In 1797, frontiersman William Smeathers or Smothers, for whom the riverfront park is named, was the first European descendant to settle in Owensboro. However, there is evidence of Native American settlement in the area dating back 12,000 years before that. The settlement was initially called "Yellow Banks" because of the color of the land along the Ohio River. Yellow Banks was incorporated in 1817 as Owensborough, named after Col. Abraham Owen. In 1893, the name was shortened to its current spelling, Owensboro. After WWII, civil engineering projects helped transform Owensboro from a sleepy industrial town to a modern, expanding community in the 1960s. Several projects were initiated by Johnson, Depp & Quisenberry, a consulting engineering firm that was then working on a runway redesign at the County Airport; the "Depp" in question was a member of an old and prominent Kentucky family that includes the town's most famous son, actor Johnny Depp.

The city is well-known for its cultural hotspots, particularly in the performing arts and music sector. Bluegrass music is also popular in Owensboro, as are fun-filled concerts held in the city's convention center.

These are some of the best things to do once you move into your newly bought home.

⁠Owensboro Antique Mall
This mall is the city's trademark antique store and has a unique collection of rare items not found anywhere else in Kentucky. Owensboro Antique Mall has been in operation since 1983, and the staff's enthusiasm for antiques has not waned. Here, you can learn about some well-preserved relics of the past.

Inside the shop, you'll also find exceptional jewelry that you can buy as a gift. Consider strolling inside and perusing the vast collection of rare items curated by the Antique Mall over the years. Remember to check out their jewelry collection if you want to bring a gift home for a loved one.

Smothers Park
Named the best playground globally by Landscape Architects Network in 2015, this expansive structure and pleasing natural environment live up to its name. Your kids can enjoy the fountain shows, thrilling waterfalls, and splash area at Smothers Park, located in the heart of Owensboro's waterfront. The park also has an elevated walking area inspired by the massive Sassafras tree, one of Owensboro's iconic landmarks.

Bluegrass Music Hall of Fame & Museum
This is one of the top places to visit in Owensboro and the home of everything related to Kentucky's unique bluegrass music genre. There is no other place to see everything bluegrass-related, from its humble beginnings to today's famous artists and the genre's hall of fame.

You can learn about the entire history of this unique music genre through the museum exhibits. Moreover, the museum's staff also promotes the music through regular concerts in its 450-seat theater. So attending one of their concerts in the museum's theater area whenever you get the chance is a fun way to pass time.

O.Z. Tyler Distillery
Also known as Green River Distillery, this is an iconic brewery that serves only the best bourbon in Kentucky. This distillery has been serving whiskey for over a century and takes pride in producing high-quality whiskey.

As a former railroad town, Owensboro has had bourbon as part of its history for decades, making this facility one of the city's must-see attractions. You can book an hour-long tour of their facility to learn how they craft and refine their whiskey. Additionally, as a friendly tourist gesture, they provide a taste test for their bourbon at the end of the tour.