Overview
Henderson is a city in Kentucky's Western Coal Fields. It is the seat of Henderson County and is located across the Ohio River from Evansville, Indiana.
2 sights · 2 things to do · 1 places to eat · 2 bars & cafés · 8 places to stay
Updated from Wikivoyage on 1 October 2026 · Something wrong or missing? Improve it on Wikivoyage
Best things about Henderson
Ellis Park
One of Kentucky's thoroughbred horse racing tracks. The track runs live races from July - September. Simulcast racing is available year round. Note: The track is on the north side of the Ohio River, but is still in Kentu…
John James Audubon State Park
A state park dedicated to the painter and naturalist John James Audubon. Between 1810 and 1819, the artist owned and lived on property located within the park. The park features a museum, cabins, campground, hiking trail…
Henderson County Public Library
W.C. Handy Blues & Barbeque Festival
A week long festival held in early June which honors W.C. Handy, the "Father of the Blues", who lived in the area during the 1890s. The festival features blues and zydeco music along with the regional barbecue.
Plan your trip
Best time to visit & weather
Most comfortable: Apr–May, Sep–Oct. Summer highs reach about 89°F; winter lows dip to about 27°F. Wettest: May and Apr. (climate data from nearby Land Between the Lakes National Recreation Area)
Blue bars: average daily high and low (°F). Purple columns: average monthly rain and melted snow (inches).
Getting there
- From you: to see whether to drive or fly, and how long it takes.
- EVV Evansville Regional Airport, Evansville — 14 mi away. Directions
- OWB Owensboro Daviess County Airport, Owensboro — 24 mi away. Directions
- SDF Louisville Muhammad Ali International Airport, Louisville — 103 mi away (major hub). Directions
Henderson lies at the intersection of US highways 41 and 60. US 41 provides access from the north and south, while US 60 can be used to access the city from the east and west. Two of Kentucky's parkways terminate in Henderson. The Audubon Parkway provides access from Owensboro to the east and the former Edward T. Breathitt Pennyrile Parkway, now signed exclusively as Interstate 69, provides access from Hopkinsville to the south. When completed, I-69 will run through Henderson providing access from the north and south.
Full “Get in” guide ↓Budget & where to stay
No prices are listed for this place yet. See the Sleep guide ↓ for options.
Sample 1-day itinerary
Day 1
- Morning John James Audubon State Park, Ellis Park
- Lunch Homer's Barbecue
- Afternoon Henderson County Public Library, W.C. Handy Blues & Barbeque Festival
- Evening Rookies Sports Bar
Stops are grouped by area so each day needs little backtracking. Check opening hours before you go.
Food for you
Cuisine (tap to filter)
What to ask about, for your diet
Diet labels come from each listing's description and cuisine; “likely” means the cuisine usually has good choices, not a promise. Check with the restaurant. Open the food finder
Map
Every listing with a location. Tap a pin for its Google Maps link.
Get in
By car
Henderson lies at the intersection of US highways 41 and 60. US 41 provides access from the north and south, while US 60 can be used to access the city from the east and west. Two of Kentucky's parkways terminate in Henderson. The Audubon Parkway provides access from Owensboro to the east and the former Edward T. Breathitt Pennyrile Parkway, now signed exclusively as Interstate 69, provides access from Hopkinsville to the south. When completed, I-69 will run through Henderson providing access from the north and south.
By plane
Two regional airports are nearby in Evansville and Owensboro. The nearest international airports are located just over a 2 hours drive in either Louisville or Nashville, Tennessee.
See
Do
Do Ellis Park
One of Kentucky's thoroughbred horse racing tracks. The track runs live races from July - September. Simulcast racing is available year round. Note: The track is on the north side of the Ohio River, but is still in Kentucky. The border between Indiana and Kentucky was set in colonial times, when the future site of Ellis Park was south of the river.
Eat
Drink
Both Henderson and Henderson County are wet. They allow package alcohol sales, bars, and drinks to be sold in restaurants.
Bars, Pubs. & Taverns
Coffee & Tea
Sleep
Bed & Breakfasts
Campgrounds & Cabins
Stay John James Audubon State Park
The park has 5 one bedroom cottages as well as a 2 bedroom cottage. The cottages feature a full kitchen, a fireplace, and are available year round. The campground features 66 electric and 21 primitive sites. Amenities include shower houses and a playground. The campground is open April through October.
Hotels
Go next
Indiana
Kentucky
Nearby
Evansville
City / town · 45 listings · 10 mi away
Owensboro
City / town · 28 listings · 26 mi away
New Harmony
City / town · 14 listings · 28 mi away
Lincoln Boyhood National Memorial
Park · 3 listings · 37 mi away
Santa Claus
City / town · 11 listings · 41 mi away
Hartford
City / town · 30 listings · 46 mi away
Ferdinand
City / town · 7 listings · 48 mi away
Greenville
City / town · 1 listings · 49 mi away
My experience
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