Leaning like an all-American obelisk on its building, the Louisville Slugger Museum's signature giant-size baseball bat is recognized as the biggest piece of ash that will never see any action on the diamond. Inside the facility, visitors are treated to a baseball experience that details the history of this iconic Major League Baseball fixture since 1884. The best part is the 30-minute tour of the factory floor, where you'll see real Sluggers being crafted out of raw timber. When you enter, sign up for the chance to obtain your own signature bat, it will be ready by the time you leave.
The Louisville Zoo is quite possibly one of the most underrated zoos in the world. Though somewhat modest in size, in is nonetheless home to a bevy of beautiful beasts. Some include camels, baby elephants, tigers, rhinos and even polar bears. The zoo also features different special exhibits. 'Glacier Run' presents arctic animals while 'Gorilla Forest' and 'Lorikeet Landing' are self-explanatory. The tiger feedings are also an attraction that highlight the nature of this apex predator. Here, guests are invited to walk a few yards away from a mesh-covered opening as the animal feeds on its lunch.
Thomas Jefferson designed this archetypal Federal-style mansion on the sprawling estate of slaveholders John and Lucy Speed. It was built using slave labor sometime between 1815-16 on the site of a former hemp plantation. Abraham Lincoln spent three weeks on the plantation in 1841, while courting Mary Todd. The home still contains period furniture from the early 19th Century, a stone barn, a blacksmith's shop and a museum store. Seven days a week, the staff arranges tours for tourists visiting the grounds and the visitors' center also provides a comprehensive map that is a great guide to the 18-acre estate.
This aristocratic antebellum estate located in lower Crescent Hill faithfully displays the splendor in which many of its owners lived since its creation in 1855. The mansion was originally built in an Italianate manner, however when the property was transferred in 1909, the new owners reformed the house into a Greek Revival style. It continued to receive renovations over the years until it's final private owner bequeathed it to the Historic Homes Foundation in 1994. The tour includes a walk through the rooms as well as to the magnificently manicured gardens. These include the Arboretum, the Woodland Fern Garden, the Formal Florentine Garden and the Specimen Garden, respectively.
This mansion from 1790 is older than the state of Kentucky itself (it entered the Union in 1792), and it stands as a symbol of American land usurpation against the backdrop of the Northwest Indian War. The 55-acre estate once belonged to William Croghan, slave-owner and businessman, then it passed hands frequently after he sold it in 1878. The Waters family bequeathed it to the Commonwealth as a state treasure in 1964. Today the estate staff conducts tours around the house as well as the property. They last anywhere from 45-minutes to an hour. This property is open all days of the week, with an extended hour during the summer months.
This wooded refuge just south of downtown Louisville is located near the village of Fairdale. If you want to see the Kentucky back-country, the 20 minute trip required to get here is worth it. The area is designated as an Audubon Wildlife Sanctuary, the park contains streams, creeks, trails and many other topographical features that allow for tons of activities. The welcome center provides hiking maps, books, souvenirs and other information about Jefferson; don't forget to pick one up.
The Sons of the American Revolution Library aims to provide genealogical research to descendants of those who fought against the British crown. In addition to family history, the institution preserves relics, memorabilia, documents and almost everything else noteworthy during America's heady, tumultuous youth. The library is open to the public, however there is a charge to peruse the catalogs. Today, the SAR has more than 58,000 different items, all of which have been amassed since its establishment in 1889.
Situated on North 2nd Avenue Street in La Grange, Oldham County History Center is a great place to visit for history lovers in the area. Historic buildings and structures like Peyton Samuel Head Family Museum, The J.C. Barnett Library and Archives, Rob Morris Educational Building, Dahlgren Pioneer Barn and Road Warrior Sculpture are part of the Oldham County History Center complex. Visit this outdoor museum complex and learn about the county’s rich historic past. They are also known to host various activities and programs to educate visitors about the area’s history and culture.
Thomas Jefferson designed this archetypal Federal-style mansion on the sprawling estate of slaveholders John and Lucy Speed. It was built using slave labor sometime between 1815-16 on the site of a former hemp plantation. Abraham Lincoln spent three weeks on the plantation in 1841, while courting Mary Todd. The home still contains period furniture from the early 19th Century, a stone barn, a blacksmith's shop and a museum store. Seven days a week, the staff arranges tours for tourists visiting the grounds and the visitors' center also provides a comprehensive map that is a great guide to the 18-acre estate.
Leaning like an all-American obelisk on its building, the Louisville Slugger Museum's signature giant-size baseball bat is recognized as the biggest piece of ash that will never see any action on the diamond. Inside the facility, visitors are treated to a baseball experience that details the history of this iconic Major League Baseball fixture since 1884. The best part is the 30-minute tour of the factory floor, where you'll see real Sluggers being crafted out of raw timber. When you enter, sign up for the chance to obtain your own signature bat, it will be ready by the time you leave.
This aristocratic antebellum estate located in lower Crescent Hill faithfully displays the splendor in which many of its owners lived since its creation in 1855. The mansion was originally built in an Italianate manner, however when the property was transferred in 1909, the new owners reformed the house into a Greek Revival style. It continued to receive renovations over the years until it's final private owner bequeathed it to the Historic Homes Foundation in 1994. The tour includes a walk through the rooms as well as to the magnificently manicured gardens. These include the Arboretum, the Woodland Fern Garden, the Formal Florentine Garden and the Specimen Garden, respectively.
Built in Greek Revival style in 1856, and designated as a National Historical Landmark, the Water Tower has the distinction of being one of the oldest water towers in the world which still stands proudly by the Ohio River. Having served the people of Louisville since the 17th Century, it was damaged several times over the centuries. Since 1977, the tower and its surrounding confines have been managed by the Louisville Visual Arts Association which organizes art-related, cultural and community events here.