Stand beneath the state’s largest Winged Elm Tree.

Visit Mahr Park Arboretum and stand beneath Kentucky’s largest winged elm tree, that showcases the beauty and resilience of the region’s landscape. It’s a must-see for nature lovers, bird watchers, and photographers alike. The tree is 96 feet tall, has a circumference of 103 inches, and a spread of 61 feet.

Find hidden waterfalls in Kentucky’s First Trail Town.

Discover the charm of Kentucky’s First Certified Trail Town! Dawson Springs offers breathtaking paths for hikers, cyclists, and horseback riders, nestled within nature’s beauty. Whether you’re an adventure enthusiast or a casual walker, it’s the perfect starting point for outdoor exploration.

Sit on the beach… in the middle of Kentucky.

Enjoy the sand between your toes and the gentle waves of Pennyrile Forest State Resort Park beach. The crystal clear water reminds you of a tropical oasis. The beach and pool are only open from Memorial Day to Labor Day.

Complete the ultimate Grapevine experience!

After a day on the trails, swing by Swaggy P’s to enjoy their famous “Grapevine Burger!”

Compete the ultimate Grapevine experience!

Eat at one of the smallest restaurants in Kentucky!

Step inside one of Kentucky’s smallest restaurants- Tucker’s Dinky Diner! Tiny in size but huge on taste, this local treasure serves up dishes that prove great things come in small packages.

Pick your trail and place your order!

Home to over 5 foodie trails- Madisonville-Hopkins County is a food lovers paradise! From pizza and sweets, to beer and BBQ, savor these unique trails one bite at a time! There’s always room at the table for you.

Conquer “The Burrito Anaconda Challenge.”

Test your appetite and your endurance with this jaw-dropping dish, a local rite of passage for foodies. The Burrito Anaconda challenge at Acapulco is the biggest burrito in town – a whopping 2 feet of pure deliciousness! Stuffed with steak, shredded chicken, shredded beef, rice, beans, lettuce, pico de gallo, and sour cream, all topped with melted cheese! Do you have what it takes?

Find the gun struck by lightning.

In the 1900s, the widow of Confederate Captain James W. Pearce of Earlington requested the fiscal court to construct a monument to honor the Confederate dead of Hopkins County. Created in Rome, Italy, the monument was dedicated in 1909. Many years later the rifle was struck by lightning and only the butt of the rifle remains today. It is on the West Side Lawn of the Historic Courthouse on South Main Street.

Walk through history… literally.

Step back in time with a visual historical timeline of Hopkins County! The Elmer Kelley Murals make up the biggest outdoor art display in the county! Walk by and enjoy a visual timeline of the major events, people, and places that make up Hopkins County’s history. 

Visit a former KY Governor’s Cabin.

Learn about Madisonville’s very own Ruby Laffoon, the only Kentucky governor born here. Tour the cabin where Kentucky’s 43rd governor – the man who initiated the state sales tax and made Harland Sanders a Colonel – was born. Originally constructed in the mid-1800s, this relocated and restored cabin is furnished with period pieces.

Find a hidden car… one of only 3 known in the world!

Discover a hidden gem. What makes this 1911 Buick Buggybout such a unique piece of history and innovation? It is one of only 3 known in the world and it’s on display behind Ruby Laffoon’s Cabin.

Oh, do you know the… Muffler Man?

Standing tall and iconic, Morton’s Gap “Paul Bunyan” Muffler Man is more than just roadside nostalgia; he’s a quirky landmark that greets parkway travelers. Don’t miss him as you travel south along the Pennyrile Parkway. Find him in a field on the right side of the road, just before you get to the Western KY Parkway interchange. International Fiberglass made these 14-foot-tall Paul Bunyan statues along with cowboys, Indians, pirates, astronauts, and other variations. It is not known how many of the Paul Bunyan models were made but there are only about 15 of them known to still exist! There is even a documentary showing the restoration process in 2014.

Try to open the door… on a mural.

Step back in time with the Montpelier Mural, a life-sized depiction of history painted on the side of a building. This stunning piece of public art honors Madisonville’s heritage and invites visitors to snap a photo of our vibrant past.

Go on a trash can scavenger hunt.

Take a stroll in downtown Madisonville and enjoy the sculptural ARTcan trash receptacles, designed by local metal sculptor Tim Corum. The prototype can, now known as “Jenny’s Garden,” was dedicated to the City of Madisonville and is prominently displayed in front of City Hall. The ARTcan Project was born out of a desire for a unique art feature along downtown streets.

Visit “Big Mama” and ring the fire bell.

Stop at the Madisonville Fire Department on E. Center Street and you will find “Big Mama,” on display! Big Mama is a fire engine purchased in 1928, an American La France 1,000-gallon per minute pumper. The purchase price was $13,000. The fire bell sat atop the jail across the street and was used to communicate fire information by tapping loudly for several seconds. It was taken out of service in the early 1960s. Visitors are welcome to ring the bell.

Cheer for a Big Mac Land Ball!

Take yourself out to the ballgame and cheer on the Madisonville Miners. With the crack of the bat and a small-town crowd’s energy, there’s nothing quite like baseball under the Kentucky sky. If a Miner hits the ball into “Big Mac Land” everyone goes home with a FREE Big Mac Coupon!

Go on a real-life treasure hunt.

The West Kentucky Antique & Vintage Market is an annual event where top-notch dealers come from across the region to showcase their antique & vintage items! The past comes alive through stunning finds and unique stories. It happens during the same weekend as the Highway 41 Yard Sale… treasures galore!

Attend KY’s largest 3-day outdoor FREE concert series.

Celebrate Independence Day like never before with Madisonville’s 4th Fest and Praise in the Park. From FREE concerts to dazzling fireworks, it’s a community event that will light up your summer.

Star in a Hallmark holiday event.

The Mistletoe Art Stroll transforms downtown Madisonville into a winter wonderland of local art and festive cheer. Stroll the streets and immerse yourself in the creativity of our talented artists. You’ll feel like you’re on the set of a Hallmark Movie.. and who knows, you might be!

Run for the ‘que.

Work up an appetite with a 5K and then satisfy it with some of the best barbecue in the state. The Dawson Springs BBQ Fest is a perfect blend of flavor and fun that has been a town tradition for over 76 years!

Stay off the rails!

Spend the night (or the weekend) in a unique way at Madisonville’s caboose-Airbnb. This charming lodging offers an unforgettable blend of history and comfort for visitors looking to get away in style.

Play on a Championship Course!

The Mahr Park Disc Golf Course is home to the annual Kentucky State Disc Golf Championship! Play a round on the championship course or the recreational course and sign up for the West Kentucky Disc Golf Trail!

Visit a big chair that’s so famous, it’s featured in a video game.

Visit the Big Blue Chair, an oversized Adirondack masterpiece that is featured in the “Great Big KY Adventure” video game! It’s the perfect spot for a memorable photo op and a little rest while exploring downtown.

Play on Kentucky’s largest indoor solid hardwood floor surface.

Step onto the court at the Sports Factory, home to Kentucky’s largest indoor wooden basketball court. Whether shooting hoops with friends or organizing a full-court game, this state-of-the-art facility offers an unmatched experience for basketball enthusiasts of all ages. It’s the perfect place to channel your inner MVP!