Louisville is undeniably cool, underrated, and handsome. This artsy and fun town is built on bourbon and sports icons (it is home to the Louisville Slugger baseball bat, and the Kentucky Derby, and Mohammed Ali’s birthplace). Today, it has evolved into one of the most foodie-centric cities in the South and a fascinating place to eat. Here are the top attractions in Louisville, Kentucky.
Muhammad Ali Center
This museum tells the tale of the most famous native in the city: a boxer nicknamed The Greatest or simply the Louisville Lip. Among the interactive exhibits in the Muhammad Ali Center include a punching bag where you can practice your rhythm and a wing where visitors can shadowbox with Ali. Videos of his street poetry and famous fights captivate, but it is the way out in context with the civil right issues and the Vietnam War that he fought for that give the museum its power.
Louisville Slugger Museum and Factory
At the Louisville Slugger Museum and Factory, you will see how the most famous bat in baseball is made. Since 1884, the Louisville Slugger has been manufactured by Hillerich & Bradsby Co. highlights of a tour to this museum include a visit to the baseball memorabilia hall that features the 1927 record-setting bat of Babe Ruth and the 700th home run bat of Hank Aaron. Diehard fans will be blown by the displays here.
Speed Art Museum
Built in 1927 and renovated in recent years, Speed Art Museum is a beautiful juxtaposition of contemporary and classic. It is highlighted by the stacked concrete exterior by Kulapat Yantrasast, a Thai architect and the Grand Atrium by Spencer Finch. Collection highlights include a 40-year-old woman and Barack Obama tapestry. Likewise impressive is the collection of Kentucky’s decorative arts. Also, there is an art-house and a café on site.
Evan Williams Bourbon Experience
Evan Williams is Whiskey Row’s first-ever distillery, and it doesn’t disappoint with its multimedia show. Exhibits at this distillery will take you back to the late 16th century when bourbon-making started. The 1-hour traditional tasting and tour run on weekdays every half hour and 20 minutes during the weekend.
Old Forester Distilling Co
Although this facility only opened in 2018, Old Forester itself has been around since the 17th-century. The distillery allows you to view the complete scope of bourbon production right from the fermentation process and barrel making to maturation and finally bottling. The 1-hour tour covers 3 levels in the property and ends with a sit-down tasting.