Interesting Things to Do in Louisville, Kentucky
Louisville, named after King Louis XVI of France, is the biggest city in Kentucky. Founded in 1778, it is the 29th most populous city in the United States. Very many original adventures are possible in Louisville.
The city has a wide variety of unique attractions to offer all of its visitors. From world-class museums and antique shopping to historic neighborhoods and the picturesque Ohio River. Below is a comprehensive overview of what to do when visiting Louisville.
1. Visit the Frazier Museum
The Frazier Museum offers over a thousand years of international history to life each day. Located at 829 West Main Street, it is the first cultural attraction in the world that is dedicated to retelling the complete American story including its British and European roots.
If you are a history buff, you will definitely love your trip here. From George Custer to Geronimo, to King Henry the VIII, this excellent museum brings you close to the events and people that have shaped the world. The Frazier Museum displays one of the best collections of historical artifacts in the world.
The collection comprises of the Frazier Collection and the Royal Armories exhibit, which is the first of its kind outside Great Britain. The museum regularly features interactive multimedia presentations, live daily stage interpretations, exciting and fun traveling exhibitions, educational programs as well as audio tours.
2. Visit Muhammad Ali Center Museum
A trip to Louisville would not be complete without a visit the Muhammad Ali Center. This is an international cultural and educational center. It is persuaded by the core principles of boxing legend Muhammad Ali, who is the founder.
Here you will be treated to exceptional exhibits as well as multimedia presentations. These include a 5-screen orientation film that kicks off the tour of Center. Other exhibitions feature Civil Rights era footage, interactive boxing fun and on-demand videos of Ali’s greatest fights.
You can also visit the Children’s Hope and also Dream wall. This is a mosaic compiled of children’s art from around the world. Muhammad Ali Center also has an event space, meeting facility and retail store. Special events are held here throughout the year.
3. Visit the Louisville Cavern
If you happen to be feeling a bit adventurous, the Louisville Cavern is the place for you. It is a former limestone mine that stretches under parts of the Louisville Zoo and Watterson Expressway. Interestingly, this cavern is classified as a building due to the support structures. This makes it the largest building in Kentucky.
The cavern is 4 million square feet and is about 75 to 100 feet underground. The cavern was exhausted of its mineable limestone and converted into a business park. You can pay a visit to the Mega Cavern to partake in the aerial adventure courses, guided zip lining and historic tram tours. The cavern also has an underground nonmotorized park.
4. Check out Louisville Zoo
Louisville Zoo covers an area of more than 130 acres. This animal sanctuary features more exotic animals. It also has more variety of the award-winning exhibits. The resident animals that you can see here include lions, tigers, gorillas, and birds in different outdoor and indoor habitats.
The park regions include Africa, Australia and South America. The Louisville zoo is great for the entire family and also features numerous attractions and rides for all ages. These include the Papa John’s Splash Park, 2 full-size playgrounds and a butterfly garden.
5. Attend the Kentucky Derby
Now a national treasure of sort, the Derby has been held every year since 1875. The event is held on the 1st Sunday of May at the renowned Churchill Downs racetrack. The event is categorized as the prestigious horse races in the world with incredibly high purses. The event draws in more than 150,000 attendees, and the crowd’s energy is an experience of a lifetime.
The derby is also referred to as the fashion showcase, where you are supposed to dress up well for the occasion. Wearing flamboyant hats is basically a time-honoured tradition of the event. Even if you are unable attending on race day, you can still check into the numerous spots in Louisville that host derby parties.
6. Visit Slugger Museum and Factory
This is among the coolest places you can visit in Louisville. It is home to the largest baseball bat in the world. This 120- foot baseball bat that rests against the building’s wall is the replica of the Babe Ruth’s bat.
Get on a guided tour where you can watch the production of the famous bats. The facility also houses special exhibits and memorabilia such as the engraved wall Signature. You can also try batting at the cage using baseball bats from famous stars.
7. Check Out Bardstown Road and Baxter Avenue
Louisville has steadily gained notice as one of America’s most vibrant restaurant scenes. Visitors from all over the world are often astonished by the quality and variety of fine dining in the area. The chefs here have taken regional cuisine to a nationally recognized level.
One of the best places to enjoy Louisville cuisine is Bardstown Road. The Road has reigned as Louisville’s Restaurant Row back from the 1980s. It's home to a few of the city’s most eclectic restaurants and eateries offering every kind of culinary delight.
This area stretches through Phoenix Hill, Douglass Loop, the Highlands and Irish Hill. The restaurants that you can visit here include Asiatique Restaurant, Avalon, Café Metro and Bristol Bar & Grille.
8. Catch a Performance at Actors Theatre
Actors Theatre in Louisville started off in a former train station downtown. It has witnessed incredible growth to become an acting company that is recognized internationally. A trip to this theatre is a must if you are in Louisville.
This cozy theatre features a wide variety of plays. You can first grab a bite at Milkwood, which is the theatre’s signature restaurant owned by Chef Edward Lee. Here you can enjoy Asian-Southern fusion cuisine and a signature cocktail before performances begin.
9. Biking in Louisville
Louisville is categorized as the best cities for biking, whether you want to bike around downtown or bike to one of the city’s scenic, recreational parks. TARC’s Bikes-On Program is a convenient way to get around. You simply load your bike on the bus, which is equipped with a bike rack, and you will be on your way.
Art and functionality merge in downtown Louisville. While you ride, make sure you check out the city’s bike rack sculptures. Local artists create these artistic impressions, and they were commissioned by the Louisville Downtown Management District. Do not hesitate to use them of course.
There are numerous other interesting attractions in Louisville, Kentucky. These include Cave Hill Cemetery, Kentucky Derby Museum, Locust Grove, Louisville Palace, Speed Art Museum, Kentucky Science Center and Thomas Edison House.