Dawson Spring, Kentucky is a "Very Special Place" - boasting a rich heritage as the "health resort of the upper south" in former days and offering a treasure trove of heritage tourism and recreation today.  Located in the heart of the Pennyrile Region at the gateway of the Western Waterland Region of Kentucky, the city is bordered to the south by one of the largest state forests in Kentucky, the Pennyrile State Forest, a 15,000 acre forest ready to offer a vast opportunity for adventure tourism from watching birds and wildlife, to hunting, fishing, 30 miles of equestrian, 8 miles mountain bike riding and 50 miles hiking trails and a public outdoor shooting range just 3 miles from Downtown Dawson Springs.

Nestled inside this 15,000 acre forest is one of Kentucky's most beautiful resort state parks, the Pennyrile Forest Resort State Resort Park which offers a full range of recreational opportunities including an 18 hole golf course, lodge, dining room, hotel rooms and cottages, camping, swimming, fishing, and soon to come, equestrian camping.

Adjoining the southern border of Dawson Springs is one Kentucky's 15 major lakes, the pristine and picturesque Lake Beshear known for its great bass fishing and vast water sport opportunities.

Encircling Dawson Springs is one of Kentucky's 8 major rivers, the 80 mile long Tradewater River.  The historic river tour around the city visits cliff-lines and sites of folklore visited by the thousands of Dawson Springs visitors during the golden water resort days.

Perhaps the crown jewel of the city located in the Bend of the Tradewater River by the Historic Mill Dam is "Riverside Park."  Historically, Riverside Park was built to accommodate the Pittsburgh Pirates Baseball Team and a host of other major and minor league teams - the only site in Kentucky known to have hosted major league team spring training.  The grandstand, fences, and dugouts are constructed of wood, just like the original, creating a one-of-a-kind ball park experience.  Today, Riverside Park is teaming with activity for baseball enthusiasts.  It is home to both the Dawson Springs High School Panther Baseball Team and the Tradewater Pirates Summer Collegiate Team. 

In the heart of Dawson Springs is the historic downtown including the Dawson Springs Museum & Art Center and the Darby House Welcome Center and several nice shops and restaurants for the visitor's enjoyment.

Whether you seek adventure, respite, appreciation of nature's beauty, or glimpses of history, Dawson Springs has something very special in store for you.