5 Charming Waterfront Towns in Kentucky

Summer may have officially come to an end, but it’s never too late to enjoy the beauty and charm of waterfront towns around the South. And while the Commonwealth of Kentucky is a landlocked state, that doesn’t mean it’s lacking in beautiful bodies of water. Whether you’re looking to picnic, birdwatch, enjoy the scenic views, attend a festival or waterside concert, or even take a Bourbon Boat Tour (seriously!), these five waterfront towns in Kentucky offer all of that and more.

5 Charming Waterfront Towns in Kentucky

Frankfort

Located between Louisville and Lexington on the shores of the Kentucky River, the state capital lies in the heart of the Commonwealth’s famed bluegrass country. From the governor’s mansion to the Capital City Museum, this small city of about 25,000 is filled with a rich history. If you want to dine out and explore more modern areas, check out the MIX District, an entertainment destination center in downtown Frankfort. During district hours — Thursday and Friday from 4:30 to 11 p.m. and Saturday and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. — you can traverse the area with your drink in hand, provided they are in MIX District cups and purchased from participating businesses.

What good would a waterfront town be without some splash-friendly activities? Canoe Kentucky boasts a rental fleet of canoes, kayaks, SUP boards, and rafts. The company also offers the only bourbon boat tour around, which includes a tour and tasting at Buffalo Trace Distillery. For a more mellow excursion on the water, visit Benson Marina and Willie’s Tiki Bar, a bar and grill located on the Kentucky River.

Grand Rivers

Dubbed “the village between the lakes,” Grand Rivers sits on Kentucky Lake and Lake Barkley, and it is the north entrance to the Land Between the Lakes Recreation Area. Stay at Patti’s 1880s Settlement, a resort marina that offers everything from moonshine tastings and mini golf to boutique shopping and award-winning dining options.

Nature lovers will enjoy more than 200 miles of trails suitable for hiking, biking, horseback riding, ATVs, and more. And Grand Rivers offers access to the largest body of water between the Great Lakes and the Gulf of Mexico. With more than 210,000 acres of water, Kentucky Lake and Lake Barkley boast tons of space for fishing, boating, and more. Companies around town offer sailboat, kayak, and pontoon rentals, as well as golf cart rentals so you can easily zip around near the waterfront. Go to grandrivers.org to view the latest festivals and events to see what’s happening around town during your visit.

Kuttawa

For a quiet getaway in nature, head to Kuttawa in Western Kentucky. Named for the Shawnee word meaning “beautiful,” this tiny city is home to only about 700 residents — but it’s bigger than you might think. A national recreation area spanning 170,000 acres offers ample space for hunting, fishing, bird watching, and beyond. And, of course, visitors can rent kayaks, boats, and SUP boards to make the most of their time on the lake. There’s also a water park and golf course in the area. Want to spot some bald eagles? Pack your binoculars and hike up a two-and-a-half-mile pathway for a stunning view of the lake and the eagles’ nesting area.

Though a few small national inns are available for visitors, consider staying at Buzzard Rock Marina Resort. Cottages and efficiency resort units overlook Lake Barkley, and guests can access complimentary boat slips, a swimming pool, and two playgrounds, among other amenities.

Newport

Sitting at the confluence of the Ohio and Licking Rivers, Newport is said to have been America’s original Sin City. That changed, however, by the 1960s. Today, visitors flock to Newport on the Levee, a multi-level retail entertainment destination that opened in 2001. Located across downtown Cincinnati on the south bank of the Ohio River, the 380,000-square-foot space hosts more than four million guests annually. Stop by the award-winning Newport Aquarium; dine at national and local eateries; and shop at Gallery Building is in Trade, a revolving artisan market — all at the Levee.

The city’s riverfront views also offer an ideal backdrop for numerous festivals and other events throughout the year. Check out Taste of Newport in June to try bites from a selection of places throughout the city; the Great Inland Seafood Festival in August to see a seafood mecca of lobsters, crab, shrimp, and more; or don your favorite German gear and bring the whole family down for Oktoberfest.

Paducah

Set along the Ohio River just beneath the mouth of the Tennessee River, Paducah is a lesser-known town full of history and art. The Paducah Riverfront is the site of multiple historic markers, giant murals, fireworks, concerts, festivals, and more — but there are always a plethora of things to do around town. Check out Paducah Convention & Visitors Bureau’s calendar of events to peruse the latest happenings. From jazz shows by the water and numerous art exhibits to outdoor yoga classes and ghost tours, there’s something for everyone in this city that William Clark founded.

For a fun-filled day of soaking in the outdoors, walk, run, or bike the five-plus mile Clyde F. Boyles Greenway Trail. Open to non-motorized traffic from dawn to dusk, the trail links residential neighborhoods to three city parks: the McCraken Country trail system, the Perkins Creek Nature Preserve, and, of course, the riverfront.

All photography courtesy of the Kentucky Department of Tourism unless otherwise noted.

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