How to Spend the Eclipse in Paducah, Kentucky

The much-anticipated April 8 eclipse will bring many travelers and astronomy enthusiasts to destinations throughout the United States, many of which plan to host an eclipse event for the first time (or at least the first time in a while). In some of these first-time destinations, you can expect crowds, less-than-ideal infrastructure and other general consequences of destinations not quite anticipating crowds correctly. However, there’s one 2024 eclipse destination that’s already done all of this, and not long ago at all: Paducah, Kentucky.

Freight House © Paducah CVB

Paducah sat in the path of totality for the 2017 Great American Eclipse, so this year’s eclipse event will hardly be the city’s first rodeo. As such, for smoother sailing and your chance at a great eclipse trip before the next solar eclipse arrives in the United States in 2044, consider Paducah for your eclipse excursion.

© Paducah CVB

There’s certainly plenty for you to do while you’re there. The historic downtown will host a two-day street festival, with vendors and offerings from local bars and restaurants, as well as activities hosted by The National Quilt Museum. The museum is also hosting a viewing event for the eclipse. During the same two-day stretch, Paducah’s Wildhair Studios’ Rock Shop hosts a Heaven and Earth Psychic Fair. For hands-on, family-friendly eclipse activities, visit Inland Waterways Museum, and, for an eclipse-themed drink, visit Dry Ground Brewing Company for a special, limited-time eclipse brew.