If you're a fellow born and raised Kentucky kid, like myself, you might find yourself wondering what there is to do around here. Thankfully, if you grew up in the beautiful, horse racing city that is, Louisville, you won't be wondering long what there really is to do around here.
You're not a true Louisvillian until you've gotten through this list!
1. Churchill Downs
This is probably one of the more obvious ones for most people who've ever ventured into the Louisville area before. Famously known in May for the Kentucky Derby, Churchill Downs is Kentucky's horse racing capitol. When Derby isn't going on, other signature events are usually taking place like Twilight Downs and Downs After Dark.
(Photo Credits: Jessica Pilkerton)
2. Waterfront Park during Thunder Over Louisville
Thunder over Louisville is the largest fireworks show around. Preparing for the Kentucky Derby Festival, this is one of the many signature kick-off events in the state. There are vendors, carnival rides, and of course, fireworks!
(Photo Credits: Jessica Pilkerton)
3. Papa Johns Cardinal Stadium: UofL vs UK Game!
The University of Louisville and the University of Kentucky are huge rivals. If you're from Louisville, you'll at some point be prompted to answer the question: are you a Louisville or a Kentucky fan? The Battle of the Bluegrass occurs among several different university sports; but, the big ones are always basketball and football. If you're in Louisville, you at least need to make the tailgate to one of these! You won't regret it!
(Photo Credits: www.uoflcardgame.com)
4. Kentucky Kingdom
So, Louisville has an amusement park. Formerly known as Six Flags, Kentucky Kingdom and Hurricane Bay made its debut once again about two or three years ago when it reopened. Due to bankruptcy and a lawsuit, essentially, it was shutdown and most college students in the area remember the somberness of the once fun place. Now, as it reopens, there's tons of rides to enjoy! Did I mention it has a bar?
(Photo Credits: Jessica Pilkerton)
5. Kentucky YUM Center: Concerts
The KFC Yum! Center traditionally served its purpose of housing larger crowds for the University of Louisville basketball program. However, due to its larger size its hosted concerts, comedy acts, and even a memorial service for the Louisville native, Muhammad Ali. If you haven't been here before it's a true treat and has a beautiful view of the city with its huge windows.
(Photo Credits: Jessica Pilkerton)
6. Louisville Mega Cavern
Louisville is home to a very interesting cave, Louisville Mega Cavern. This cave features underground zip lining, underground bike rides, etc. The cave is very chilly though, so be prepared and bring a light jacket to keep warm!
(Photo Credits: www.10best.com)
7. Louisville Zoo
The Louisville Zoo is home to many animals. Among the diverse group of animals, there are other activities in the zoo as well. There's a water splash area for small children in the park, there's picnic tables for lunch, rope course for kids, there's a restaurant to eat at, and there's a gift shop to visit as well. Every year during Halloween parents and children are invited to go trick-or-treating here as well.
(Photo Credits: www.louisvillezoo.org)
8. Fourth Street Live
Fourth Street Live is typically a scene for bars and concerts for the twenty-one year old through forty crowd. Many young adults enjoy this bar scene and concert scene, but there are other scheduled events there that I've seen numerous friends enjoy like yoga! There's plenty of other restaurants considered family oriented.
(Photo Credits: www.4thstlive.com)
9. 21C Museum and Hotel
21C Museum and Hotel is a uniquely interesting place in Louisville. Upon entering, there are several art pieces to view and beyond that is a bar for the twenty-one year old crowd. Above that is the physical hotel itself. Then below is the rest of the art exhibit. The neatest part is probably the bathroom (weird, right?). It actually appears that other people can see you in there but they cannot. Only you can see them. Check it out!
(Photo Credits: www.design-milk.com)
10. The Big Four Bridge
This architectural piece in Louisville actually links together the Waterfront Park in downtown Louisville to downtown Jeffersonville in Indiana. You physically walk over the Ohio River and can easily walk between the two states. There's a park on the Louisville side and on the Indiana side there are little shops to visit. It's not only beautiful during the day but also at night with illuminated solar lights and classical music.
(Photo Credits: www.louisvillewaterfront.com)
11. Actors Theatre of Louisville
If you're someone who's into the arts and culture of the city or if you're someone who loves plays that are themed around certain holidays, this is the place for you. Although it may, at times, the prices may be a little high for tickets, it's important to keep in mind this is a non-profit organization where Louisvillians can audition for plays!
(Photo Credits: www.gotolouisville.com)
12. Bardstown Road
The best thing when you're twenty-one in Louisville is discovering the bar scene that is Bardstown Road. Even before you're twenty-one there's tons of stuff to do on this jam packed strip of restaurants, bars, and shops. Surely you'll find something to your liking on this strip of road.
(Photo Credits www.pinterest.com)
I'm not knocking those who have yet to try the adventures on this list yet; but, I hope that this list may find you on a rainy day when you're looking for something in Louisville to do. You may just find a yourself a little treasure of the city!
