Top 15 Attractions and Activities in Lyndon, KY

This suburban city is located on Louisville’s eastern side, encompassing various malls, shopping centers, expansive parks, and historic sites.

Lyndon’s southwest corner is adjacent to Shelbyville Road, a significant commercial artery for the metropolitan area, lined with malls, power centers, car dealerships, independent retailers, and entertainment options.

Oxmoor Center and Mall St. Matthews are situated conveniently in Lyndon’s vicinity, alongside Westport Village, an outdoor mall that focuses on upscale niche businesses.

Recreational opportunities flourish at locations such as E.P. “Tom” Sawyer State Park, while notable historical sites including Locust Grove and Farmington Historic Plantation are only a few minutes away.

1. E.P. “Tom” Sawyer State Park

Formerly farmland, this 550-acre state park neighboring Lyndon serves as an appealing green retreat in a gently rolling landscape.

Inaugurated in 1974, the park honors Republican Jefferson County Judge/Executive Erbon Powers “Tom” Sawyer, who tragically passed away in a car accident in 1969 while serving in office and was the father of renowned journalist Diane Sawyer.

An extensive overview of activities available here could fill an entire article, but highlights include Louisville’s largest public pool and splash park, the shaded Goose Creek Nature Trail, one of the few supercross BMX tracks in the United States, and the only outdoor public archery range in Louisville.

Additionally, the Louisville Astronomy Society operates a center here, hosting regular stargazing events, orienteering courses, a dog park, fitness trails, pickleball courts, two playgrounds, and numerous traditional sports facilities ranging from softball to soccer.

2. Oxmoor Center

Established on the historic Oxmoor Farm estate, this upscale mall is located on the south side of Shelbyville Road, opposite Lyndon.

Since its opening in 1971, Oxmoor Center has played a significant role in the Louisville shopping landscape, featuring a combination of popular mall brands alongside high-end retailers.

Among the chain stores available, shoppers can find Apple, Peloton, Sephora, H&M, Macy’s, Old Navy, Von Maur, Ann Taylor, Soma, Anthropologie, Dick’s Sporting Goods, Clarks, and Lush Cosmetics.

While Oxmoor Center lacks a food court, dining options exist, including BJ’s and California Kitchen. For many families, visiting this mall has become a Christmas tradition to admire the holiday decorations and capture photographs with Santa.

3. Westport Village

Another prominent shopping destination at Lyndon’s doorstep is this outdoor, pedestrian-friendly mall featuring premium local boutiques and services.

Westport Village houses over 40 local businesses, including numerous boutiques specializing in women’s apparel, home decor, jewelry, and more.

These are complemented by a flower shop, a sporting goods store, a toy store, a day spa, various salons, and a diverse selection of restaurants offering pizza, Japanese cuisine, pan-Asian dishes, Mexican food, fine steaks, and breakfast favorites.

4. Calypso Cove Family Waterpark

Located on the northern side of Lyndon’s A.B. Sawyer Park is the Northeast Family YMCA, featuring a well-equipped waterpark.

Calypso Cove presents an array of attractions suitable for the entire family, including a zero-depth entry pool, a vortex pool, and numerous play features for children, such as a substantial play structure, an updated splash pad, a lily pad crossing course, and water cannons.

Moreover, the facility includes two exciting waterslides: Hurricane Run, a tube slide, and Typhoon Twister, a body slide.

No area of the pool exceeds a depth of 3.5 feet, and visitors can also enjoy a jacuzzi-style seating area complete with hydro jets.

5. Mall St. Matthews

West of I-264 on Shelbyville Road is a larger mall than Oxmoor Center, serving as the primary enclosed shopping destination for the Louisville area.

In contrast to many malls facing challenges, Mall St. Matthews remains vibrant and strong.

With over 130 stores and services, including a contemporary food court housing a Red Robin, Chick-Fil-A, and various international options ranging from kebabs to gyros to pizza and pan-Asian offerings, it caters to diverse tastes.

A key attraction is a branch of the upscale theater chain Cinemark, featuring comfortable recliners and a bar, which is a rarity in cinemas.

Prominent chain stores within the mall include Dillard’s, Foot Locker, Forever 21, JCPenney, Kay Jewelers, Vans, and Victoria’s Secret.

6. Robsion Park

Lyndon’s foremost public park is named after United States Representative John M. Robsion, Jr. (1904-1990), who generously donated 17 acres to the city in 1985.

Robsion Park serves as a delightful summer destination for families with younger children, owing to its exceptional age-appropriate playgrounds and a newly installed splash pad, operational from 9 am to 8 pm, May through September.

For those seeking relaxation, the park features a walking path, numerous picnic tables, and a pavilion. In mid-June, the park hosts the Lyndon Summer Festival, a two-day celebration with exhibitors, food, live entertainment, and activities suitable for all family members.

7. Locust Grove

Among several historic sites easily accessible is Locust Grove, established in 1790 and situated on 55 acres.

The Georgian mansion on the property, recognized as a National Historic Landmark, is now under the stewardship of the Louisville Metro government and is steeped in rich history.

Locust Grove was founded by William Croghan and his spouse Lucy Clark Croghan, the sister of renowned patriot and surveyor George Rogers Clark (1752-1818).

In 1806, George’s younger brother William Clark and Meriwether Lewis stopped at Locust Grove during their historic expedition’s return trip, while George himself resided here from 1809 until his death in 1818.

Visitors can learn about the property’s connections to some of the nation’s most significant historical figures, along with noteworthy insights regarding the enslaved individuals who lived and worked here.

The visitor center displays museum exhibits that illuminate Louisville’s early history and its role during the Revolutionary Wars.

8. Farmington Historic Plantation

Farmington Historic Plantation offers a glimpse into antebellum Louisville, with origins dating back to 1815. Currently encompassing 18 acres, the estate features a Federal-style brick house completed in 1816, which once served as the focal point of a much larger hemp plantation.

This 14-room residence was constructed by enslaved African Americans based on designs by Thomas Jefferson. Among its distinguished guests was Abraham Lincoln, who stayed at Farmington for a week in 1841.

The house has been meticulously restored to reflect its original color palette and features period-appropriate furnishings. Distinct architectural elements include a notably steep “hidden” staircase, reeded doorways, carved mantels, and fanlights connecting the front and rear halls.

In addition to a garden reflecting a 19th-century design, the estate includes several outbuildings, such as a stone springhouse, carriage house, and blacksmith shop.

Approximately 60 enslaved African Americans lived and worked on the estate, and the tour candidly addresses this troubling aspect of Farmington’s history.

9. Romara Place

To the southeast of Lyndon lies a property once inhabited by the city’s founder, Alvin Wood (1831-1891).

The residence at Romara Place has undergone significant changes since Wood’s era, including the addition of a garage believed to be a converted carriage house.

Purchased by Lyndon in 2002, the charming gardens have been furnished with items donated by Wood’s descendants.

Romara Place can be rented for private occasions; however, visitors are welcome to stroll through the wooded grounds along a quarter-mile trail that guides them past Beargrass Creek.

10. Champ’s Rollerdrome

The history of this roller skating rink in Lyndon can be traced back to a portable rink established outside Springfield, KY, by Armand “Champ” Champa in 1955.

The company expanded operations to Greater Louisville in 1974, and several generations have experienced this rink’s recreational offerings.

Visit the website for information on public skating sessions, accompanied by lively music, and party options available Monday through Friday.

On Wednesdays, a “Cheap Skate” session occurs, providing discounts on admission and skate rentals, while a dedicated adult skate session takes place from 10 pm to midnight on the first Saturday of each month.

11. Renaissance Fun Park

A few minutes east along Shelbyville Road, you will discover this family entertainment center, hosting a variety of attractions in one location.

The most popular feature at Renaissance Fun Park is the go-kart track, suitable for children (56 inches and taller) and entertaining for adults, who will appreciate the intricate and technical course. Additionally, double-seater go-karts are available for smaller children.

The facility also boasts one of the premier laser tag arenas in the Louisville metro area, utilizing the advanced LT-11 gaming system, along with a selection of two 18-hole mini-golf courses, a virtual reality game, and an arcade featuring over 30 machines.

12. A.B. Sawyer Park

Situated on the northern side of the University of Louisville Shelby campus is a 50-acre park predominantly dedicated to youth sports.

A.B. Sawyer Park has hosted the Lyndon Recreation Association for over 50 years, providing popular summer and fall programs for various sports, including T-ball, baseball, and football.

Additional amenities at the park include tennis courts, two playgrounds, walking paths, a picnic shelter, and a concession stand. In recent years, the facility has undergone a $1.3 million renovation, featuring enhanced sports facilities, updated landscaping, and new playground equipment.

13. Iceland Sports Complex

This indoor ice rink, open year-round, serves as the home ice for the University of Louisville Cards Ice Hockey program.

Established in 2000, Iceland Sports Complex is Kentucky’s sole dual ice arena and a hub for hockey, offering programs for both adult and youth players, including leagues and clinics.

The facility accommodates players of varying levels, whether beginners seeking instructional leagues or experienced individuals looking for peers with similar skills.

Families will find regular public skate sessions and lessons available, along with specialized figure skating programs.

14. Whitehall House & Gardens

Another historic and grand residence, Whitehall is located about five miles to the west. Initially a modest Italianate house constructed circa 1855, it evolved into its lavish Greek Revival design following its acquisition by the prominent horseman and entrepreneur John Middleton and his wife, Betty Summers Middleton.

The last resident, Hume Logan, Jr., the son of a notable industrialist, bequeathed the house and its unique furnishings to the Historic Homes Foundation upon his death in 1994 at the age of 92.

Whitehall House & Gardens serves as a venue for events, but it also offers guided tours at 11 am and 1 pm, Monday through Friday.

The grounds are generally accessible to the public, except during private events, and include an arboretum, wood fern garden, sun garden, and formal Florentine-style garden.

15. A Taste of Kentucky

If you are in search of Kentucky-specific specialties, this store located a few minutes east along Shelbyville Road at Middletown’s Village Square is the ideal destination.

As anticipated, bourbon-related items are a highlight at A Taste of Kentucky, featuring authentic barrel heads, barrel-aged maple syrup, bourbon-infused sauces, tasting glasses, bourbon candles, bourbon vanilla extract, bourbon smoked nuts, cocktail mixers, and more.

The Kentucky Derby-themed items are also prominently featured, including vintage posters and official mint julep glasses.

A local delicacy with historical significance is the modjeska, a marshmallow confection dipped in caramel, created in the 1880s by a local chocolatier in tribute to the celebrated Polish actress Helena Modjeska (1840-1909).