Dedicated to preserving the heritage of our rivers.

Welcome to the River Discovery Center!

Featured Exhibit

Rain Table

Paducah has been impacted by flooding throughout its existence.   The Flood of 1937 caused Paducah’s virtual abandonment.  This exhibit includes a photographic display of the 1937 flood and its impact.   After viewing, you can learn how floods happen through a... 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

Off-site Visits
staff members will visit a school, classroom, or career fair to discuss river-related topics.
Adopt-a-Towboat
Adopt-a-Towboat is a year-long educational program which matches up a real towboat and its crew with a classroom in the region. The local towboat companies commit one of their vessels as an off-site,  teaching  "classroom" as the students learn about the industry and its impact... Learn more
Animal Encounters
Animal Encounters is a 3-hour program for second graders. RDC partners with The Land Between the Lakes Nature Station to teach children about animals in our riparian environment. The students are divided into rotations as they visit the various stations. The program meets Core Content for second... Learn more