The Insider's Guide to Louisville: 20 Things to Do
What springs to mind first when you think of Louisville, KY? Fascinators on perfectly coiffed hairdos and a horse race to rule them all? The Kentucky Bourbon Trail with multiple distilleries? Perhaps Muhammad Ali. But there's more to the Bluegrass State's largest city than thoroughbreds, American whiskey, and a sporting heavyweight. The architectural heritage and landscaped green spaces provide a rich backdrop to modern art galleries, hip boutique stores, and LGBT spaces. Louisville is an under-the-radar destination that rewards the curious.
01 Cheer for your horsey at Churchill Downs
The thoroughbred racetrack at Churchill Downs is world-famous for being the home of the Kentucky Derby and Kentucky Oaks races. If you're familiar with the equine world, you'll know this venue's iconic grandstand, topped with the Twin Spires. Those lucky enough to get a seat must dress fancy for the event. Look to the Big Board, the largest 4k screen in the world, to catch the details. You can learn more at the Kentucky Derby Museum on-site.
02 Hop along historic Frankfort Avenue
Frankfort Avenue, or "The Avenue" to those in the know, is always a good idea. It's especially so on the last Friday night of the month when F.A.T Friday Trolley Hop takes visitors to and for for free. Browse the sales, quench your thirst, and check out the galleries and attractions like the American Printing House for the Blind.
03 Stroll through Louisville Waterfront Park
This 85-acre nonprofit public park next to downtown Louisville is a popular hangout with paved paths for promenading, a splash pad, and playgrounds for kids. The Big Four Bridge has been a pedestrian and bicycle bridge since 1969—it lights up spectacularly at night and is synonymous with the city. Locals gather here for events like Thunder Over Louisville—a highly-anticipated pre-derby celebration with fireworks and an airshow.
04 Ready for a bout at the Muhammad Ali Center?
The Muhammad Ali Center, a stop on the Civil Rights Trail, honors the boxing legend who was born and raised in Derby City. Fans will float like butterflies through the building's six stories. The exhibits don't just tell the story of a little boy named Cassius Clay, who became one of the most recognizable people on the planet. They pose more profound questions about the individual's role in a community—what are you fighting for?
05 Explore Old Louisville
Old Louisville is no stranger to Victorian architecture. The area north of the University of Louisville is awash with stained glass windows, restored mansions, and the aesthetics of the time—it's arguably the largest historic district in the country. Old Louisville was actually built a century after the city was founded, and you can uncover more fun facts on a walking tour.
06 Zip your way through Louisville Mega Cavern
Do you like ziplining? If you've answered in the affirmative and also enjoy descending into caves, you'll love Louisville Mega Cavern. The world's only underground zip line course will make you feel like Indiana Jones or Lara Croft. About 17 miles of corridors wend their way underneath the city. Trams transport visitors through the chambers while guides relay not-so-dry tidbits about geology and mining. Great fun for the whole family.
07 Dip into the past at Frazier History Museum
"Museum Row" is in the West Main District downtown. Frazier History Museum is one of the buildings where you can soak up knowledge. Take in the Louisville retrospective and learn about broader Kentucky's last few decades and centuries, including exhibits on Prohibition. You'll spend at least a few hours here. The venue also hosts weddings.
08 Take advantage of Beckley Creek Park's green space
Looking for somewhere to picnic? Beckley Creek Park is ideal for communal fun or a solo earthing session. A 22-acre lawn shaped like an egg offers a sunny-side-up view. Folks laugh while playing soccer, tossing Frisbees, flying kites, and kayaking. You can also hike. Kids love the Marshall Sprayground.
09 Do a Horse Country tour
Want to visit a Kentucky Derby winner? It's possible in Louisville. You can see adorable foals with promising futures during a Horse Country tour. See how champions are made at training facilities. You can also arrange to go horse riding to get the full experience in the thrilling Derby City.
10 Eat breakfast at Blue Dog Bakery and Café
Set your alarm, and you'll make it in time to nab a table at the charming Blue Dog Bakery and Cafe. Snooze, and you lose—you don't want to miss out on the brekkie or brunch here. Order croissants, macaroons, kouign-amann pastries, and artisanal breads to go and try the delicious turkey sandwich.
11 Seek entertainment at Louisville Palace
Louisville Palace opened in 1928 and is listed on the U.S. National Register of Historic Places. Live Nation currently owns this gorgeous event venue with a seating capacity of 2,800 people. Expect metal detectors and strict security rules. See if you can name the famous faces on the lobby's ceiling.
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12 Take little ones to the Kentucky Science Center
The Kentucky Science Center has undergone a couple of name changes—Louisville got the boot and was replaced by the state. Either way, this place is a treat for children. From plane simulators to forts, Imax, and water tables, toddlers and older kids can burn off energy while learning. Kentucky Science Center is a nonprofit organization and is a stone's throw from the Louisville Slugger Museum & Factory.
13 Count the carved animals at Conrad's Castle
We've touched on Old Louisville, but let's zero in on a specific mansion. The Conrad-Caldwell House Museum is one example of a distinguished home in the St. James-Belgravia Historic District. Conrad's Castle, as it's known, does indeed have turrets. It also has high ceilings, gargoyles, and stained glass windows. Get ready for Gilded Age glamor.
14 Prance through Louisville Zoo
The Louisville Zoological Gardens, AKA the State Zoo of Kentucky, will open your eyes to the biodiversity on your doorstep and in the wider world. Protecting the creatures you'll encounter, like the polar bear, isn't a trivial matter but one with far-reaching consequences. You can support the zoo's conservation work and try the Dip-N-Dots ice cream while you're mid-mission.
15 Customize your baubles at Flame Run Glass Studio and Gallery
Glass art takes center stage at Flame Run Glass Studio and Gallery. You can watch hot glass demos, peruse contemporary art, take a glassblowing class to make paperweights or festive ornaments and buy pieces from the resident artists. This is a great place to get unique, colorful souvenirs. Bookmark this spot as a rainy day activity for adults and older kids.
16 Cruise atop the Belle of Louisville
The oldest Mississippi River steamboat is a National Historic Landmark that can still whisk you across the water. This lovely lady launched in Pittsburgh, PA, in 1914 and, after stints as a ferry, now lives out her golden years doing mini leisure cruises. You'll find the Belle waiting for you at the Riverfront Plaza/Belvedere.
17 Chill out at Cherokee Park
Keen on a morning or afternoon of relaxation? Head to the Frederick Law Olmsted-designed Cherokee Park, where bird song provides the soundtrack, and you can do everything or nothing. Archery, basketball, fishing, horseback riding, and tennis—the amenities exist for a day of activity. Or you can find shade, crack open a book, and read. Play a wildlife spotting game—there are lots of cute critters darting about.
18 Walk the woodlands at Locust Grove
This 18th-century farm site, with its preserved Georgian mansion built by William and Lucy Clark Croghan, is worth a stop on your itinerary. The explorers' Lewis and Clark stayed at this mansion after their expedition, for Mrs. Croghan was Clark's sister. Other illustrious guests included Presidents Monroe and Jackson. You'll see a fine example of early Kentucky architecture; the quaint pastoral setting is calming, and historical reenactments add some excitement.
19 Speed Museum of Art
After a recent three-year renovation, the J.B. Speed Memorial Museum, AKA Speed, feels shiny and new with a dramatic lobby and well-organized spaces. Collections include "Black Artists Matter," Native American art, a Kentucky collection, and European and American art. General admission is free on Sundays.
20 Falls of the Ohio State Park
This park opposite Louisville is fantastic for birdwatching, hiking, and getting familiar with fossils. The Interpretive Center's interactive exhibits will help you to recognize the preserved remains from hundreds of millions of years ago. Watch the water levels—the river bed is walkable only at certain times.
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