Local Area

Murray, Kentucky

Located just outside of Murray, Kentucky in Calloway County, there's a wealth of fantastic family attractions and activities close by: race go-karts, play miniature golf, take a bike ride, visit the animals at the nature station, watch a constellation presentation inside the planetarium, go horseback riding, take a swim, hop on a jet ski, camp out, hunt, fish, shop, golf, see a live country music show, go to a dinner theatre, and much more.

The City of Murray Kentucky is part of Calloway County, formed in 1822, which encompasses 395 square miles. Murray has been named "100 Best Communities for Children" three consecutive years and Murray State University is home to 10,000 students. Murray has four golf courses, shopping, dining, a variety of outdoor recreational opportunities, museums and a host of community events tear-round.

Murray is the perfect place to stay a day or spend a lifetime! Events include the annual Ice Cream Festival, R/C Aircraft Fly-in, Kentucky Lumberjack Challenge, Western Kentucky Highland Festival, Dickens Alley, West Kentucky Regional Fiddle Competition and much more. Murray was selected as a “100 Best Communities for Young People” by the America’s Promise organization.

The Kentucky Lake, Lake Barkley and Paducaha area offers countless outdoor opportunities for every age, not to mention there is a great offering of cultural attractions for you to enjoy. The Theatre & Dance Department of Murray State University trains many actors & dancers each year who perform at the Robert E Johnson Theatre, Lovett Auditorium and Actor’s Studio Theatre.

The Land Between the Lakes is an inland peninsula formed when the Cumberland and Tennessee Rivers were impounded, creating Kentucky Lake and Lake Barkley - one of the world's largest man-made bodies of water. Land Between the Lakes (aka, LBL) has 300 miles of shoreline, 170,000 acres of forest and 200 miles of trails for  biking,  hiking,  wildlife viewing, camping and OHV.

• The Elk And Bison Prairie is a 700-acre restoration of Kentucky's native habitat. A gentle winding road will guide you through this remarkable habitat restoration effort as you watch for elk and bison.
• Golden Pond Planetarium brings to life the fascinating world of outer space and modern space exploration. 
• The Homeplace is a working 19th century farm where interpreters in period clothing demonstrate the daily chores and activities of the period.  Events and festivals highlight the spirit and times of this era throughout the season. The farm contains 16 log structures, 14 of them original.
• The Nature Station is a hands-on encounter with the natural world. It is home to many wild animals.  Activities include guided hiking, canoeing, seminars, bird and wildlife watching, gardening, nature photography and more.
• Miles of logging roads and scenic back roads are perfect for mountain biking and cycling. Trails include the Canal Loop Trail, a 14.2 mile trail system that includes four interwoven connectors for a variety of bike rides with scenic lake views.  More than 200 miles of hiking trails and abandoned roads meander through LBL's backwoods, fields and alongside peaceful lakeshores.

Kentucky Lake is 184 miles and bordered on the east by Land Between the Lakes. It is one of Kentucky’s most visited attractions. It’s about fun, family, friends and memories. It’s about catching a giant bass or boating alongside 2,300 miles of shoreline. It’s about taking time to slow down and enjoy life’s simple pleasures. It’s about Kentucky Lake and Lake Barkley.

Murray State University, nearby to Western Shores on Kentucky Lake, was ranked by both U.S. News & World Report and Kaplan’s College Guide as among the nation’s leading regional, comprehensive universities. Murray State University is home to 10,022 students. The Boy Scouts of America Scouting Museum is also located on the campus of Murray State University.

Murray-Calloway County Hospital is located only 20 minutes from Kentucky Lake. Murray is a 360-bed health care system committed to providing outstanding care in a peaceful, healing environment. The sophisticated, life-saving technologies are changing constantly allowing families in Western Kentucky convenient, quality healthcare right here at home.

Playhouse in the Park is one of the oldest community theatres in the state of Kentucky. The theatre is located in Murray's Central Park and is housed in a 1907 train and freight depot. The playhouse is open year-round and produces everything including original works, comedies, dramas, children's theatre, and musicals. It provides many educational services and hosts an annual Summer Theatre Camp.

Kyle-Oakley Field is the airport in Murray, Kentucky. It is a general aviation airport that features a 24-hour terminal and can handle up to a 60,000 lb dual-wheel aircraft. The terminal offers: 24-hour restrooms, 24-hour snack and drink machines, Pilot Lounge, flight planning area, Meteorlogix.