Are you looking for some fun activities or attractions in Louisville? Even if you’ve lived in Louisville your entire life, it’s nearly impossible to know everything available to do in this historic city. Besides being home to the Kentucky Derby and birthplace of Mohamed Ali, the city is packed full of museums, sports centers, great restaurants, and niche attractions. Even the fact that Louisville has one of the largest collections of Victorian homes in the country, and the biggest collection of cast-iron building facades outside of New York’s SoHo district, is so interesting. To help you on your quest to find things to do around town, we compiled a list of 15 best things to do in Louisville that you should check out. Let’s discover what your city has to offer; maybe you’ll find a few things you didn’t already know about.
We’re aware that these uncertain times limit many aspects of life as we all practice social and physical distancing. While we’ve featured destinations that make our state wonderful, we don’t expect or encourage you to immediately check them out. We believe that supporting local businesses and attractions is important now more than ever, and we hope our articles inspire your future adventures!
What To Do In Louisville Kentucky
Fun Things To Do In Louisville:
- Watch The Derby At Churchill Downs
Of course, this would be the number one best thing to do in Louisville. Churchill Downs is home to the world-famous Kentucky Derby as well as thoroughbred horse racing. The racetrack consists of 146 acres and features an oval racetrack, a one-mile dirt track, and a seven-furlong racecourse. Since 1875, Churchill Downs has been home to the Kentucky Derby, one of the world’s most famous races. Usually scheduled at the beginning of May, derby day hosts 165,000 racing fans cheering on their favored racehorse. There really isn’t a bad seat at Churchill Downs because when the horses race around a different part of the track to where they are out of sight they can still be seen from the world’s largest 4K video screen.
Website: Kentucky Derby
- Discover The Louisville Slugger History
Located along “Museum Row” in downtown Louisville is The Louisville Slugger Museum and Factory. The museum showcases the Hillerich & Bradsby Baseball bats that are known as the Louisville Slugger. The 16,000 square feet museum has an exhibition space and section where you can learn about bat production. The museum also has many historical bats, including the bat that Babe Ruth used when hitting his last home run with the New York Yankees. Besides many hands-on exhibits to have fun with, you can also experience what it is like to have a 90 mph ball flying towards you.
Website: Louisville Slugger Museum and Factory
- Kentucky Derby Museum
We listed the Kentucky Derby as number one, but once you have gone to the Kentucky Derby, you may like to learn more about what makes a great racehorse. At the Kentucky Derby Museum, you can learn about all the different stages of a horse’s life, from birth to race day. There is also an area dedicated to this great race’s history and how many of today’s traditions came about. There are more than 20,000 items to view, including many items that jockeys and breeders have donated.
Website: Kentucky Derby Museum
- Check Out The Muhammad Ali Center
The mission at The Muhammad Ali Center is to share with its visitor the history of this champion boxer and this great man’s ideals. Everyone knows about Ali’s remarkable exploits in the ring. Still, not everybody is aware of the 22 million meals he provided for the world’s most impoverished or the medical supplies he delivered to Cuba. You can also learn about the 15 hostages he helped release from Iraq during the Gulf War and many other amazing selfless acts. Muhammad Ali has been named a Messenger of Peace by the United Nations, and all of these fantastic stories come to life at the center.
Website: The Muhammad Ali Center
- Kentucky Science Center
What to do if the kids want to get out of the house- visit the Kentucky Science Center! Sitting downtown on Music Row is The Kentucky Science Center is the biggest hands-on science museum in Kentucky. The Science Center was founded in 1871 as a natural history museum; over time, the museum has changed to what you see today. The center includes a four-story digital theater that was renovated in 2014. A new exhibit called Science in Play has proved to be hugely popular as it teaches kids through play. Kids can build roller coasters, learn motor climbing skills, and much more.
Website: Kentucky Science Center
- Belle Of Louisville Cruise
What to do if mom and dad want to get out of the house- take a riverboat cruise down the Ohio River! If you would like to get off dry land and get out on the water, take an Ohio river riverboat cruise on The Belle of Louisville, the world’s oldest operating Mississippi River-style steamboat. Built-in 1914 in Pennsylvania, the boat was initially designed to be a ferry. The vessel is completely paddle driven and can be used on nearly every inland waterway that is navigable. Choose from a selection of tours that you can join, and depending on the time of day, you can even get lunch or dinner service. Special events such as the Valentine Cruise are also worth looking out for.
Website: Belle of Louisville Cruise
- Louisville Slugger Field
Louisville Slugger Field is home to The Louisville Bats, a triple-A affiliate of the Cincinnati Reds. The stadium is named after the Slugger Baseball bat, which originates from Louisville. The field has a classic- retro design and is a much-loved place for the locals to hang out. Also, tours of the stadium can be arranged as long as there isn’t a home game being played. Tours are offered twice a day and last about an hour; the best news is the tour only costs $1.
Website: Louisville Bats
- Stay Or Eat At The 21c Museum Hotel
Located in the historic downtown area is the 21c Museum Hotel. Unlike any other, this boutique hotel has 91 rooms and features a contemporary art museum, a cultural civic center, and an award-winning restaurant. The hotel is unique and prides itself on the one of a kind experiences it can offer its guests. The hotel has won several awards that a stay or visit here is an absolute must or at least make brunch or dinner plans and enjoy the beautiful decor.
Website: 21c Museum Hotel
- Louisville Zoo
Founded in 1969, the Louisville Zoo covers 169 acres and has approximately 1,700 animals. There are six geographical settings in the Zoo: the African Veldt, The Islands, the Asian Plains, North and South America Panorama, and Australian Outback. The Gorilla Forest has proven to be extremely popular and is currently home to western lowland gorillas and patas monkeys. The Zoo is always hosting events year-round like Boo at the Zoo, 5k runs, and special animal exhibits like Butterflies n’ Blooms.
Website: Louisville Zoo
- Speed Art Museum
What to do if it’s raining outside- visit the Speed Art Museum. The Speed Art Museum is located near the University of Louisville Belknap Campus and is the oldest and largest art museum in Kentucky. There is an extensive collection of ancient, modern, and classical art held within the museum, and many western art pieces as well. The museum has been renovated to double the floor space and added a theatre, café, shop, and pavilion. Highlights of the museum include pieces by Monet and Rembrandt and their current Andy Warhol exhibition.
Website: Speed Art Museum
- The Kentucky Museum Of Art And Craft
The KMAC museum has a slogan that explains precisely what the museum is all about; “Art is the Big Idea, and Craft is the Process.” When you visit the museum, you will begin to understand the relationship art has with the craft. The museum opened in 1981 and has since built interest amongst the local people because of Kentucky’s rich artistic heritage. Over the past few years, the museum has moved and expanded and now takes up a four-story building in downtown Louisville.
Website: KMAC Museum
- Kentucky Kingdom And Hurricane Bay
What to do to feel like you’re on vacation for a day- visit Kentucky Downs and Hurricane Bay with the kids. Kentucky Kingdom and Hurricane Bay is a joint amusement park, and water park spread out over 63 acres. There are many rides to be enjoyed for all ages at the park, including bumper cars, giant wheel, slides, and various roller coasters. Don’t forget to check out the 5-D cinema in the park and sea lion shows. Overall the park is a lot of fun and features something for everyone. Also, if you need a break from the sun, there are cabana rentals available.
Website: Kentucky Kingdom and Hurricane Bay
- The Thomas Edison House Museum
Thomas Edison House is a modest duplex property that was built in approximately 1850. The story goes; a 19-year-old Edison arrived in Louisville to take a job offer from Western Union; instead of staying in the city, he intended to travel to Brazil. That plan went amiss, and Edison returned to Louisville and rented the property that is now his museum. Edison was only in Louisville for a year, though, because in 1867, he spilled some sulphuric acid on his boss’ desk and was fired the following day.
Website: Thomas Edison House
- The Cathedral Of Assumption
There is a fascinating history behind the Cathedral of the Assumption; in fact, shortly after it was built, the cathedral was nearly destroyed by anti-immigrant and anti-Catholic activists who attacked the cathedral. Daily mass is still held at the cathedral, and the church’s body can seat 966 people in individual chairs with kneelers instead of traditional pews. The cathedral’s interior has been renovated several times since it was built, but it still maintains its beautiful finishes.
Website: The Cathedral of Assumption
- The Brennan House
Initially built for Francis Ronald, a tobacco merchant, Thomas Brennan purchased the home in 1884. The three-story brick townhome features original lighting and furnishings inspired by the Italianate style. Other features of the home include hand-carved marble, stained glass windows, and crystal chandeliers. In 1912 an addition to the north wing of the house was made to accommodate a waiting area and exam room for two of Brennan’s sons practicing medicine at the time. The medical office is still intact today. The whole building and history make it worth a visit.
Website: The Brennan House
Conclusion:
Hopefully, this list of best things to do in Louisville has given you some great ideas for something to do around town. Exploring new things in the area is a great way to learn more about your city and get you and your family out of the house. These last few months, you probably have experienced your fair share of being stuck at home. Besides being ready to get out of your house, you may have discovered your home isn’t a good fit for your family anymore. If you are considering upsizing or downsizing or just ready to be done with home repairs and renovations that eat into any extra money to enjoy activities like the ones listed above, we understand!
If you are considering a housing change or due to unforeseen circumstances, need to move, Time Worthy Property Solutions can be of help! We are a professional home buying company in Louisville KY that purchases properties in as-is condition around the Louisville area. Unlike traditional home sales, we work with people facing bankruptcy, liens, foreclosure, major repairs, and more.
Besides purchasing houses in as-is condition, we also pay in cash, which allows us to close quickly. We would save you the trouble of hiring an agent, making costly repairs, and months of uncertainty selling a house on the market. Better yet, there are no commissions, fees, or closing costs when you work with Time Worthy Property Solutions.
Don’t be stuck in a house that doesn’t allow you to get out and enjoy life. If you’re ready to take the next step and get a cash offer for your home, give us a call or visit our website. We are excited for you to be able to enjoy the attractions that Louisville has to offer its residents.