Union County: Ohio River, Nature and History

The Ohio River borders Union County’s western side for about 38 miles. Together with historic homes, a museum, and recreational opportunities on lakes and rivers, it shapes the county’s range of attractions. For your stay, you can weigh up water activities, architectural and local history, and event dates.

Ohio River and Public Access Points

Four public access points to the Ohio River in Union County allow watercraft to be launched; fishing is also available at these access points. Caseyville Boat Dock and Recreation Area has a two-lane boat ramp, a service dock, and ample parking. Primitive camping is permitted on the grounds free of charge and without a permit.

Lakes and Rivers for Recreation

Lake Mauzy covers about 80 acres, lies southeast of Morganfield, and is located within the Higginson-Henry Wildlife Management Area. Anglers can fish for bass, crappie, and channel catfish in the lake. This makes Lake Mauzy a specific destination for anglers interested in these species.

Moffit Lake Recreational Area is a 140-acre campground operated by the county. At its center is a 64-acre lake. The Tradewater River is suitable for recreational paddling. Fishing, camping, and paddling are therefore available at different bodies of water and facilities in the county.

Historic Homes and Architecture

The George N. Proctor House was built around 1854. It is an antebellum Greek Revival-style house and was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1990. Its construction date and Greek Revival style offer a glimpse of the historic architecture from the antebellum period.

In Morganfield, the Morganfield Commercial District covers six acres and includes 30 contributing buildings in the historic district. Also in Morganfield is the Daniel H. Hughes House, a two-story historic brick house with an Italianate-style front section. It was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1980. The Union County Courthouse in Morganfield opened in 1872 and was added to the Register on November 17, 1978.

Museum and Memorial Sites

The Camp Breckinridge Museum and Arts Center tells the story of the Union County community’s involvement in World War II and the Korean War. Murals painted by German prisoners of war during World War II are still preserved on the walls. This connects local history with a tangible wartime artifact. The Confederate Monument of Morganfield commemorates Confederate soldiers from the surrounding Union County area.

Festivals, Sports, and Regional Cuisine

The Union County Fair has been a community tradition since 1949. Its program includes local entertainment, rides, 4-H and competitive exhibits, beauty pageants, and typical fair food. The specific program may vary from one edition to the next. If you want to plan your trip around the fair, check the dates for the edition you plan to attend.

The annual Uniontown Independence Day Celebration is a family event featuring inflatables, children’s activities, karaoke, and food vendors. A large fireworks show is part of the festivities at dusk. The Union County Fair and Exposition Center is also an event venue; the Kentucky Bike Rally is held there.

Another activity option is the Union County Pickleball Court Complex, with eight lighted outdoor courts, shaded seating areas, and restrooms on site. Dining options in Union County also include restaurants serving Western Kentucky barbecue.

Discover more destinations: Morganfield, Cumberland County, Harlan, Daviess County, Breathitt County, Letcher, Taylor County, Nelson.

For the main travel overview: Kentucky.