Louisville：The Bourbon City

Founded in 1778 by George Rogers Clark, Louisville is named after King Louis XVI of France. Located on the Ohio river by the Indiana border, Louisville is the largest city in Kentucky. The authentic Kentucky Fried Chicken started from this place, which is also popular for Kentucky Derby. Visiting Louisville is one of the unique experience you can traveling in the United States. Famous for its spirits, specifically bourbon, the city offers culture and art along with innovation and advancement of a modern city. There are many award-winning micro-distilleries in Louisville along with museums and historical monuments spread across the city. Louisville is also the hometown of the famous boxer Muhammad Ali, writer Hunter S. Thompson, actresses Diance Sawyer and Jennifer Lawrence. Frederick Law Olmstead, designer of New York’s Central Park, is also the architect and designer for over 18 parks in Louisville. For architecture and history lovers, its a great location to explore Victorian houses as Louisville is home to the largest collection of Victorian houses in the United States.

1. Churchill Downs

Famous for hosting the annual Kentucky Derby, it is one of the most popular spots to visit in Louisville. It opened in 1875 and since then has officially hosted the races. Even if you’re not a fan of horse racing, the trip to this place will grip you with its energy and enthusiasm. You can learn a lot about horse racing, thoroughbreds and enjoy the beautiful scenic atmosphere of the sprawling lawns. If you love horse-racing, the best time to visit Churchill Downs is on the Kentucky Derby day, it is one of a kind experience. There is no other racing complex that matches in history and atmosphere as this one.

2. Kentucky Derby Museum

Located inside the Churchill Downs is one of the most famous museums of Louisville, the Kentucky Derby Museum. All you want to know about the rich historical past of Kentucky Derby get answered on a self-guided tour. The museum has exhibits of trophies and artefacts from the Derby winners, you can also watch a movie made on the Kentucky Derby named ‘The Greatest Race’ here in the museum. After your self-guided tour, you can opt for a guided walking tour of the Churchill Downs racetrack who will show you tracks used by famous Kentucky Derby winners. It is a great opportunity to ask questions from these experienced guides regarding the derby and the races. Before leaving the museum, don’t forget to try the favourite Mint Julep and the Hot Browns, speciality of the Louisville.

3. Muhammad Ali Center

Dedicated to one of the greatest boxers to have ever lived, Muhammad Ali, this center is a non-profit museum that highlights and showcases Ali’s achievements. You can see videos of his fights, there are historical footage from his past fights, photo galleries along with an exhibit of Ali’s memorabilia. Muhammad Ali was also an activist during his life who fought for issues ranging from race to global citizenship and these are highlighted in some exhibits at this museum. There is also a mock boxing ring within the center. Its an informative tour and you come out learning a lot about life and struggles of Muhammad Ali.

4. Louisville Mega Cavern

Not in many cities, you get a zip lining tour for your family. This 100-acre limestone quarry is among tourist’s favourite spot. You will have a guide in the tour who will help you understand ass well as give you any information you need on underground ziplining. It is completely safe and the cavern is beautiful to spend a whole day. In the cavern, there is a bike park, you can enrol for a ropes course and get an exclusive tram tour for a more personal experience. For the adventurous spirit in you, Louisville Mega Cavern is the place you must visit.

5. Louisville Zoo

If you’re a nature lover, Louisville Zoo is just the place for you. Home to over 1400 animal species on a 134 acres land, this zoo offers behind the scene tours along with children’s water play area. Throughout the year, events are organised at zoo, so you can check on their social media pages before planning a visit. From polar bears to gorillas, it is one of the finest places to educate your kids about animals and their habitats. If you’re tired of walking, you can always hop on a tram to cover the zoo. One of the unique facts about Louisville zoo is that it houses rescued animals.

6. Cave Hill Cemetery

It is one of the most incredible cemetery in Kentucky, with some of the famous celebrities buried here. Muhammad Ali’s grave along with Civil Wars soldiers can be found here. Beautifully maintained, this is a great place to take a walk, pay your respect and admire some of the headstones art. Even though it is a graveyard, the place has gothic and victorian craftsmanship when it comes to the headstones and neat landscaping. Make sure you download a map before you enter inside the cemetery. Spend some time at the pond and breathe in the solemn air of this beautiful cemetery.

7. Waverly Hills Sanatorium

Considered to be one of the most haunted places in the world, the Waverly Hills Sanatorium isn’t the spot for weak hearted. Covered by paranormals and ghost hunters for television shows, Waverly Hills Sanatorium has a tragic history. You can visit the place individually or get a guided tour of the place and if you’re in mood for further adventure, you also have the option to spend night inside the Sanatorium.

8. Louisville Slugger Museum and Factory

Baseball is one of the most loved sports in the United States. Legends from Babe Ruth to Ted Williams vouch by the quality of Louisville Slugger. Production started since 1884 and to this day, it continues. This museum is dedicated to the history of Slugger along with how its produced. You can get a guided factory tour and go visit Bud’s Batting Cage where tourists can hit balls using bats used by famous baseball players. You can also get a personalised bat with your name on it made here. Great souvenir from Louisville!

9. Frazier History Museum

This museum is a great spot for history lovers. The collection ranges from historical objects from last 1000 years dedicated to the history of Louisville. Lewis and Clarke expedition along with the Nutcracker expedition are the highlights of this museum. There are informative stories giving a detailed account of all the exhibits. A quaint, informative place to visit with your friends and family.

10. Cherokee Park

Built by the architect of Central Park, this park is as scenic and with as breathtaking landscaping as the former. Located in the middle of the city, it is a great place to observe life and nature, go hiking or biking or simply have a nice picnic with your friends. Big Rock with Beargrass creek flowing past it is a site you must not miss. It is a dog-friendly park and Louisville locals are warm and helpful, great place to socialise with the locals.

◎ Closing

One of the best things about visiting Louisville is how hospitable and welcoming it is to the tourists. Most popular attractions to visit have guided tours, the culinary experience is out of the world and the bourbon is one of the finest in the countries. There are not many cities that can boast of such a wholesome experience as Louisville.

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