Louisville may be best known for hosting the annual Kentucky Derby, but with museums, an attractive riverfront area and more than 100 parks, its attractions are diverse and plenty.
Louisville stands on the banks of the Ohio River. It was founded in 1778 and named after the French King Louis XVI. For more than 200 years the river has been an important part of Louisville life for commerce, economic growth and recreation.
Go for a river boat trip on the Belle of Louisville, the oldest operating steamboat in the United States. Walk, jog or cycle along the 7-mile (11-kilometer) Riverwalk that snakes through downtown along the shores of the river. On the way you’ll pass forests, fountains and markers providing information about the river’s history.
Louisville relishes the opportunity to show off its heritage. Learn about its history at Museum Row, where nine attractions are found within four blocks. Watch baseball bats being produced at the Louisville Slugger Museum. The Louisville Slugger is the Official Bat of Major League Baseball. Discover the works of local artists at the Kentucky Museum of Art and Craft and stop by the Muhammad Ali Center, a museum devoted to promoting the boxer’s ideals.
Head to Churchill Downs racetrack and learn about the history of one of the world’s most famous horse races at Kentucky Derby Museum. The race is held annually on the first Saturday of May in Louisville’s Churchill Downs racetrack.
Bourbon has long been associated with the state of Kentucky and Louisville is the location of several major distilleries. Drink to the city’s good health on the Urban Bourbon Trail, consisting of a number of bars and restaurants with vast bourbon selections.
Louisville is also home to more than 2,500 restaurants. Reserve your table at one of the eateries on “Restaurant Row” in the Highlands neighborhood. This has the largest collection of restaurants and bars in the city.
