So you are here for the Kentucky Derby, how should you make the most of the time? And what is there to do on days you are NOT at the track? I’ve got you covered with 10 things to do in Louisville while you are in town for the Kentucky Derby!
1. Try some of the amazing foods
Louisville is kind of a hidden gem when it comes to food. We have some amazing restaurants and we get slept on as a foodie town. Kentucky is the home of some amazing dishes like the Kentucky Hot Brown, The Benedictine sandwich, Derby pie, and of course Kentucky Fried Chicken. But we are more than just southern food, we have amazing cuban food, italian and more. For a full list of great spots to try, check out these posts:
- Best steakhouses in Louisville (Coming Soon)
- Best date night restaurants in Louisville (Coming Soon)
- Speakeasies in Louisville (Coming Soon)
- Top 20 restaurants in Louisville (Coming Soon)
2. Taste Kentucky Bourbon
How are you going to come to the bourbon capital of the world and not try some of the brown juice. Take a stroll down Whiskey row and pop in to some of the working distilleries like Old Forrester, Angels Envy or Michters, or just grab a drink or guided tasting at Bardstown Bourbon Company, Buzzards Roost or some of the other great spots. For a guide to all things Kentucky bourbon, including reviews of distilleries and more, click here.
3. Explore Old Louisville
Old Louisville is a historic part of Louisville that has the largest collection of restored Victorian homes in the nation, it’s also one of the most haunted neighborhoods in America. Take a guided history, architectural or ghost tour with Louisville historic tours and hear about the history of the area.
4. Tour a horse farm
You're here for the big race, why not learn more about how these athletes come to be, how they train, and where they live. Go to one of the many beautiful horse farms in the region and take a tour of the grounds and learn more about these gorgeous creatures. Some of our favorites are Highpointe Farm Training Center and Hermitage farms.
5. Kentucky Derby Museum
The Kentucky Derby museum includes over 20,000 artifacts from over the years including fashion through the years, 170+ bourbons, and offer exclusive Churchill Downs® tours, immersive exhibits, and a thrilling 360° film that will make you even MORE excited for the big race.
6. Attend Kentucky Derby Festival events
There are SO many exciting events leading up to the Kentucky Derby, whether you hang out at Waterfront park and attend the “Fest-A-Ville”, grab some yummy food at the Chow Wagon, party at the Pegasus Parade or attend the Taste of Derby supporting the Dare to Care Food Bank, there’s plenty of events to get you excited about Derby.
7. See how the iconic Louisville Slugger bats are made at the Louisville Slugger Museum
See up close how the iconic Louisville Slugger bats are made and learn about their process in the Louisville Slugger Factory tour, hold iconic baseball players bats and walk through the displays in the museum, or try your own swing in the batting cages. End your trip with a gift shop to grab some memorabilia. Learn more about Louisville Slugger Museum and Factory Tour here.
8. Explore Waterfront park and walk the big four bridge
Waterfront park is the beautiful green area trails along the Ohio river in Louisville. The Big Four Bridge crosses the Ohio River connecting Waterfront Park to Jeffersonville, Indiana. It’s gorgeous to visit and relax on a nice day. It is also the location of many Kentucky Derby Festival events!
9. Go to a Kentucky Derby Party
There are parties, brunches and events galore the week of The Kentucky Derby. Louisville Tourism has a great list you can access here. I’ve personally attended the Oaks Brunch & Bet at 21C, and the Fillies and Stallions event. You really can’t go wrong with any of the events you choose to attend but make sure to get tickets in advance. Many of these events will sell out!
10. Go to the track!
This might sounds like an obvious one, but there are racing events ALL WEEK the week of the Kentucky Derby. Contrary to the popular believe that it’s just one day or even just one race. You can watch the horses train in the morning during Dawn at the Downs, or attend one of the earlier days in the week. Check out what’s going on Derby Week at the track in this Ultimate Guide to Derby Week.
There is so much to do around Louisville and in Kentucky. Want more Kentucky inspiration for your next trip, follow me at @MyKyBucketList, I am happy to answer questions or share more recommendations.
Want more Derby? Check out these articles:
18 Must-Know Tips for The Kentucky Derby
Derby Week: Your Ultimate Guide
What ticket to buy for the Kentucky Derby (Coming Soon)
Best hotels and places to stay for the Kentucky Derby (Coming Soon)
The Kentucky Derby: A Guide to the Infield (Coming Soon)
