Blake Walsh

15 Best Things to Do in Cadiz, KY

  • Published 2022/09/03

Cadiz is a lovely little historic city in Kentucky known for its many festivals and celebrations and historic district.

This city is also the seat of Trigg County, providing relaxation and adventure in one place!

Its location near the Land Between the Lakes allows for both land and water recreational activities, ensuring nothing short of a fun day with the whole family.

Cadiz is also home to several local museums, nature and forest areas, and entertainment centers.

You won’t run out of things to see and explore in this historic downtown!

Here are the best things to do in Cadiz, Kentucky:

Indulge in Recreational Activities at Lake Barkley Marina

The waters of Lake Barkley Marina

AmandaADB / Shutterstock.com

Lake Barkley Marina sits on the city’s western side and offers easy and convenient access to Lake Barkley.

You can indulge in several recreational activities on both land and water for fun days outdoors.

Explore the beauty of Lake Barkley by renting a pontoon or one of their many boats.

Various fish also thrive in this lake, including crappies, bass, and bluegills, a prime spot for fishing.

If you get hungry, head over to Cap’n Jim’s, a lakeside restaurant that offers delicious meals in a relaxing atmosphere.

Bring your sunscreen and add the Lake Barkley Marina to your itinerary.

Admire the Exhibits at the Janice Mason Art Museum

The Janice Mason Art Museum sits within the city’s heart and is a hotspot for art enthusiasts!

Though this museum doesn’t collect any memorabilia or artifacts, it is home to exhibits and displays that showcase Cadiz’s culture and local talent.

This art museum includes all genres and mediums of art, presenting a wide range of pieces to its visitors.

In addition to its exhibits, this establishment also produces theatrical shows and hosts acting classes and workshops for aspiring artists.

They even have a gift shop where you can purchase a souvenir to remember your visit.

Add the Janice Mason Art Museum to your itinerary while on your vacation to Cadiz!

Visit the Woodlands Nature Station

If you’re looking to spend the day in nature, you may want to visit Woodlands Nature Station.

You can join a guided program that takes you through the forested areas.

Otherwise, you can explore the surrounding land on your own!

No matter the time of year, Woodlands Nature Stations hosts a variety of programs that suit each season.

During the summer and spring, you can get up close and personal with a majestic owl, spot a wild coyote, or even go kayaking in the lake.

Winter is the peak season for eagle viewing and watching.

There’s so much to see and explore at Woodlands Nature Station.

Go on a Shopping Spree at Cadiz Antique Mall

Shop ‘til you drop at Cadiz Antique Mall in downtown Cadiz!

This antique shop spans over 30,000 square feet, offering you a wide variety and a large selection of items.

Initially built in the mid-1800s, this establishment was once a hotel and boarding house before becoming a mall.

Cadiz Antique Mall has everything you need, whether you’re an avid collector or want a unique purchase.

Vendors also sell furniture, toys, pictures, and other vintage collectibles and memorabilia.

This facility also hosts the Pig’s Tail Ice Cream Shop, where you can get delicious sweet treats, including sundaes, cones, floats, and much more.

Enjoy a shopping spree and stop by Cadiz Antique Mall!

Join the Trigg County Ham Festival

The Trigg County Ham Festival, often called the Ham Festival, is an annual event in Cadiz!

This two-day celebration started in 1976 and has become one of the most sought-after events in Trigg County!

This festival gets its name from ham creation, which Cadiz is famous for.

Likewise, the celebration honors and preserves the craft for future generations.

Featuring live music, entertainment, and a wide selection of delicious food, the Ham Festival ensures nothing short of a good time!

Even if you don’t like ham, you can enjoy other family-friendly events.

Don’t miss the chance to join the Trigg County Ham Festival!

Join the Hummingbird Festival

See hummingbirds flying through Cadiz’s skies in this thrilling festival.

The Hummingbird Festival marks the start of their migration to Central America.

As many as 200 hummingbirds fly overhead, so bring your binoculars!

Likewise, this festival allows biologists to learn more about these hummingbirds and conduct further research on this particular species.

They even host an outdoor gallery where you can find several artworks and displays of Cadiz’s wildlife or purchase plants.

You also spot other wildlife, such as monarch butterflies, dragonflies, bats, and more, embarking on their seasonal migration.

Kids can join as many family-friendly activities occur during the Hummingbird Festival.

Play a Round of Golf at Arrowhead Golf Course

Are you looking for one of the best golfing experiences in Kentucky?

Then, bring your clubs to Arrowhead Golf Course!

Boasting 18-holes, this beautifully manicured golf course caters to both first-time players and experienced golfers.

This course will surely test your golfing skills with its artfully sculpted hills and skillfully placed rock formations.

You also get stunning sights of the surrounding trees and panoramic sky views as you indulge in a round of golf.

Book your tee time and enjoy a fun day at Arrowhead Golf Course!

Stroll through Downtown Main Street

Cadiz presents a historic district and many antique shops that line Downtown Main Street!

You can take a stroll through this street that stretches for roughly a mile.

Check out several shops, boutiques, and restaurants along this strip, so you’re in for a fun adventure.

Enter several antique shops, grab a unique purchase, or dine at one of the many locally-owned restaurants.

Depending on the season, you may spot a Farmer’s Market that sells the freshest produce in Cadiz.

This historic district has much to show you, so put on some walking shoes and explore Cadiz’s Downtown Main Street!

Learn to Fish with Double A Fishing Guide Service

Avid fishers and enthusiasts will have a blast with Double A Fishing Guide Service!

Owner and guide Andy Allen has worked in the industry for over 20 years.

Likewise, he has never lost his passion for sharing this experience with his customers.

Explore the beauty of Cadiz’s lakes while learning some new fishing tips and tricks on fishing from Andy himself.

This guide service offers half-day and full-day sessions ranging between four to nine hours.

You’ll find the best fishing spots in the city while soaking up the sun and enjoying the beautiful waters.

Book a slot ahead of time and haul a big catch with Double A Fishing Guide Service!

Check Out the Classy Vehicles at Cadiz Cruz-In

If you’re a car enthusiast, you may want to check out Cadiz Cruz-In!

This car show opens on Cadiz’s Main Street in spring and summer, drawing fans of all ages who want to see various vehicles.

Whether it’s motorcycles, cars, and even trucks, this open-class event has everything you need for a car show.

You can even bring your vehicle and show it off and maybe win a trophy!

Cadiz Cruz-In also provides live entertainment, a DJ, food, and prizes for the kids!

Moreover, admission is free!

Stop by and catch all the cool trucks, cars, and motorcycles at this event.

Ride a Horse at Fox Run Farm

Take a short drive to the city’s southern end to reach Fox Run Farm, a farm and stable that offers horseback riding.

Whether you want to explore Cadiz on horseback or learn more about horses, this farm will happily teach you about these majestic animals.

The farm also welcomes first-time riders and experienced guests.

You can enjoy a classic ride on a trail or learn how to maneuver and control a horse with professional instructors.

Fox Run Farm also hosts dressage, eventing, and other open horse shows.

Don’t miss the chance to ride a horse and add this establishment to your itinerary!

Other Things to Do Nearby

Relax at Land between the Lakes National Recreation Area

The waters of Land between the Lakes National Recreation Area

Howdy Renee / Shutterstock.com

The Land Between the Lakes National Recreation Area has become a significant attraction and hotspot for nature lovers.

President John F. Kennedy established the recreation area in 1963, often called “LBL.”

This spacious area allows for several activities, biking, hiking, picnicking, camping, and more, which you can enjoy with the whole family!

A cabin at Land between the Lakes National Recreation Area

Angela N Perryman / Shutterstock.com

Spot the wildlife roaming the 170,000 acres of forested land, comprised of various natural habitats.

Check out the Land Between the Lakes National Recreation Area if you want to lose yourself in nature.

You can find this place in Golden Pond, 15 minutes from Cadiz.

Elk at Land between the Lakes National Recreation Area

jodyConfer / Shutterstock.com

Bring the Family to Golden Pond Planetarium and Observatory

You can find Golden Pond Planetarium and Observatory in neighboring Golden Pond, Kentucky, 19 minutes from Cadiz.

This family-friendly establishment hosts entertainment and educational programs for all ages.

Their newly installed projection system gives guests a new immersive introduction to the world of geoscience.

Likewise, they host a “Tonight’s Sky Live” presentation about the stars, constellations, and planets!

Let the realistic sights projected on their 40-foot dome theater take your breath away!

Feel free to bring the kids, for they’ll have a great time at Golden Pond Planetarium and Observatory!

Go Off-Roading at Turkey Bay Off Highway Vehicle Area

Are you looking for adventure?

Head to Turkey Bay Off Highway Vehicle Area in Murray, Kentucky, 20 minutes from Cadiz!

This facility opens from dawn to dark and allows you to go off-roading on a vehicle of your choice.

Its trail spans roughly 100 miles, with primary, secondary, and tertiary paths for your choice.

Kids can also try off-roading at Turkey Trot Youth Trail; however, adults must supervise them at all times.

In addition to off-roading, you can also go camping on their designated campsite and spend the night!

Turkey Bay is also home to wildlife you can hunt, including deer, turkeys, and more.

Embark on an adventure at Turkey Bay Off-Highway Vehicle Area!

Spend the Night at Hurricane Creek Campground

Situated next to the beautiful Lake Barkley, Hurricane Creek Campground offers lakeside camping experiences for the whole family!

You can find this establishment in Eddyville, Kentucky, 16 minutes from Cadiz.

Guests can indulge in both water and land recreational activities.

Enjoy the fresh air and cool breeze along Lake Barkley.

Otherwise, get out into the open water on a boat!

Lake Barkley is also home to several species of fish, including catfish and trout, which make it a perfect place to go fishing.

You might also spot a raccoon scurrying around or a deer trotting by.

Schedule a reservation ahead of time and ensure your slot at Hurricane Creek Campground!

Final Thoughts

Cadiz is a hotspot and tourist attraction for outdoor enthusiasts who wish to indulge in nature!

Whether you wish to shop for antique items, visit nature centers, or admire artworks in a museum, this city has everything you need for an ideal vacation!

Plan your trip today and discover the best things to do in Cadiz, Kentucky!

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