Louisville, Kentucky

I’ve been to Louisville a few times as my mother grew up just south of there in Shepherdsville, Kentucky. I’ve also been to the Louisville Slugger Museum, but didn’t get many pictures. We’ve also stayed at the Brown and been to a show at the Louisville Palace Theater.

The Kentucky Derby Museum

The Kentucky Derby Museum is a fun to visit. Our kids really enjoyed the tour and museum. Additionally, the museum admission includes the racetrack tour. However, be aware that it can sell out on the weekend. We had to wait over two hours for the next tour, but this gave us time to go through the museum.

If you do take the tour, it is about 40 minutes. Also, a guide will answer questions and guide you to see the racetrack.

The museum offers an engaging 360-degree theater experience. Also, there are many interactive exhibits that kids are sure to enjoy.

The Kentucky Derby is known as “the greatest two minutes in sports”. Also, the derby is held in early May. Additionally, it is the first of the “Triple Crown” races, followed by the Preakness and Belmont.

Bernheim Forest and the Trolls

The Bernheim Arboretum and Research Forest is located just South of Louisville. It is well known for their Forest Giants troll exhibit. The artist, Thomas Dambo, has built troll exhibits across the world. However, the trolls have a limited shelf-life, but they will remain through at least 2024.

Additionally, there are other activities available at Bernheim Forest. We attended a Saturday morning bird watching tour led by a local guide.

The Bourbon trail

The bourbon trail is the name for the Kentucky region (primarily south of the Louisville-Lexington area). Jim Beam is the closest distillery to Louisville and it makes for an easy stop while in the area. Also, it is the only distillery that I’ve been to, but I’m planning to hopefully visit more soon!

Jack O’Lantern Spectacular (Oct)

The last time we visited Louisville in October of 2023, we visited the Jack O’Lantern Spectacular. It is located in Iroquois Park on the south side of Louisville. Additionally, it runs most nights in October and gets extremely busy on the weekends.

Local artists carve numerous pumpkin art and there are thousands of jack-o-lanterns dotting the landscape. There is a 1/3rd mile walk/line to the trail and then the trail is an additional 1/3rd of a mile.

Louisville South KOA Holiday (shepherdsville)

We stayed in the Louisville South KOA, located in Shepherdsville, Kentucky. It is a “Holiday” KOA, which means they have additional activities. Also, most activities are geared towards kids. It includes a pool, a bounce area, a large chess set and scheduled movie nights. It is a great place to explore the area.

The Dorothea Stottman Library

My grandma was so cool, the city named a library after her. Technically, now that they have opened a new library next door it is an annex. Additionally, she drove the bookmobile around Shepherdsville and was instrumental in developing the local library. Hooray for librarians!

The Louisville Slugger Museum

You can’t miss the Louisville Slugger Museum as it is downtown and has a giant baseball bat for a sign. The upper floor is mostly baseball memorabilia. However, the tour of the factory (in the lower level) includes the bat-making process and is very interesting.

4th Street Live

Downtown Louisville has a pedestrian-only entertainment district called 4th Street Live. There are numerous restaurants, bars and events so be sure to check out their website for a calendar of events.

For Next Time

I think the kids would have really enjoyed the Kentucky Science Museum, unfortunately, we did not have time to go on this last trip.

Additionally, the  Louisville Mega Cavern looks like the kids would enjoy it.

The Speed Art Museum is Kentucky’s oldest and largest art museum. 

Also, you can take riding or polo lessons at Louisville Equestrian Center!

CONSIDER VISITING THESE NEARBY AREAS

Be sure to check out these other sights in Kentucky and the Southeast Region.