At the Port of Catlettsburg, the Big Sandy River flows into the Ohio River; the borders of Kentucky, Ohio, and West Virginia meet there as well. The port welcomes recreational boats and offers riverside activities. A river confluence, a tri-state border point, and riverside recreation come together here—a striking start to exploring Boyd County.
Art, Remembrance, and Performing Arts
The Catlettsburg floodwall murals form an outdoor museum. Their subjects celebrate the city’s industrial roots, cultural milestones, and residents. Here, you’ll encounter public art that reflects different facets of local history. The stately Beaux-Arts limestone courthouse is also one of Catlettsburg’s landmarks of civic pride.
The local festival tradition includes the Labor Day celebration, with a parade and a weekend festival. It is held every year on Labor Day and has been a tradition for more than half a century, dating back to the mid-1960s. The Boyd County Fair also has a history spanning more than 30 years and continues to grow each year. Both events offer a lively, recurring connection to the county’s history.
In Ashland, the Highlands Museum & Discovery Center focuses on regional history and also features a children’s museum. The C.B. Nuckolls Community Center & Black History Museum documents and preserves the history of Black people in Ashland and the United States. The two museums offer distinct perspectives: on the history of a region and on the heritage of Black communities, both locally and beyond.
The Paramount Arts Center opened in 1931 as an Art Deco movie palace. Following its preservation and restoration, it retains many original fixtures and furnishings. Offerings include voice lessons, educational concerts, community theater, and entertainment programs. Architectural history sits alongside a program featuring diverse forms of performance and community life.
Outdoor and Indoor Recreation
Rush Off-Road covers 7,000 acres and features more than 100 miles of trails. Routes range from easy scenic rides to challenging rock-crawling routes. The size, trail mileage, and range of difficulty offer different ways to experience the park—from its wide-open terrain to the challenge of individual rides.
At Camp Landing, Malibu Jacks Indoor Theme Park features 14 bowling lanes, a go-kart track, mini golf, a laser tag arena, indoor roller coasters, 3D motion rides, and a modern arcade. Tap That Sports at Camp Landing offers a different focus, with eight HD sports simulators and more than 75 multiplayer challenges and games. The two venues stand apart through their distinct game formats and attractions.
Planning Your Stay
Ashland’s current train station serves as an intermodal transportation facility. Armco Park is one of the reservation options in Boyd County. These points of reference complement the cultural and recreational offerings with different aspects of a stay, without replacing the region’s sights and experiences as the focus.
Discover More Destinations
Discover more destinations: Ashland, Catlettsburg, Martin County, Pike County, Breathitt County, Marion County, Kenton, Hart County.
For the main travel overview: Kentucky.
