Top 5 Things to do in Louisville Kentucky

Given that we live just a few hours away from Louisville, I make frequent trips to this bustling city in northern Kentucky. So I thought it was about time I shared some of my favorite things to do in Louisville!

If you have never been to Louisville you may be surprised at the diverse range of activities and attractions this Midwest city contains. No matter your age or interests, you will find plenty of appealing things to see and do in Louisville all throughout the year.

Even with multiple trips, I’ve only scratched the surface on all that Louisville has to offer. But as far as I’m concerned, you haven’t really experienced Louisville until you have checked these top 5 things off your Louisville to-do list.

1. Walk Across the Big Four Bridge

Park the car and put on your tennis shoes for this first activity!

Spanning the Ohio River, the Big Four Bridge connects Jeffersonville, Indiana and Louisville, Kentucky. While this bridge was built well over 100 years ago, it just reopened to pedestrians in 2014. In a matter of minutes, you can make your way across the river and set foot in 2 different states. All while admiring the beautiful Midwest landscape.

At nearly 1 mile in length, this bridge is a car-free zone, making it a haven for walkers and cyclists. In addition to providing an opportunity for physical fitness, this architectural feat also offers plenty of visual appeal. Be sure to check out the Big Four Bridge after dark when it illuminates, cycling through a rainbow of colors for onlookers in both states to enjoy.

Once you cross over to Jeffersonville, Indiana there are tons of fun shops and eateries within walking distance, so plan to spend a bit of time in the Hoosier state before heading back to Louisville.

What To Know Before You Go:

Hours: Open 24/7
Cost: FREE
Do’s and Don’ts: Pets, motorized recreational vehicles, skates and skateboards are prohibited, but biking is allowed.
For More Information: click here.

2. Tour the Louisville Slugger Museum & Factory

I’m not a huge fan of baseball, but even I loved touring the famous Louisville Slugger Museum. If you are a dedicated fan of America’s favorite pastime, then you will be totally geeked out by this museum!

Regardless of your affinity for baseball, this museum offers plenty of interactive activities to keep you (and your kids) entertained. Smack dab in the middle of downtown Louisville, you can’t miss the Louisville Slugger Museum. Just look for the giant baseball bat out front!

Admission includes a 30-minute tour of the factory to see where 1.8 million of these famous baseball bats are made each year. All guests get a miniature Louisville Slugger bat to take home after the tour!

In the museum, you will admire tons of memorabilia from baseball legends with plenty of opportunity for selfies with larger than life baseball props. Then test your own baseball skills in Bud’s Batting Cage or practice your grip on bats actually used by some of baseball’s greatest players.

What To Know Before You Go:

Hours: 9-5 Monday through Saturday and 11-5 on Sundays
Cost: Admission is $16 for adults, $15 for 60+, $9 for kids ages 6-12, and free for those under 5
Do’s and Don’ts: Plan to spend about 2 hours taking the factory tour and visiting the museum. Allow extra time and bring extra money to pick up souvenirs in the gift shop.
For More Information: click here.

3. Sample Kentucky Bourbon

Were you aware that Kentucky produces 95% of the world’s bourbon? And do you know the difference between bourbon and whiskey? If not, then hop on the Kentucky Bourbon Trail to increase your knowledge and get your fill of Kentucky’s most beloved liquor.

Designate a sober driver and leave the kids at home for this adults-only activity!

With five locations on the Kentucky bourbon trail in downtown Louisville you can choose to stay in the heart of the city to sample this legendary liquor. Or venture beyond the city limits to check out even more of the well-known distilleries across the state.

Pick up your Kentucky Bourbon Trail Passport at your first distillery and then work your way through all 16 stops to fill your passport and claim your prize. Don’t plan to accomplish this feat in 1 day! Dedicated bourbon connoisseurs will need a full week to complete this task, so multiple trips to Kentucky may be in order.

I’m not a huge bourbon drinker, but even I thoroughly enjoyed spending time touring the Heaven Hill Distillery and throwing back several sips of the strong elixir in their tasting room. And I look forward to making my way through many more of Kentucky’s world-famous distilleries!

Each distillery and tasting room offers its own unique way of telling the history of Kentucky bourbon and introducing you to its version of the legendary liquor.

What To Know Before You Go:

Hours: Varies by location
Cost: Most stops on the Kentucky Bourbon trail charge a minimal amount for tours and may include tastings, but this varies by venue.
Do’s and Don’ts: Do drink responsibly and select a designated driver or plan to Uber. Bring a valid ID as you must be 21 to sample or drink alcohol. Some venues may allow minors to enter, but best to leave the little ones at home for this one.
For More Information: click here.

4. Venture into the Mega Cavern

Louisville’s Mega Cavern is basically an underground theme park! It is a former mining site and one of the largest caverns in the world.

Visitors have many options on how to explore this underground playground. Take a walking tour to investigate the cavern on foot and learn about its fascinating history. Or you can ride a tram through Mega Cavern as a guide regales you with many facts and tales of the underground.

More adventurous visitors may opt to zip-line through this underground oasis. Mega Zips includes 6 Zip lines and 2 challenge bridges for  approximately 2 1/2 hours of exhilarating fun. Mega Quest allows you to test your skills on an aerial ropes challenge course, the only fully underground course in existence!

A very popular seasonal event at the Mega Cavern is Lights Under Louisville. Drive your personal vehicle through this spectacular underground lights display every holiday season. Take in 17 miles of twinkling lights at the only underground holiday light show in the world!

What To Know Before You Go:

Hours: Various, depending on the activity
Cost: Mega Tram is $10.99 (ages 3-11) or $15.99 (12 and up) with discounts for Seniors and Military, Ziplining is $69.99 to $94.99 per person, Mega Quest runs $19.99 (ages 5-11) on weekdays and $24.99 on weekends and $24.99 weekdays and $29.99 weekends (12 and up), $14.99 for the 90-minute walking tour (must be 7 or older), Lights Under Louisville is $27 per car.
Do’s and Don’ts: Reservations for various activities are not required, but are highly recommended. Bad weather could cause Mega Cavern to close so call ahead to ensure they are open. Closed-toes shoes and a jacket are recommended attire for most activities as the year-round temperature is approximately 58 degrees.
For More Information: click here.

5. See the Horses at Churchill Downs

You can’t think about Kentucky without elegant horses coming to mind. And you can’t truly experience Louisville without visiting the legendary location for thoroughbred racing, Churchill Downs.

Home to the Kentucky Derby, Churchill Downs hosts this signature horse race every year during the first weekend in May. While the racing may take place on the track, there is plenty to see in the stands as well. From garish outfits to massive headwear, a trip to the Kentucky Derby is a feast for the eyes and an experience you won’t soon forget.

I’ve never attended the Kentucky Derby to experience all the pomp and circumstance, but I have placed a bet or 2 on the horses at Churchill Downs on less prominent race days. Even though I don’t consider myself a huge gambler, I love the excitement and energy of the horse track!

I’ll admit I select my bets based more on the creative names of the horses and the style of the jockey’s jersey than any actual racing stats, and that’s probably why I haven’t hit any big jackpots.

No matter your level of skill or luck when it comes to horse racing, it is worth the trip to Churchill Downs to witness the beauty of this legendary facility and the beautiful thoroughbreds that grace the track.

Visit the Kentucky Derby Museum (separate admission fee required) for a 30-minute walking tour of the famous racetrack as well as access to the Museum’s stable to learn even more about this iconic sports venue.

What To Know Before You Go:

Hours: Varies throughout the year and by event.
Cost: General admission (does not guarantee a seat) to the racetrack for Adults is $5 or $3 for 60+, 12 & younger are free. Expect to pay a much heftier fee for special events including the Kentucky Derby. Depending on your risk tolerance, bring extra money for betting and partaking in their famous Mint Juleps. Museum admission is a separate fee ($15/adult or $8/children)
Do’s and Don’ts: Remember to gamble responsibly. There is a recommended dress code for certain races and sections of seating so consult their website and plan your attire accordingly. For most events, no outside food or beverages are allowed, but there are a variety of items available for purchase onsite.
For More Information: click here.

Have you visited Louisville, Kentucky lately? What are our favorite things to do in this marvelous midwestern city?

Wherever the road takes you, make it a joyous journey,
Traveling Tanya

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