20 Must-See Louisville Landmarks

Metromix Staff

March 6, 2012

20 Must-See Louisville Landmarks

Looking to see the best-known spots around town?  Here's a list museums, iconic locations, and other great things to see in Louisville.

To see which spots are nearest you or to check in when you visit them all, follow our Foursquare List.

Churchill Downs

Churchill Downs

700 Central Ave. - Louisville
502-636-4400

Arguably the most famous of Louisville landmarks, the Downs and the Twin Spires draws folks from all around the world during Derby week. Supplying Louisville with thoroughbred horse racing, watching races at Churchill vaults you into history and tradition.

Louisville Slugger Museum & Factory

Louisville Slugger Museum & Factory

800 W. Main St. - Louisville
1 (877) 775-8443

Louisville and Slugger go together like ham and burger. When you're downtown look for the giant four-story+ bat resting against the outside of the building. The replica marks the spot for one of Louisville's best tourist attractions.

Muhammad Ali Center

Muhammad Ali Center

144 N. Sixth St. - Louisville
(502) 584-9254

Don't call the Muhammad Ali Center a boxing museum. Its mission goes far beyond boxing gloves and fight footage. But you will find some interesting artifacts from Ali's life and learn about his legacy in Louisville and worldwide.

Speed Art Museum (closed for renovations)

Speed Art Museum (closed for renovations)

2035 S. Third St. - Louisville
(502) 634-2700

It's Kentucky's largest and oldest art museum with more than 12,000 pieces to choose from spanning from ancient Egypt to contemporary art.

Belle of Louisville

Belle of Louisville

401 W. River Road - Louisville
(502) 574-2992

Iconic steamboat docked near Waterfront Park hosts dinner cruises and more.

Louisville Slugger Field

Louisville Slugger Field

401 E. Main St. - Louisville
212-2287

Host to the minor league Louisville Bats, the Cincinnati Reds' Triple-A affiliate, Slugger Field is a downtown landmark that presents good vibes for ballgames, fireworks shows and concerts from time to time.

Kentucky Derby Museum

Kentucky Derby Museum

704 Central Ave. - Louisville
(502) 637-7097

Experience all the history and grandeur of the Kentucky Derby with a visit to this museum

Frazier History Museum

Frazier History Museum

829 W. Main St. - Louisville
(502) 753-5663

With a focus on firearms and other weapons, the 3+ floor museum hosts exhibits from around the world.

Actors Theatre of Louisville

Actors Theatre of Louisville

316 W. Main St. - Louisville
(502) 584-1205 or (800) 428-5849

Premier theater venue in downtown Louisville featuring three stages under one roof. Actors plays host to local and national award-winning and classic stage plays including some of today's most popular shows during several festivals, such as the annual Humana Festival of New American Plays.

Waverly Hills Sanatorium

Waverly Hills Sanatorium

4400 Paralee Lane - Louisville
502) 933-2142

The former sanatorium has been considered one of the scariest places on earth. Tours and creepy overnight stays are available.

Locust Grove

Locust Grove

561 Blankenbaker Lane - Louisville
(502) 897-9845

One of Louisville's national historical landmarks, Locust Grove is known for hosting tours, war reenactments, lectures, chamber music concerts and educational events to teach people the ways of life in the 1700s and 1800s.

Mega Cavern

Mega Cavern

1841 Taylor Avenue - Louisville

The man-made cavern spans under a number of roadways above and is part of 17 miles of corridors located beneath the city of Louisville, Kentucky. It’s a great tour for all ages—whether you want to learn about science and history or simply want to see what a giant man- made cavern of this magnitude looks like.

Louisville Zoo

Louisville Zoo

1100 Trevilian Way - Louisville

Small local zoo recently added 2 polar bear cubs to its newly designed Glacier Run exhibit.

Cherokee Park

Cherokee Park

745 Cochran Hill Rd - Louisville

Take a stroll around the beautiful park's scenic 2.4 mile loop to see some of the best views on town.

Old Louisville

Old Louisville

1402 Saint James Ct - Louisville

Find some of Louisville's oldest buildings by walking around this neighborhood filled with Victorian houses, fountains, and charming corridors

Cave Hill Cemetary

Cave Hill Cemetary

701 Baxter Avenue - Louisville

Victorian era National Cemetery and arboretum in the Highlands houses the grave site of Colonel Sanders

Falls of the Ohio

Falls of the Ohio

201 West Riverside Drive - Clarksville

Just across the river in Indiana you'll find a state park with fossils hidden in the banks of the Ohio

Belvedere

Belvedere

100 N. Fourth St. - Louisville

Before Waterfront Park, the Belvedere was Louisville's premier riverfront location for hosting a variety of concerts and culture and food festivals and it still has its share of important events from world culture festivals and national touring musical acts. The Belvedere provides an ideal alternative to the Waterfront's sprawling green space, boat harbor and children's play area with a splendid view of Southern Indiana and Louisville's downtown skyline.

Louisville Palace

Louisville Palace

625 S. Fourth St. - Louisville
(502) 583-4555

With a vintage look reminiscent of renaissance architecture the Palace is a sight to behold once inside. Statues and decorations make you feel like you're in an outdoor setting although you're in a air-controlled building and plush carpet cover the floors. Some of today's biggest musical acts roll through town and play the Palace because of the atmosphere.

Fourth Street Live

Fourth Street Live

Fourth Street (Downtown between Muhammad Ali Boulevard and Liberty Street) - Louisville
282-5483

Downtown nightlife hub hosts a wide variety of chain restaurants, nightclubs & more - with frequent outdoor concerts and events.

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