Take the Exit – What to Do and See in Louisville, Kentucky

Vanlife gives you the freedom to be spontaneous and not always follow the planned route. One of my favorite things to do as a vanlifer is to just “take the exit” to something interesting along my drive. For this reason, on a recent trip I took the exit to Louisville, Kentucky. I surely wasn’t disappointed.

Nestled along the Ohio River lies the largest city in Kentucky, but it doesn’t feel that way. With an abundance of activities to explore, this hip town in the heartland will make you want to stay for more than a day. Let’s take the exit to Louisville, Kentucky, and discover what makes a visit here a magical trip.

Best places to explore in Louisville

While driving along Hwy 65 in Kentucky, I exited along the Ohio River and dropped down into the vibrant town of Louisville. Home to horse racing, a boxing legend, the Kentucky Bourbon Trail, and an incredible park system, I almost didn’t have enough time to see it all during my short stay. Let’s explore this historical town and find the best places to get the full Louisville experience.

Amazing Museums to Visit

Louisville Slugger Museum & Factory

Right in the heart of downtown, you can’t miss the large red brick building with a 120-foot baseball bat leaning against the side of it. Yep, you have found the Louisville Slugger Museum & Factory. Take a tour and discover fascinating baseball history and its players. View the enormous collection of historic bats and watch the process of how bats are made. At the end of the tour, be sure to take home your souvenir mini bat.

The Kentucky Derby Museum

The famous twin spires of the Churchill Downs Racetrack lie just a short drive from downtown. Home to the famous Kentucky Derby, explore the Kentucky Derby Museum. There are three parts to a tour here. First, stroll through the fascinating museum that discusses all the stages of the derby, including the horses and people involved. Second, view the heart-pounding film “The Greatest Race” in a 360-degree auditorium. Finally, head outside to view the grandstand and racetrack.

The Muhammad Ali Center

Plan to spend a number of hours at this museum since Muhammad Ali’s life was very diverse and touched many people’s lives. Begin with the video that talks about all of his life, including as an athletic figure, a civil rights leader, a poet, and a humanitarian. Then, explore all the well-thought-out exhibits in the Muhammad Ali Center and leave inspired by “The Greatest.”

Frazier History Museum

While downtown, stop by the “Official Starting Point of the Kentucky Bourbon Trail,” otherwise known as the Frazier History Museum. Head up to the third floor and you will be treated to a full history of Bourbon making. You’ll begin with the geographic elements of making Bourbon and then continue to a room full of every brand of Bourbon made in Kentucky. I believe that there are at least 500 bottles.

21c Museum and Hotel

For a unique museum experience, you must visit a hotel for it. The 21c Museum Hotel in downtown Louisville is free to enter and stroll through while enjoying exhibits by dynamic artists of today. Clearly, the contemporary artwork is thought-provoking and will create a link to connect people through art.

Louisville has one of the most amazing park systems I have ever seen. The 18-park system was created by the famed designer Frederick Law Olmsted and is a crowning jewel of the city. Check out one of the three flagship parks: Cherokee, Iroquois, or Shawnee. Designed around nature, these parks immerse you in the grand forests and landscape of the region.

Love of Sports

Louisville is a haven for sports fans. In fact, you will find all kinds of sporting events here, from college to professional. Watch the men’s Louisville City FC or the women’s Racing Louisville FC soccer teams at the Lynn Family Stadium. Then, head to the Louisville Slugger Field and watch the Louisville Bats baseball team. For college play, you will find a number of different sports at the University of Louisville. Let’s not forget the incredible horse racing at Churchill Downs.

Big Four Bridge and Waterfront Park

Join the walkers, runners, and bikers on the Big Four Bridge. Spanning the Ohio River, it offers a scenic spot to exercise. The beautiful waterfront park is home to the former railroad bridge, and the city has taken full advantage of this space and created an amazing 85-acre green space.

Cave Hill Cemetery and Arboretum

It’s not often that I recommend walking through a cemetery, but then again, Cave Hill Cemetery is like no other. On the 296 acres are artfully crafted headstones and memorials dating back to 1848 and a beautiful arboretum. Pick up a map to locate the final resting place of Muhammad Ali, Colonel Harland Sanders of Kentucky Fried Chicken fame, and the National Cemetery of War Veterans.

There is so much more to see and do in Louisville that, as a vanlifer, you will have to take the exit yourself and explore the region. Try out one of our RV Life campground recommendations so that you can be close to the action. So, are you ready to take the exit to Louisville, Kentucky? What are your favorite spots that you must see when you are in Louisville, Kentucky? I’d love to hear them all!