You probably know about the free-flowing bourbon and posh horse races, and maybe about the baseball bats and a boxer named Ali. However, what about the haunted sanatorium, underground zipline, and the nation’s largest Victorian mansion-filled neighborhood? Louisville in Kentucky has a lot of distinct things going on. Here are the city’s best activities and experiences.
Pedal over the Ohio River
The Ohio River churns at Louisville’s edge, full of barges and steamboats gliding by. The Big Four Bridge is the best place to see the action. This bridge, open to pedestrians and cyclists only, arches from Louisville to Jeffersonville, Indiana, offering terrific views. Bike rentals are available at the foot of the bridge, ideal for pedaling further along the water on the Louisville Loop trail.
Tour a Bourbon Distillery
Louisville is the center of the bourbon-making universe, with a significant portion of the world’s supply coming from the city and its surroundings. Downtown, the elixir bubbles forth from gleaming copper stills at the Evan Williams Bourbon Experience, known for its engaging production tours. A few blocks away, stylish Angel’s Envy offers tours and tastings of its slightly sweet, port-cask-finished whiskey. Kentucky Peerless and Old Forester also craft their spirits downtown, while big-name distilleries like Jim Beam and Maker’s Mark fire up their vats 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, take a plant tour to see the venerable bats being made. Then, explore the hall of baseball memorabilia that displays relics such as Hank Aaron’s 700th home run bat and bats from recent players like David Ortiz. 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 the first Saturday in May for its mint juleps, flamboyant hats, and the thrilling race. Other thoroughbred events occur from late April to late June and again in September and November. Alternatively, you can go on a guided tour of the grounds year-round.
Be Inspired at the Muhammad Ali Center
The Muhammad Ali Center tells the tale of the local boxer and civil rights activist who became The Greatest. Exhibits allow you to shadow-box like the champ, watch videos of his prominent fights, and listen to his impactful poetry. However, it is the context of his struggles for social justice that gives the center its real resonance.
Sip an Old Fashioned at a Bourbon Bar
Louisville takes its bourbon seriously. Walk into any downtown saloon, and you’ll find at least 50 types of the local nectar on display. Proof on Main is a fine place to swirl and sniff a flight. Alternatively, enjoy an Old Fashioned, the city’s official cocktail made with bourbon, bitters, sugar, a cherry, and an orange wedge. The Urban Bourbon Trail lists bars with exceptional whiskey menus, many located in a walkable stretch of historic buildings near Main Street.
Get Spooked at Waverly Hills Sanatorium
Waverly Hills Sanatorium rises ominously over the landscape, reminiscent of a setting from a horror movie. It’s considered one of the most haunted places on earth, as thousands of people died here during an early-20th-century tuberculosis epidemic. Many of their ghosts are said to roam the halls, with guided tours and overnight stays available for the brave.
Bite into a Hot Brown or Bourbon Ball
Louisville is famous for several culinary delights, including the hot brown — an open-faced turkey and bacon sandwich smothered in Mornay sauce, invented at the Brown Hotel. Another must-try is the bourbon ball — bite-sized chocolates filled with a creamy, bourbon-infused filling, often from local shops like Muth’s Candies. Additionally, keep an eye out for beer cheese and sweet sorghum, other local specialties that showcase Louisville’s vibrant food culture.
Admire the Architecture of Old Louisville
To travel back to the Victorian era, stroll through Old Louisville, where enormous homes with turrets and gargoyles line the streets. This neighborhood holds the largest contiguous collection of Victorian mansions in the United States. A walkabout reveals hidden courtyards, gas-lamp-lit streets, and renowned buildings like the Speed Art Museum.
Feel the Beat at Zanzabar
This vibrant concert hall draws a range of indie rock, country, metal, and bluegrass bands to its stage, making it a fantastic spot to experience the local music scene. With ample craft beers and a vintage arcade full of pinball machines, Zanzabar truly offers a lively atmosphere.
Submerge into the Mega Cavern
Families delight in the Mega Cavern, an old limestone mine that spreads over 100 acres beneath the city. It has been transformed into an underground playground where visitors can zipline through rock chambers or test their skills on the aerial ropes course. Alternatively, tram rides and walking tours throughout the caves are also available for those who prefer solid ground.
Drink on a Rooftop in Butchertown
Butchertown is Louisville’s historic meatpacking district, now vibrant with restaurants, beer gardens, and markets. Delve into the scene at Copper & Kings distillery, renowned for its brandy and gin. The rooftop bar serves up local spirits and offers fantastic views of the Louisville skyline.
Reflect on African-American History at the Roots 101 Museum
This new museum showcases art and artifacts related to the African American experience from the Atlantic slave trade era to modern times, with a local perspective. Exhibit highlights include 16th-century Benin sculptures and significant achievements of Muhammad Ali, alongside events discussing contemporary issues.
Feed Ducks and Find VIP Graves at Cave Hill Cemetery
For a scenic walk, explore the paths of Cave Hill Cemetery, which also serves as an arboretum. Towering willow oaks and magnolia trees shade the grounds while ducks glide across the ponds. Among the eternal residents here are notable figures such as Colonel Sanders and Muhammad Ali.
Explore the Highlands
The Highlands is the ideal neighborhood for indie eateries and quirky shops. When you see the “Keep Louisville Weird” stickers, you’ll know you’ve arrived. Bardstown Road offers a mix of coffee shops, vintage markets, funky bars, and bookstores. Gralehaus, with its eclectic Southern comfort food, embodies the spirit of the Highlands.
