Explore the Outdoors in Murray, Ky
Get a breath of fresh air!
We are lucky in Murray and Calloway County to be surrounded by the outdoors, that contributes to our quality of life and reconnects us with nature. In Western Kentucky, we have plenty of opportunities for you to disconnect and relax while enjoying the outdoor recreation we offer. If you enjoy activities such as canoeing, fishing, hunting, hiking, biking, golfing, or just a walk in the park, you’ve come to the right place! In Murray, exploring the outdoors isn’t just for our quality of life…it’s a necessity.
Calloway County
Quilt Trail
The Calloway County Quilt Trail combines art, history, and a pleasurable drive through the countryside. Quilt patterns are painted on large squares and then hung on barns, homes or businesses. The patterns tell a story of the family or its land. Visitors travel for miles to drive the trails, boasting more than 60 quilts, and is a common attraction in Murray and Calloway County. Follow along on the map and choose from three different trails, navigating you throughout the county.
Parks
Parks play a big role in contributing to the quality of life and serves as a vital part of any community. Murray is proud to be home to multiple community parks, including 164 acres of land to play and explore. Murray has been named a Playful City USA for eight years in a row.
Central Park
Central Park is the largest park in Murray and is bustling with people at all times, no matter what the season. This park houses the city swimming pool and Owens Spray Park, providing family fun during the warmest months of the year. Disc Golf enthusiasts can also enjoy the new and improved 27-hole disc golf course as one of the most-used facilities in the park. The Central Park Disc Golf Course is 7,925 feet long with a par of 84, challenging its players ranging from beginner to experienced. You can find Innova disc golf equipment at the parks department office, located at 900 Payne Street.
Central Park is also home to a dog park, skate park, Playhouse in the Park, Rotary Ampitheater, an ADA accessible playground along with many other playgrounds, walking trails, picnic pavilions, and baseball and softball diamonds.
Chestnut Park and Bee Creek
In Chestnut Park, you will find a Veteran’s Memorial, walking trails, newly paved outdoor basketball courts, a playground, and baseball and softball fields. The Bee Creek Soccer Complex has 15 soccer fields, a playground, and walking trails surrounding the fields. Try you hand, or feet at the James C Gallimore 3 par Foot Golf Course. The foot golf course is 2,034 feet long and has a par of 27 with 9 holes, for players with experience or those looking to try something new.
Park Events
In addition to community facilities, the parks host several events throughout the year, including sports tournaments, Trail of Treats, movies in the park and the Festival of Lights.
During Trail of Treats, thousands of children dress up in their Halloween costumes to trick-or-treat through Central Park, where local businesses and organizations setup booths to pass out candy. Trail of Treats features famly-fun activities as the best and safest way to experience Halloween in Murray.
The Festival of Lights spreads Christmas cheer, as cars drive through Central Park to see hundreds of light displays, all sponsored by local businesses and organizations, with donations supporting Needline, our local food pantry.
Golf
The American Society of Golf Architects designated the 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 nine 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.
Guests are also welcome at the Oaks Country Club.
The Doran Arboretum at Murray State
Escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life and enter a sanctuary right within our city limits, where you’re surrounded by colorful flowers, broad and sweeping trees over walking paths, and the peaceful sound of flowing water. For many locals, the Doran Arboretum at Murray State is that sanctuary. It is a special place where our locals and visitors are surrounded by nature all year long.
The Doran Arboretum at Murray State is a fully accessible horticultural display, public garden and educational laboratory located on the Pullen Farm of MSU. The farm includes three greenhouses, playgrounds, classroom and office spaces, and numerous flowering beds and landscape structures. Horticultural students in the MSU School of Agriculture are responsible for maintaining the grounds and working in the greenhouses. The Arboretum features collections of native plants, trees and flowers with a pavilion often used for hosting special events. Don’t miss the Butterfly Garden next to the pond while children are welcome to play in the Butterfly themed playground.
The highlight of the Arboretum for many is what referred to as “the mountain,” or a large hill with two waterfalls flowing into a pond. (Insider tip: the sun sets over the pond, making the mountain the best place in Murray to watch the sun set). The mountain is surrounded by a walking path, where friends and neighbors can enjoy a brisk job along the 0.8 mile path, or a leisurely walk with their dogs. Visitors can gaze the seasonal, native plants and flowers, partake in a lovely picnic on the lawn, or simply sit back and enjoy the view.
Visit the Doran Arboretum at Murray State
Website: www.murraystate.edu
Address: Hickory Dr. Murray, KY
Phone: (270) 809-3131