Experience Louisville
Feb 10, 2010 12:00 PM
What can you do in Louisville when taking a break from National Farm Machinery Show action? It seems there is a museum or attraction to engage almost any interest you may have. The Louisville area offers a long list of fascinating options for visitors.
Churchill Downs Racetrack
You can't visit Louisville without learning more about one of city's biggest events. Churchill Downs racetrack, located at 700 Central Avenue, is home to the Kentucky Derby. The Derby, which originated in 1875, is held on the first Saturday in May.
Unfortunately, the Kentucky Derby Museum was severely damaged during floods in August 2009, leading to a large-scale renovation. Even though the museum is closed until April 2010, guests can still visit temporary museum headquarters located at Gate 17 to take part in one of several tours of the world-famous racetrack. The walking tours run from Monday through Saturday every 30 minutes from 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., and Sunday between 11:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. Learn more at the Kentucky Derby Museum Web site at www.derbymuseum.org.
Museums
Another popular “must see” stop for most Louisville visitors is the newly renovated Louisville Slugger Museum. The museum is home to the world's largest baseball bat and features exhibits and a factory tour at 800 West Main Street. An extensive 2009 renovation added improvements to the main gallery such as the first public display of a Louisville Slugger bat used by Joe DiMaggio during his 56-game hitting streak of 1941.
Tour the museum and factory Monday through Saturday, 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., and Sundays from noon to 5:00 p.m. On days when bats are being made, order a personalized bat when you arrive and it will be ready by the time you finish your tour. There is no bat production on weekends, but your personalized bat can still be shipped to you at a later time. Learn more at www.sluggermuseum.org.
The Frazier International History Museum features one of the greatest collections of arms, armor and related historical artifacts in the world. Groups enjoy guided tours, sword-fighting demonstrations and first-person costumed historical interpretations. The 100,000-sq.-ft. museum, located at the corner of Ninth and Main Streets in downtown Louisville, is open from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Monday through Saturday, and Sunday from noon to 5:00 p.m. Learn more at www.fraziermuseum.org.
The Muhammad Ali Center preserves the legacy of Louisville native Muhammad Ali. The international educational center inspires visitors to find the “Greatness Within.” Visitors can experience state-of-the-art interactive exhibits, view video of Ali's career, and “train with Ali” in a replica of his training facility. The center, located at 144 North Sixth Street in downtown Louisville, is open from 9:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday, from noon to 5:00 p.m. on Sunday, and is closed on Mondays. Visit www.alicenter.org.
The Louisville Science Center, 727 West Main Street, features more than 150 interactive exhibits, programs, and an IMAX theater with a four-story screen. The center is open Monday through Thursday from 9:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Friday and Saturday from 9:30 a.m. to 9:00 p.m., and Sunday from noon to 5:00 p.m. Learn more at www.louisvillescience.org.
Historic neighborhoods
Louisville Historic Tours invites participants to relive the past on one of several tours of historic neighborhoods. The Ghosts of Old Louisville tour takes participants to the sites of documented hauntings. The Old Louisville Grand Walking Tour includes a brisk walk with a knowledgeable guide who highlights notable examples of Victorian architecture and history complete with stories about colorful characters and local legends. A Mansions and Milestones tour provides the history of the area's illustrious former residents.
To learn more, visit www.louisvillehistorictours.com or call the Old Louisville Visitor's Center at 502/637-2922.
Arts and crafts
Glassworks at 815 West Market Street showcases artists from around the world in a multiuse facility offering galleries, glass-blowing classes, and both guided and self-guided tours. There are three working glass studios, two glass galleries and a walk-in workshop at Glassworks. Self-guided tours are held from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Monday through Friday. Guided tours take place at 11:00, 1:00 and 3:00 on Saturday. Call ahead to confirm tour and workshop times at 502/584-4510. Visit www.louisvilleglassworks.com.
Continue your art tour by visiting the Kentucky Museum of Art and Craft, located at 715 West Main Street. Browse the three floors of exhibitions and gallery shops filled with the arts, crafts and heritage of Kentucky artisans. Learn more about the museum at www.kentuckyarts.org.
For more information about what to see and do in Louisville, visit the Louisville Convention and Visitors Bureau Web site at www.gotolouisville.com. Or stop by the city's Visitors Center, located at the corner of Fourth and Jefferson Streets. Visitors Center guides are available to conduct free walking tours around specific sites in the city.
Most Recent Story
VIDEOS
PRODUCTS
TECHNOLOGY
 Watch video produced by the editors to show the latest equipment from the NFMS and UV Rodeo. |
 See the results of the latest farm product tests conducted by Team FIN farmers and magazine editors. |
 Recent articles on Biofuels, Water Quality, Credits, and what "green" practices will impact your business. |
(New Course)
