Ahh, Louisville, Kentucky, has always been a place I’ve wanted to go, and I’m so glad I can finally mark it off the list! Louisville truly thrives off the culture, history, and Southern hospitality with so much to do! Whether you’re a bourbon enthusiast, sports fan or Kentucky Derby lover Louisville has something special to offer anyone.
Here are some top things to do in Louisville, Kentucky:
1. Visit the Kentucky Derby Museum
Duh, right? This is usually the first stop on people’s visit to visit the iconic Kentucky Derby! Even on the off-season, you can join a tour of the Kentucky Derby at the Kentucky Derby Museum, where you can learn about the history of this iconic horse race. Explore exhibits, watch short films (do not skip the intro film – WOW!), and even tour the historic Churchill Downs racetrack. It was such a great experience, and even though it was too early for horses to start training, it was amazing to see!
2. Tour the Louisville Slugger Museum & Factory
This is a must for any softball or baseball fans! The Louisville Slugger Museum and Factory is home of the famous Louisville Slugger baseball bat, where they still make the bats there to this day. Once you arrive, you can take a factory tour to see how bats are made, visit the museum’s exhibits, and even hold a real Louisville Slugger bat. There’s also so much to see in the museum and even a live batting cage in the back if you want to get in some BP. This place is incredible, even if you’re not a sports or softball/baseball fan. Also, don’t miss taking your photo in the front with the largest bat in the world!
3. Drink Bourbon on the Kentucky Bourbon Trail
You can’t go all the way to Kentucky without trying some bourbon, right? Even if you’re not a bourbon fan, these factory tours are still great to go to! On the Kentucky Bourbon Trail, you can tour distilleries, sample world-class bourbons, and learn about the bourbon-making process. It’s a little outside Louisville, but don’t miss some of the iconic distilleries like Maker’s Mark, Jim Beam, Woodford Reserve, and Buffalo Trace.
4. Go to Maker’s Mark
I know this kind of goes with number 3. It’s a fantastic experience that I had to highlight by itself. Maker’s Mark was a fantastic tour and I would highly recommend anyone to go, even if you don’t like bourbon. Again, it is outside Louisville in Loretto, but driving up the scenic route for a visit is very worth it. The tour takes you through the history of Maker’s Mark, the bourbon barrel fermentation rooms, and the acres of land Maker’s Mark uses to its advantage. BUT the coolest thing is in the gift shop; you’re able to dip your own bottle (after you buy it) into their signature red wax for a unique souvenir to take home! There’s no limit to how many you can dip as long as you keep buying the bottles!
