Are you looking for things to do in Louisville, KY? If so, keep reading for all our top suggestions!
If you’re visiting the area soon, you might be looking for fun things to do in Louisville, KY. There are so many great options for things to do in Louisville, KY – for all different interests and budgets!
So if you’re planning a trip to Louisville, hopefully this epic list of 26 things to do in Louisville KY will give you LOADS of inspiration and ideas!
So let’s get into it!
Here are our top things to do in Louisville, KY!
Kentucky Derby Museum
The first spot on our list of things to do in Louisville, KY belongs to the Kentucky Derby Museum. You’ve probably heard of the Kentucky Derby, so we won’t delve too deeply into its history.
However, if you’re looking to learn more about this amazing race (think the most famous figures and events), then you need to check this place out. Even if you’re not familiar with the Derby, any horseracing fanatics will appreciate a visit to this incredible spot. This is a classic choice for things to do in Louisville.
Louisville Mega Cavern
Although we don’t recommend visiting the Louisville Mega Cavern if you have issues with enclosed spaces, this is one of the most exciting things to do in Louisville, KY if you love caving. Sure, it’s not a real cave, but this artificial cavern is one of the coolest things to do in Louisville, KY.
Not only can you go ziplining and exploring, but you can even take a tram tour in here! It’s crazy how much you can get done in the Louisville Mega Cavern, and we wholeheartedly recommend a visit if you’ve got space in your itinerary.
Bourbon City Cruisers
Bourbon City Cruisers is next on our list of things to do in Louisville, KY. If you’re looking for a fun and exciting way to explore Louisville, KY, then this might be exactly what you’re looking for!
These quirky little tuk-tuks are the cutest and quirkiest way to get around, and they’re eco-friendly too (which we love!). They run bourbon tours, cocktail tours and sightseeing tours – so you can choose the perfect tour option for your group too! This is such a fun choice for things to do in Louisville, KY!
The Mary M. Miller Riverboat
Next on our list of things to do in Louisville, KY, it’s the Mary M. Miller Riverboat. There’s nothing quite as lovely as a riverboat tour, and this is a wonderful choice if you’re looking for one in the Louisville area.
You can join the Mary M. Miller Riverboat for a sightseeing tour, or a dinner tour, or even a bougie brunch! They’ve got so many great options to choose from! Another great option for things to do in Louisville, KY!
Louisville Slugger Museum & Factory
If you’re even remotely interested in baseball, then you need to add the Louisville Slugger Museum & Factory to your list of things to do in Louisville, KY. Filled with amazing baseball artifacts and telling the story of the Louisville Sluggers from their inception, this is a baseball-lovers haven. Oh, and the 120-foot baseball bat is well worth a photograph. Seriously, you can’t miss it!
Churchill Downs
Churchill Downs is next on our list of things to do in Louisville, Kentucky. If you don’t already know about this place in Louisville, Churchill Downs is a horse racing complex located on Central Avenue.
It’s particularly well known for hosting the annual Kentucky Derby, and you can bet that Louisville will be jam-packed with visitors when this big event is taking place! If horse racing is your thing, then definitely don’t miss out on this choice for things to do in Louisville, KY.
The Speed Art Museum
The Speed Art Museum is next on our list of things to do in Louisville, KY. If you’re an art lover, then you’ll love spending an afternoon exploring this amazing art gallery. There are plenty of things to do in Louisville for art lovers, and this is definitely one of the top galleries. This place is the oldest, largest, and foremost museum of art in Kentucky, so don’t miss it. We think you’ll love it!
The Waverly Hills Sanatorium
Next on our list of things to do in Louisville, KY, it’s the Waverly Hills Sanatorium. This is one of the quirkiest things to do in Louisville, KY – and if you’re into spooky stories and ghost tours, then we think this will be a great option for you!
This place really comes alive (literally!) during the Halloween season. They run special events during this time of year, and you’ll find special tours and allsorts of fun (and spooky) things going on.
KMAC Museum
Another great choice for things to do in Louisville, KY, is the KMAC Museum. KMAC might not be one of Lousville’s biggest art museums or galleries, but it’s a wonderful one all the same! KMAC Museum houses some beautiful contemporary art, with changing exhibitions.
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Muhammad Ali Center
Everyone knows the legendary athlete Muhammad Ali. And next on our list of things to do in Louisville, KY, it’s the ALi Center. If you’re looking to learn more about his incredible life, then be sure to visit the Muhammad Ali Center.
As well as providing information about this athlete’s life and career, the spot acts as the perfect dedication to an incredible man. With reasonable admission rates, this is one of the best things to do in Louisville, KY for those on a stricter budget.
Frankfort Avenue
You can’t visit Louisville without stopping by Frankfort Avenue. This popular destination is packed with shopping and dining opportunities, making it the perfect place to visit between tourist attractions. Now, if you struggle to keep your spending under control, then this may be a dangerous place to visit.
As one of the best things to do in Louisville, KY, you’ll certainly be tempted by the goods for sale here. However, we must say that you likely won’t regret a purchase or three at Frankfort Avenue. You only live once, after all!
Cave Hill Cemetery
Okay, so a cemetery may not immediately hit you as one of the best things to do in Louisville, KY. However, you should totally bear with us. As well as being on the National Register of Historic Places, this spot in Louisville offers visitors a gorgeous spot in which to relax, unwind, and contemplate.
If you look closely at the graves here, you’ll notice that this is the final resting place of several Civil War soldiers. Although you may not agree with the fighting cause in the South, this is one of the best things to do in Louisville, KY for those looking to widen their knowledge of the Civil War and the history of the South.
Kentucky Science Center
Who doesn’t love a science center? Next on our list of things to do in Louisville, it’s the Kentucky Science Center. Always packed to the rafters with curious visitors, this is by far one of the best things to do in Louisville, KY. Believe it or not, this wonderful center was built way back in 1871. Obviously, since then the exhibitions have grown, and science has come a long way.
However, the fact that this building has been educating the public for 150 years is awesome, right? Featuring floor-upon-floor of interactive exhibits as well as a workshop lab that allows you to get stuck in, this is one of our top things to do in Louisville, KY for anyone who’s curious to learn more about how the world works.
Rose Island Abandoned Theme Park
Next on our list of things to do in Louisville, Kentucky, it’s the Rose Island Abandoned Theme Park. This is one of the weirdest and wackiest things to do in Louisville, KY – and there’s definitely nothing else like it.
Rose Island is an abandoned amusement park, and it’s located just over the river from Lousiville, and well worth a visit. Whilst technically, this place is located in Charlestown, IN – it’s only a short drive from Louiseville and makes for a pretty fascinating day out.
Thomas Edison House
Thomas Edison House is our next suggestion for things to do in Louisville, Kentucky. If you’re into science and history, then this is going to check loads of boxes for you! Thomas Edison House is a museum dedicated to the life of the famous inventor Thomas Edison. There are plenty of fascinating things to learn in this place, and it’s a great place to spend a few hours looking around.
Old Forester Distilling Co.
Old Forester Distilling Co. is our next suggestion for things to do in Louisville, KY. This place is a must-visit for whiskey and bourbon lovers! They offer educational tours on bourbon fermentation, distilling & barrel-making, plus tasting tours too! Oh, and of course, there’s a gift shop too! This place is a must-visit location in Louisville, KY for anyone who loves a tipple of whiskey or bourbon!
The Big Four Bridge
The Big Four Bridge is next on our list of things to do in Louisville, KY. It is an impressive former railroad bridge that crosses the Ohio River. It was originally built back in 1895 and transitioned into a pedestrian bridge back in 1967. As it’s completely closed off to traffic, you’ll be able to explore the Big Four Bridge without worrying about tooting horns or your personal safety.
Be sure to bring your camera along to the bridge; not only does it give you an excellent vantage point to view the surrounding area to snap pictures from, but the bridge itself is just a marvel! Overall, this is one of the most wonderful, scenic things to do in Louisville, KY that you shouldn’t miss.
The Conrad-Caldwell House Museum
Historic buildings are all the rage in the South. If you’re looking for awesome things to do in Louisville, KY that will give you plenty of information about past residents here, then the Conrad-Caldwell House Museum is a must-visit. With a beautiful exterior and equally impressive interior, this house is an architectural marvel that we feel any visitor to Louisville should see.
Louisville Waterfront Park
If you’re looking for a spot of downtime, then there’s no better place than Louisville Waterfront Park, which is next on our list of things to do in Louisville, KY. As well as being gorgeous to look at, this area is quiet, ethereal, and packed with greenery. In addition to the paved promenade which takes you along the Ohio River, you’ll also find an amazing playground that kids adore. Sometimes, kids just need to blow off some steam. So, don’t hesitate to let them clamber and explore!
If you really want to make a day of your visit here, then consider bringing a picnic to this park. Not only does saving money on a restaurant meal make this one of the best things to do in Louisville, KY, but it will allow you bask in the sun and enjoy the views for a couple of hours. Lovely.
Frazier History Museum
Louisville is absolutely packed with museums. So packed in fact, that the city even has a “Museum Row”. One of the best things to do in Louisville, KY is to pay a visit to the Frazier History Museum. Covering an amazing three floors, this museum contains artifacts from American history that date back to the 1500s. That’s right – there’s over 500 years of history in this building!
Most of the exhibits here are permanent, but there are interesting temporary exhibits that switch throughout the year. Designed in a way that’s interactive, fun, and informative, this is by far one of the best things to do in Louisville, KY for any history buff!
The Louisville Palace
You may be disappointed to know that you won’t be viewing a Disney-esque palace at the Louisville Palace. However, that sadness will quickly be replaced by joy when you realize that you’ll be able to catch an awesome show instead! A visit to the Louisville Palace has long been one of the best things to do in Louisville, KY.
With plenty of concerts, kids’ shows, and wonderful theater performances taking place across the year, there’s always something happening that you can catch.
In addition to being an excellent performance venue, this spot also features on the U.S National Register of Historic Places due to its incredible interior and Baroque design. So, if you’re looking to tick each historic place off your bucket list, then be sure to add this to your list of things to do in Louisville, KY.
Old Louisville
Anyone looking for a taste of history is sure to appreciate the next item on our list of things to do in Louisville, KY. Old Louisville has long been known for its beautiful blocks, Victorian architecture, and lush greenery. If you’re interested in stained-glass, then you’ll be pleased to know that many of the buildings here feature gorgeous stained-glass windows. Just keep your eyes peeled!
Old Louisville isn’t quite as old as the city itself, but having been built in the 1870s, it’s still got plenty of historic charm to hold your interest. Therefore, we feel it’s absolutely one of the most incredible things to do in Louisville, KY!
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Louisville Zoo
Next on our list of things to do in Louisville, KY, it’s Louisville Zoo. Although most zoos are awesome, there’s something special about the Louisville Zoo. Since its opening in 1969, this enormous zoo has welcomed visitors through its doors to greet Kentucky’s gorgeous wildlife. You will of course see some native animals, but you’ll also be able to check out the more international exhibits.
Among these are the amazing African exhibit and the Gorilla Forest. With so much information on offer, as well as a petting zoo and Conservation Carousel, this is one of the best things to do in Louisville, KY for anyone traveling with kids.
Flame Run Glass Studio and Gallery
There’s something truly majestic about glass blowing. If you find yourself fascinated by this complex practice, then be sure to add the Flame Run Glass Studio and Gallery to your list of things to do in Louisville, KY. This is a great choice for things to do in Louisville, KY.
Not only will you be able to witness awesome glass blowing demonstrations, but you’ll be able to check out various exhibitions and partake in classes. If you’re on a budget, then this is also one of the best things to do in Louisville, KY as admission is totally free! Hallelujah.
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Altitude Trampoline Park Of Louisville
Altitude Trampoline Park Of Louisville is next on our list of the best things to do in Louisville. If you’re looking for things to do in Louisville with kids or teenagers, then the trampoline park is a great idea. They can bounce around, cause some chaos, burn loads of energy, all at a pretty reasonable price too!
Lights Under Louisville
Last on our list of things to do in Louisville, it’s the festive Lights Under Louisville. If you’re visiting during the winter months around Christmas time… Then this is a perfect option for things to do in Louisville, KY. It’s full of festive spirit and a perfect way to kick off the Christmas season!
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Hopefully this epic list of things to do in Louisville, KY, has been helpful!
As you can see, there are so many great choices for things to do in Louisville, KY! Whether you want to go sightseeing or enjoy a tipple of whiskey! Hopefully, this list of the best things to do in Louisville, KY, has given you plenty of inspiration!
