Things To Do in the Murray Area
Including New Concord, Hazel, Blood River and Cypress Bay
In addition to the outdoor recreation activities you'll find throughout the Kentucky Lake Area, Murray offers several other unique attractions that the entire family will enjoy. In Murray, you will find opportunities to bowl, go skating, play miniature golf, catch a movie, shop, tour the campus of Murray State, attend a concert at the CFSB Center or eat at one of 75 restaurants.
Kentucky Lake
The city of Murray is located about 15 minutes west of Kentucky Lake, but there are still some waterfront resorts and hotels within the Murray area. Blood River and Cypress Bay are popular fishing locations especially for fishermen seeking crappie. The bays are also home to several marinas that offer jet ski and pontoon rentals. Visitors choosing to stay in the Murray area can enjoy lake-front accommodations as well as a short drive to a diverse selection of restaurants and family-friendly entertainment.
Land Between The Lakes
Land Between The Lakes is a National Recreation Area that is controlled by the US Forest Service. This 170,000-acre, uninhabited area is a great place for anyone to spend a couple of days or more. Numerous attractions within the park include the Nature Station, Elk & Bison Prairie, Golden Pond Planetarium, Homeplace1850s, and Turkey Bay OHV Area.
In addition to those popular attractions, LBL offers hundreds of miles of scenic hiking and biking trails, horseback riding, camping, and many other outdoor adventures. Find out more in our Land Between The Lakes section.
Murray State University
The CFSB Center on the campus of Murray State University is one of the primary event locations in the region. From concerts and circuses to boat shows and consignment sales, the CFSB Center calendar stays booked year-round. The CFSB Center is most notably home to the Murray State University men's basketball team. Racer fans from all around the region flock to "The Bank" to cheer on the MSU Racers which have been nationally ranked twice in the past five years.
There are many more seasonal sports activities to be enjoyed at Murray State University including baseball, softball, football, and volleyball.
Fun For The Whole Family
If you are looking for something to do, look no further than Murray, Kentucky! Murray has a movie theater, a bowling alley, a skating rink, miniature golf and four golf courses. Shoppers will enjoy the many locally-owned fashion and home accessory boutiques as well as several national retailers.
Murray's downtown area was restored providing a picturesque setting from the 1920s. During the Fourth of July holiday, visitors can enjoy Freedom Fest which brings vendors, entertainment, games and child-friendly activities to the downtown area. The week-long Freedom Fest activities culminate in a parade and a fireworks display.
With over 70 restaurants, dining in Murray is a treat in and of itself. From Japanese and Thai food to steakhouses and buffets, Murray has a restaurant to suit even the most discerning palate.
Antique fans will find a hidden treasure in. The community of Hazel features a couple of restaurants and several antique stores, making it a destination for antique-lovers from all over the country.
You can see our complete listing of Kentucky Lake & Lake Barkley Area Attractions for fun things to around the Kentucky Lake area.