Things to do in Louisville

Mammoth Caves are the world's longest cave systems, the cave system is part of the Mammoth Cave national Park in Kentucky. Mammoth Caves are a nature's wonder, 400 miles of which have been surveyed, explored and

A 5-minute drive from Louisville, in New Albany, IN, the Carnegie Center for Art and History is a museum of local history and also a contemporary art gallery that offers a number of programs and activities for

The Kentucky Derby Museum is a must visit for fans of thoroughbred horse racing. With fascinating exhibits on the history of one of the finest events in the sport and about the venue of Churchill Downs there is

Churchill Downs is an institution of North American thoroughbred horse racing. It is home to the Kentucky Derby which is internationally known as one of the most important events in the sport. It was opened in

Learn the history of the American Printing House for the Blind, an institution which began in a school basement and transformed itself over time into the world's largest manufacturer of educational devices for

Lovers of nature and garden enthusiasts will be thrilled with Yew Dell Gardens, an oasis of flower and vegetable gardens, magnificent trees, a woodland area, two ponds and plenty of hiking trails. The Gardens

Visit the University of Louisville's Gheens Science Hall and Rauch Planetarium, where you can learn from the interactive science and astronomy exhibits, admire the displays of art and technology, attend a science-related

Nature lovers will not want to miss the Louisville Nature Center, where one can admire over 180 different varieties of trees, shrubs and native wildflowers along with a picturesque pond on a walk through the garden

Don't miss Kentucky's largest, interactive science center which contains three floors of exhibits, educational displays, laboratories, and a four-story theater. One can learn scientific facts in an entertaining

Recently named one of the Best Factory Tours for Kids in FamilyFun magazine, the Louisville Slugger Museum & Factory offers visitors the opportunity to see pieces of wood whittled down into the notorious Louisville

Hosting everything from festivals, concerts, charity walks and sports tournaments to family reunions, weddings, and corporate picnics, the Louisville Waterfront Park offers Kentucky citizens and visitors a chance

Minutes from downtown Louisville, Atlantis WaterPark (formerly Wave Tek) offers some relief from the summer heat with a large wave pool, a number of water slides, and a special area for toddlers, complete with

Discovered by pioneer Squire Boone and his brother, Daniel, the Squire Boone Caverns provide a fascinating look at an underground ecosystem and cave configurations that have been formed over millions of years

The Speed Art Museum and Art Sparks, Kentucky's largest art institution, is undergoing a $50 million expansion to be completed in 2016. In the meantime, visitors can explore Local Speed, the museum's satellite

Those seeking adventure will not want to miss the Louisville Mega Cavern. An enormous mine in use from the early 1930's to the 1970's, the Cavern now offers underground rope challenge obstacle courses, zip lines

Kentucky Down Under is an exciting family attraction located in Horse Cave, Kentucky, which is less than two hours away from Lexington by car. It features the Adventure Zoo, which is home to animals such as kangaroos

The Hidden River Cave & American Cave Museum is a popular natural attraction in Horse Cave, Kentucky. Visitors can take various tours of Hidden River Cave, which was once used for drinking water and hydroelectricity

The General George Patton Museum in Fort Knox, Kentucky is dedicated to General George S. Patton, Jr., an important U.S. Army general most known for his leadership roles during WWI and WWII. This educational museum

Abraham Lincoln Birthplace National Historical Park in Kentucky was the very first memorial to the 16th President of the United States, Abraham Lincoln. Its most famous attractions are the one-room log cabin where

Kart Kountry is a family entertainment center in Shepherdsville, Kentucky, which is approximately 90 miles outside of Lexington. Its many attractions include go-karts, miniature golf, batting cages, bumper boats

Bernheim Arboretum and Research Forest is a beautiful nature reserve located in Clermont, Kentucky, which is about 80 miles outside of Lexington. It contains a 600-acre arboretum with over 8,000 distinct varieties

Green River Lake State Park is a popular recreation area located approximately 90 miles outside of Lexington near Campbellsville, Kentucky. If you're wanting to spend a weekend enjoying the great outdoors, this

Since 2001, Glassworks has been both educating and delighting visitors with informative tours that showcase the stunning displays in its glass galleries. Stroll through these galleries to see such attractive

Tour the Evan Williams Bourbon Experience, and learn through the life of Kentucky's first commercial distiller, Evan Williams, about the history of this liquor which is native to the bluegrass state. You will

A 20 minute drive south from Louisville, Jefferson Memorial Forest is a timberland dedicated to veterans in the area and a treat for all who visit. The forest is filled with trails and running streams and offers

Bordering the urban area of Louisville, Hidden Hollow Orchard and Wildlife Sanctuary takes up 50 acres of woodland containing an abundance of wildlife and a variety of wildflowers. As many as 296 species of

Stroll through Lincoln Homestead State Park, a stop on Kentucky's Lincoln Heritage Trail, which will show you a number of 18th-century cabins that are special to the family of Abraham Lincoln. Visitors will

Admire the grandeur of Clifty Falls State Park, located 46 miles northeast of Louisville, with its magnificent scenery, rugged canyons, and brilliant waterfalls. Changing from roaring waterfalls to mists to

Come to Elizabethtown’s Freeman Lake Park for some history and recreation. History buffs will appreciate a stop in to see the updated, one-room schoolhouse which was originally built with handmade shingles

A short distance from Louisville lies Taylorsville Lake State Park, a locale that will delight camping, horseback riding and boating enthusiasts. The park boasts 1200 acres of scenic horse riding trails along

Bordering on the Ohio River, O'Bannon Woods State Park (formerly Wyandotte Woods State Recreation Area) offers hiking trails, horseback riding, boating and many more opportunities for enjoyment of the great outdoors

Part of the Louisville Olmsted Parks Conservancy, Cherokee Park is a large green space in the middle of Louisville, complete with rolling hills, open meadows, woodlands, and Beargrass Creek running through it

More than just a place to lay your head, the 21c Museum Hotel Art Gallery contains 90 guest rooms, a contemporary art museum, a renowned restaurant, and a civic center. Featuring commissioned installations as

The oldest theatre in Louisville, StageOne Family Theatre entertains over 100,000 individuals each year with productions created for a variety of audiences. StageOne is described as "one of the nation's leading

Home to the Cincinnati Reds' minor league baseball team, the Louisville Bats, Louisville Slugger Field offers a low-cost night of family entertainment. Take in a game on a spring or summer night, while at the

A 20-minute drive northeast of Louisville brings you to Henry's Ark Petting Zoo, a sizable farm featuring quite a menagerie of animals like camels, llamas, sheep, bison, yaks, goats, peacocks, zebras, emus, waterfowl

Less than a half hour from Louisville you will find Kart Kountry, a haven of fun for the whole family. Kart Kountry boasts a 1.5 mile Go-Kart track, the largest in the world, with five speeds and sizes of Karts

A 47,000 square foot arena of excitement, competition and fun awaits your sports-loving youngster at the All About Kids Sports Center in Louisville. The Center's clean, safe environment offers classes in the

With its historic performances, interactive displays, "touch carts," lectures, and permanent and temporary exhibits, the Frazier Museum brings history to life in its attempt to educate and entertain the public

A short drive from Louisville, in Clarksville, Indiana, you will find the Falls of the Ohio State Park, a fabulous experience for any nature lover. The Falls began as rapids from the Ohio River that flowed down

Beat the heat with the family on a hot summer day in the Louisville area by driving about 10 minutes to Jeffersonville, Indiana where you will find the Jeffersonville Aquatic Center. The Center has something

On a hot, summer day, the Clarksville Family Aquatic Center will help the family beat the heat and have some fun. Less than 15 minutes from Louisville, the Aquatic Center features a zero-entry pool and sprayground

Learn the history of the American Printing House for the Blind, an institution which began in a school basement and transformed itself over time into the world's largest manufacturer of educational devices for

Appreciate the Louisville Loop, which is an approximately 100-mile system of trails that surrounds the city and connects various regions, neighborhoods, and points of interest. Five distinguishable, topographical

The Muhammed Ali Center offers much more than the typical museum experience celebrating the career of one of the greatest athletes in human history. While exploring his many career highs the Center also aims to

Step back in time as you cruise along the Ohio River on the Belle of Louisville or the Spirit of Jefferson. A National Historic Landmark, the Belle of Louisville is the last functioning Mississippi River steamboat

For about 30 years, KentuckyShow! has entertained and educated countless viewers with its multimedia depiction of "the people, places, sights, music and sounds of the Bluegrass State." New Orleans native Sharon

Since April 2002, the Louisville Extreme Park has provided hours of entertainment for skateboarders, in-line skaters, and cyclists of various ages and skill levels. Considered one of the nation's premiere skate

In 1843, Simon Huber, a German immigrant, brought his fruit growing and wine making experience to Borden, Indiana, a half hour drive from Louisville. Huber's Orchard, Winery and Vineyards was thus born. Starting

KaZoing! Party & Play is open mostly for private birthday parties but also offers open play sessions and parent/child play classes throughout the week. This bright, colorful facility filled with several

If you're looking for adventure, head over to Renaissance Fun Park, where you can speed around the Go-Kart track, participate in a rousing game of Laser Tag, and putter around one of the area's best miniature