BLUES TO BLUEGRASS SCENIC BYWAY - DAVIESS COUNTY
Continuing east on Hwy 60, the traveler will pass by St. Peters Catholic Church. 

Just a few miles down the road is the Dream Riders of Kentucky Equine Center (see left) with approx. 19 acres.  The facility offers supplies, clothes, tractor trailers, riding lessons, and more. 

One then passes Ben Hawes State Park (see photo on right) and Bon Harbor Coal Company.

Goldies Best Little Opryhouse in Kentucky featuring country, gospel and bluegrass music every Friday and Saturday night. 

The City of Owensboro offers many museums, historic buildings, riverfront, artisans and more.  Owensboro’s major events attract thousands of visitors from all over the United States and around the world to our riverfront each year. 

Browse down the “Hometown Hero” Hall of Fame located within the Visitor Center on Second Street and view the celebrities that have reached national or international acclaim in their field that are from Owensboro and the surrounding regions.  
Or if one visits the last two weeks in April and the first two weeks in May, walk the picturesque and beautiful blooming tree-lined boulevards on Griffith Avenue and adjoining streets featuring both dogwoods and azaleas. 

Other sites to visit while in Owensboro include:
  • Owensboro Area Museum of Science & History

This museum is one of the finest in the region.  This large facility houses many adventures including a unique hands-on exhibit area and displays depicting local history.  It also includes the Wendell H. Ford Government Education Center or cruise through the motorsports gallery called the Speedzeum, a NASCAR exhibit.  
  • Owenboro Museum of Fine Arts

Exhibitions include shows from major museums, artists of local, regional and national prominence, and important historical surveys.   The permanent collections include 19th and 20th century French, English and American paintings and sculptures, as well as decorative arts dating from the 16th century.  The John Hampden Smith home is part of the museum and is open for tours.
  • Owensboro Symphony Orchestra on East Eighteenth Street

The Owensboro Symphony Orchestra is a premier producer of live classical and pops music for the Western Kentucky region.  According to the Kentucky Arts Council, it is among the top twenty Kentucky arts organizations.   Under the leadership of Maestro Nicholas Palmer, Executive Director M. Wade Kelley, and an active and dedicated Board of Directors.  The Owensboro Symphony Orchestra performs over 60 services annually, reaching an estimated audience of over 50,000 per year.
  • Owensboro’s Sassafras Tree
    corner of Frederica Street and Maple Avenue

Known as the largest Sassafras tree in the world, is approx. 300 years old.  Measures over 100 ft. tall and 21 ft. in circumference.  A few other sassafras trees are 60 ft. or taller, but the average sassafras is 30 to 50 ft. tall.  The tree is a pioneer species that can be found growing along county roads and in old abandoned fields.  The bark, twigs & leaves are aromatic and pleasant to the taste.  Each tree produces three differently shaped leaves:  ovate, one-lobed and three-lobed. 
  • Reid’s Orchard located on KY Highway 144

Known for their peaches and apples. One can browse through the store that stocks homemade apple cider and pies, relishes, fruits, vegetables and other seasonal goodies.  One may also pick their own fruits and vegetables.  Site of Reid’s Orchard Apple Festival each October.

  • River City Trolley

The Trolley makes shopping a breeze since the route circles through the historic downtown area which offers many antique and specialty shops.  It then travels south to the major shopping areas including Towne Square Mall and Wal-Mart.  The route is repeated every hour with designated trolley stops in strategic locations throughout Owensboro. 
  • RiverPark Center
    on 101 Daviess Street

This performing arts center includes a 1,500-seat multi-purpose auditorium, experimental theater, Riverfront Plaza, meeting-reception room, café, as well as the International Bluegrass Music Museum. 
  • Shelton Memorial on Veterans Blvd

Downtown on the riverfront, this memorial is named for Colonel Charles Shelton, the last POW from the Vietnam War.  This monument recognizes and honors all POW/MIA’s and family members of all wars. 
  • Theatre Workshop of Owensboro at 407 West Fifth Street

Community theatre housed in the old Trinity Centre.  Performances are held September through May.

At this point, continue east on Hwy 60 which takes one through the Bill Monroe Bluegrass section of the trail through Hancock and Ohio Counties. Traveling along Hwy 60.

  • Scenic farmland
  • City of Maceo, Holy Spirit Church

Entering the City of Owensboro, County Seat of Daviess County, one passes by:

  • The Chamber of Commerce, County Jail, many churches and other historic buildings
  • Other worthwhile stops while in Owensboro include the Owensboro/Daviess County Visitor Center, the Museum of Science & History, Owensboro Museum of Fine Arts, RiverPark Center and definitely a stop at the International Bluegrass Museum

Continuing west on Hwy 60 will take one past historic markers about George Mason, Uncle Tom’s Cabin, and the Joseph Henson Trail. 

Turn left on Hwy 60 Bypass then right onto Hwy 56 takes one past

  • Harvest Temple
  • Grove Pleasant Church
  • Through the town of Sorgho
  • Mount St. Joseph Academy near Maple Mount and Possum Trot Road before entering McLean County

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