Murray Attractions

Outdoors, Hunting and Fishing

Murray and its surrounding region is ideal for hunting and fishing. Kentucky Lake is known as the “Crappie Capital” of the world.

The lake also offers other types of fish such as largemouth and smallmouth bass, spots, bluegill, red ear, white bass, shell cracker, stripers and sauger. Dedicated fisherman come from near and far to sample the wealth of the lake. For those who do not already have a boat, everything from fishing boats to yachts to sailboats are available for rent.

For hunters, there are more than 250 days of hunting seasons for the area, complemented by vast hunting ground. High on the list for the regions hunters are white-tailed deer. Kentucky is regularly in the top five states in producing record book deer. Nearby Clarks River National Wildlife Refuge offers open hunting in rich bottomland hardwoods.

With its close proximity to the Land Between the Lakes National Recreation Area, Murray is a paradise for any outdoorsman. LBL presents a big-woods hunting experience on 170,000 acres of ridges and hollows.

Murray’s great outdoor life has even gained national recognition by Outdoor Life magazine. Murray State was named a top 10 university for students who love to hunt and fish.

Kentucky Lake

Kentucky and Barkley Lakes, joined by a free-flowing canal, form one of the largest man-made bodies of water in North America. Combined, the two lakes have over 4,000 miles of shoreline and over 3,000 miles of water. Not only will you find fun-filled outdoor activities such as boating, swimming, fishing, hiking and camping, but you will also discover family-fun adventures in water parks, go-karts, train rides and more.

Parks

Covering 180 acres of land, the Murray-Calloway County Parks system holds a swimming complex, batting cages, nine baseball and softball fields, a soccer complex with 15 fields, three basketball courts, 10 covered pavilions, five playgrounds, a youth climbing wall, an outdoor amphitheater, three-and-a-half miles of developed nature trails, a disc golf course and a dog park.

There are also many unique historic sites located in the parks including Calloway County’s first courthouse, a 1907 train depot and caboose, a tobacco barn and Water’s 1925 one-room schoolhouse. Take a leisurely stroll through Central Park and enjoy the nature, or visit Chestnut Park and experience one of the many events taking place there on a regular basis.

Golf

The American Society of Golf Architects designated the Frances E. Miller Memorial Golf Course as one of the best designed 18-hole courses in America. It presents a unique challenge for competitive and recreational golfers alike. Measuring 6,592 yards from the championship tees, the par-71 layout has two distinct nines which require a wide array of shot-making. The outward nine is set on hilly terrain and requires pinpoint accuracy from tee to green, whereas the inward half rewards length and accurate long-iron play.

The facility also offers two large practice putting greens, as well as a wide two-level practice tee and a spacious 315 yard driving range. Sullivan’s Par 3 Golf and Sports Center offers an 18-hole executive golf course and a driving range, where during the peak season, the range is lighted for night practice. Sullivan’s also houses an 18-hole miniature golf course and batting cages.

Forrest C. Pogue Library

The Special Collections Library, located in the Forrest C. Pogue Library, includes materials relating to the history and culture of western Kentucky and Tennessee, especially TVA and Civil War materials. Visitors can also enjoy tracing their genealogy in the vast records. On the National Register of Historic Places, the building was constructed in Renaissance Revival style, featuring bronze doors on the east and west entrances, and is often the building used to represent Murray State University.

Wrather West Kentucky Museum

Wrather West Kentucky Museum is located in the first permanent building constructed on the Murray State campus and is on the National Register of Historic Places. The museum holds both permanent and changing exhibits and highlights an understanding of Murray State, Murray and the entire Jackson Purchase region.

MSU Athletics

Murray State University provides excellent Division I athletic events. Whether it is football, basketball, soccer or volleyball, spectators are sure to find unparalleled excitement. To view an athletic events schedule, visit goracers.com.

Regional Special Events Center

The Regional Special Events Center, also known as the RSEC, is a $23 million multi-purpose facility used for Racer basketball games, concerts, conventions and trade shows. Four concourses, nine basketball courts, five volleyball courts, four tennis courts, a rubberized indoor walking track and retractable seating provide the facility with versatility. This year, the facility will host large-scale events such as the Harlem Globetrotters, Boat and Outdoor Show, and Playhouse Disney LIVE!

Expo Center

The William “Bill” Cherry Agricultural Exposition Center, commonly referred to as the Expo Center, hosts a wide variety of events from livestock and horse shows to circuses, truck pulls, motocross and much more. Over 25,000 people from far and wide attend the various events held annually.

In 2010, the Expo Center will host events such as the popular Bull Blowout February 19th-20th and The World Famous Lipizzaner Stallions April 15th. To find details about scheduled events, call 270-809-3125.

Fine Art

Located on the campus of Murray State University, the Clara M. Eagle Art Gallery is a multi-level exhibition space allowing visitors as well as locals to experience art first-hand. The gallery features diverse shows; from art classics to contemporary, from student work to national juried shows. Also on campus, the Curris Center Gallery is home to a wide variety of exhibits throughout the year. Both galleries are free to the public.

After spending eleven years in New York City, Jennifer Fairbanks recently returned to Murray to open her own art gallery, Gallery 109 & Fairbanks Studio. The studio is housed in a newly renovated downtown building, located at 109 North 3rd Street. Go see one of the many exhibits featured throughout the year, including work from local, national and international artists. Classes, such as drawing and oil-painting for beginners, are conducted weekly.

The Murray Art Guild, a local, non-profit educational and cultural organization, offers classes and workshops to help develop the talents of local artists. Classes range from photography to drawing to rug weaving, and are taught for multiple skill-levels. For those who enjoy viewing art more than creating it, the guild displays several shows at the Robert O. Miller Conference Center, located on the court square.

Theatre and Music

Escape life’s realities and tantalize your imagination by attending a Playhouse in the Park performance in Central Park. Housed in a 1907 train depot, Playhouse’s location adds a dramatic effect to its plays.

Murray State University’s Music Department and Department of Theatre and Dance provide concerts, plays, and dance productions throughout the school year. Also, the Murray Civic Music Association presents world-class performances at historic Lovett Auditorium. Also in 2010, the Murray Shakespeare Festival will welcome the American Shakespeare Center, performing Romeo and Juliet as well as a comedy, The Knight of the Burning Pestle.

Lovett Live consists of two concert series held at Murray State’s Lovett Auditorium that bring fans closer to the music. With the Onstage Series shows, sit on stage with the artist, close enough to ask questions and hear the stories behind the songs from the artists themselves. The intimate coffee-house style seating for 200 includes tables, leather sofas and giant chairs.

The Concert Series shows get you closer to the music by bringing new and favorite artists to Murray, so fans don’t have to travel to major cities to see great bands. Lovett Live features local artists, Nashville singer/songwriters and artists you may be surprised are stopping in Murray.