Things to do in Louisville

Modern as the city may be, it holds a number of surprisingly old and interesting sites to visit as well as newer and more modern sites including the state-of-the-art Science Center.

Cathedral of the Assumption

The cathedral, built in 1852, is Louisville's fourth oldest building. The beautiful cathedral is famous for its 287-foot spire, which was once the tallest in North America; its outstanding architecture and elaborate trappings. Website: http://www.cathedraloftheassumption.org/.

Churchill Downs

This is the site of the Kentucky Derby. The Derby has put Kentucky on the world map and attracts thousands of fans. Visitors to Churchill Downs can enjoy breakfast tours, thoroughbred workouts and learn about the rich history of horse racing in Kentucky. Website: http://www.churchilldowns.com/.

Kentucky Derby Museum

If you are a fan of the Kentucky Derby, this is one attraction you dont want to miss. It is the only museum in the world that is dedicated to the Kentucky Derby and the thoroughbred industry. Visitors can watch a 360-degree video presentation of the Greatest Race and enjoy a guided walking tour of the stable area and infield. Website: http://www.derbymuseum.org/.

Thomas Edison House

Thomas Edison, inventor of the light bulb, lived in this house from 1866 to 1867. Much of Edisons work that earned him 1,093 patents is on display here and thus the museum offers an interesting look at the significance of Edisons inventions and his theories on history, science and communication. There are hands-on exhibits that include rare items associated with Edison's invention of the light bulb, the movie projector and the phonograph. Also on display are some of his inventions and patents that improved the performance of the telegraph and the telephone. Website: http://www.edisonhouse.org/.

Old Louisville

This district is also known as America's Victorian Treasure and it was built between the 1870s and the early 1900s. It has a remarkable outdoor exhibit of Victorian architecture that includes churches, museums, bed and breakfast inns, schools and universities, parks and thousands of grand homes. This was also Louisville's first suburb, and it has had an important impact on the history of Louisville.

Louisville Science Center

Located on historic West Main Street, the Louisville Science Center has something for everyone. It is the largest hands-on science centre in Kentucky, and its main exhibit alone takes up 12,500 square feet. Called The World Around Us, it has more than 40 interactive stations that encourage visitors of all ages to use their creativity and analytical skills to solve problems. There is also a four-storey IMAX theatre screening both educational and entertaining movies, a gift shop and a restaurant. Website: http://www.louisvillescience.org/.

Muhammad Ali Center

Visitors will get a glimpse into the legendary boxers life through the centres interactive exhibitions, stations, displays of memorabilia and 10 theatres. Fans of the greatest will enjoy visiting this centre and discovering facts on Muhammad Alis boxing career, his role as a global humanitarian representative and his social and religious convictions. You will also get to understand what, where and how his six core values in life were formed. There is also a retail shop and a caf within the centre. Website: http://www.alicenter.org/.

Louisville Slugger Museum

The museum details Louisville Sluggers, the makers of the official bat for Major League baseball, with a history of more than 100 years. Visitors can go on an interesting journey of America's national pastime and also through the entire manufacturing process of making a baseball bat, right from its design to the point where it is retailed. There are also several baseball bats from famous baseball players who used Louisville Slugger baseball bats. This museum is every baseball fans dream come true. Website: http://www.slugger.com/museum/.

Six Flags Kentucky Kingdom

If you are looking for a day of thrills, non-stop action and entertainment, the Six Flags Kentucky Kingdom will not disappoint you. Here there are rides for the whole family with gravity defying rides including the Road Runner Express, a family roller coaster with unexpected twists and zigzagging turns, and the Meteor Attack. Website: http://www.sixflags.com/index.asp.

Louisville Zoo
Louisville Zoo has devoted itself to the pursuits of education, conservation, scientific study and recreation. Hence visitors to the zoo will be able to participate in all these areas and will have a thoroughly enjoyable day visiting more than 1,300 animals in naturalistic and mixed-animal settings. The zoo is also famed for its exhibit called Islands. This is the first exhibit in the world that has a variety of animals, predator and prey, being rotated into one exhibit. Website: http://www.louisvillezoo.org/.

Cave Hill Cemetery
The cemetery has an interesting history; the land was bought by the city because of its stone quarries and because the proposed Louisville and Frankfort Railroad was supposed to run through the property. However, the railroad skirted the land and history changed. Today, Cave Hill is a cemetery of astounding beauty and tranquillity. This is the final resting place of many famous people including General George Rogers Clark, George Keats, Harlan Sanders, Henry Watterson and James Guthrie. It is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Website: http://www.cavehillcemetery.com/.