Big things are coming to Downtown Paducah’s Riverfront! By summer of 2026, residents and visitors will be able to enjoy the Ohio River from a new pier and excursion plaza.
Enhancement of the riverfront will attract transportation-based economic development opportunities, as well as new tourism and recreational opportunities.
The City of Paducah has been rehabilitating Paducah’s riverfront since November 2024 — a project made possible through the Better Utilizing Investments to Leverage Development Grant program.
The City received $10.4 million in federal funding for the Riverfront Infrastructure Improvement Project, which includes a Riverboat Excursion Pier and Plaza; Bike, Pedestrian, and Broadband Linkages; and improvements to the landing near the Transient Boat Dock.
Once complete, the riverfront will be a brand new experience for residents and visitors alike.
The 540-foot pier will provide a docking point for riverboats that visit Paducah. Currently, the riverboats dock at the foot of Broadway. The installation will provide a safer and easier transition from boat to land, while also providing a scenic experience for people visiting Paducah’s riverfront.
The construction of a multi-use path from 6th Street along Park Avenue and 3rd Street into downtown will aid the flow of pedestrian/bike traffic from the Convention Center to downtown. Improvements such as curb extensions, wayfinding, bus shelters, and crosswalks will improve the pedestrian experience.
Improvements to the landing near the Transient Boat Dock include connecting sidewalks from the floodwall to Greenway Trail, adding landscaping to provide shade, wayfinding, and amenities for users of the boat dock.
