When people think of Kentucky, they think of bourbon, horses, basketball or KFC. All great, but there's so much more to do in the Bluegrass State during your stay. Here's my list of attractions in and around Louisville. I'm sure you'll find something you love.
In Louisville
The Big Four Bridge at Waterfront Park
One of my favorite free things to do downtown. Park for free, then walk or bike across this former railroad bridge over the Ohio River, now pedestrian-only, listening to classical music and taking in the city views. On the other side is Jeffersonville, Indiana, with small shops, local coffee, Parlour for pizza and craft beer, and Union Restaurant & Gameyard.
Jack Harlow landmarks
A fan? Find all the Louisville landmarks featured in his “They Don’t Love It” video, and find the Highlands alley from the cover of his album Jackman by following these Google Maps coordinates.
Cherokee Park Walkable
Designed by Frederick Law Olmsted, who also designed Central Park in New York. 409 acres with a 2.3-mile scenic loop and separate lanes for cars.
Cave Hill Cemetery Walkable
A beautiful walk. Many famous people are buried here, including Muhammad Ali, Colonel Sanders, Senator Georgia Powers and Susan Look Avery.
Glow Worm Play Café Walkable
A 3-minute walk. Full-service coffee shop and bakery, plus an indoor play area for kids 6 and under.
Churchill Downs
Iconic. Where the Kentucky Derby is held every year!
Louisville Slugger Museum
Even if you skip the tour, grab a photo with the world’s largest baseball bat out front.
Louisville Mega Cavern
The world’s only fully underground zip line adventure, plus a historic tram tour, walking tour, ropes course and more.
Louisville Bats, Louisville City FC and the Cardinals
Season permitting, catch a baseball, soccer, football or basketball game downtown.
Caesars Southern Indiana
A large land casino in Indiana with blackjack, poker, roulette and slots. Louisville has Derby City Gaming about 5 miles away, but it runs historical-racing slot machines. I personally drive the extra miles for a real casino.
Purrfect Day Cat Café
Cat lover? Mix and mingle with the most eligible adoptable cats in town over a coffee or cocktail. (If you adopt one, please pick it up after you check out of the condo!)
Climb NuLu
Colorful bouldering walls plus strength training and yoga classes.
Main Event
Like Dave & Buster’s, with laser tag, bowling and a huge arcade. Good if you have kids or teens with you. Food and bar available.
Speed Art Museum
The oldest, largest and foremost art museum in Kentucky.
Muhammad Ali Center
Six-story museum and cultural center dedicated to the boxer and Louisville native.
Kentucky Derby Museum
American Thoroughbred racing museum at Churchill Downs. Very fun!
Iroquois Park
An easy hike up the road to the Overlook, with views of Churchill Downs and the downtown skyline.
Waterfront Botanical Gardens
Beautiful landscaping.
Falls of the Ohio
Free. Walk the Ohio River shore and fossil beds with a nice view of downtown Louisville.
Waverly Hills Sanatorium
A 1910 tuberculosis hospital featured on Ghost Hunters and Scariest Places on Earth. Into the paranormal or history? Schedule a tour on their website.
Day trips
Kart Kountry
The longest outdoor go-kart track in the USA, plus an arcade and mini golf. Fun for kids and adults.
Bernheim Arboretum and Research Forest
Great hiking for all ages and the largest privately owned natural area in the state. I love the founder's 1939 letter of rules, which include no discussion of religion or politics, and no distinction between rich or poor.
General George Patton Museum
You can also see the U.S. Bullion Depository from the road. Remember James Bond in Goldfinger? Stop in neighboring Radcliff at Boundary Oak Distillery for small-batch bourbon and moonshine. The next town over is Elizabethtown, which has a movie named after it.
Holiday World & Splashin’ Safari
Seasonal theme park and water park.
Mammoth Cave National Park
The world’s longest cave system, on the way if you're headed to Bowling Green or Nashville.
Red River Gorge
Spectacular sandstone arches and towering cliffs. Great if you're passing through Lexington.
Need even more ideas?
Check out the book in your rental’s dining room, Kentucky Bucket List Adventure Guide: Explore 100 Offbeat Destinations. You can also visit Do502.com for everything happening in the city today.
Download a Louisville visitor guide
Download a free copy of the official Louisville Visitor Guide: 2026 guide or 2025 guide.