Specializing in military history and artifacts, the Frazier International History Museum covers 1,000 years of history. They have an amazing collection of armor and weaponry from various times in world history, displayed in easy-to-understand exhibits. The Frazier Museum is the exclusive home of the Royal Armouries USA and the only place outside of Great Britain that permanently displays Royal Armouries...
See up-close views of the distilling process as well as a short film about the Beam family who produces the world’s top selling bourbon. On the grounds you’ll see the Jeremiah Beam home that traces the family’s heritage back to 1775. Also on hand are founder Jacob Beam’s first barrel of “Old Jake Beam Sour Mash.” Sample a selection of...
Spend a whole day wandering through this fun museum learning about an event known as the Greatest Two Minutes in Sports. The Derby Museum has film footage of derbies, dating back to 1919, and an amazing collection of memorabilia, including hats worn on Millionaires Row and silks worn by jockeys. Mount a simulated horse and try to stay in the...
The fair dates back to 1816, but was officially recognized as the Kentucky State Fair beginning in 1902. Tradition runs deep here, and one of the best-loved traditions is the 18-foot-tall Freddy Farm Bureau, who has been sitting at the entrance since the 1950s. Held at the Kentucky Exposition center, the fair typically draws 600,000 people to the competitions in...
Tour one of the oldest and most well-known pottery manufacturing sites in the country. Louisville Stoneware makes plates, dishes, mugs and casseroles that last for generations. On the tour you can watch the potters hand-make and then hand-paint each piece. There is also a museum, a paint-your-own pottery shop, and a factory retail store. Go in the back to find...
Now that you’ve got that song stuck in your head, you might as well visit the home that started the whole thing. My Old Kentucky Home State Park, where Stephen Foster got the idea for the now-state song, a ballad that brings a tear to most Kentuckians eyes, depicts life in the Commonwealth during the era of plantations and hoop-skirted...
Visit this fine Georgian mansion, which dates back to the 1790s and see how it has been lovingly restored to its antebellum roots. It is the original home to William and Lucy Clark Croghan who built the home with slave labor. The Croghan’s were very politically connected and hosted President James Monroe and General Andrew Jackson, on separate occasions. Lucy...
Built in 1904, the former Fischer Meat Packing Company has been transformed into a 360,000 square ft. center of artist studios, galleries, and storefronts. Built in 1904, this amazing building is huge and the perfect place for artists to show their wares. Watch the artists at work, or just browse their finished pieces. You’ll be stunned by all the creativity...
Joe Ley Antiques building itself is an antique. Joe Ley’s is housed in an 1890’s school house and has been a Louisville attraction for more than 35 years. They have an unbelievable collection of giant architectural pieces like mantles, light fixtures and more than 5,000 doors, as well as china, books, toys and furniture. Need a carousel horse? Stop by Joe’s.