You probably know about the free-flowing bourbon and posh horse races, and maybe about the baseball bats and a boxer named Ali. However, Louisville, Kentucky has a lot of distinct things going on, from a haunted sanatorium to the nation’s largest Victorian mansion-filled neighborhood. Here are the city’s best activities and experiences.
Pedal over the Ohio River
The Ohio River churns at Louisville’s edge, chock full of barges and steamboats gliding by. The Big Four Bridge is the best place to see the action. Open to pedestrians and cyclists only, this bridge arches from Louisville to Jeffersonville, Indiana, unfurling terrific views. Bike rentals are available at the foot of the bridge, which is prime for exploring further along the water on the Louisville Loop trail.
Tour a Bourbon Distillery
Louisville is the center of the bourbon-making universe, producing most of the world’s supply. Downtown, visit the Evan Williams Bourbon Experience, known for its family-friendly exhibits and engaging production tours. A few blocks away, the stylish Angel’s Envy offers tours and tastings of its slightly sweet, port-cask-finished whiskey. Kentucky Peerless and Old Forester are also nearby, while larger distilleries such as Jim Beam and Maker’s Mark create their magic in the surrounding countryside.
See Baseball’s Most Famous Bats
Even if you’re not a diehard baseball fan, the Louisville Slugger Museum & Factory impresses. First up is the plant tour where you see the venerable bats being made. Following that, explore the hall of baseball memorabilia, which displays relics such as Hank Aaron’s 700th home run bat, as well as bats from recent players like David Ortiz that you can hold and swing. Outside, the World’s Largest Baseball Bat, a 120ft-tall whopper, awaits your snapshot.
Bet on the Horses at Churchill Downs
There’s nothing like seeing the world’s fastest horses thunder by on the racetrack at Churchill Downs, especially if you wagered on a winner. The Kentucky Derby grabs headlines each year on the first Saturday in May for its mint juleps, flamboyant hats, and wild two-minute race. Other thoroughbred events when you can enjoy the thrilling atmosphere take place from late April to late June and again in September and November. Alternatively, take a guided tour of the grounds year-round via the onsite Kentucky Derby Museum.
Be Inspired at the Muhammad Ali Center
The Muhammad Ali Center recounts the story of the local boxer and civil rights activist who became The Greatest. Exhibits allow you to shadow box with the champ, watch videos of his prominent fights, and listen to his street poetry. However, what truly makes the center impactful is how these exhibits are set in the context of the social justice issues that Ali championed throughout his life.
Indulge in Bourbon at a Local Bar
Louisville takes its bourbon seriously. Walk into any downtown saloon, and at least 50 types of the local nectar glow in bottles behind the bar. Proof on Main is a fine place to swirl and sniff a flight or enjoy an Old Fashioned—the city’s official cocktail, combining bourbon, bitters, and sugar, garnished with a cherry and orange wedge. The Urban Bourbon Trail lists watering holes with standout whiskey menus, many within a walkable stretch of historic buildings near Main Street.
Get Spooked at Waverly Hills Sanatorium
Waverly Hills Sanatorium looms like a scene from a horror movie—a derelict Tudor Gothic Revival masterpiece. This reputedly haunted site saw thousands die during the early 20th-century tuberculosis epidemic, and many of their spirits are said to remain. Guided tours or overnight stays afford you a chance to encounter these ghosts—if you dare.
Savor Local Cuisine Favorites
Louisville boasts several notable dishes, with the hot brown sandwich—a rich open-faced turkey and bacon delight—at the forefront. Originally created at downtown’s Brown Hotel, it remains a must-try. For dessert, visit Muth’s Candies for bourbon balls, delectable bite-sized chocolates filled with creamy bourbon goodness. Other local specialties include beer cheese and sweet sorghum, all of which are likely to feature on menus throughout the city.
Admire the Architecture of Old Louisville
To timewarp back to the Victorian era, take a stroll through Old Louisville, where enormous homes with turrets and gargoyles loom for blocks. This neighborhood holds the largest contiguous collection of Victorian mansions in the United States, showcasing hidden courtyards and gas-lamp-lit streets, including renowned buildings like the Speed Art Museum.
Feel the Beat at Zanzabar
This sociable, mid-sized concert hall features a variety of indie rock, country, metal, and bluegrass bands performing regularly. It’s a fantastic location to immerse yourself in the vibrant local music scene, complemented by craft beers and a vintage arcade filled with classic pinball machines.
Submerge into the Mega Cavern
Kids especially go gaga for the Mega Cavern, an expansive underground playground housed in an old limestone mine. Spanning over 100 acres, families can zipline through rock chambers and test their skills on the aerial ropes course. For those preferring to stay closer to solid ground, tram rides and guided walking tours through the caves are also available.
Drink on a Rooftop in Butchertown
Butchertown, formerly Louisville’s meatpacking district, is now flourishing with cool restaurants, beer gardens, and a vibrant market. Immerse yourself in the scene at Copper & King’s distillery, producer of brandy, gin, and absinthe. Their rooftop bar serves alcohol fresh from below and provides fantastic views of the Louisville skyline.
Reflect on African-American History at the Roots 101 Museum
A newer addition to the city, the Roots 101 Museum showcases art and artifacts related to the African American experience, from the Atlantic slave trade to modern times with a local perspective. Exhibits cover a range from 16th-century Benin sculptures to Muhammad Ali’s achievements and the protests triggered by the killing of Breonna Taylor. The museum also hosts a variety of engaging events throughout the year.
Feed Ducks and Find VIP Graves at Cave Hill Cemetery
For a picturesque jaunt, ramble along the paths at Cave Hill Cemetery, which doubles as an arboretum featuring grand willow oaks, magnolias, and chestnut trees. Ducks can be spotted flapping across the scenic ponds. Many notable figures, including Colonel Sanders and Muhammad Ali, rest eternally here, with their tombstones making for intriguing stops during your visit.
Explore the Highlands
The Highlands is Louisville’s vibrant neighborhood, brimming with indie eateries and quirky shops. The “Keep Louisville Weird” stickers are a mark of your arrival. Bardstown Road serves as the main artery, lined with coffee shops, vintage markets, eclectic bars, comic-filled bookstores, and skate shops. Gralehaus exemplifies this spirit, serving eclectic takes on traditional Southern comfort foods in a cozy atmosphere.
