Kentucky, the Bluegrass State is known for many things. Horse racing, bourbon, and good old fashion Appalachian-style bluegrass music are just a few of the state’s claims to fame. The largest city in Kentucky, Louisville was founded on the Ohio River in 1778 and it was named after the French King Louis XVI.
Every year, Louisville hosts the world-famous Kentucky Derby horse race held at Churchill Downs on the first Saturday in May. This annual event draws in hundreds of thousands of viewers who descend upon the city for this single event.
Louisville is also famous for having the largest collection of cast-iron building facades outside of New York City. If you’re a fan of America’s favorite pastime, baseball, swing on by the Louisville Slugger Museum. If baseball isn’t your thing, you could always opt to learn about one of the greatest boxers to ever participate in the sport at the Muhammad Ali Center.
We over here at Viewcation absolutely love Kentucky. In fact, the writer of this video calls that state their home. Keep watching to discover 11 top-rated sights attractions and best things to do in Louisville.
The Kentucky Derby
This world-famous horse race has been held every year since 1875 on the first Saturday in May at the renowned Churchill Downs race track. This prestigious horse race is one of the most famous of its kind in the world and boasts having one of the largest purses of any horse race on the planet. More than 150,000 spectators attend the annual event and the energy of the crowd is very much so a part of the whole experience.
This event is also known for being a fashion showcase. Pretty much everyone who attends it wears their most distinguished of attire including flamboyant hats. For people not able to attend on race day, many bars, restaurants, and clubs in the surrounding region host Derby Day parties that celebrate the culturally significant and historically rich sport.
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Louisville Slugger Museum & Factory
The distinctive Louisville Slugger Museum is located at the manufacturing facility and world headquarters of this famed company. A giant 120-foot true-to-scale replica of Babe Ruth’s 34-inch baseball bat rests against the walls of the building, so you’ll likely have no trouble finding the place if for some reason your GPS gives you trouble.
The guided tour that they offer is highly recommended. The tour starts off with an intro film and then heads out onto the factory floor where you can watch the magic happen. At the end of the tour, you’ll receive your very own miniature slugger as a keepsake.
Special memorabilia and exhibitions can also be found at the museum. For example, the engraved Signature Wall proudly displays the autographs of some of baseballs most beloved legends. You can also see up close and personal historic bats like Hank Aaron’s 700th home run bat.
The Kentucky Derby Museum
On the same grounds as Churchill Downs, you can find the Kentucky Derby Museum where the history of the event is preserved and shared for all the world to see. The museum provides historical insights and perspectives on the sport of horse racing and its most famous race. Two floors of exhibits feature such things as racing artifacts, interactive displays, and fine art. One of the best parts about visiting the video is viewing the inspirational 18-minute film The Greatest Race which is shown in HD on a huge 360-degree panoramic projection display.
History buffs will love getting the opportunity to see things like trophies, photos, riding silks, and commemorative Derby glasses which are proudly on display yearlong. Visitors to the museum can also choose to go on a guided 30-minute tour of the racetrack facility if they so desire. For an added fee, you can take an even more immersive private tour of Churchill Downs that will take you on an exclusive behind-the-scenes walkthrough of areas where visitors are typically restricted from entering.
And if you get hungry after spending the day learning the ins and outs of the Derb, grab a bite to eat at the on-site Derby Cafe.
Muhammad Ali Center
Admirers of the legendary boxer Muhammad Ali, AKA ‘The Champ’, absolutely must go visit the fantastic Muhammad Ali Center. This facility touts itself as an international educational and cultural center inspired by the six core ideals of its illustrious founder, Muhammad Ali.
The Ali center has a lot to offer for people of all ages. You can check out thought-provoking exhibits and multimedia presentations or explore other exhibitions that present historic Civil Rights-era media footage, videos of Ali’s greatest fights, and interactive boxing displays that are sure to keep you captivated.
Two rotating temporary exhibits make sure that every visit to the center is fresh and unique and the facility also has meeting and event space, a retail store, and seasonal events held throughout the year. Even if you aren’t a boxing fan, The Muhammad Ali Center is a great spot to brush up on your historical knowledge.
Frazier History Museum
Through various means such as through artifacts, displays, and live performances, The Frazier History Museum tells the story of Kentucky’s heritage and history. A few noteworthy objects on display here include the ceremonial sword of one of the founding fathers, Josiah Bartlett, the family bible of Daniel Boone, the bow that supposedly belonged to Apache warrior Geronimo, and the actual ivory-handled Colt pistols that once were wielded by General George Armstrong Custer. An extremely rare and not to mention a magnificently preserved couple of Uncle Tom’s cabin is also permanently on display.
The Frazier History Museum can be found in the downtown area known as Museum Row which is located on Main Street. The facility offers on-site parking which makes visiting this gem an easy task. From there you can always stroll on over to other prominent attractions such as the Louisville Slugger Museum and the Kentucky Science Center – both of which are fairly close by.
Conrad-Caldwell House Museum
The Conrad-Caldwell House, which was designed as a Richardsonian Romanesque mansion was originally built for Theophile Conrad, a distinguished Frenchman who made his riches in the hide tanning business. The house was built in the 1890s and features ominous gargoyles, opulent treasures, majestic arches, and fleur-de-lis on the exterior.
The Inside of the mansion features expertly crafted woodwork, stained glass, and eye-catching fixtures. Guided tours that provide some historical context for this three-story home are offered to the public Wednesday through Sunday.
Louisville Zoo
Spanning 134 acres, the Louisville Zoo is home to more than 1,500 exotic animals as well as several highly acclaimed exhibits. Such creatures as gorillas, lions, tigers, ostriches, giraffes, penguins, and snakes can be found in various indoor and outdoor habitats. Or you can always have a more hands-on animal encounter by riding a camel or pony or you can even get the chance to feed a giraffe or a parakeet if you’re feeling adventurous.
Seven distinct exhibit zones divide the park into geographical regions including Africa, South America, and Asia. The zoo is a great place to experience wholesome, family-friendly entertainment and there are many rides and attractions suitable for visitors of all ages.
The Louisville Mega Cavern
What was once an enormous limestone quarry in the mid-1800s is now one of Lousiville’s top attractions. The Louisville Mega Cavern covers an area of approximately 100 acres of underground space directly below the city.
Thrill-seekers will be delighted to find that the Cavern offers a full array of adventure opportunities that are sure not to disappoint. Take a ride on the world’s only fully underground zip line course or try your hand at the ropes course where you can put your sense of balance to the test.
The Louisville Mega Cavern also offers a guided historic tram tour that runs through the cavern and provides a great deal of historical and geographic background on the cave.
Louisville Slugger Field
Named after the famous Louisville Slugger baseball bat, these grounds are the home field for the minor league baseball team, The Louisville Bats. If you’re in town while the Bats are playing a game, you’d be wise to buy tickets even if you aren’t the biggest baseball fan in the world.
The facilities are kept impeccably clean and ticket and concession prices are fairly reasonable. Many visitors are especially fond of the on-site carousel which only costs $1 to ride.
And if you do happen to catch a game, it’s good to know that spectators are allowed to bring in one plastic bottle of water per person as long the bottle is clear and the seal has not been broken.
Speed Art Museum
Founded in 1927, the Speed Art Museum went through some major changes between 2013 and 2016 when a major addition was added to the building. Today, Speed is one of the most visited museums in Louisville. The collections featured here include17th-century Dutch and Flemish paintings, 18th-century French art, Renaissance and Baroque tapestries, and both contemporary as well as historic American paintings and sculptures.
Admission is pay-what-you-wish and they also have a lovely little cafe if you work up an appetite.
Kentucky Science Center
This museum is located inside of a gorgeously restored 19th-century warehouse and features three floors of hands-on exhibits as well as a four-story movie screen.
Displays are designed to appeal to visitors of all ages which means that this is the perfect facility for families visiting with children. Regular events and exhibits geared towards teenagers and adults mean that fun can be had for the whole family.
The Kentucky Science Center has seven permanent exhibits as well as several ever-changing temporary ones. So it might be in your best interest to see what their current line-up is before planning your visit. The museum’s movie theater shows both documentary films as well as Hollywood blockbusters. The Kentucky Science Center also offers special programming such as family camps, overnight sleepover adventures, and adult science seminars and discussions.
Well, we’re just about out of time for this video, but honestly, we could spend all day telling you about all of the amazing things to do and sights to see in Louisville, Kentucky. It’s not normally a city that you hear about being a great travel destination but it most definitely is.
What did you think of our list? Did we miss one of your favorite spots in Louisville? Let us know in the comments section below.
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