Hailed As One Of The Best Destinations In The Entire World, Here’s Why You Need To Visit Louisville, Kentucky
We’ve long sung the praises of Louisville. Kentucky’s largest city, Louisville is home to over 633,000 residents and some of the most historic neighborhoods and iconic architecture and attractions in the state. It has a dazzling riverfront, vibrant business (and bourbon!) districts, and some of the loveliest parks in Kentucky. We love this town, and we’re not the only ones who do. Louisville was one of only 12 U.S. destinations on The New York Times list of “52 Places To Go in 2023” — and indeed, here’s why you need to visit Louisville, Kentucky:
Boasting a stunning skyline and dazzling riverfront, there's no place quite like Louisville, Kentucky. The largest city in Kentucky, Louisville has a decidedly small-town, Southern sensibility, warmly welcoming all who visit.
In fact, the city's Big Four Bridge is a metaphorical "Welcome to Louisville" sign. A proud and inextricable part of the Louisville skyline, it was constructed in 1895 as a railroad bridge for freight and passengers traveling between Louisville and Southern Indiana. Today, the Big Four Bridge is a proud beacon welcoming all to Derby City.
There are so many reasons to visit Louisville the other 51 weeks of the year, however. During the summer, Waterfront Park is the Bluegrass State's very own Central Park, hosting community events in its lovely green space at the water's edge.
Waterfront Park, 129 River Rd, Louisville, KY 40202, USA
In terms of views, nothing beats the skyline vistas afforded from Waterfront Botanical Gardens, a 23-acre botanical garden built, if you can believe it, at the site of a former dump!
Waterfront Botanical Gardens, 1435 Frankfort Ave, Louisville, KY 40206, USA
Waterfront Botanical Gardens
World-class attractions abound in Louisville, adding yet another reason to play tourist in this KY town. From the Kentucky Derby Museum and Muhammad Ali Center to the Louisville Mega Cavern and Evan Williams Bourbon Experience, you certainly won't run out of things to do in this city.
This "little big" town is big on, well, big things, too. The Louisville Slugger Museum & Factory opened on Main Street in 1996; the 120-foot-tall baseball bat weighs 34 tons and is made of hollow carbon steel, making it the world's largest.
(There's also a massive and record-breaking baseball glove at this museum, too!)
Louisville Slugger Museum & Factory, 800 W Main St, Louisville, KY 40202, USA
In terms of dining and accommodations, there's one place that offers both: The Brown Hotel. Known for its amazing gilded architecture, luxurious suites, and iconic restaurant, this legendary landmark is a place that belongs on every Kentuckian's bucket list.
The Brown Hotel, 335 W Broadway, Louisville, KY 40202, USA
It's difficult to sum up such a marvelous city in just a few hundred words. These are just a few of the reasons we adore Louisville, Kentucky, and think you ought to make it your next vacation destination!
When was the last time you paid a visit to Louisville, Kentucky? We highly recommend playing tourist in this charming “little big” town, no matter where in Kentucky (or the U.S.) you live.
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I write like it's my job - because it is! I have a Master's in English and love words: crossword puzzles, Scrabble games, Wordle, and, of course, good, old-fashioned books.
I'm a writer and editor at OnlyInYourState, and a contributing writer at Cincinnati Magazine. I love the Great Outdoors and am endlessly awestruck by this beautiful country of ours. Coffee keeps me going, yoga keeps me sane, my kids keep me grounded, and my writing keeps me inspired.
