Things To Do

Things To Do at Paris Landing

Including Paris, Buchanan, Eagle Creek and Cypress Creek TN

Paris Landing is the perfect launching point for the ideal Kentucky Lake vacation.  With easy access to a variety of resorts and marinas, Paris Landing has all you need to truly enjoy a Kentucky Lake getaway. 

Kentucky Lake

It is no doubt that the number one attraction in the Paris Landing Area, and for that matter, the entire region, is Kentucky Lake.  184 miles long, with over 2,000 miles of shoreline and 160,000 acres of water Kentucky Lake is one of the world's largest man-made lakes. 

Kentucky Lake was built when a dam was constructed near Grand Rivers, KY, on the Tennessee River, beginning in the late 1930s.  Kentucky Dam was completed in 1944, as it began holding back the waters of the mighty Tennessee.  The flood waters from the river is now known as Kentucky Lake.

Today, Kentucky Lake serves many purposes.  Kentucky Dam, operated by the TVA, generates electricity for the region.  Kentucky Lake also provides flood control on the lower Tennessee River, as well as the Ohio and Mississippi rivers.  Kentucky Lakes provides navigable waterways for shipping of materials.  Kentucky Lake also provides tourism to west Kentucky and northwest Tennessee with its beautiful waters, gorgeous sunsets, and endless family fun. 

Paris Landing State Resort Park

Paris Landing State Resort Park features a full-service marina, 18-hole golf course, a convention center, hotel, restaurant, picnic tables, beach, basketball and tennis courts, a two swimming pools, and so much more.  Located on Kentucky Lake, Paris Landing is about 15 minutes east-northeast of Paris, and about 20 miles southeast of Murray.  For more information on Paris Landing State Resort Park, call (731) 642-0217.

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, Homeplace 1850s, 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.

Golf

Paris and Henry County offer three challenging golf courses.  The newest golf course, Tennessean Golf Club, features a beautiful and unique 18-hole course.  The Futures Golf Club just completed an expansion project, going from nine holes to a full 18-hole course.  You can also tee up at the Paris Landing State Park, which features a gorgeous backdrop on a challenging 18-hole course.

History

If you're a history buff, you will certainly want to head to Paris.  Henry County was formed on November 7, 1821.  Paris, the oldest incorporated city in west Tennessee, was established as the county seat on September 23, 1823... that's nearly 200 years ago!  To discover the historical significance of Paris, you will want to visit the Paris-Henry County Heritage Center.

You can also visit the Fort Donelson National Battlefield in nearby Dover. 

Heritage Center

The Paris-Henry County Heritage Center, which has been called "the crown jewel of Paris", was built in 1916 by philanthropist Col. O. C. Barton.  The beautiful mansion retains its original stained-glass windows, marble staircase and floors, ceiling and wall paintings, and mahogany woodwork. 

The Paris-Henry County Heritage Center serves as a museum, an archive, and a research and educational center.  You can also partake in the Historical Walking Tour.  This tour is a historical audio-taped walking tour of west Tennessee's oldest incorporated city, Paris. 

Entitled "Paris Revisited," this lively recorded tour will take you through downtown Paris, the North Poplar Street Historic District and the Old City Cemetery all of which are listed on the National Register of Historic Places.  For more information, call (731) 642-1030.

Shopping

If you are in the mood for some shopping, you will want to head to downtown Paris for this area's most gorgeous downtown square.  In the mid 1990s, the downtown area underwent major renovations to bring the square back to its original 1920s-era style.  This was certainly accomplished as now the downtown area is bustling with business.  Visit one of the 40 merchants downtown for an experience to remember.

World's Biggest Fish Fry

Each year in April the community hosts the "World's Biggest Fish Fry".  The event not only cooks up a whole mess of fish, there are all kinds of attractions and activities for everyone to enjoy.  The "World's Biggest Fish Fry" is the Kentucky Lake areas most attended festival.  

You can see our complete listing of Kentucky Lake & Lake Barkley Area Attractions for fun things to around the Kentucky Lake area.