Things To Do Near Downtown in Louisville
Downtown Louisville, though somewhat quiet on weekends (unless there is a special event), has plenty of things to do. Whether you enjoy the outdoors or prefer museums, it's easy to stay entertained without leaving the downtown area (though you should venture out if possible).
In nice weather, take a stroll along the Ohio River at Waterfront Park. Connecting the city to the water, the park has 85 acres of green space, paths, playgrounds and water play areas. During the spring and summer, there are often concerts and other events in the park. Other outdoor activities include visits to the Falls of the Ohio State Park and the Belle of Louisville. Falls of the Ohio, across the river in Indiana, provides a wonderful view of the city, and visitors can walk down to the river to explore the fossil beds. Because it requires transportation to get there, we've listed it lower on the list. An easier, much more relaxing option is a cruise on the Belle of Louisville, the oldest operating steamboat in the country. The Belle offers lunch and dinner cruises, and climate-controlled interiors, so you can always retire from the outdoors if it's too hot or cold.
If you prefer to stay indoors, we suggest a visit to 21c Museum Hotel, a hotel whose lobby is a contemporary arts museum. Take a break for a meal, snack or drink at the hotel's restaurant and bar, Proof on Main. Another nearby museum option is the Muhammad Ali Center, dedicated to the boxer and his legacy. You don't have to be a boxing fan to enjoy the interactive multimedia exhibitions that examine Ali's life, career and the historical events that affected him.
Baseball fans will especially enjoy the Louisville Slugger Museum and Factory, located on Museum Row. The museum explores baseball history, and everyone can appreciate the factory tour. If it's baseball season, head to Slugger Field for a Bats game (Louisville's minor league team).
Finally, in the Butchertown neighborhood, but still near downtown, the Thomas Edison House reminds visitors of the inventor's brief time in Louisville. See a 19th-century boarding room where Edison's quarters would have been and learn about some of his inventions.
In nice weather, take a stroll along the Ohio River at Waterfront Park. Connecting the city to the water, the park has 85 acres of green space, paths, playgrounds and water play areas. During the spring and summer, there are often concerts and other events in the park. Other outdoor activities include visits to the Falls of the Ohio State Park and the Belle of Louisville. Falls of the Ohio, across the river in Indiana, provides a wonderful view of the city, and visitors can walk down to the river to explore the fossil beds. Because it requires transportation to get there, we've listed it lower on the list. An easier, much more relaxing option is a cruise on the Belle of Louisville, the oldest operating steamboat in the country. The Belle offers lunch and dinner cruises, and climate-controlled interiors, so you can always retire from the outdoors if it's too hot or cold.
If you prefer to stay indoors, we suggest a visit to 21c Museum Hotel, a hotel whose lobby is a contemporary arts museum. Take a break for a meal, snack or drink at the hotel's restaurant and bar, Proof on Main. Another nearby museum option is the Muhammad Ali Center, dedicated to the boxer and his legacy. You don't have to be a boxing fan to enjoy the interactive multimedia exhibitions that examine Ali's life, career and the historical events that affected him.
Baseball fans will especially enjoy the Louisville Slugger Museum and Factory, located on Museum Row. The museum explores baseball history, and everyone can appreciate the factory tour. If it's baseball season, head to Slugger Field for a Bats game (Louisville's minor league team).
Finally, in the Butchertown neighborhood, but still near downtown, the Thomas Edison House reminds visitors of the inventor's brief time in Louisville. See a 19th-century boarding room where Edison's quarters would have been and learn about some of his inventions.
Louisville Slugger Museum & Factory
800 West Main Street
The factory that makes all Louisville Slugger bats is also a museum dedicated to the bat's history...
Thomas Edison House
729 East Washington Street
Historic house and museum dedicated to Thomas Edison...
Falls of the Ohio State Park
201 West Riverside Drive
Explore fossil beds at this state park along the Ohio River...
