Are you relocating to Louisville? Maybe just a visit? Are you looking for things to do in Louisville? Allow me a #humblebrag and I’ll share why Louisville is awesome.
There are so many options here. Let’s hit the Top 10! (Shhh, I snuck in 6 bonus things to do at the bottom. Don’t tell anyone.)
Louisville Is Home to the Greatest
Who’s the greatest? Sure, people may call Wayne Gretzky, The Great One but Muhammad Ali is simply, The Greatest. Doesn’t get much better than that. Did you have he has his own museum? Yep, the Muhammed Ali Center, so now you do.
Louisville Owns the Largest Fireworks Show in the USA
If you guessed New Year’s Eve in NYC, then you’d be wrong. Straight from the great Wiki himself, “Currently, the largest annual pyrotechnic display in North America is Thunder Over Louisville which kicks off the Kentucky Derby Festival.” Yep, we’re that cool.
Forecastle Music Festival in Louisville Is Huge and Growing!
The Forecastle 3-day festival is an annual event that is picking up steam and draws tens of thousands of fans from across the country. Looking for things to do in Louisville in July? Head to the riverfront! Forecastle loves Louisville and Louisville loves Forecastle!
Louisville Sluggers Are Made in Duh, Louisville
They say everything is bigger in Texas. But have they seen Louisville’s giant bat?! I mean, it’s ginormous! The Louisville Slugger Museum and Factory is a National treasure and we’re proud they call Louisville home.
Things to do in Louisville? Duh, Kentucky Derby
Churchill Downs needs no introduction. The Kentucky Derby is only called “the greatest 2 minutes in sports.” On that first Saturday in May, where are all the eyes of the world looking? Yep, Louisville, Kentucky. The Derby Museum holds all the history and is open to tours throughout the year.
The Cheeseburger, the Best Sandwich on Earth, Was Invented in Louisville
The cheeseburger was invented in 1934 at Kaelin’s Restaurant. Today, there’s not a corner of the globe that doesn’t know about this most glorious, taste sensation. Who invented the cheeseburger? Louisville invented the cheeseburger… the best sandwich on Earth.
Louisville Is the Bourbon Capital of the World, Ok Maybe It’s Bardstown
The world is starting to take notice of just how great bourbon is. Japan totally gets it! Heck, they’re buying up some of the best bourbon distilleries in Kentucky but “Hey!” we invented it. Ok, maybe Bardstown invented it but they’re little, we can take it from them, right Louisville? If this sounds good to you, try taking the Bourbon Trail.
The Massive Park System in Louisville Puts Other Cities to Shame
Type in “city of parks” in Google. Go ahead… I dare you! See what you get? Louisville, Kentucky. We are the City of Parks. Building on some of the most amazing, Olmstead-designed parks, we’re now building out a massive initiative that will be the envy of every other city once complete. Overstating? Check Louisville City of Parks.
Louisville Gets Down, Even Underground
Do your kids need things to do? Well, the world’s largest underground cave system, Mammoth Caves is just 1.5 hours South. Your kids will love it! Louisville’s Mega Cavern is right here! This awesome place holds several events, like Lights Under Louisville the Christmas display tour, and the world’s longest underground zipline—Mega Zips. Geronimo!
Stately Charm or Modern Pizzazz, Louisville Hotels Lead the Pack
Al Capone used to stay at The Seelbach. The world-famous chef at The Brown hotel invented the delectable Hot Brown. Now, we even have the hip, must-visit modern hotel, 21c, Condé Nast Traveler named #1 Hotel in the South. The rich just keep getting richer.
Oldest Operating Steamboat, The Belle of Louisville, is a National Landmark
Wanna travel the river in old-fashioned style? Yes, you can do that here. Twenty-first century Tom Sawyer and ride the Belle of Louisville—the oldest operating Mississippi River-style steamboat in the world. How great is Louisville?
Local Louisville Breweries Making a Name for Themselves
Falls City Brewing Co. has been around for years but Cumberland Brewery, Bluegrass Brewing Company (BBC), and Against the Grain Brewery are building on the reputation of Louisville being a great place for local beers. Louisville has it all!
Of course, there are so many more activities to enjoy here in Louisville but this article can only be so long. Just for fun, here are 6 more:
- Louisville Slugger Field: Take in a day at the ballpark!
- Actor’s Theater: Want to be a star? You can.
- KFC Yum! Center: Home to the Louisville Cardinals, concerts, and more!
- The Kentucky Center: All the fine arts come to Louisville.
- Kentucky Kingdom: It was down for a while but now it’s back!
- Valhalla Golf Club: Home to several PGA Championships and listed in America’s 100 Greatest Courses.
Did we forget something? What are the things to do in Louisville that you love? Let us know!
