Take a sweeping drive across western Kentucky as we follow Interstate 24 from the banks of the Ohio River at Paducah to the rolling hills near Eddyville. This 48-mile stretch carries us across rivers, beside lakes, and through the region’s transition from coal-country industry to wooded parkland and major transportation corridors.
We begin our journey by crossing the Brookport Bridge—officially the Irvin Cobb Bridge—over the Ohio River from Illinois into Paducah, a city steeped in history as a river port and rail hub. Once inside Kentucky, Interstate 24 immediately sets an easterly tone, weaving around the western edges of Paducah. To the south, the city core blends modern development with restored districts like LowerTown, while to the north, glimpses of the Ohio River and its levee walls come into view. As we continue, the road gently curves southeastward, offering access to U.S. 60 and U.S. 62—important east-west arteries in western Kentucky.
Just outside of Paducah, we encounter one of the route’s most significant interchanges: the former junction with the Purchase Parkway, now redesignated as part of Interstate 69. At the time of filming, the interchange was still under active construction, a transitional moment as Kentucky prepared to connect its western counties with the nation’s growing I-69 corridor. The area buzzes with development and rerouting, but it also retains its ties to agriculture and light industry, particularly near the communities of Reidland and Ledbetter.
As I-24 settles into a more rural character, we roll past fields and wooded parcels near Calvert City, a small town known for its chemical plants and industrial base. These facilities, while massive, coexist with residential enclaves and the green spaces that begin to hint at what lies ahead: the gateway to Land Between the Lakes National Recreation Area. Though the interstate never fully enters the preserve, its proximity is unmistakable. South of the route, the twin manmade reservoirs—Kentucky Lake and Lake Barkley—create a narrow isthmus known as The Trace, where outdoor recreation reigns supreme. On clear days, one might catch a glimmer of open water beyond the tree line or see signs pointing to Lake City, a popular stop for anglers and boaters.
Crossing over the Tennessee River, we enter Grand Rivers, a small town nestled between the two lakes. This area is often referred to as “The Village Between the Lakes,” and it proudly wears that identity with marinas, resort lodging, and rustic eateries that cater to weekend travelers and road-weary truckers alike. The route here is especially pleasant: gentle grades, well-maintained shoulders, and frequent glimpses of shoreline hint at the natural beauty tucked just beyond the exits. Though I-24 doesn’t linger in town, the off-ramps offer quick detours to places like Green Turtle Bay Resort or the Barkley Dam Visitor Center, both worthwhile for those not in a hurry.
From Grand Rivers, the highway begins its final leg toward Eddyville. We pass by the northern tip of Lake Barkley, crossing a narrow causeway where water and forest meet the concrete of interstate travel. There’s a certain tranquility here—the noise of city traffic replaced by the hum of tires on pavement and the occasional echo of a distant boat horn. Just before our route ends, we merge with the current western terminus of Interstate 69, marking a key node in Kentucky’s push for a more connected future. Eddyville itself, though small, is a vital junction town and the western gateway to the Pennyrile region.
This segment of I-24 is more than a connector between Illinois and central Kentucky. It’s a snapshot of transition—between states, between eras of development, and between the industrial landscapes of Paducah and the natural serenity of the lakes. Whether you’re chasing a sunrise across the Ohio or heading east toward Nashville, this part of the journey carries both motion and meaning.
🎵 Additional Music:
Lazy Day by Audionautix is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution license (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/)
Artist: http://audionautix.com/
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