Top Local Attractions in Louisville, KY

Louisville, Kentucky, offers no shortage of exciting things to do, such as eating fabulous southern food, exploring the local parks, and enjoying the historic charm of the city. If you’re looking for something new to do in the area, take some time to check out these top local attractions in Louisville.

Kentucky Derby Museum

Stop by the Kentucky Derby Museum to learn about the history of the longest continuously-running sporting event in the nation. With two floors of interactive exhibits, everyone in the family can learn about the Derby and the racetrack at Churchill downs, including the life of a racing thoroughbred horse, from the time of its birth to the day it hits the track to run its first race.

Watch the 18-minute film, “The Greatest Race,” to experience the Kentucky Derby projected in a 360º theater for an upfront look into this beloved race. Check out the exhibit, The Winner’s Circle, to see how the awards have changed over the years, and explore artifacts from some of the greatest Kentucky Derby winners like American Pharaoh and Secretariat. 

Muhammad Ali Center

While best known as a gold-medal winner in boxing during the 1960 Olympics, Muhammad Ali was also an international humanitarian. He helped with organizations like the Make-A-Wish Foundation, the Special Olympics, and the adoption agency The Cradle. In addition to helping those in need domestically, Muhammad Ali hand-delivered food and medical supplies to refugees, street children, and orphanages throughout Africa and the Middle East. When he died in 2016, he received several prestigious awards including the Amnesty International’s Lifetime Achievement Award and the United Nations Messenger of Peace Award.

When you visit the Muhammad Ali Center and view the exhibits and displays, you’ll experience the six core principles and values of Muhammad Ali’s life: Confidence, Conviction, Dedication, Giving, Respect, and Spirituality. In addition to the exhibits and displays about Muhammad Ali, the center offers education programs based on these six core values. 

610 Magnolia Restaurant

If you’re looking for upscale and innovative versions of southern soul food, head over to 610 Magnolia. Wooden beams, mullioned windows, and French doors offer an elegant and rustic dining experience. Tasting menus include seasonal, humanely-raised, locally-sourced meats and produce. You get five courses on the tasting menu with items such as chanterelle mushroom hummus with trout roe and heirloom tomatoes, seared sea scallops with braised radish and tarragon oil, duck breast with a plum hoisin sauce, and carrot cake with candied pecans and bourbon praline ice cream. Check with 610 Magnolia for their changing bourbon or wine-food pairings.

Falls of the Ohio State Park

Take a trip to the banks of the Ohio River to visit the Falls of the Ohio State Park. Located just across the river from Louisville in Clarksville, Indiana, this spot offers some of the largest fossil beds in the world, which date back over 350 mullion years. Fish along the banks of the Ohio River, hike along the fossil beds, and bring your binoculars to watch for native and migratory birds. Take some time to stop by the visitor center to watch the 14-minute video explaining the history of the fossil beds and to view the interactive exhibits and displays.

Strap on your hiking boots and head out to walk the trails in the park that includes the famous Big Four Pedestrian Bridge.

You’ll stroll or cycle along the former railroad bridge that goes from the Falls of Ohio State Park to Louisville’s Waterfront Park, which takes about 2.4 miles to cross. As you walk along the path, you’ll have great views of the Ohio River. After exploring the Falls of the Ohio State Park, enjoy a picnic at one of the picnic tables with grills scattered throughout the park.

Louisville Slugger Museum & Factory

Stop by the Louisville Slugger Museum & Factory to learn the fascinating history of the famous Louisville Slugger baseball bat. Visit the museum to see how this particular style of bat influenced baseball and helped shape the sport.

During the tour, you get to see the machinery that shapes the bats, smell the freshly milled wood, and bring home a mini-version of the famous Louisville Slugger bat. Make sure to stop at the museum store and get a personalized bat with your name engraved in the handle.

Urban Bourbon Experience and Trail

Enjoy America’s spirit In Louisville by participating in the Urban Bourbon Experience and Urban Bourbon Trail. Learn about bourbon’s connection to Louisville and sample this distinctive spirit by stopping at Louisville’s several distilleries and historical sites. See a collection of old stills at the Filson Historical Society, learn about old whiskey jugs held in a special room at Louisville Stoneware, and explore what life was like during Prohibition at the Frazier History Museum.

Stop at distilleries like Jim Beam Urban Stillhouse, Kentucky Peerless Distillery, or Prohibition Spirits. After learning more about how bourbon’s made, pick up an Urban Bourbon Trail passport and stop at restaurants and bars listed in the passport booklet. When you order food or beverages from participating establishments, you can get your passport stamped. Get six stamps, and you’ll receive an Urban Bourbon Trailblazer T-shirt.

Frankfort Avenue

Experience the historic neighborhoods of Louisville along Frankfort Avenue. Hop on the free trolley and explore the boutique shops, restaurants, bars, and art galleries in the Clifton, Crescent Hill, and Butchertown neighborhoods. Held on the final Friday of every month, the trolley makes stops at local businesses that provide live entertainment, special sales, and complimentary refreshments. See historic buildings like the Peterson-Dumesnil House and the American Printing House for the Blind. When you’re following the Frankfort Avenue corridor, you’ll get a great overall view of the vibrancy and cultural scene of Louisville.

Here are some of the best attractions in Louisville. If you have other places that you’d like to recommend, we would love to add them to our list! Feel free to drop a line with our team at Oxmoor Ford Lincoln below. If you’re interested in getting a new vehicle to explore the Louisville area in, check out our extensive inventory and we’ll help you find just the right car to fit your budget and lifestyle.