Top Things To Do In Louisville, Kentucky

Louisville typically isn’t a city you think about visiting when it comes to big cities in the United States. However, with its southern charm, wealth of big attractions, and its deep connection with sports of all kinds, there’s more to this fair city than most people give it credit for.

This city is near and dear to my heart because when I was a consultant, I had my first client in this very city. The project was long, and so I ended up spending a few weeks here, and needless to say,  I fell in love with Louisville. Here are my top picks for the best things to do in Louisville.

Top Things You Need To Do In Louisville Kentucky

Louisville is an underrated destination. Most people assume it’s all bourbon and horse racing, and while it is that, there is so much more to do in this city.

I’m here to give you a rundown of the top things you simply must do when you’re in Louisville whether you’re into sports, breweries, history, or just want a unique experience.

1) Louisville Slugger Museum & Factory

Calling all baseball fans! The Louisville Slugger Museum & Factory is a top attraction in Louisville that will give you an inside look into the history of one of the most iconic baseball bats in the world. Right in the heart of downtown, the entrance is unmistakable with its 120-feet tall replica of Babe Ruth’s Louisville Slugger bat. 

This is a great activity for fans of all ages, giving you an exciting peek inside the factory where those iconic bats are made. You can check out the detailed manufacturing process that brings these sports tools to life and get a feel for the craftsmanship involved. We know you might be thinking, it’s just a bat. How exciting could it be? Trust us, you’ll leave with a newfound appreciation for the sport and its history.

They’ve done a fantastic job of creating a fun atmosphere that lets you get involved with the process. You’ll have tons of chances for memorable photo ops, like posing with unique bats and trying out hands-on experiences.

Our favorite part was taking a swing in the batting cage. Set your speed, pick up a classic Louisville slugger, and swing for the fences. It took me right back to my childhood days playing Little League.  Plus, getting up close with some historical bats allows you to really appreciate the rich heritage and legacy of baseball in a fun, immersive way. It’s a must-do for any baseball fan or newby to the sport!

2) Kentucky Derby At Churchill Downs

The Kentucky Derby is definitely one of the most popular events in Louisville. Known as “The Most Exciting Two Minutes in Sports”, this horse race has been held annually at Churchill Downs since 1875 and is the first race of the Triple Crown.

Attending the Kentucky Derby at Churchill Downs is an unforgettable experience filled with tradition, fashion (literally more hats than horses), and excitement. The atmosphere is electric, with thousands of people dressed to impress and sipping on mint juleps (the official drink of the Kentucky Derby).

This iconic event takes place on the first Saturday in May and draws crowds from all over the globe to experience the thrill of this historic race. But going to the Kentucky Derby takes quite a bit of planning and preparation. Tickets are on the pricier side and about 95% of them sell during the presales and annual renewals. So if you want to attend, make sure to plan well in advance.

But if you don’t get tickets or you happen to be in Louisville at any other time during the year, (which is more than likely) you can still visit Churchill Downs and take a tour of the racetrack, which includes a visit to the Kentucky Derby Museum.

The museum is filled with interactive exhibits, artifacts, and memorabilia that showcase the history of this prestigious event. You can even walk through a replica of a jockey’s locker room and get up close to the finish line. The guided tour also takes you to Millionaires Row where you can see the lavish suites where celebrities and VIPs watch the race.

3) Muhammad Ali Center

One of the most famous athletes of all time and a cultural icon, Muhammad Ali, was born and raised in Louisville. The Muhammad Ali Center is not only a tribute to his life and career but also promotes his six core principles: confidence, conviction, dedication, giving, respect, and spirituality.

The center features exhibits about Ali’s life from the time when he was a young boy on the west side of Louisville to his rise as a boxer, including his fall from the sport when he came out against the Vietnam War.

But what we really enjoyed most about the center was how it highlighted all of Ali’s humanitarian efforts and activism outside of the ring. He was not only a champion in boxing but also a champion for social justice and equality. The center is a powerful reminder of his impact on the world and his lasting legacy. It’s pretty epic to see someone who absolutely dominated their sport also use their platform for the greater good.

The museum has five floors and includes a variety of videos, photographs, and artifacts from Ali’s personal collection. Prepare to be inspired after every single video, it’s like an emotional rollercoaster. On the top floor, you can see a replica of the gym where Ali trained when he was coming back from his suspension. You can get in the ring, try on some boxing gloves, float around like a butterfly, and sting like a bee to get the true Ali experience!

4) Go On A Distillery Tour

You can’t go to Kentucky and not try some Bourbon, it’s like a rite of passage. Louisville has some of the best distilleries in the state, making it the perfect place to go on a distillery tour.

Some of the most famous bourbons in the world are made right here, such as Woodford Reserve, Maker’s Mark, and Jim Beam. Each distillery offers a unique tour experience where you can learn about the history of bourbon making, see the production process firsthand, and of course, taste some samples.

I’m not the biggest bourbon fan, so going to one distillery was enough for me. We were able to visit the Angels Envy distillery and it was a fantastic experience. We were introduced to the distilling process and were able to walk through the warehouse where the bourbon was being aged in wooden barrels. And of course, we ended the tour with a 3 whiskey sample tasting, along with some paired chocolates. The whiskey was good, but I’m glad we had the chocolates with it, ha!

If you’re a bourbon lover, this is definitely something you don’t want to miss out on in Louisville. You can also book an urban bourbon trail tasting tour that will allow you to visit 3 different distilleries in one day, so you don’t have to choose just one. And even if you’re not a huge fan like myself, learning about the history and production process behind Kentucky’s most famous drink is still worth experiencing.

5) Louisville Mega Cavern

Who knew there were over 17 miles of underground passageways beneath the city of Louisville? The Louisville Mega Cavern is a former limestone mine that has been turned into an underground adventure park.

As you step inside, you’re greeted by the cool, earthy air, and the huge cavern opens up into a maze of underground tunnels, bridges, and zip lines. One of the best ways to experience the cavern is by hopping on a guided tram tour. As you glide through the winding passages, the guides will tell you all about the history of the cavern and how today it’s actually considered the largest building in Kentucky by volume. (Spoiler alert: it’s only because the cavern has scaffolding inside it!)

There are actually so many things to do in the Mega Cavern, you fly through the air on the zipline or walk through the underground park, and there is also a ropes challenge course if you and your friends are feeling competitive. And while when we first read about the Mega Cavern we assumed it was just full of kids, this is actually a really fun place for adults. There were loads of people of all different ages having a good time.

If you happen to be around during the holidays, this is one of the best things to do in Louisville at Christmas. They do a great holiday lights display that has literally millions of lights strung up throughout the cavern. So if you’re making your way through Kentucky in December, definitely add this to your list.

6) Go On A Highlands Food Tour

If we’re in a new city, you can guarantee we’re gonna be looking for a way to incorporate local food into a tour. That’s why we were so excited to find out about the Highlands Food Tour in Louisville.

On this tour, you will stroll through two of the most famous neighborhoods in the city, the Highlands and the Cherokee Triangle Districts. The Highlands neighborhood is known for its gorgeous Victorian homes, eclectic boutiques, and fantastic restaurants.

The Cherokee Triangle District is full of grand oak trees and a mix of historic architecture, art galleries, and locally owned shops. It’s the two perfect neighborhoods to stroll through while sampling some of the best food and drinks Louisville has to offer.

Throughout the tour, you’ll learn about the history of Louisville, pass by the Cave Hill Cemetery, and stop at the final resting place of Mohammed Ali and Colonel Sanders, the founder of Kentucky Fried Chicken. We personally loved hearing the stories from the guide and trying the local favorites like the famous Hot Brown sandwich (A hot sandwich with turkey, bacon, and Mornay sauce).

7) Visit The Historic Old Louisville

If you want to see some of the most beautiful mansions and homes in Louisville, then a visit to the Historic Old Louisville neighborhood is a must. This area is recognized as the third-largest preservation district of Victorian architecture in the United States.

The neighborhood features over 48 city blocks filled with stunning homes from the late 1800s and early 1900s. Strolling through these streets will make you feel like you’ve been transported back in time. And during the fall when the leaves are changing, my goodness is it stunning. The amount of photos we took during our time here is endless!

The architectural styles range from Gothic to Italianate, constantly captivating the eye. Many of these homes have been restored to their original beauty, giving visitors a glimpse into the rich history and culture of Louisville.

One of the most famous homes in Old Louisville is the Conrad-Caldwell House Museum, also known as “Conrad’s Castle.” This impressive mansion was built in 1895 and showcases the opulence and grandeur of the Victorian era.

If you want a full rundown of the history, including the witches, ghosts, and spirits said to roam the area, take a guided walking tour. We found the prices to be super reasonable and it gave us a chance to learn even more about the neighborhood.

8) Stroll Through The Waterfront Park

On days when work would finish early or when we needed a break from exploring the city, we loved taking a stroll through the Waterfront Park in Louisville. This award-winning public park stretches along the Ohio River and has some spectacular views of the city skyline.

During the spring and summer, this park can get packed with locals and tourists enjoying the outdoor space. The Great Lawn is probably the most popular spot, with its vast green space along the river. It’s a great place to relax and have a picnic while taking in the beautiful scenery.

There are also various events held at the park throughout the year, including concerts, festivals, and outdoor movie screenings. Check out their calendar to see what’s happening during your visit.

If you’re feeling more active, you can rent a bike or a pedal cart to explore the park or even take a ride on the Belle of Louisville steamboat. Personally, I loved the swing garden, it’s basically a large open area with bench swings surrounding the park. It’s the perfect spot to relax and unwind after a long day of exploring

Lastly, for the best sunset spot in Louisville, head to Big Four Bridge, a pedestrian bridge that connects Kentucky and Indiana. The views from the bridge are breathtaking, especially during golden hour. But if you can’t make it for sundown, the bridge also lights up at night, making for a magical walk across the river.

Where To Stay In Louisville

If you are looking for cheap hotels in Louisville, there are plenty of options, but the key is to stay closer to the University of Louisville where the prices drop considerably compared to the downtown core.

What To Pack For Louisville

For your trip to Louisville make sure to check the weather forecast! If you plan to travel here in the winter months, make sure to bring layers as it can get quite chilly. That said, the summer months can get pretty hot, with a mild spring and fall. Packing is very dependent on when you go, but we have a few travel essentials for anytime below and check out our 6 Minimalist Travel Packing Tips for more inspo!

• Comfortable shoes: There can be lots of walking in Louisville, comfortable shoes are a must to prevent aching feet.
• Rain coat: You don’t want to get caught out and about in a popup shower without a jacket!
• Sunglasses: I don’t go on any trip without our Maui Jims. These should be on every persons packing list.

There’s Much More To See In Louisville

For so long, Louisville has just been that city in Kentucky known for horse racing and fried chicken. But after spending a bit of time there, I can confidently say that it has so much more to offer. From the ginormous bat at the Louisville Slugger Museum to the gorgeous Victoria mansions, Louisville is full of surprises and charm.

Whether you’re into history and culture, or just looking for a fun weekend getaway with friends, Louisville has something for everyone. And if you plan just right, you can catch a Cardinal’s game, visit the iconic Churchill Downs, and still have time to explore the city’s hidden gems.

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