Things to do in Louisville, KY

Whether you live in Louisville, Kentucky, or you’re just visiting, you’ll be glad to hear that this city has plenty to offer. You can find fun activities regardless of your interests and the interests of those in your party. From museums and distilleries to adventure parks, Louisville really has it all. Our dealership has served the area for years, which has allowed us to explore top attractions and get great recommendations from locals. Read on to discover some of the best activities so you can plan your itinerary and experience Louisville to its fullest.

Kentucky Derby Museum

The Kentucky Derby by Roderick Eime | Licensed with CC BY-ND 2.0

One of the first stops for many Louisville visitors is the Kentucky Derby Museum. This attraction sits in a historic neighborhood just 10 minutes from downtown and is right next to the Churchill Downs Racetrack, which you can tour for an additional fee. Even if you choose to only check out the museum, you’ll learn a lot about the history of the Kentucky Derby and get to explore two floors of interactive exhibits. General admission also comes with a historic walking tour, a screening of the short film “The Greatest Race” and access to the Derby Cafe & Bourbon Bar.

Louisville Slugger Museum & Factory

Many baseball fans dream of visiting the Louisville Slugger Museum & Factory, but you don’t have to be a sports enthusiast to enjoy this attraction. The company started producing baseball bats in 1884 and introduced factory tours to satisfy the public’s curiosity. After watching a movie that explains the company’s earliest origins, visitors walk through the factory production line to witness the exclusive bat-making process. Monitors and sound systems throughout the tour provide context and create an immersive experience. You’ll walk away with a free miniature bat souvenir and get the chance to explore temporary exhibits.

Belle of Louisville

If you want to explore Louisville from a different vantage point, consider taking a boat tour via the Belle of Louisville. This organization allows you to ride down the Ohio River on the Belle of Louisville, which was built in 1914 and is the last authentic American steamboat. You can also ride the Mary M. Miller, a propeller-driven riverboat that combines old-fashioned allure with modern luxuries. Regardless of which boat you ride, you’ll depart from the Port of Lou and learn about the key landmarks you’ll see. For instance, there’s the Colgate Tower and the Louisville Water Tower.

Urban Bourbon Trail

You might be aware of the strong association between bourbon and Kentucky, but you’ll quickly discover that Louisville considers bourbon to be much more than just a drink. This beverage is a part of the area’s rich heritage and creates a unique opportunity to learn more about the past. You can satisfy your thirst and curiosity by exploring the Urban Bourbon Trail.

Iconic stops include the area’s best bourbon bars and historic hotels that icons like F. Scott Fitzgerald and Al Capone visited. You can choose from over 60 bourbon varieties and get a taste of retro drinks like the manhattan and sidecar that are making a comeback. Visitors who check in at least six participating locations are eligible for a T-shirt that allows them to commemorate the experience.

Logan Street Market

Similar to the Urban Bourbon Trail, the Logan Street Market allows you to explore some of the area’s best vendors on your own time. The market features over 25 shops that specialize in food, beverages, and crafts unique to Louisville culture. Near Germantown and Paristown, the market’s international influence is also apparent. Be sure to check out the website to better plan your visit. Regular events like live music, workshops, and block parties can heighten your experience even further.

Speed Art Museum

Consider enjoying a relaxing afternoon at the Speed Art Museum next to the University of Louisville. Having opened in 1925, it’s Kentucky’s oldest art museum and has also grown to be the state’s largest. Even if you have a particular taste, you’re bound to find inspiration as you tour the building. Popular collections include Black Artists Matter, African Art, Native American Art, and Contemporary Art. There’s also an 1800 to 1945 Kentucky Collection that can help you better appreciate the local history and culture. Collections use everything from artifacts and paintings to photographs to convey powerful emotions and tell stories.

Muhammad Ali Center

The Muhammad Ali Center commemorates the famous professional boxer who was born and raised in Louisville. Visitors experience interactive exhibits and multimedia presentations through Ali’s six core principles: confidence, conviction, dedication, giving, respect, and spirituality. The “Train With Ali” exhibit is especially fun, as you can practice your rhythm on a speed bag and try shadow boxing.

Kentucky Kingdom

If you have kids or an adventurous spirit, Kentucky Kingdom is an essential attraction for your itinerary. Plenty of family-friendly rides allow young children to have a good time, but there are also bigger roller coasters and other thrillers that’ll get your heart pumping. Several dining locations throughout the park allow you to fuel up, and you can stay cool during hot Louisville summers thanks to the water rides. If you want to splash around a little more, consider a visit to the adjacent Hurricane Bay water park.

Louisville Mega Cavern

The Mega Cavern in Louisville is one of the largest American caverns and was previously a limestone mine. Miners blasted out tons of rock during the 1900s, and in 1989, private investors acquired the property. Construction crews used recycled materials to fill holes and create a structurally sound facility that’s open to the public today. Many visitors take advantage of two-hour guided ziplining adventures that explore some of the cavern’s deepest areas. Alternatively, you can explore the tunnels via a tram, walking tour, or underground aerial ropes course.

As this guide has demonstrated, Louisville is home to plenty of attractions. Everyone from couples to families can find something fun to do in this lively historical town. If you have any other suggestions that deserve to be on this list, feel free to let us know.