There’s plenty to do in the Derby City, whether you’re looking to take in the city’s famous horse races, fly down an underground zip line or immerse yourself in baseball history at the Louisville Slugger Museum. Here’s a look at six things to see and do on your next trip to Louisville.
Churchill Downs
Experience America’s most famous horse race for yourself at Churchill Downs, home to the Kentucky Derby. The country’s oldest sporting event has been held at Churchill Downs since 1875, and you can catch horse races here between April and November. Races are a budget-friendly way to spend the day, too, at just $3 per race.
Kentucky Derby Museum
After checking out the racetrack, you can learn about the history of the horse race at the nearby Kentucky Derby Museum. The two-floor museum is home to derby outfits, film footage dating back to 1918 and a caller’s booth where you can try your hand at narrating a race. Guided tours are also available.
Louisville Mega Cavern
Go for an underground adventure at Louisville Mega Cavern, a 100-acre limestone cavern that lies beneath Louisville. You can tour the cavern on an SUV-led tram or, for the more adventurous, through a fast-paced zip line tour that sends you careening through the dark caves.
Louisville Slugger Museum
Major League’s Premier baseball bat, the Louisville Slugger, is larger than life at its hometown museum – literally. The Louisville Slugger Museum greets guests with a 120-foot replica bat outside the building. Inside, you’ll find autographed bats from all of the baseball greats, batting cages, life-sized sculptures of legends like Ken Griffey, Jr. and a 17-ton glove sculpture. You can also take a guided tour through the factory to see how the bats are made.
Cherokee Park
Soak up the outdoors in Louisville with a trip to Cherokee Park, an expansive green space with plenty of meadows, woodlands and a lake to enjoy. You can stroll or bike along the 2.4-mile Scenic Loop and enjoy a picnic before spending the afternoon bird watching at Nettleroth Bird Sanctuary.
Cave Hill Cemetery
This historic cemetery is worth a visit for its beautiful monuments, rolling green hills and picturesque lake. The white Victorian tombstones and statues are impeccably designed and well-maintained, and you’ll even find the final resting places of famous people like KFC founder Colonel Sanders among the graves at Cave Hill Cemetery. There’s also a military section that’s not to be missed.
(Main image: Alberto Cabello Mayero)
