Although there will be plenty to keep you busy during General Convention, take time to explore the Southern charm of the host city. From historic sites to unique galleries, museums and shops, to parks and recreational activities along the river, to a thriving culinary scene, here are several sightseeing recommendations not too far from the Kentucky International Convention Center at the corner of 4th and Jefferson Streets.
Main Attractions
Two blocks north toward the river is historic Main Street. A leisurely stroll will take you past a fusion of museums, shops, locally owned restaurants, distilleries, and amazing public art. You’ll see the world’s largest bat at the Louisville Slugger Museum and Factory, a 30-by-40-foot banner of Jennifer Lawrence, and 21C Museum Hotel’s 30-foot-tall Golden Statue of David. All can be found by heading west on Main Street.
buildings. | HistoricalLouisville.com
Between 4th and 10th Streets, known as Museum Row on Main, discover the Frazier History Museum, the Kentucky Science Center, the KMAC Contemporary Art Museum, and the Muhammad Ali Center. The 100 block of West Main Street is a stretch of historic buildings known as Whiskey Row, where the heart of the bourbon industry thrived from the middle to late 1800s. At that time, bourbon barrels flowed from warehouses onto steamboats and railcars to consumers across the world. The Revivalist and Chicago-style buildings feature a large collection of cast-iron façades.
Rolling on the Water
From Main Street, head one block north toward the banks of the Ohio River. Founded in 1778 by George Rogers Clark, Louisville began as a portage point near the turbulent waters of the Ohio River’s falls. The riverfront remains a vital part of Louisville, with landscaped parks, daily excursions on the Belle of Louisville, and a walking bridge to Indiana. There’s a free concert June 26 on the Big Four Lawn of Waterfront Park.
For a Quick Bite
Just two blocks south of the convention center is Fourth Street Live, where local and national restaurants offer “Every Taste on One Street.” Venture a few more blocks to see The Brown Hotel and the Seelbach Hilton. Make sure to stop at the Louisville Visitors Center, 301 South 4th Street, to grab a souvenir or pose with a wax likeness of Colonel Harlan Sanders, founder of Kentucky Fried Chicken.
NuLu (New Louisville)
If you’re looking for a more eclectic experience of art galleries, specialty stores, antique shops, breweries, and an award-winning culinary scene, head to NuLu, one mile east of the convention center on Market Street.
Off to the Races
Louisville is home to Churchill Downs, where you can spend a day at the races or visit the Kentucky Derby Museum to learn more about the history of the institution, which celebrates its 150th anniversary next year. Both are located at 700 Central Avenue, about a 15-minute car ride from downtown.
Kentucky Bourbon Trail
Kentucky produces 95 percent of the world’s bourbon. Of Kentucky’s 68 distilleries, several can be found downtown on Main Street and in NuLu. For more information, visit kybourbontrail.com.
For more information
Travel + Leisure has named Louisville as one of “50 Best Places to Travel in 2024.” For more information, visit gotolouisville.com.
