Musuems & Galleries Around the Lakes
Let's face it. The weather's not always perfect at Kentucky Lake and Lake Barkley. If you're finding a rainy day is the forecast, there's plenty to see at these area museums and galleries.
Museums
Ben E. Clement Mineral Museum
This museum, located in Marion, Ky., is a one-of-a-kind showcase of the collection of Ben E. Clement, a giant in Kentucky mining. The collection is composed of thousands of fluorite crystal specimens, ranging in weight from a fraction of an ounce to hundreds of pounds.
Each specimen was "a rare accidental find" among regular ore bodies. In addition to the fluorite, there are many other rare mineral samples, fossils, and exquisite mineral carvings.
For hours of operation or to schedule a group tour, call 270-965-4263. You can also visit their website.
Tennessee River Freshwater Pearl Museum
Washboard mussels produce freshwater pearls and are rarely found naturally from these living animals. However, they are grown at the only freshwater pearl-culturing farm operation in North America. The organic gem stone-culturing is located at Birdsong Creek, an embayment of Kentucky Lake in Camden, just nine miles north of Interstate 40.
The Tennessee River Freshwater Pearl Museum, Farm, Tour and Jewelry Showroom is located at Birdsong Resort and Marina in the new Pearl Museum/Community Center. Call (731) 584-7880 to make appointment to visit the Pearl Museum. Visit their website at TennesseeRiverPearls.com for more information.
Wrather West Kentucky Museum
Located in Murray State University's first campus building, constructed in 1924, this museum features historic exhibits of western Kentucky.
Phone: 270-809-4771
Paris-Henry County Heritage Center
Called the "crown jewel of Paris" Tennessee, this 100-year-old mansion features beautiful stained glass, intricate architectural details, paintings and so much more. Located in Paris, Tenn.
Phone: 731-642-1030
Tennessee River Folklife Museum
Visitors can learn about General Forrest's attack on Johnsonville, river navigation, logging, commercial fishing and musselling along the Tennessee River. The center also features old jon and brail boats, and an outdoor deck offers a panoramic view over the Tennessee River. Located on the shores of Kentucky Lake at Nathan Bedford Forrest State Park in Eva, Tenn.
Phone: 731-584-6356
Rose Hill/Lyon County Museum
Historical museum for Eddyville, Kuttawa and Lyon County.
Phone: 270-388-5300
Johnsonville State Historic Park Museum
The Johnsonville State Historic Park is a Civil War preservation site for the Battle of Johnsonville. It has a new visitors center and museum with several artifacts and information regarding the historic site.
Phone: 931-535-2789
Art & Photography
Clara M. Eagle Art Gallery
This gallery features exhibits from Murray State University art students. It is located inside the Price Doyle Fine Arts Center at 15th & Olive Streets on campus in Murray, Ky.Phone: 270-809-3052
Curris Center Gallery
Also featuring work from Murray State University students, this gallery is free and open to the public. It is located inside the Curris Center on the campus of MSU.
Phone: 270-809-3052
Janice Mason Art Museum
While not technically a museum, programming includes 8-10 exhibits each year by artists from around the local area, region, and the world representing a broad variety of media and genre. Located in Cadiz, Ky.
Phone: 270-522-9056
