On the eastern side of Calloway County, Kentucky Lake forms the boundary; its surface area covers 160,000 acres. At Blood River, a major tributary of the lake in the county, crappie fishing is available year-round. Kentucky Lake in Calloway County is also a place to fish for largemouth and smallmouth bass.
Kentucky Lake and the Landscape Beyond the Water
There are several access points to the lake in Calloway County. Marinas in the county rent pontoons, jet skis, kayaks, and fishing boats; individual operators may change.
Just across the lake from Calloway County lies the Land Between The Lakes recreation area. This 170,000-acre National Recreation Area has hundreds of miles of hiking and biking trails. The landscapes offer distinct features: the lake forms the county’s eastern boundary and provides fishing opportunities; beyond the water stretches an extensive network of trails.
Trails, Parks, and Sports
Doran Arboretum has a 0.8-mile loop trail for walking, running, or walking a leashed dog. Central Park has hiking trails, while Chestnut Park has a paved walking path. The options are distinct: a loop trail at the arboretum, trails in the park, and a paved path at Chestnut Park.
There are also designated sports facilities. Bee Creek Park is a soccer complex with 19 fields. The public Miller Memorial Golf Course has 18 holes, measures 6,742 yards, and is a par 71 course.
History in the County
Central Park in Murray is home to Calloway County’s first courthouse and the preserved Waters Schoolhouse. Two buildings at the same location give the park a local historical dimension alongside its hiking trails.
The Calloway County Barn Quilt Trail features dozens of quilt patterns throughout Calloway County: painted on large squares and mounted on the sides of buildings. Individual displays may change. The Wrather West Kentucky Museum explores the social, cultural, and economic development of Western Kentucky and the Jackson Purchase.
Fort Heiman is also part of the region’s history. Preserved in Calloway County as part of Fort Donelson National Battlefield, it is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Interpretive signs stand along the trail; the site includes historic earthworks and a small pavilion with exhibits. Visitors should park near the pavilion and walk about half a mile to a higher overlook with views of the Tennessee River. Fort Heiman is still being developed, and conditions at the site may change. Check current conditions before your visit.
Culture and Stages in Murray
The Clara M. Eagle Gallery, Eagle Upper Gallery, and Mary Ed Mecoy Hall Gallery are located on the Murray State University campus in Murray. All three are in the Fine Arts Building, 620 Fine Arts Building. Historic Lovett Auditorium has been one of the four original buildings on campus since 1926. It hosts Broadway shows, symphony concerts, operas, dance performances, and appearances by nationally recognized speakers.
Murray State University’s Humanities+ Series includes public lectures, teaching workshops, and cultural events. The 2026–2027 program outline describes its recurring format. Playhouse in the Park stages many performances each year in a former L&N Railroad freight depot. The building was moved to its current location in Murray in the fall of 1979.
Explore more destinations: Murray, Logan, Owen County, Fayette, Warren, Clark County, Mason County, Marion County.
Return to the main travel overview: Kentucky.
