Planning on a visit to Louisville, Kentucky, for your holiday? Check out our curated list of the best things to do in Louisville, Kentucky, and the best places to visit in Louisville, Kentucky, below. As a Web 3.0 travel startup, Wondrous Drifter has big plans to shake things up in the field.
Table Of Content
- Beckley Creek Park
- Belle of Louisville
- Cave Hill Cemetery
- Flame Run Glass Studio and Gallery
- Frankfort Avenue
- Frazier History Museum
- Kentucky Derby Museum
- The Kentucky Kingdom and Hurricane Bay
- Kentucky Science Center
- Locust Grove
- Louisville Mega Cavern
- Louisville Slugger Field
- Louisville Waterfront Park
- MuHammad Ali Center
- Speed Art Museum
- The Bard’s Town
- The Big Four Bridge
- The Louisville Palace
- Waverly Hills Sanatorium
- Whitehall House & Gardens
- Volunteer At Animal Shelters
Beckley Creek Park
Take a break from the busy city life and have a relaxing journey through Beckley Creek Park.
Located to the south of Valhalla Golf Club, Beckley Creek Park is the city’s center of its large land area.
A waterpark, picnic areas, playgrounds, and trails can be found in the park.
The park stretches for about 22 acres and has a beautiful land area perfect for taking pictures.
Some of the trails they have are the Black Willow Trail, Fisherman’s Pathway, and Valley of the Giants Trail.
An area is allotted for canoeing and kayaking in the park, which is famous among visitors.
Tourists and locals can fly their kites, play soccer, or attend Louisville’s “Egg Lawn” festival.
Aside from the facilities, you can also learn about Beckley Creek Park’s history and its changes over the years.
If you’re interested in learning more about the park while unwinding, make sure to visit Beckley Creek Park.
Address: 1411 Beckley Creek Pkwy, Louisville, KY 40245, United States
Belle of Louisville
Ride on a cruise ship and relax on Louisville’s beautiful river while learning about the ship’s history.
The Belle of Louisville is a steamboat built in 1914 and left Pittsburgh to become a ferry between West Memphis, Arkansas, and Memphis, Tennessee.
It is the oldest steamer still in use on the Mississippi River. It is a National Historic Landmark in the United States.
Later, it took people from Louisville to the amusement parks at Rose Island and Fontaine Ferry.
In 1963, the steamer was fixed up and built from scratch.
Tourists can ride the Belle of Louisville since it is the only steamboat to the Ohio River.
The cruise will make you feel like you’re traveling back in the 1900s!
You can have your lunch or dinner on the cruise and dine and drink in different parts of it.
It takes two hours to get to the cruise if you’re traveling from Louisville.
Their rides vary depending on what kind of ride you want.
If you’re visiting Kentucky, make sure you go to the Belle of Louisville.
Address: 401 W River Rd, Louisville, KY 40202, United States
Cave Hill Cemetery
Louisville’s Cave Hill Cemetery will give you chills about the story of how the brave soldiers fought for the country.
Built in 1848, the Cave Hill Cemetery is an arboretum and a cemetery.
The place has about 500 different kinds of shrubs and trees, including more than a dozen that are the biggest of their kind in Kentucky.
Cave Hill Cemetery was hailed as Louisville’s most beautiful and largest cemetery.
Despite the cemetery’s beautiful green scenery, learning about its history is essential. People shouldn’t treat it as a public park for leisure time only.
The place is quiet, which makes it the perfect place to reflect on life and think about the sacrifices of the brave soldiers who fought for their country.
In section “O” of the cemetery, there are more than 200 Confederate soldiers buried.
However, guided walking tours of the place are available. They can visit lakes, monuments, and fountains or have a seat at any time of the year.
It is also a World Heritage Site of the United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) World.
Take a moment to pay your respect when visiting Cave Hill Cemetery.
Address: 701 Baxter Avenue, Louisville, Kentucky
Contemplating traveling to Kentucky? Check out cool travel ideas in Newport and Bowling Green. Read and explore the fun things to do in Newport, Kentucky, and the best things to do in Bowling Green, Kentucky to experience the best!
Flame Run Glass Studio and Gallery
The unusual glass-blowing art will certainly blow your mind with its mesmerizing pieces.
Flame Run Glass Studio and Gallery’s goal is to teach people about art glass through community classes, workshops by visiting artists, hot glass demonstrations, contemporary glass art shows, and gallery tours.
The studio is near the Kentucky Museum of Crafts.
The site is known for its spontaneous creativity because it likes art and has a large collection of things made from blown glass.
They have a weld and fabrication studio, a hot shop for glass blowing, and an exhibit where visitors can stroll around and buy glass art from the resident artists.
If you’re interested in learning how to blow glass, the studio offers daily demonstrations.
Anyone is welcome to walk and view the glass exhibits.
A customized blown glass art piece is also possible, so long as you work with a glass artist in making one.
It’s a fun-filled activity that you can do while you’re in Louisville!
Address: 815 West Market Street, Louisville, KY
Frankfort Avenue
The Frankfort Avenue is one of the top attractions in Kentucky.
If you’d like to experience the Christmas spirit, Louisville’s Frankfort Avenue will make you feel like every day is Christmas day!
The historic Frankfort Avenue connects several old and old-fashioned streets in Louisville.
Three of the most exciting places to live in the city are Crescent Hill, St. Matthews, and Clifton.
“The Avenue” is the name of Frankfort Avenue, which links some of Louisville’s most beautiful and historic neighborhoods.
The spot has a lot of restaurants, shops, galleries, and other things to do.
They have a free trolley ride every last Friday of the month, where tourists can ride the trolley and try out free samples, special deals, and promotions at Frankfort Avenue.
Locals and tourists alike enjoy the activity of gift opening on Frankfort Avenue.
If you like to shop, this is the right street for you. It is full of great shops.
Two of the best restaurants in town are Bourbons Bistro and Fork & Barrel.
This area is a must-see for anyone in Louisville who wants to do something different.
Address (Fork & Barrel): 2244 Frankfort Ave, Louisville, KY 40206, United States
Deciding to travel to Kentucky? Discover more using our travel guides to Frankfort and Lexington. See through the fascinating things to do in Frankfort, Kentucky, and the best things to do in Lexington, Kentucky!
Frazier History Museum
Step back in time and learn about prominent individuals throughout history.
The museum has collections of items and art from the 1600s to the 1900s.
It is on “Museum Row” and has three levels of exhibition space and 120 theater seats.
Some of the museum’s permanent collections are several interactive exhibits.
Some of the museum’s main features are Daniel Boone’s Bible, General Custer’s weapons, an original copy of “Uncle Tom’s Cabin,” and President Theodore Roosevelt’s “Big Stick.”
Wandering around the museum is like having a journey through America’s past.
After gathering the artifacts, they record and interpret the story behind them through written and customized live interpretations and gallery discussions of historical events.
You wouldn’t have to worry about driving your car because they have a parking lot for all the guests.
You never know who the famous individuals you might learn about, so take notes so you won’t forget about them later on!
Address: 829 W Main St, Louisville, KY 40202, United States
Kentucky Derby Museum
The Kentucky Derby Museum will keep you stable with their events if horseracing interests you.
It has been hailed as one of the best sporting events in the world for entertaining, educating, and honoring people.
The museum exhibits Kentucky’s rich history, strong traditions, and warm hospitality.
In 1875, the museum opened its doors to the public, and their “The Run for the Roses” was a big hit due to the beautiful horses.
Tourists visit the Kentucky Derby Museum for exhibits such as The World’s Greatest Race, The World’s Largest Horseshoes, and The Resident Thoroughbred and Miniature Horses.
Two of the most famous racehorses in history, Man O’War, and Secretariat, are featured in the museum.
See “The Down’s First Electric Gate” and “The Winner’s Circle,” which are well-known to visitors and have been helpful for 17 Derbys.
If you’re planning to travel to Kentucky, make your way to the Kentucky Derby Museum and watch a thrilling ride.
Address: 704 Central Avenue, Louisville, Kentucky
The Kentucky Kingdom and Hurricane Bay
The Kentucky Kingdom and Hurricane Bay will surely excite you due to their insane amusement park.
There are plenty of exciting activities in the amusement and water parks, making it an ideal place for a summer getaway.
These attractions are both water parks and amusement parks combined into one.
You will never get bored at the park with its 63 acres of land area full of rides and water activities.
They have roller coasters like “Lightning Run” and “Eye of the Storm” that highlight the park.
Other thrilling rides such as “Scream Extreme” and “Cyclos” are the park’s most extreme rides at the Kentucky Kingdom and Hurricane Bay.
For less courageous individuals who still want to have fun in the place, gentler ones like “King Lou” and “Tin Lizzies” are perfect for them.
“Splash Zone” and “Calypso Run” are some of their thrilling water activities.
If you’d like to experience a 5D theater, put on your headset and settle in for a thrilling ride to make you feel like you’re in the movie.
There isn’t anything more fun than the Kentucky Kingdom and Hurricane Bay, so drop by the place.
Address: 937 Phillips Ln, Louisville, KY 40209, United States
Kentucky Science Center
The Kentucky Science Center is one of the best things to do in Kentucky.
A place all science geeks seek can be found in Louisville, Kentucky.
The Kentucky Science Center is one of the major science museums in Kentucky.
In 1871, the center was first called the Louisville Museum of Natural History & Sciences.
The center has two buildings and is a perfect place to explore them with your family.
The main building, which has over 150,000 square feet, was used as a warehouse for dry goods in 1878.
With over 37,000 square feet, the other building was built in 1880 and is called the Alexander Building.
It has a four-story digital theater, a Science Education Wing, and three floors of hands-on exhibits.
You won’t get bored at the center because its interactive activities will interest you and help your critical thinking skills develop.
Some activities that will create a fascinating experience for children and adults alike are visiting their 3D movie theater.
See why the Kentucky Science Center is hailed as the most kid-friendly and tourist-favorite spot in Kentucky.
Address: 727 West Main Street, Louisville, Kentucky
Locust Grove
Don’t miss Locust Grove, a National Historic Landmark from the 1800s, when visiting Louiseville.
The mansion was initially built for Lucy and William Clark Croghan back in 1792.
The Georgian-inspired house has 55 acres of land.
Former presidents Andrew Jackson and James Monroe were among those who stopped by the mansion. American artist James Audubon also had the chance to stop by the spot.
In 1964, the state of Kentucky and Jefferson County bought the house and renovated it so it could be open to the public.
The mansion remained a natural wonder despite being a man-made land. It was one of the favorite destinations of distinguished individuals.
After years of restoring the original state of the mansion, around the middle of the 1960s, it became open to the public.
You can rent out the mansion for community events, history camps, and 4th of July parties that happen all year long.
Find out what Locust Grove has to offer by experiencing it yourself.
Address: 561 Blankenbaker Ln, Louisville, KY 40207, United States
Louisville Mega Cavern
The Louisville Mega Cavern is one of the best places to visit in Kentucky.
Tired of the usual? Go underground and explore Louisville from below!
Louisville Mega Cavern is one of the world’s largest caverns, with 58 degrees of temperature and over 100 acres of space.
It is a fascinating spot for people who seek exciting adventures while learning about Louisville’s history and culture.
In the 1930s, it was a limestone mine with underground passages that were man-made and had several informative adventures for visitors of all ages.
Additionally, Louisville’s geology, construction technology, and mining are explained during the trip.
The most exciting part of the trip is their MegaZip Trip!
Visitors may zip line and complete a quest to discover underground sections, ride through the tunnels, and explore challenging roped trails.
Children under 7 are not allowed to try the zip line due to safety protocols.
On every tour, visitors are accompanied by fully trained tour guides, so you do not have to worry about losing your way.
Wear a comfortable outfit if you’re planning to visit the destination.
Address: 1841 Taylor Ave, Louisville, Kentucky
Louisville Slugger Field
Check out the Louisville baseball and soccer teams’ home courts in Kentucky.
The field opened in 2000 and can accommodate up to 13,000 people.
Tourists and locals love visiting the area during the baseball season.
The Louisville Bats play their home games at Louisville Slugger Field, which is one of the best minor league baseball fields.
The Louisville Slugger baseball bat company gave Slugger Field its name. The retro-classic design of the field makes it popular with the locals.
The Brinly-Hardy Company warehouse, which used to be a train shed, is now the entrance to the famously beautiful stadium.
There are also play areas for kids, places for the press, and food stands for the press.
The Indiana and Ohio Rivers’ beauty can be seen from the stadium.
Gain memorable experiences without having to spend so much money on your trip to Kentucky.
Don’t miss the chance to see the city’s pride and honor, and cheer for them when you visit the area.
Address: 401 East Main Street, Louisville, Kentucky
Louisville Waterfront Park
Several outdoor activities and concerts await you at Louisville Waterfront Park.
At Louisville Waterfront Park, you can listen to music, read a book, and have a picnic while enjoying its picturesque view.
The park first opened in 1999 and used to cover 55 acres of land for scrap yards, sand pits, and the remaining spaces for local stands.
Over the years, they have renovated and expanded the park, which covers 85 acres now.
Over 350,000 tourists visit the site every year.
Visitors can see the mesmerizing view of the Ohio River from the park.
Wander around the park and get some fresh air.
The park’s third area is a spot built for biking and walking.
One of the most awaited events every year is the Thunder Over Louisville.
The Adventure Playground and riverfront promenade, the Tumbleweed Southwest Grill, the Lincoln Memorial, and the Swing Garden are some of the popular spots in the destination.
The park is open for rent for anyone who would like to celebrate their wedding anniversary or have romantic date nights.
Have the time of your life and enjoy everything that Louisville offers.
Address: 401 River Rd, Louisville, KY 40202, United States
MuHammad Ali Center
The story of a great boxer will surely inspire you to keep fighting in life like you own the boxing ring.
At the Muhammad Ali Center, you can learn about his culture, life, and the problems he faced along the way.
The spot is named after Muhammad Ali and opened in 2005 in the West Main District of Louisville.
A six-story building with galleries, interactive displays, and a two-level 40,000-square-foot theater.
The center has a pathway that connects to downtown sight.
Some of the exhibits you’ll find in the center are a fake boxing ring from Ali’s Deer Lake, a two-story gallery, and his boxing history.
The tour starts with a five-screen orientation film. Other displays include historical news clips from the Civil Rights era, on-demand videos of Ali’s fights, and fun boxing games.
The tour starts with a five-screen orientation film. There are also news clips from the Civil Rights era, boxing games, and videos of Ali’s fights that you can watch whenever you want.
If you’re interested in touring the area, make sure not to miss the Hammad Ali Center.
Address: 144 North Sixth Street, Louisville, Kentucky
Speed Art Museum
The oldest and largest art museum in the country can be found in Kentucky and will leave you amazed by its exhibits.
The Speed Art Museum has works by great artists like Pompeo Batoni and African art and more modern pieces.
It opened in 1927 and has had a lot of renovations, such as adding a theater, but the art is well preserved.
They have works by Flemish, French, and Dutch artists from the 17th and 18th centuries.
Baroque tapestries, Renaissance, and modern American art can be found in the museum.
The museum is located right next to the campus of Louisville University. It has extensive interactive exhibits, outdoor spaces, and programming that allow students to create a connection with art.
There are also limited-edition exhibits displayed for a short period of time.
Members of the Speed Art Museum can attend events such as summer camps and save money at the Speed Cinema.
Over 180,000 individuals visit the place every year.
Check out the museum’s website for more information regarding their schedule.
Address: 2035 S 3rd St, Louisville, KY 40208, United States
The Bard’s Town
If you love Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet, you will surely be delighted to visit The Bard’s Town!
Enjoy a fun-filled night out suited for adults and children in Louisville.
Inspired by Shakespeare, The Bard’s Town will allow you to travel back in time to a different place without leaving your chair.
It is a place that drama and theater junkies love due to its concept.
With their top-notch performances, relaxing lounge, and mouthwatering food, the place will give you a unique experience.
Even their food is Shakespearean-inspired!
Sir Francis BBQ Bacon, Rigate Diablo, and Juliet Burger are among the top favorites of the locals and tourists.
Their live entertainment includes a karaoke night, mini-theater plays, singers, and comedians, and this is what keeps the audience entertained.
If you’re a vegetarian, there’s no need to worry about what to eat because they serve a black bean burger called “To Bean, or Not to Bean.”
In addition, a special menu that caters to children with smaller appetites, iced teas, coffees, and a variety of alcoholic beverages is included in the menu.
Address: 1801 Bardstown Rd f2, Louisville, KY 40205, United States
The Big Four Bridge
Walk or ride along with one of the most incredible bridges in Kentucky that goes from one city to another.
The Big Four Bridge is a former railroad truss bridge that crosses the Ohio River and connects Jeffersonville, Indiana, to Louisville, Kentucky.
The bridge was built in 1895 and has been popular among cyclists.
It is over 2,525 feet (770 m) long and stretches over 547 feet (167 m).
It was named “The Bridge That Goes Nowhere” in 1969 when they changed it into a place where people could walk and ride their bicycles.
At each end of the bridge, there are urban green spaces with playgrounds, fountains, lawns, and pavilions where people can relax and enjoy the outdoors.
Tourists can fly their kites and throw frisbees along the start of the bridge.
An LED lighting system that can be set up to make a rainbow effect like something out of a dream at night is set up on the bridge.
Address: 1101 River Rd, Louisville, KY 40202, United States
The Louisville Palace
A Broadway-like performance at a much lower price is what to expect when traveling to Louisville.
The Louisville Palace has operated since 1928 and has the most beautiful city lights during the night.
The theater can accommodate about 2,700 individuals.
Movies, orchestras, shows for kids, and concerts are held at the Palace.
The theater has a breathtaking architectural design, so make sure to wear your best clothes for a once-upon-a-dream moment.
The live shows aren’t the only things leaving you in awe, but the Spanish Baroque-style interior with 139 sculptures of famous people.
John Eberson, the Palace’s architect, designed the theater’s roof the same as the night sky.
Well-known individuals such as Tom Jones, Prince, the Beacon Boys, and B.B. King have performed on the Palace’s stage.
Aside from stand-up comedians and Broadway shows, the Palace also features country music and R&B.
If you’re traveling to Louiseville, make it worth your while by stopping by The Louisville Palace.
Address: 625 S 4th St, Louisville, KY 40202, United States
Waverly Hills Sanatorium
Waverly Hills Sanatorium will terrify you if you’re in for some frightening experiences in Louisville.
A tour of Waverly Hills Sanatorium, ranked as one of the scariest places in America, will send chills up your spine.
The Sanatorium used to be an old tuberculosis treatment center.
Since the early 20th century, tuberculosis has been one of the biggest challenges that Louisville has experienced, which resulted in its establishing the place.
During that time, the whole city of Louisville, including the hospital, doctors, and patients, was completely cut-off and quarantined from the rest of the world.
The cure for tuberculosis was only discovered in the 1960s, so no one was interested in caring for the building.
A TV show in America, Ghost Hunters, featured the Sanatorium and claimed that it was the “most haunted” place in the eastern part of the United States.
Several reports claim that supernatural activities happen on the spot.
The best way to learn more about the Sanatorium’s history is to visit the place and prepare to get spooked.
Address: 4400 Paralee Dr, Louisville, KY 40272, United States
Whitehall House & Gardens
Explore the first house in Louisville and learn more about its history.
Built in 1855, John Marshall was the one who built the historic Whitehall House & Gardens in an Italianate style.
A thin staircase and a beautiful entrance are the highlights of the mansion.
It was made of brick and had two stories. It was on 20 acres of land that ran along Bealls Branch, a branch of Beargrass Creek.
The house had several different owners until Betty and John Summers Middleton bought the mansion in 1909.
They changed the house interior into a Southern-style Greek Revival house.
In 1994, the land, house, and furnishings were donated to the Historic Homes Foundation and renovated.
The lively garden is a fantastic place to take great photos and share them on your Instagram.
Roam around the mansion and be in awe of its rich history and architectural style.
Volunteer At Animal Shelters
Volunteering at a local animal shelter to help animals is one of the most meaningful things to do. Our communities need the hard work of animal shelters to reunite lost pets with their owners, offer safety for abused and neglected animals, and place unwanted pets in loving homes.
Volunteering is a fantastic method to bring attention to the problem of pet overpopulation, neglect, and abuse and to help towards a solution.
The holidays are an amazing time of year to stop and think of those less fortunate than us. Animals are often forgotten, but assisting can have a big impact on your community. When you get into the giving spirit this year, consider including local animal welfare organizations on your list! Happy howl-idays!
Help out in your community by visiting one of the animal shelters in Louisville, Kentucky.
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Still undecided on visiting Louisville, Kentucky? Click here for all the reasons to visit Louisville, Kentucky, at least once in your lifetime here.
Address: 3110 Lexington Rd, Louisville, KY 40206, United States
