Explore Louisville Mega Cavern in a historic tram where you ride through 17 miles (27 km) of dark passageways beneath the city of Louisville. Learn about geology, history, mining techniques, recycling and green business technology as well as witness where 50,000 people would have sheltered during the Cold War Era. You can also go on 'Mega Zips', an adventure tour that features five underground zip-lines, three challenge bridges and over two hours of adrenaline. Another great tour only offered from November through December is 'Lights Under Louisville'. This underground holiday light show is perfect for the season, where guests drive through an underground passageway festooned with holiday lights.
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.
Whether you are a whiskey connoisseur or not, if you want to try a bit of one of Kentucky's main exports, then the Evan Williams Bourbon Experience is a must visit. This establishment is named after Kentucky's pioneering distiller and offers an insight into Williams' life and work. A guided tour of the distillery features an audio-visual interactive exhibition on the history of bourbon and its how distillers turn corn into this smooth swill loved all around the world. At the end of the tour, sample some different varieties as well as some small-batch versions, then take home unique souvenirs like bourbon mustard, maple syrup and toffee.
The Kentucky Derby, held annually at the fabulous Churchill Downs, is often said to be 'The Most Exciting Two Minutes in Sports.' The museum, which is located just outside the racecourse, elaborately presents the history of this racing tradition through more than 20,000 items that have been collected since its inception in 1875. Exhibits include trophies, sculptures, photographs and paintings along with Derby souvenirs and the private collections of former horse trainers and jockeys. Tours can be made with the museum to visit the hallowed grounds of Churchill Downs as well.
A world-renowned racecourse commemorating Henry Churchill, the Churchill Downs is the holy grail for aficionados of horse racing. Spread across more than 140 acres (56 hectares), the track rekindled Louisville's hope for horse racing after two of the city's favorite venues were shut down. Since its inception in 1875, the Kentucky Derby has prospered on this track garnering many raves from jockeys and equestrian sports lovers from across the globe. Featuring more than 70 luxury suites, the interior of the site is decorated with murals of Kentucky Derby winners thus celebrating the augustness and exclusivity of the sport. A museum, stables and a clubhouse are also a part of the Thoroughbred racetrack's extensive layout.
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.
One of the little known gems that is worth the find, The Little Loomhouse will enchant you with its history and array of weaving memorabilia. Comprising of three rustic cabins dating from 1870 and 1895, they were even visited by few of the First Ladies of the United States such as Eleanor Roosevelt and Lou Henry Hoover. Esta Cabin, the oldest of the lot showcases the history of the place as well as has an enviable collection of weaving and spinning artifacts. It is considered to be the biggest collection in the nation. Wisteria is the Lou Tate Foundation's headquarters and also houses a gift shop. The Tophouse is where all weaving programs, classes and activities happen.
New Albany National Cemetery is a historic cremation ground that spreads across an area of 5.5 acres (2.2 hectares). It was built in 1862 and its administration is undertaken by Zachary Taylor National Cemetery. The cemetery belongs to the Civil War era and has about 300 soldiers buried here. It is open to visitors from morning to dusk.
During the mid 19th-century there was still not a proper burial site for the Louisville's deceased, so a portion of Cave Hill farm was turned into a cemetery in 1848. The garden cemetery is known throughout Kentucky for its beautiful headstones, burial vaults and monuments. Moreover, the sloping hills with traditional earthen plots placed alongside imposing mausoleums and creepy statues evoke an eerie charm from the cemetery. The staff provides group tours for a nominal fee and individual tours are complimentary if made in advance.
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.
Explore Louisville Mega Cavern in a historic tram where you ride through 17 miles (27 km) of dark passageways beneath the city of Louisville. Learn about geology, history, mining techniques, recycling and green business technology as well as witness where 50,000 people would have sheltered during the Cold War Era. You can also go on 'Mega Zips', an adventure tour that features five underground zip-lines, three challenge bridges and over two hours of adrenaline. Another great tour only offered from November through December is 'Lights Under Louisville'. This underground holiday light show is perfect for the season, where guests drive through an underground passageway festooned with holiday lights.
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.