-9665
https://www.facebook.com/museum.lacelady
Wrather West Kentucky Museum
The primary mission of the Wrather West Kentucky Museum is to highlight and promote an understanding of the social, cultural and economic development of West Kentucky and the Jackson Purchase. Open Monday thru Friday
N 16th St, Murray, KY 42071
800 272-4678
https://www.murraystate.edu/campus/wrathermuseum.aspx
The Super Museum
Colorful museum with a Superman-themed collection of over 20,000 comics, toys, shirts & more. Open Everyday
517 Market St, Metropolis, IL 62960
(618) 524-5518
Casinos
Harrah’s Metropolis
On the Ohio River, this straightforward, modern casino hotel is an 8-minute walk from downtown Metropolis and 1.5 miles from Fort Massac State Park. The casino offers 20 table games and over 600 slot machines.
100 E Front St, Metropolis, IL 62960
(618) 524-2628
https://www.caesars.com/harrahs-metropolis/casino
Oak Grove Racing, Gaming & Hotel
Located just 1 hour way, Oak Grove has live racing every Monday and Tuesday with special events and charity races throughout the year.
777 Winners Way, Oak Grove, KY 42262
(270) 984-4200
https://www.oakgrovegaming.com/gaming
Marshall Yards Racing & Gaming
Small Slots casino that includes online horse race betting and a sports bar.
65 Campbell Dr, Calvert City, KY 42029
(270) 552-0150
https://www.marshallyardsgaming.com
Self Tours
Barkley Dam and Vistors Center
The Visitor’s Center depicts river life in the steamboat era with audiovisual exhibits and artifacts. Mon-Fri 7 am.-4pm.; Weekends seasonally. Free admission.
US 62, Lake City/Grand Rivers, KY 42045
(270)362-4236
https://www.lrd.usace.army.mil/Missions/Recreation/Display/Article/3640773/lake-barkley
Kentucky Dam and Visitors Center
Completed in 1945, the dam stands 206 ft. high overlooking Kentucky Lake. The observation deck provides a close-up view of the steady flow of barges. The power house is open daily for self-tours through parts of the power production area. Daily, 9am.-5pm., April -October. Free Admission.
640 Kentucky Dm Rd, Grand Rivers, KY 42045
(270) 362-4318
https://www.tva.com/energy/our-power-system/hydroelectric/kentucky
Stage Shows/Movie Theaters
Calvert Drive-In
Drive-in theater featuring double features of 1st-run films, with a grill serving up burgers.
111 Drive in Ln, Calvert City, KY 42029
(270) 395-4660
https://www.thecalvertdrivein.com
Cheri Theatres
Local multiplex in Murray featuring 1st-run films, with stadium seating.
1008 Chestnut St, Murray, KY 42071
(270) 753-3314
https://www.moviesinmurray.com
Cinemark Paducah
12 screen movie theater next to the Kentucky Oaks Mall in Paducah
5159 Hinkleville Rd Unit #010, Paducah, KY 42001
(270) 444-9588
https://www.cinemark.com/theatres/ky-paducah/cinemark-paducah
Kentucky Opry
The Kentucky Opry hosts a verity of music, comedy and magic shows. Admission charge. Cowboy Church hosted there every Sunday. Shows 7pm Friday and Saturday throughout the year. Reservations recommended.
88 Chilton Ln, Benton, KY 42025
(270) 527-3869
Market House Theatre
Broadway musicals, comedies, drama & children’s shows are presented by this award-winning community theater located in historic downtown Paducah. Call for schedule and ticket information.
132 Market House Square, Paducah, KY 42001
(270) 444-6828
https://markethousetheatre.org
Playhouse in the Park
Located in an old train depo in Murray’s Central Park this theatre puts on multiple plays throughout the year. The Playhouse one of the oldest continuously producing theatres in the country.
701 Gil Hopson Dr, Murray, KY 42071
(270) 759-1752
The Badgett Playhouse
This theatre hosts a large verity of music and tribute bands. Most shows are scheduled around Thursday thru Saturday throughout the year.
1838 J H O’Bryan Ave, Grand Rivers, KY 42045
(270) 362-4224
https://thebadgettplayhouse.com
LBL National Park
South Bison Range
Across from The Homeplace you will find about 50 American Bison, which are native to this area. Open daily year round.
TN-49, Bumpus Mills, TN 37028
(270) 924-2000
https://www.landbetweenthelakes.us/outdoors-recreation/wildlife-viewing/
Elk & Bison Prairie
Within this 700-acre enclosure you will find Elk and American Bison. This is a driving experience through the enclosure. Admission is 5$ a vehicle. Open daily from sunrise to sunset.
Elk & Bison Prairie Rd, Golden Pond, KY 42211
(270) 924-2233
https://www.landbetweenthelakes.us/visit/elk-bison-prairie
Golden Pond Planetarium
Open 7 days a week, the planetarium features astronomy programs on its 40-foot domed screen. Open Daily.
238 Visitor Center Dr, Golden Pond, KY 42211
(270) 924-2243
https://www.landbetweenthelakes.us/visit/golden-pond-planetarium
The Homeplace 1850
Step back in time at this living history farm where interpreters in period clothing re-create the chores and pastimes of a mid-19th century rural farm family. Special events, programs and festivals throughout the season.
4512 The Trce, Dover, TN 37058
(931) 232-6457
Woodlands Nature Station
A nature museum that features a theater, plant and animal exhibits, self-guided tours and various types of wildlife. See red wolves, golden eagles, bald eagles and more. Canoe and bike rentals available.
3146 Silver Trail Rd, Cadiz, KY 42211
(270) 924-2299
Skating
Kingsway Skateland
Roller Skating rink in Paducah.
3430 Wayne Sullivan Dr, Paducah, KY 42003
(270) 443-1646
