Located on the northwestern edge of the Land Between the Lakes National Recreation Area, the town of Calvert City, KY, is probably one you’re unfamiliar with. The approximately 18 square miles of land don’t have attractions, amusement parks, or museums. But it’s a unique and fun place to stop when traveling along Interstate 24.
Let’s look at five reasons you should make Calvert City, KY, your next destination!
Where Is Calvert City, KY?
Located on the Tennessee River of western Kentucky is the town of Calvert City. Less than 2,500 people reside here.
However, the town is easily accessible and situated perfectly for travel to Paducah, Benton, and Dawson Springs. It’s also less than a two-hour drive to Nashville, TN, and only a few miles from the Illinois border.
What Is Calvert City, KY, Known For?
In 1871, Potilla Willis Calvert gave a portion of his land to a new railroad under one condition: a station was to be built near his home. Calvert City, KY, was born when it established a post office and railroad station.
When the Tennessee Valley Authority built the nearby Kentucky Dam, it led to a boom of manufacturing plants and industries because of the new electric power. These plants are still the leading employers of western Kentucky today. There are 16 from Wacker Chemical Corporation, B. F. Goodrich Company, CC Metals, and Alloys, Inc.
Traveler’s Tip: Keep exploring the great state of Kentucky and check out our five reasons to visit Central City.
What’s the Best Time of Year to Visit Calvert City, KY?
May, June, and July are the busiest months for tourism in Calvert City, KY. You’ll find that hotel prices and travel prices are probably higher during these months
If you can visit in April, you’ll escape the larger crowds but still enjoy pleasant weather. October is usually the driest month, with a little less than 3 inches of precipitation.
5 Reasons to Make Calvert City, KY Your Next Getaway
Whether you enjoy outdoor recreation, are looking for a place to relax, or want a small-town atmosphere to spend a couple of days with your kids, Calvert City, KY, is the place for you.
There isn’t much to do here, but that’s what makes it enticing. It’s a place to get away from the lights and the hustle and bustle of Nashville or a place to relax for a day or so during a long road trip.
1. Take Your Kayak Out on Kentucky Dam Lake
Address: Upper Village Dr, Gilbertsville, KY 42044
About: Only about a 10-minute drive from Calvert City, KY, is the northern tip of Kentucky Lake. Here, you can take out your kayak for a pleasant day enjoying the water.
Or, if you have a boat, visit the Kentucky Dam Marina boat ramp just one street over. The Kentucky Dam Village tennis courts and the Kentucky Dam Beach are also in this area. You can spend the whole day enjoying the great outdoors!
2. Get Wacky at Apple Valley Hillbilly Garden and Toyland
Address: 9351 US-68, Calvert City, KY 42029
About: This unique shopping experience offers fun for people of all ages, not just kids. Take a stroll through the Hillbilly Garden and laugh at the folk art sculptures. Venture back in time at the Apple Valley Country Store Museum.
And, of course, get nostalgic in Toyland, where you’ll probably see your favorite childhood toy. It’s open every day from 8:00 a.m to 8:00 p.m. The wacky world of Apple Valley Hillbilly Garden and Toyland has been a tourist attraction since 2005.
3. Relax at Calvert City Memorial Park
Address: 1072 5th Ave SE, Calvert City, KY 42029
About: A spray fountain was added to Calvert City Memorial Park in 2017. It’s a place to cool off in the hot summer sun. Food Truck Friday is also a seasonal event from May to July.
Walk along the pedestrian trail or take a seat on one of the benches. The lighted trail connects to the Calvert City Greenway Trail. Then hop on over to Calvert Cafe when your stomach starts rumbling for an old diner experience.
4. Enjoy Some Family Fun at Maggie’s Jungle Golf
Address: 7301 US-641, Gilbertsville, KY 42044
About: A 10-minute drive south of Calvert City Memorial Park is Maggie’s Jungle Golf. For $5 per person, the entire family can enjoy a round of mini-golf.
You can walk through the Jungle Run and look at the animals for $2 per person, or you can rent a cart and ride through for $8. Just make sure to bring cash as they don’t accept credit cards. It’s fun for the whole family!
5. Enjoy an All American Meal at Calvert Cafe
Address: 252 N Main St, Calvert City, KY 42029
About: Breakfast at Calvert Cafe is served daily from 5:30 a.m to 10:00 a.m., so start your morning with a hearty order of pancakes or biscuits and gravy. For a lighter meal, try the western omelet or the veggies omelet.
If you arrive for lunch, check out the daily specials like hamburger steak or Atlantic cod. Lunch is served until 2:00 p.m. on Mondays to Saturdays, except on Fridays when the restaurant stays open until 7:00 p.m. It’s closed on Sundays.
Calvert Cafe is a short three-minute drive from Calvert City Memorial Park, so stop in for a spell when you visit Calvert City, KY.
Where to Stay Near Calvert City, KY
When looking for a place to stay near Calvert City, KY, your options are limited. In fact, there aren’t any hotels near the center of town. Instead, check out these two Airbnb options to make your stay enjoyable and comfortable.
Renovated Rural Farmhouse
If you want to stay in a house that feels like home, check out this beautifully renovated farmhouse in Calvert City. The three bedrooms sleep five people, and two bathrooms mean no waiting in the mornings.
The kitchen is fully stocked and ready for your arrival and even includes a coffee bar. The location of this home is ideal, right near Calvert City Memorial Park. So it will be easy to start your day with a walk along the trail. No pets are allowed.
Charming Hideaway
If you don’t need a large house, this charming one-bedroom home may fit your needs. There’s a double bed in the bedroom and a single bed in the living room to provide additional sleeping space, possibly for children.
Even though it’s small, you’ll have everything you need here like air conditioning, heat, a TV with cable, an ethernet connection, and a fully stocked kitchen. There’s a private patio with access to a grill and an outdoor dining area. It’s a perfect retreat when visiting Calvert City, KY.
Make Calvert City, KY, Your Next Getaway
Calvert City, KY, may not have the skyscrapers with museums, art galleries, and shops or loud Saturday nights of honky tonk music, but that’s why residents love their town. It’s also why tourists enjoy visiting.
Take a break from the traditional touristy cities and enjoy a peaceful and relaxing weekend in Calvert City. You’ll get re-energized for the rest of your road trip and return home with a clear mind and better attitude.
When will you be visiting southwestern Kentucky?
