Dedicated to preserving the heritage of our rivers.

Welcome to the River Discovery Center!

Featured Exhibit

Hidden Highways

Working for America

The inland waterway system spans 25,000 miles throughout the central United States.  The largest part of this network is the Mississippi River System, which includes the Ohio, Tennessee and Cumberland rivers. This exhibit gives the visitor a great perspective of... Learn more

News & Events

River Discovery Center will host "speed weddings" on Valentine's Day in Founders Room
Paducah, Ky. – January 6, 2015 - On Valentine’s Day, Saturday, February 14, 2015, former Circuit Judge Jeff Hines, will perform wedding ceremonies in the Founders Room of the River Discovery Center. This special event will run from 1:00pm until 3:00pm with ceremonies approximately every... Learn more
Paducah Dragon Boat Festival named one of KTIA's Top 10 Fall Events
Paducah, Ky. – September 11, 2014 – The River Discovery Center’s Paducah Dragon Boat Festival was recently named one of Kentucky Travel Industry Association’s Top 10 Fall 2014 Festivals & Events. The Kentucky Travel Industry Association names its Top Festivals... Learn more
River Discovery Center Announces 32 Teams for Dragon Boat Festival
The River Discovery Center announces the second annual Paducah Dragon Boat Festival to be held at Paducah’s riverfront on Saturday, September 21, 2013 has 32 teams registered.  Proceeds from the event will go towards the educational programs of the center.   Dragon Boat Racing... Learn more

Educational Programs

Wednesdays on the Waterfront
Summer Camp (Wednesdays on the Waterfront)  is a day-long camp for youngsters K-3rd.  Emphasis is placed on all things related to the riparian environment. The fun begins at the riverfront with the campers getting connected to the rivers. They will engage in a question/answer session as... Learn more
Off-site Visits
staff members will visit a school, classroom, or career fair to discuss river-related topics.
Career Day
Rivers of Opportunity Career Day is an all-day career fair that invites area high school students to come to the center for an event focusing on river-related careers. Representatives from the towing industry, KY Fish and Wildlife, US Army Corps of Engineers, the US Coast Guard and other marine-... Learn more
Teachers F.A.Q
Coming Soon.