Guide To The Best Things To Do in Louisville, Kentucky

July was a busy one. Because of that, we needed to stay somewhat close for our monthly weekend trip during July. We started talking about options and decided on Louisville, Kentucky. I think this was the place that we got the “wait, why are you going there” question the most. It seems like a lot of people think of Kentucky and picture home on the Range or all baseball all the time. But once I had it in my mind that we were going, I started planning and quickly learned that we could easily fill a few days with things to do in Louisville.

However, when we looked at our schedules, we realized that we could only getaway for about 28 hours, not even a long weekend. We left at 6am on Saturday and got back home around 12pm on Sunday, the definition of a whirlwind trip. We would have loved to get some more time in this cool city, but it gives us more reason to visit again! Our hotel was right downtown, and with arriving so early our room was nowhere near ready. Thankfully we had the option to drop our bags off and get our quick weekend started! 

Downtown Louisville is the historic and cultural heart of the city. It’s known for its thriving arts scene, numerous museums, and vibrant nightlife. The area is home to a variety of restaurants, bars, and shops, making it a popular destination for both locals and tourists. Downtown Louisville also features beautiful waterfront parks along the Ohio River, providing scenic views and outdoor recreational opportunities. With its mix of historic charm and modern attractions, Downtown Louisville offers something for everyone to enjoy. 

Things To Do

• Louisville Slugger Museum & Factory is a perfect stop for baseball fans. The museum is in downtown Louisville and is dedicated to showcasing the history and impact of the Louisville Slugger baseball bat, a renowned and iconic piece of sports equipment. Visitors can explore interactive exhibits, witness the bat-making process firsthand, and learn about the legendary players who have used Louisville Slugger bats throughout baseball history. The museum also offers guided factory tours where visitors can see the production of these famous bats. Overall, the Louisville Slugger Museum is a must-visit for anyone interested in the sport of baseball and its significant cultural contributions.
• Muhammad Ali Center is dedicated to the life and legacy of the boxer and humanitarian, Muhammad Ali. The center offers visitors a comprehensive insight into Ali’s journey, featuring interactive exhibits, video presentations, and galleries that showcase his boxing career, civil rights activism, and philanthropic efforts. Additionally, the center hosts educational programs and special events aimed at promoting Ali’s core values of respect, confidence, conviction, dedication, giving, spirituality, and respect. Visitors can also explore Ali’s six core principles that guided his life and be inspired by his remarkable story of courage, conviction, and compassion. Overall, the Muhammad Ali Center provides an immersive experience that celebrates Ali’s impact on the world and encourages visitors to embrace their inner greatness.
• Frazier History Museum is renowned for its captivating exhibits that bring history to life. The museum offers a wide array of interactive displays, artifacts, and immersive experiences that highlight the rich history and culture of Kentucky and the surrounding region. From the fascinating stories of legendary figures to important events that have shaped the area, the museum provides visitors with a dynamic and engaging exploration of local and global history. Its diverse collection and engaging presentations make the Frazier History Museum a must-visit destination for history enthusiasts of all ages.
• Kentucky Science Center is a popular destination for those interested in science and discovery. With a focus on making science fun and accessible, the center provides an immersive experience that encourages curiosity and exploration. From the wonders of outer space to the marvels of the human body, the Kentucky Science Center offers something for everyone, making it an ideal place for both learning and entertainment.
• Evan Williams Bourbon Experience is a bourbon distillery and visitor center. It offers an immersive and interactive journey through the history and process of bourbon making, with a focus on the legacy of Evan Williams, Kentucky’s first commercial distiller. Visitors can enjoy guided tours that showcase the distillation process, barrel making, and bottling operations, as well as the chance to sample various Evan Williams bourbons. The experience also includes a speakeasy-style artisanal distillery tour, highlighting the art of crafting small-batch bourbons. Overall, the Evan Williams Bourbon Experience provides an engaging and educational insight into the world of bourbon production and the brand’s heritage.

• Waterfront Botanical Gardens offers a diverse range of gardens and landscapes, showcasing both local and global plant species. The gardens provide visitors with an opportunity to learn about sustainable practices and environmental conservation. Interactive exhibits and events make it an engaging place for visitors of all ages. With its mission to connect people with nature, Waterfront Botanical Gardens is a must-visit for anyone interested in botany, horticulture, and environmental stewardship. 
• The Belle of Louisville is a historic steamboat, and is known for being the oldest operating Mississippi River-style steamboat in the world. The steamboat offers various cruises and tours, providing visitors with a glimpse into its rich history and the tradition of steamboat travel along the Ohio River. With its delightful cruises, including sightseeing, sunset, and special event cruises, the Belle of Louisville continues to captivate and educate visitors about the bygone era of steamboat transportation while also serving as a unique venue for private events and celebrations.
• Speed Art Museum is one of the oldest and largest art museums in the state. It showcases an impressive collection of over 13,000 pieces spanning 6,000 years of art history. The museum’s collection includes a wide range of art forms such as painting, sculpture, decorative arts, and contemporary art. The Speed Art Museum offers visitors a chance to explore diverse art pieces from around the world and across different time periods. In addition to its permanent collection, the museum also features temporary exhibitions, educational programs, and events, making it a vibrant cultural hub for the community.
• Conrad-Caldwell House Museum also known as Conrad’s Castle, is a historic residence located in the St. James-Belgravia Historic District of Old Louisville, Kentucky. The house, designed by architect Arthur Loomis, is an excellent example of Richardsonian Romanesque architecture and is renowned for its exquisite interior detailing. The museum offers guided tours that provide visitors with insights into the life of the wealthy Conrad family and the architectural and historical significance of the house. With its beautiful craftsmanship and fascinating history, the Conrad-Caldwell House Museum stands as a significant cultural and architectural landmark in Louisville, offering a glimpse into the opulent lifestyle of the late 19th century.
• Great Lawn is a park along the waterfront with a nice playground, spread-out green space, and a beautiful view of the waterfront. 
• Adventure Playground is another nice spot along the water for a break to let kids run around. We loved the outdoor spaces we stumbled upon during our trip!
• Rent a bike and go for a ride across the bridge to Indiana. We took the Big Four Bridge for this into Jefferson, Indiana. 
• Visit Churchill Downs for a fascinating experience for anyone interested in the rich heritage of the Kentucky Derby and horse racing in general. The Kentucky Derby Museum, located at Churchill Downs, is dedicated to showcasing the history, tradition, and excitement of the Kentucky Derby. Visitors can explore the fascinating history of the race, the stories of the horses, jockeys, and trainers, and gain a comprehensive understanding of the “Run for the Roses” and its impact on the world of horse racing. Additionally, taking a guided walking tour of Churchill Downs allows visitors to learn more about the track’s iconic history and architecture, making it a must-visit destination for horse racing enthusiasts. Be sure to look into Mint Juleps while you are there!
• Visit Distilleries; I highly recommend a tour if you have time! Take part in the urban bourbon trail and sign up on the app to check off distilleries as you travel. A few to look into are Old Forester Distilling Co., Rabbit Hole Distillery, Copper & Kings, Kentucky Peerless Distilling Co., and Michter’s Fort Nelson Distillery. These are only a small sampling of the incredible distilleries in Louisville! 
• Check out historical and unique twists on hotels: The Brown Hotel is the “landmark” hotel in the city and has a lot of history, 21c Hotel also has an art museum, and the Bellwether is a former police station with a new modern update. 

Things to Do Around The Louisville Area

• The Louisville Mega Cavern is a vast underground cavern and it offers a unique experience for visitors. One of the main attractions at the Mega Cavern is the Mega Cavern Tram Tour, which is one of the best things you can do while visiting! This tram tour provides an opportunity for visitors to explore the cavern’s history, geology, and uses, as well as its role as a storage facility and entertainment venue. The tour takes participants through a series of underground passageways and highlights the cavern’s fascinating features, including its size and the various recreational activities that take place within it. Overall, the Mega Cavern and its tram tour offer a one-of-a-kind adventure for those looking to discover a subterranean world right beneath the city of Louisville.
• Historic Locust Grove is a National Historic Landmark in Kentucky. The site is a historic 55-acre farm that was once the home of George Rogers Clark, a renowned Revolutionary War hero. Today, Historic Locust Grove offers guided tours of the Georgian mansion, which is furnished with 18th and 19th-century antiques. The site also hosts various events, workshops, and reenactments, allowing visitors to experience life in the early days of Kentucky. With its beautifully preserved grounds and rich history, Historic Locust Grove provides an insightful glimpse into the region’s past. 

• The Louisville Zoo is a non-profit organization and the state zoo of Kentucky. Located in Louisville’s Poplar Level neighborhood, the zoo is home to more than 1,200 animals representing over 170 species. Its mission is to “better the bond between people and the planet” by providing engaging experiences with animals and inspiring action to improve the natural world. The zoo features several exhibits, including Glacier Run, Gorilla Forest, Islands, and the award-winning Gorilla Forest. Additionally, the zoo offers various educational programs, conservation initiatives, and special events throughout the year, making it a popular destination for families and animal enthusiasts.
• Kentucky Kingdom Amusement Park features a variety of thrill rides, water attractions, and family-friendly entertainment options. The park offers roller coasters, water slides, and other exciting rides for visitors of all ages. In addition to the rides, Kentucky Kingdom includes live shows, games, and dining options.

For our 28 hours, this is exactly what we did in Louisville, KY: 

After dropping our bags, we walked towards the waterfront. We didn’t have an exact plan besides we were looking for bikes to rent. It’s one of our favorite ways to see a city and even though it was very hot during our visit- a heat index of 110, we wanted to see what we could find. 

Once we found a rental shop near Great Lawn, we knew it was meant to be rather than ubering everywhere. The owner of the bike shop walked over and said we could have whatever we wanted, buy one get one free, so we went with bikes. We rented them for the day and went everywhere we could without passing out. The rental included bike locks so it was perfect! 

We started our trek heading towards Copper and Kings, which was a very cool experience and one of our favorite things from our quick visit! We also made our way towards the other side of the city and di the Louisville Slugger Museum tour. We stopped for coffee and lunch along the way and and even made our way to Indiana before returning the bikes! 

Dave really enjoyed all of the Pokemoning (is that a word?) he was able to do, and I loved the swings throughout all of the waterfront parks. I’m sure the day would have been a bit more exciting if it wasn’t as hot, but overall we both really liked Louisville! I’m excited to recap the things we did and the awesome meal we had, but for now, enjoy the latest vlog and some photos!