Things to do!

Lake Barkley

Lake Barkley splits Trigg County right down the middle.  And with that comes the biggest attraction in Trigg County – the lake itself.  Lake Barkley offers superb recreation from boating to fishing .  The lake also has numerous resorts around its edge, including Lake Barkley State Resort Park.  The resort features a lodge, restaurant, marina, beach, a fitness center, indoor swimming pool, an airport, convention center, and several other recreational services.

Land Between The Lakes

With Barkley splitting Trigg County, The Land Between The Lakes National Recreation Area covers a good chunk of the county.  LBL is accessible via US 68 in Trigg County and offers a wide variety of activities including hunting, fishing, bird and wildlife watching, hiking, biking, and so much more.  The 170,000-acre park features several nature centers, smaller lakes, historic sites, a buffalo-elk range… the list goes on and on.  LBL has more than one million visitors annually, so see for yourself why it is so popular.

Downtown Cadiz, Kentucky.

In addition to Cadiz, Kentucky, serving as a hotspot for anglers seeking to fish the waters of Lake Barkley and Kentucky Lake, the city is also home to a charming and historic downtown district. Visitors will find delightful shops, restaurants and other local attractions that make a stop in downtown Cadiz worthwhile.

Explore the Shops Along Main Street

Downtown Cadiz has become a mecca for antique lovers and those who enjoy collecting vintage, and sometimes rare, items. The shops that line Main Street range from consignment and thrift stores to storefronts lined with items from antiquity. Visitors to downtown Cadiz are sure to find themselves on a trip down Memory Lane, as they stumble upon items they have not seen since childhood.

As if antiques weren’t enough, Main Street is also home to a variety of clothing boutiques, art collectives, and home decor and gift shops. These retailers carry a variety of trendy women’s apparel, as well as an array of gifts for the home and hostess.

Cadiz-Trigg Downtown Farmers Market

Situated in a rural region has its advantages, as fresh produce and farm-raised meats are plentiful at the community’s downtown Farmers Market. Find locally-sourced hams and meat, as well as Amish-made jams, jellies and baked goods. Booths overflow with an eclectic mix of fresh produce and other goodies produced in the region.

Janice Mason Art Museum & Southern Kentucky Independent Theatre

The Janice Mason Art Museum and the Southern Kentucky Independent Theatre occupy the creative space at the Cadiz Community Art Center. The museum showcases a variety of art exhibitions, which represent a plethora of artistic disciplines and styles. The museum also provides arts education and programming to the peoples of Western Kentucky. The museum is a non-profit organization which seeks to make the arts accessible to all who wish to engage.

The Southern Kentucky Independent Theatre brings the performing and dramatic arts to life through Community Theater. Performances are hosted at various times of year. Check their Facebook page for upcoming shows.

Downtown Cadiz Restaurants

After a day of exploring Cadiz’s historic downtown and shopping the various shops along the way, you’ll be ready to dig into some local grub at a nearby Cadiz restaurant. If you’re seeking some nostalgia, you’ll want to pop your head into Ferrell’s Snappy Service for a burger and fries. You can also enjoy breakfast there any time of day. They’re open 24 hours.

If it’s Southern cooking you’re craving, there are several options along Canton Road and Main Street that will tempt your palate.

Many of Cadiz’s locally owned eateries include ham, of course, and a variety of other locally-sourced meats and produce. You’ll want to save room for some homemade dessert, as well.

Trigg County Ham Festival                                                         

The Trigg County Ham Festival, often called the Ham Festival, is an annual event in Cadiz! This two-day celebration started in 1976 and has become one of the most sought-after events in Trigg County! This festival gets its name from ham creation, which Cadiz is famous for.   Likewise, the celebration honors and preserves the craft for future generations.   Featuring live music, entertainment, and a wide selection of delicious food, the Ham Festival ensures nothing short of a good time!  Even if you don’t like ham, you can enjoy other family-friendly events.  Don’t miss the chance to join the Trigg County Ham Festival!

Hummingbird Festival                                                                         

See hummingbirds flying through Cadiz’s skies in this thrilling festival.  The Hummingbird Festival marks the start of their migration to Central America.  As many as 200 hummingbirds fly overhead, so bring your binoculars!   Likewise, this festival allows biologists to learn more about these hummingbirds and conduct further research on this particular species.    They even host an outdoor gallery where you can find several artworks and displays of Cadiz’s wildlife or purchase plants.   You also spot other wildlife, such as monarch butterflies, dragonflies, bats, and more, embarking on their seasonal migration.   Kids can join as many family-friendly activities occur during the Hummingbird Festival.