Area Attractions
Our City (Louisville)
Check out all the fun places and events this waterfront city has to offer. Discover its variety of dining, shopping and entertainment options. Some of its more than 120 attractions include Churchill Downs, the Louisville Slugger Museum and Muhammad Ali Center. Read all about other city hot spots below.
Churchill Downs
While horse racing in Kentucky dates back to 1789, it wasn't until 1875 that Churchill Downs officially opened and began its tradition as "Home of the Kentucky Derby." Visitors can tour the racetrack and check out the Kentucky Derby Museum, the world's largest equine museum, enjoy a meal at the Derby Cafe and browse the gift shop, which features Derby and thoroughbred memorabilia. For more information, visit www.churchilldowns.com.
Louisville Ballet
Founded in 1952 as a civic ballet company, Louisville Ballet holds the distinction of being the only regional company with which Mikhail Baryshnikov has performed in repertoire productions. He danced with the company during the 1978-79 and 1979-80 seasons. Each year, more than 100,000 people attend Louisville Ballet, which has earned a reputation as one of the coutry's leading regional ballet companies. For more information, visit www.louisvilleballet.org.
Kentucky Center
From Broadway hits like "Spamalot" to Shakespeare's "A Midsummer's NIght Dream" to venerable musicians such as BB King, the Kentucky Center is truly a one-stop shop for all your entertainment needs. For more information and schedule of events, visit www.kentuckycenter.org.
Louisville Slugger Museum & Factory
Since 1884, Louisville Slugger has been creating the official bat of Major League Baseball. Enjoy a guided factory tour, which last approximately 30 minutes. And while there's no guarantee you'll see full bat production on any tour, everyone who comes along will receive a miniature souvenir bat. For more information, visit www.sluggermuseum.org.
My Old Kentucky Dinner Train
Experience a beautiful bygone era by boarding My Old Kentucky Dinner Train. Savor every bite fo your meal while riding in a vintage 1940's dining car. Enjoy a wide variety of entree choices, including vegetarian dishes, plus a tempting selection of scrumptious desserts. Cocktails and premium wines are also available. For more information, visit www.kydinnertrain.com.
Fourth Street Live!
Located in the heart of historic downtown Louisville and just a short walk from Galt House, Fourth Street Live! is a cornucopia of retail shops, restaurants and entertainment venues. Included on this A-list of hot spots are the Hard Rock Cafe, Red Star Tavern, TGIFriday's, Lucky Strike Lanes and Maker's Mark Bourbon House & Lounge. Catch a variety of live music acts at Saddle Ridge and Howl at the Moon. For more information, visit www.4thstlive.com.
Actors Theatre of Louisville
Designated the State Theatre of Kentucky in 1974, Actors Theatre of Louisville has emerged as one of America's most consistently innovative professional theatre companies. Home to the Humana Festival, Actors Theatre prides itself on creating new plays and re-imagining the classics in startling new ways. According to Variety, "The Tony-winning Actors Theatre would appear on most people's list of the best American regional theatres." For more information, visit www.actorstheatre.org.
Muhammad Ali Center
The Muhammad Ali Center serves as both a destination site and an international education and cultural center inspired by the ideals of its founder. Explore two-and-a-half levels of interactive exhibits and mesmerizing multi-media presentations that present Ali's life story through the six core values of his life: respect, confidence, conviction, dedication, giving and spirituality. For more information, visit www.alicenter.org.
Six Flags Kentucky Kingdom
Situated on 58 acres in Louisville, Six Flags Kentucky Kingdom is the ultimate two-for-one deal-a combination theme park and water park for one admission price. Attractions include seven roller coasters, family rides and Looney Tunes MovieTown, which offers rides designed especially for kids. Hurricane Bay Water Park features an interactive water tree house, a 750,000 gallon wave pool, Tornado slide and a lazy river. For more information, call 502-366-2231 or visit www.sixflags.com/kentuckykingdom.
Belle of Louisville
A National Historic Landmark, the Belle of Louisville ahs been plying the waters of the Ohio River while playing her now-famous calliope since 1915. This beloved steamboat, which once regularly carried passengers and goods to ports all along the river, is a perfect charter venue for everything from weddings and corporate events to family reunions and proms. For more information, visit www.belleoflouisville.org.
Additional Area Attractions/Entertainment