Beaver Dam is the biggest city in Ohio County, Kentucky, located in the southern part of Hartford.
The city gets its name from the Beaver Dam Baptist Church, which predated it for several decades.
In 1873, the city of Beaver Dam was formally incorporated as a city, developing into an active community with 3,566 residents as of 2020.
Beaver Dam is a fun place to visit.
There are plenty of attractions and activities to try.
For example, the city has plenty of restaurants that serve different cuisines.
You can also find some great antique stores in Beaver Dam with fascinating items for sale.
If you want to enjoy the outdoors, go fishing or hiking at one of the many parks in Beaver Dam.
There are numerous reasons why you should visit the city and explore what it offers.
Here are the best things to do in Beaver Dam, Kentucky:
Enjoy a Picnic at Beaver Dam City Park
One of the most popular attractions in Beaver Dam is the Beaver Dam City Park on South Main Street.
The Beaver Dam City Park offers playgrounds, picnic areas, and basketball courts.
Likewise, get active at the park’s outdoor workout space with equipment, or hike the nearby trails.
You can also watch performances and events at the amphitheater.
Besides, the park also hosts a farmers market on Tuesdays and Saturdays; buy products from local farmers, artisans, and bakers.
Relax with a trip to the Beaver Dam City Park.
Pick a Bouquet from Small Town Blooms
Whether for yourself or someone special, Small Town Blooms will help you find the perfect bouquet for any occasion.
Located on North Main Street, Small Town Blooms is a family owned business owned by moms, aunts, daughters, and friends that share the same passion for flowers.
They offer various bouquets and arrangements that will attract anyone’s attention.
You can choose your collection of roses, seasonal flowers, or succulents inside the flower shop.
Whatever the occasion, a bouquet is always a nice gift for someone you care about.
Grab a Beer at Drifters
Spend a night out with friends at Drifters on Midtown Plaza.
This place is where you and your buddies can grab a beer and listen to local bands after a long day of exploring Beaver Dam.
Drifters has endless entertainment options, such as a music venue, pool tables, and a full bar, all in one location.
They also host various events, including comedy nights, karaoke nights, and more.
Thanks to the friendly staff and a great atmosphere, you will have a good time at Drifters.
Support Local Farmers at Beaver Dam Community Farmers Market
You can find local goods to unique gifts at the Beaver Dam Community Farmers Market.
The South Main Street market offers everything you need for a healthy diet at great prices.
Likewise, the Beaver Dam Community Farmers Market features fresh produce, local meats, organic dairy and eggs, fresh baked goods, and more.
Moreover, the farmers market also offers pony rides, petting zoos, and face-painting booths.
The Beaver Dam Community Farmers Market is a great place to visit, especially if you’re looking for local produce and fresh foods.
Grab a Meal at Beef O’Brady’s
Bring your date to Beef O’Brady’s, a sports bar and grill on North Main Street.
The restaurant opened in 1985 when the owners wanted a place where people could hang out, meet people, and have a drink.
It also has an Irish pub atmosphere with plenty of televisions to watch the big game or a blockbuster.
Beef O’Brady’s has a full menu of burgers, steaks, and entrees, such as chicken tenders, fish tacos, and more.
The kids’ menu includes grilled cheese, chicken nuggets, and mac and cheese.
Check out this bar and grill if you want something different from the typical sports bar.
Browse the Booths at Shephard’s Market
As a local favorite, Shephard’s Market boasts an eclectic selection of local businesses and offers a unique shopping experience.
The North Main Street market features a collection of booths that sell local art, handmade products, and homemade food.
You can also find different products around the market, including fresh produce from local farms and items from local artisans.
Moreover, you might even get lucky with a discount from one of the booths.
Hunt for bargains at Shephard’s Market!
Spot the Wildlife in Peabody WMA
There are so many things to do in Beaver Dam, and if you’re interested in nature and wildlife, then Peabody WMA is a great place to visit.
Peabody WMA offers plenty of opportunities for outdoor recreation, including hiking trails, horseback riding, fishing, and hunting.
If you’re interested in taking photos of nature at its best, there are plenty of places around Beaver Dam where you can do that too!
You can wander through the rough terrain, swamp lands, bottomless pits, and even high ridges.
The refuge is also an essential habitat for other wildlife and plants, including deer, quails, turkeys, and more.
If you need a place to escape the busy city life, Peabody WMA is the place to go!
See Your Favorite Band at Beaver Dam Amphitheater
The Beaver Dam Amphitheater features concerts, festivals, and other events that attract people worldwide.
The amphitheater is right off South Main Street in Beaver Dam, making it easy to get there from any Kentucky location or beyond.
You’ll enjoy seeing your favorite bands perform here or even some local talent if you’re lucky enough to be there when they play.
You can enjoy the sounds of these artists at this summertime concert spot.
There’s even a concession stand where you can grab some food and snacks while you relax in the shade of a tree or take in the sights of the countryside.
Visiting the Beaver Dam Amphitheater is well worth it if you’re looking for an enjoyable day with your family or friends.
Learn about Bill Monroe at Bill Monroe Homeplace
The Bill Monroe Homeplace is a museum and a historic landmark located on US Highway 62 East.
It is a place where you can learn about the life and work of the famous bluegrass musician and songwriter Bill Monroe.
This historic home was preserved as a museum in 2001, and it’s a great place to learn more about the life of Bill Monroe and his family.
If you want to learn more about Monroe and his work, you can even take one of their tours at no extra cost.
While in the area, you might want to stop by and visit the Rosine Cemetery, Monroe’s resting place, and the Bill Monroe Museum on Amelia Street in Rosine, Kentucky.
You don’t need to be a music fan to enjoy Bill Monroe’s Homeplace.
There’s plenty to see and do there, whether you’re into history or nature photography.
Other Things to Do Nearby
When you’re all done trying the best things to do in Beaver Dam, Kentucky, take some time to explore the surrounding area.
There are many locations and things to do close by awaiting your arrival.
Here are some other things to do in Beaver Dam, Kentucky, if you’re up for a new adventure.
Jam with Local Artists in Rosine Barn Jamboree
There’s a lot to see and do in the area, but if you’re looking for a unique experience, head over to Rosine Barn Jamboree in Horse Branch, Kentucky.
With an impressive lineup of acts and events, the venue has quickly become one of the area’s most popular places for music lovers.
You can bring your lawn chair and have a good time under the stars while listening to some talented performers.
This place is worth checking out if you want to escape the noise for a night or two.
Rosine Barn Jamboree is located just 13 minutes outside Beaver Dam.
Set Up Your Tent in Ohio County Park
The Ohio County Park is located along State Route 69 north of Hartford, Kentucky, just eight minutes from Beaver Dam.
This small park offers many things to do, including hiking and camping on the grounds.
Ohio County Park features campground amenities such as RV sites, electrical hookups, restrooms, showers, and more.
On top of that, you can also see a replica of Fort Hartford in the park, which was the first settlement for the early settlers in the area.
The best thing about the park is that you can bring your pets!
Ohio County Park is a beautiful park that offers plenty of activities for everyone in the family.
Know the Stories of Local Heroes at the Ohio County Veterans Museum
The Ohio County Veterans Museum is dedicated to all the veterans from every branch of service who have served our country.
It first opened in 2005, showcasing the experiences and lives of the local heroes who fought during the war.
The museum has a lot of artifacts and memorabilia that honor all the men and women who have served their country.
Inside the museum, you can find exhibits from the Revolutionary War to current Middle Eastern conflicts.
They even have tapes and DVDs that feature their experiences in the military.
The Ohio County Veterans Museum is on Mulberry Street in Hartford, Kentucky, only a six-minute drive from Beaver Dam.
Admission is free for all visitors.
They also appreciate donations if you wish to contribute towards ongoing operating costs.
Get Active at Family Wellness Center Ohio County
Visit the Family Wellness Center Ohio County to get healthy and fit.
This health center is on Frederica Street in Hartford, about five minutes from Beaver Dam.
Likewise, this center has offered a place for everyone to get fit and healthy for 20 years.
Expect amenities like a junior Olympic-size pool, racquetball courts, expanded gym rooms, and fitness rooms for everyone.
They also offer swimming, cheer, and personal training for yoga and dance.
Stop by and try all the fun activities at the Family Wellness Center Ohio County.
Check Out the Unique Displays at the Bluegrass Motorcycle Museum
The Bluegrass Motorcycle Museum is along US Highway 231 in Hartford, about 15 minutes from Beaver Dam.
Moreover, the museum boasts over 20 kinds of vintage motorcycles and 30 years of memorabilia.
You’ll find everything from classic Harley-Davidson models to the oldest bike displayed in the museum, a 1911 Yale with its original paint and tandem seats.
The museum also features the 1955 Harley Davidson 55L 1736 and the 1912 Eagle, manufactured in Massachusetts.
Visit the Bluegrass Motorcycle Museum to get up close and personal with these incredible machines.
Honor the Legacy of Bill Monroe at the Bill Monroe Museum
Bill Monroe is the “Father of Bluegrass Music” and one of the most influential figures in American music.
Appropriately, Monroe has a museum dedicated to his life and work.
This place is the Bill Monroe Museum, located in Rosine, Kentucky, 15 minutes from Beaver Dam.
The museum opened in 2018 with an extensive collection of artifacts that provide insight into Monroe’s life and career.
Monroe’s music has profoundly impacted modern American music and culture.
Visit the Bill Monroe Museum to learn more about the artist and his legacy in American music.
Final Thoughts
Beaver Dam is one of Kentucky’s most unique and beautiful places; the city has a rich history and is home to many beautiful historical sites.
While it may not be the biggest or best-known tourist destination in the area, the best things to do in Beaver Dam make it worth visiting.
You’ll indeed have a good time in Beaver Dam, Kentucky!
