Top 10 Things to do in Louisville, Kentucky
Written and Photographed by Carrie Hanrahan
Where can you find a boxing legend, stunning artwork, fast horses, mouthwatering bourbon and the largest bat ever made? It’s Louisville, Kentucky, of course! The largest city in Kentucky sits alongside the Ohio River and is a playground for adventure. Frederick Law Olmsted created parks, the Big Four Bridge and multiple sporting venues to appeal to the outdoor adventurer. Stunning artwork, bourbon and delectable treats await those looking for a sensory experience. Louisville has legends for those interested in museums and history. What are you waiting for? Take an unforgettable trip to Louisville, Kentucky, today.
Be sure to download your free PDF copy of Top 10 Things to do in Louisville, Kentucky by clicking here. Join in on the fun as Randy, Caly and Carrie talk about Louisville on the RVD Podcast by clicking here!
10. 21c Museum Hotel—You can find the most outstanding contemporary artwork throughout this unique hotel, and you know you’ve arrived when you see the enormous golden Michelangelo-inspired David statue out front along Main Street. Heading inside the boutique hotel, you’ll find multiple galleries of beautiful artwork, exhibitions and creative installations. By the way, check out their restrooms with fun two-way mirrors.
9. Louisville Park System—Frederick Law Olmsted was the famed designer of New York’s Central Park and the U.S. Capitol Grounds. In Louisville, he created a system of 18 parks linked by interconnecting parkways to inspire physical health and social interactions. Be sure to check out Cherokee Park for various outdoor activities and places to enjoy nature. Head to Central Park to enjoy the free Shakespeare Festival shows from May to August.
8. Louisville Slugger Museum & Factory—Whether or not you’re a baseball fan, you must check out the Louisville Slugger Museum & Factory. To find the museum, look for the 120-foot “Big Bat” leaning against a downtown brick building. Inside, you’ll marvel at the collection of historical bats in the Bat Vault, learn about baseball history and its players, and pose for a picture with sculptures of famous players. Tour the factory to view the fascinating process of bat creation from beginning to end and be sure to take home your souvenir mini bat.
7. The Kentucky Derby Museum—Just a short drive from downtown, you’ll find the famous twin spires at the Churchill Downs racetrack next to the Kentucky Derby Museum. Head through the starting gates into the museum to learn about the horses and their lineage, the people involved at every stage of the Derby and Secretariat—the Triple Crown winner. Next, watch the heart-pounding 360-degree film The Greatest Race, which is worth the cost of admission. Finally, head outside to view the track and grandstand to get a feel of the enormity of race day.
6. Sporting Events—Located near the riverfront is Lynn Family Stadium, home to the Louisville City FC men’s soccer team. Catch a match of the USL Championship professional team that has played in Louisville since 2015 and witness a game that is fast-paced, full of energy and a ton of fun. You can watch the women’s top-tier professional soccer team, Racing Louisville FC. Part of the National Women’s Soccer League, they began playing in 2021. Each match is exciting and keeps you on your feet. Because you’re in a town that makes baseball bats, you might want to catch a Louisville Bats minor league game or head over to the University of Louisville to watch the Cardinals play. All told, Louisville has a sporting event for everyone.
5. Treats—Who doesn’t love a great treat when traveling to get a taste of the local area? Louisville offers many tasty and fun options to tickle your palate. Muth’s Candies, started in the 1920s, is famous for Modjeskas, their original caramel-dipped marshmallow that melts in your mouth. Right next door is the small-batch ice cream parlor Louisville Cream. Their delectable gourmet ice cream has won many accolades and is sold only in Kentucky. Finally, head to Please & Thank You for one of their gooey and delicious chocolate chip cookies. It was recently voted the best cookie shop in 2023 by USA Today. You don’t want to miss it.
4. Frazier History Museum and a Distillery Tour—The Frazier History Museum is known as the “Official Starting Point of the Kentucky Bourbon Trail,” and there you’ll find fascinating exhibits on all things bourbon, from the waterways, farming, making and shipping bourbon to a room full of every brand made in Kentucky. Once you’ve gotten a taste for bourbon, head to a distillery for a tour. The downtown Old Forester Distillery tour is impressive. You’ll see the distillation process leading to their great-tasting bourbon and watch the coopers building the barrels and burning the insides to store their spirit. Walk through their large barrel room while your tour guide discusses the storage process. Finally, sit down to taste their bourbons while your guide helps you navigate the tasting process.
3. Cave Hill Cemetery and Arboretum—Cave Hill Cemetery is a beautiful surprise; a combination of memorials to loved ones, an outdoor art exhibit and a beautiful arboretum. This 1848 garden cemetery has some of the most beautiful headstones and monuments you’ll ever see. Its 296 acres were once on the outskirts of town but are now a peaceful haven within the city. Here you’ll find the gravesites of Muhammad Ali, Colonel Harland Sanders (KFC) and the National Cemetery of war veterans. Grab a map and plan to locate monuments of interest while enjoying the beautiful surroundings.
2. Big Four Bridge and Waterfront Park—Plan to spend a lot of time exploring the Big Four Bridge and Waterfront Park. The former railroad bridge, now converted into a pedestrian bridge, crosses the Ohio River and connects Kentucky to Indiana. With constant daytime use by walkers, runners and bikers, it’s transformed at night with a beautiful light show. Explore the rest of the park to find a walking trail that passes by public art, a Lincoln Memorial, playgrounds, the riverboat Belle of Louisville and the University of Louisville G. Garvin Brown III Rowing Center.
1. The Muhammad Ali Center—Discover the journey of a young black man who became not only the greatest boxer of all time but also a well-known public figure and humanitarian. Start with the orientation video that is both informative and inspiring to learn about the many different aspects of his life. You’ll discover that he was a poet, a civil rights leader and someone who truly believed in himself. Learn about his spiritual journey and how it impacted his personal life. You’ll leave impressed with his dedication to helping others and the impact he still has today.
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