Louisville’s GOATs: Greatest Attractions on a Budget
From Derby history and Muhammad Ali to bourbon tastings and baseball bats, here’s how to see the best of Louisville without overspending
The Kentucky Derby (the famed Run for the Roses), taking place in Louisville since 1875, is often called the “greatest two minutes in sports.” Ask about the greatest boxer of all time and the answer undoubtedly will be Muhammad Ali, Louisville born and raised.
The greatest, or surely most famous, baseball bat? It’s the Louisville Slugger, hoisted by Little Leaguers and major leaguers the world over—still made in Louisville.
The great American novel? A certain contender is The Great Gatsby, written by a young F. Scott Fitzgerald, who was stationed in Louisville during World War I and was said to have drawn inspiration for the characters from his time in Kentucky’s largest city.
Budget-minded travelers can seek out the city’s many GOATs (Greatest of All Time) in a place that’s easy to navigate on foot or by car. My husband, John, and I recently did, and we came back with this list of can’t-miss stops.
And they’re off
The Kentucky Derby Museum is just a short drive from downtown. The $20 admission includes access to family-friendly interactive exhibits, an outstanding film on Derby history screened in the round, and a walking tour of the Churchill Downs racetrack with a chance to see jockeys putting horses through their paces. For my money, that’s a bargain.
History in a bottle
Louisville tourism officials like to say that their city is the “world’s only walkable spirits destination.” It’s certainly chock-full of bourbon experiences, many of which are located within walking distance of each other. There are bourbon tastings combined with distillery tours all around town, some pricier than others, but generally at about $25 per person.
You don’t have to do a full distillery tour and tasting to indulge, however. John and I happened by Evergreen Liquors, a retail outlet and bar in the city’s NuLu neighborhood that offers half-price pours on Wednesdays.
Evergreen was crowded when we visited, and while you could get bourbon shots for as little as $3, some customers were using the discount to taste very pricey bottles. A couple sitting next to us splurged on $40 tastes, too pricey for me but a bargain for true bourbon aficionados.
On Main Street, the Frazier History Museum—which includes a spotlight on what’s “cool” about Kentucky and and an immersive experience about the Lewis and Clark expedition—also houses the Kentucky Bourbon Trail Welcome Center, the official starting point of the Trail. Additionally, the museum’s Spirit of Kentucky exhibit showcases bourbon history, and you can even book a tasting or learn how to make a mint julep cocktail.
Muhammad Ali: Boxer and humanitarian
The Muhammad Ali Center explores all things Ali, from his early days in Louisville to his worldwide prominence and social justice work. Admission is $20, with discounts for senior citizens and children.
You can also visit Ali’s grave at Cave Hill Cemetery, a national historic landmark and nearly 300-acre arboretum in the heart of the city.
Hey, batter, batter
Forbes.com has called the Louisville Slugger Museum “one of the greatest sports museums in the world.” Interactive exhibits, history that extends beyond the baseball bat, and factory demonstrations make this a terrific stop even if you’re not a huge baseball fan.
The admission fee is $24, but you don’t have to buy a ticket to visit the gift shop or try out the batting cages, where it will set you back just $2 for 10 pitches, bat and helmet provided.
The Great Gatsby connection
Fitzgerald’s famed third novel, published 100 years ago, makes frequent references to Louisville. It’s identified as the hometown of character Daisy Buchanan, Jay Gatsby’s love interest, and as the site of her glittering wedding to Tom Buchanan.
Fitzgerald was known to have spent time at Louisville’s Seelbach Hotel, the city’s oldest, drinking bourbon and hobnobbing with bootleggers and local women. These days, hotel guests and other visitors can take a free guided tour with hotel historian Larry Johnson.
Budget tip
The Main Ticket bundle, which offers admission to multiple attractions, including the Louisville Slugger Museum, the Muhammad Ali Center and the Frazier Museum, costs $83.30 for adults, $51.80 for children 6-12.
Best freebie
Biking or strolling across the Big Four Bridge, a 2,500-foot crossing over the Ohio River between Louisville and Jeffersonville, Indiana, is a popular choice at sunset.
Lodging and food
Louisville has all sorts of lodgings, ranging from national chains to grande dame hotels. Here are three good options, all with nightly rates for standard rooms starting at less than $250.
The 308-room Seelbach exudes Southern charm and offers a great location.
The 91-room 21C Museum Hotel offers an extensive art museum and the farm-to-table restaurant Proof on Main.
The 122-room Hotel Genevieve features French-inspired décor, a rooftop bar and a late-night jazz venue.
There are many food options at all price points from good bar grub to white-tablecloth spots with accompanying high prices. A few places that won’t break the bank are Feast BBQ, known for its slow-cooked meats (sandwiches for about $15), Proof on Main for a nice farm-to-table lunch spread in the heart of downtown (tuna Nicoise salad, $22), and The Silver Dollar, a casual bar with burgers and sandwiches, as well as very tasty shrimp and grits for $23.
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However you spend your time in Louisville, it’s a good bet that the city’s always great blend of history, culture and hospitality will make you feel like a winner.