It may seem like Essential Details coordinators are only about weddings, brides, and beautiful blooms but there is more; all our coordinators are also Certified Tourism Ambassadors for the city of Louisville and Southern Indiana. We customize tours to showcase our wonderful city to corporate clients from around the nation.

We thought it was time to share some of our favorite spots for locals to explore and be tourists in their own city.

Falls of the Ohio

Louisville’s History dates back to the early explorers, Lewis & Clark. It was at the Falls of the Ohio where the two met before embarking on their expedition to the West. The Falls of the Ohio is essentially what put Louisville on the map. The Falls were a series of rapids formed by outcroppings of boulders along the Ohio River creating a drop of 26 feet over a distance of 2.5 miles. This caused a navigational hazard on the river impeding boat traffic. Eventually, boaters began unloading their cargo and transferring it on land around the falls at the small town of Louisville. It is a designated National Natural Landmark as it contains limestone dated from the Devonian period. The Falls of the Ohio State Park is a great place to visit and explore on your own or check out their museum. It is from the Falls of the Ohio Museum that you can catch a great sunset along with a view of the city skyline.

Thanks to the Falls of the Ohio, Louisville grew to be a major river port. With all the river traffic it was just a matter of time before Steamboats became commonplace. Louisville is home to the oldest operating steamboat, The Belle of Louisville. The Belle of Louisville, a national landmark, is docked at the Louisville waterfront. Visitors can enjoy sightseeing cruises, dinner cruises, live music, or private event.

Bourbon

Due to Louisville’s large port, presence industries began setting up businesses, warehouses, and offices along the river. One of the most notable industries is distilleries specifically whiskey distilleries. The row of historic buildings on Louisville’s main street are often referred to as “Whiskey Row.” Eventually, whiskey from Kentucky grew in popularity and became known as bourbon whiskey, one of Louisville’s major exports. Considering Louisville produces over one-third of bourbon sold, it has a special place in our hearts. Bourbon distillery tours and tastings are a fun way to learn a little more about brands and how they differ due to production. See the many bourbon distillery options you can experience here.

As the Kentucky distillery growth was on the rise so was Louisville’s stoneware industry. Stone jugs were produced to contain Kentucky’s precious bourbon. Many artists are behind the historic pottery that was referred to as Louisville Stoneware starting in 1970. Pieces with markings from previous years are highly sought after by collectors. They now operate under the name of Stoneware & Co. and are located in Paristown. You can take a tour of the facility or paint/create your own.

Churchill Downs

Some would say bourbon is Kentucky’s most notable product, others may say it’s horseracing while others state they go hand in hand. Horse racing became banned in other states drawing gamblers and horse breeders to Louisville. With this increase in popularity, Churchill Downs was able to achieve national prominence. If you have never taken a deep dive into the history behind Churchill Downs and the Kentucky Derby, we recommend visiting The Kentucky Derby Museum. You can experience the Kentucky Derby on their 360-degree theater screen followed by a tour of the historic track. Or just enjoy Churchill at its core, an afternoon of horse racing. Place a few bets and be sure to try the signature drink of the Derby, the Mint Julep, out of the historic souvenir glass. Mint Juleps were first served in a souvenir glass in 1938 for 75 cents. While the glasses have increased in price, they have also become more elaborate over the years and include derby winners dating back to the first Kentucky Derby Winner, Aristides.

Historic Restaurants

Following your trip to Churchill Downs, you could stop across the street at Wagner’s Pharmacy. Eat at the legendary diner food or go grab a cheeseburger at its birthplace, Kaelin’s 80/20. In 1934 Kaelin’s original owner, Carl Kaelin decided to jazz up the burger and slap a piece of cheese on it. They now also serve amazing milkshakes to go right along with their delicious burgers.

Louisville Slugger Museum & Factory

The Cheeseburger was not the only thing to originate right here in Louisville. The world’s first professional baseball bat was created by 17-year-old Bud Hillerich. He worked in his father’s woodworking shop and enjoyed amateur baseball in his free time. The bat was later named “The Louisville Slugger” after Pete Browning. As the story goes Pete used one of Bud’s bats in a game and got three hits off the bat making Pete a Louisville Slugger. A giant bat sits outside the museum and factory. The Louisville Slugger Museum and Factory is one of the region’s most popular attractions and worth visiting. You even get a mini bat at the end 😉

Muhammad Ali Center

Down the street from Slugger is another great museum, the Muhammad Ali Center. Along with the greatest 2-minutes in sports, Louisville is home to one of the greatest sporting figures of the 20th century, Muhammad Ali. The Muhammad Ali Museum is a self-guided tour of “Ali’s footsteps of greatness” celebrating not only his sports achievements but his core values, inner strength, and character.

All of these Louisville staples are a fantastic way to learn so much more about our amazing city and all history that has contributed to its greatness. Whether you have lived here your whole life, want to show some friends cool sights, or you are looking for fun activities with the family these local options fit the bill. It’s the history that really makes all of these places unique to Louisville.