Top 10 Things To Do Louisville, KY – With Pictures and Videos!

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If you are interested in horse racing and bourbon, then Louisville is an excellent place to visit! The city is home to the famous Kentucky Derby, and there are many bourbon distilleries in the surrounding area that offer tours and tastings. Louisville also has a vibrant music scene, with many live music venues and festivals. Check out our list below to learn more about the best things to do in Louisville!

Table of Contents

  1. Best Things to do in Louisville
    1. Visit the Louisville Slugger Museum & Factory
    2. Check out the Louisville Zoo
    3. Take a stroll through the Louisville Waterfront Park
    4. Explore the Louisville Palace
    5. Visit the Muhammad Ali Center
    6. Go on a bourbon trail tour
    7. Visit the Louisville Science Center
    8. See a horse race at Churchill Downs
    9. Take a tour of the Louisville Mega Cavern
    10. Go shopping at the Louisville Stoneware
  2. Conclusion
  3. Things to do in Louisville FAQs

Best Things to do in Louisville

Visit the Louisville Slugger Museum & Factory

Louisville Slugger Exterior | Image By Mobilus In Mobili - CC BY-SA 2.0
Louisville Slugger Exterior | Image By Mobilus In MobiliCC BY-SA 2.0

The Louisville Slugger Museum & Factory is a must-see destination for baseball fans visiting Louisville, Kentucky. The museum offers a fascinating look at the history of baseball and the iconic Louisville Slugger brand. Visitors can take a tour of the factory to see how Louisville Slugger bats are made, and then check out the museum’s exhibits, which include displays of rare and historic bats, as well as interactive exhibits that allow visitors to test their own hitting skills. The museum also features a Hall of Fame gallery, which honors some of the greatest players in baseball history. In addition to all of these exciting attractions, the Louisville Slugger Museum & Factory also offers a gift shop where visitors can purchase souvenirs and memorabilia.

Check out the Louisville Zoo

In The Loop’s Video Review of Louisville Zoo

The Louisville Zoo is home to over 1,500 animals from around the world. The zoo is divided into several different areas, each of which focuses on a different type of animal or habitat. For example, the Africa area features animals such as giraffes, lions, and gorillas, while the Islands area is home to animals such as flamingos and tamarins. In addition to the animals, the Louisville Zoo also offers a number of educational programs and activities for visitors, including behind-the-scenes tours, animal encounters, and special events. The zoo is a great place to spend the day with the whole family and is sure to be a memorable experience for all.

Take a stroll through the Louisville Waterfront Park

Louisville Waterfront Park

Louisville Waterfront Park is a public park located along the banks of the Ohio River in Louisville, Kentucky. It spans more than 85 acres and features a variety of amenities for visitors to enjoy, including walking and biking trails, a playground, a Great Lawn for picnics and events, and a large fountain. The park also has several waterfront areas where visitors can fish or launch small boats. In addition to these recreational activities, the park also hosts a variety of events throughout the year, such as concerts, festivals, and outdoor markets. The park is a popular destination for both locals and tourists and offers a beautiful and peaceful escape from the hustle and bustle of the city.

Explore the Louisville Palace

The Louisville Palace is a historic theater located in downtown Louisville, Kentucky. It was built in 1928 and is known for its unique and ornate architecture, which includes a grand lobby with marble floors and walls adorned with murals and gold leaf. The theater itself is a lavish, old-fashioned venue with a seating capacity of over 2,800. It is home to a variety of entertainment, including concerts, films, and stage shows. The Louisville Palace has a rich history and has played host to many famous performers over the years, including Duke Ellington, Frank Sinatra, and Elvis Presley. Today, it is a popular destination for both locals and tourists looking to experience a bit of the city’s cultural history.

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Exterior shot of the Louisville Palace with sign showing Tom Waits - Aug 7
Louisville Palace Exterior | image credit: Stevietheman, CC BY-SA 2.5 via Wikimedia Commons

Visit the Muhammad Ali Center

Exterior shot of Muhammad Ali Center in Louisvile, KY
Muhammad Ali Center Exterior | Image by Proof377, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

The Muhammad Ali Center is a museum and cultural center located in Louisville, Kentucky, dedicated to the life and legacy of legendary boxer Muhammad Ali. The center features exhibits on Ali’s life, career, and philanthropy, as well as interactive displays and interactive exhibits that explore his impact on the world of sports and beyond. The center also hosts a variety of events and educational programs, such as film screenings, lectures, and workshops, that aim to promote Ali’s values of respect, confidence, and dedication. In addition to its educational mission, the Muhammad Ali Center is also a popular tourist attraction, offering visitors the opportunity to learn about Ali’s life and achievements, as well as his enduring impact on popular culture.

Go on a bourbon trail tour

Bourbon Trail Tours by Through My Lens

Bourbon trail tours are a popular activity in Kentucky, offering visitors the chance to learn about the history and production of bourbon, a type of American whiskey that is made primarily from corn and aged in charred oak barrels. These tours typically involve visiting several distilleries in the region, where visitors can tour the facilities, learn about the distillation process, and taste various types of bourbon. Many bourbon trail tours also include stops at other local attractions, such as historic landmarks, restaurants, and gift shops. These tours are a great way for visitors to learn about the rich history and culture of bourbon in Kentucky, as well as to sample some of the finest spirits the region has to offer.

Visit the Louisville Science Center

Louisville Science Center Facade
Louisville Science Center facade | Image by merfam, CC BY 2.0

The Louisville Science Center is a hands-on museum located in Louisville, Kentucky that focuses on science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM). The center features a variety of interactive exhibits and programs designed to spark curiosity and encourage learning in a fun and engaging way. Visitors can explore topics such as space, the human body, and the environment through interactive exhibits and demonstrations. The center also offers a range of educational programs, such as workshops, camps, and field trips, for students of all ages. In addition to its educational mission, the Louisville Science Center also hosts a variety of events and activities for the community, such as science-themed film screenings and lectures by guest speakers.

See a horse race at Churchill Downs

Horse Racing at Churchill Downs | Image by Jarrett Campbell from Cary, NC, USA, CC BY 2.0

Churchill Downs is a thoroughbred horse racing track located in Louisville, Kentucky. It is best known as the home of the Kentucky Derby, a prestigious annual horse race held on the first Saturday in May. Churchill Downs is a historic venue that has been in operation since 1875 and has played host to many other major horse races over the years, such as the Kentucky Oaks and the Breeders’ Cup. In addition to its horse racing events, Churchill Downs also offers a variety of other amenities, such as a museum, a gift shop, and a dining area where visitors can watch the races while enjoying food and drinks. The track is a popular tourist attraction and a beloved part of Louisville’s cultural heritage.

Take a tour of the Louisville Mega Cavern

Lights Under Louisville display at Louisville Mega Cavern

The Louisville Mega Cavern is a massive underground network of former limestone mines located in Louisville, Kentucky. It spans over 100 acres and is one of the largest underground attractions in the world. The cavern is open to the public and offers a variety of tours and activities for visitors to enjoy, such as zip lining, trampolining, and underground biking. The cavern is also home to a number of special events throughout the year, such as holiday light displays and concerts. In addition to its recreational offerings, the Louisville Mega Cavern is also used as a storage facility and has played a role in the city’s emergency preparedness efforts. It is a unique and fascinating destination that offers visitors the opportunity to explore a hidden world beneath the city.

Go shopping at the Louisville Stoneware

WLKY explores Louisville Stoneware

Louisville Stoneware is a company that produces handcrafted pottery and ceramics in Louisville, Kentucky. The company was founded in 1815 and has a long history of producing high-quality, functional pottery for everyday use. Louisville Stoneware uses traditional methods to create its products, including hand-throwing and hand-painting each piece. The company’s products are made from locally sourced clay and are fired in gas-fired kilns, resulting in durable and long-lasting pottery. Louisville Stoneware offers a wide range of products, including kitchenware, serveware, and decorative pieces, all of which are made in the company’s studio and showroom in Louisville. The company is a popular destination for tourists and collectors of pottery, and its products are widely recognized for their craftsmanship and attention to detail.

Conclusion

There you have it– our top 10 things to do in Louisville! Overall, Louisville is a diverse and welcoming city with something for everyone, making it a great destination for a vacation or weekend getaway. From bourbon tours to exploring underground attractions at the Louisville Mega Cavern, there’s something to do for all ages and interests in this eclectic city.

Things to do in Louisville FAQs

Is Louisville, Ky a good place to visit?

Louisville, Kentucky is a great place to visit for a variety of reasons. It is a city with a rich history and cultural heritage, and there are many interesting attractions and events to experience. The city is also home to a thriving food and drink scene, with many local restaurants and breweries to explore, as well as the Bourbon Trail, which offers tours of some of the region’s most famous distilleries. In addition, Louisville is located in the heart of the Bluegrass region, which offers many opportunities for outdoor activities such as hiking, biking, and fishing. The city is also affordable and easy to access, making it a convenient and budget-friendly destination. Overall, Louisville is a diverse and welcoming city that is well worth a visit. View our list of the top 10 things to do in Louisville!

How long does it take to go all the way through the Louisville Mega Cavern?

It takes around two hours to go through the Louisville Mega Cavern. Click here to learn more and watch a video of the holiday lights!

Can you do the Bourbon Trail on your own?

Yes, you can so you can enjoy it at your own pace. You can also find guided tours where transportation is provided. Click for more info on bourbon tours.

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