Exploring the Rich History of the Southern U.S.: A Family Trip to Louisville, KY

Jeffersonville, IN is 15 minutes away from downtown Louisville KY. You can go across bridge I-64(Kennedy Memorial) or I-65 (Clark Memorial) - both bridges are without tolls.

Be sure to explore W Market St and W Riverside St near the Big Four Bridge, where you'll find plenty of dining options. If the weather's nice, take a stroll across the Big Four Bridge, a pedestrian-only bridge that's about 0.48 miles long. You can enjoy a walk before or after dinner on the Jeffersonville side, taking in beautiful views of the Ohio River and downtown Louisville in the background – it’s a lovely experience!

Churchill Downs is just 10 minutes south of downtown Louisville, and it's definitely worth setting aside an extra half day or full day for a visit. The history there is richer than you might expect! I highly recommend splurging on a guided tour of the race track or adding a stable tour behind the track for a deeper look. The museum also offers an excellent movie that highlights the history of Churchill Downs and the Kentucky Derby.

These two museums are located in downtown Louisville, directly across the street from each other. The Frazier Museum showcases the rich history of Louisville and Kentucky, dating back to the Civil War. It also features a great 45-minute movie (free to watch) that dives into the history of Louisville — definitely worth checking out. The Louisville Slugger Baseball Museum offers a paid guided tour of the baseball bat factory, where you’ll see how the iconic bats are made. As a souvenir, you'll receive a mini baseball bat at the end of the tour. There is also a batting cage for baseball enthusiasts to practice their swings.

You definitely won’t want to miss a bourbon tour, with plenty of options to choose from. Be sure to book your tour in advance for a better selection of times and itineraries. For example, the Evan Williams Bourbon Experience is located in downtown Louisville, where you can tour their miniature bourbon distillery and sample different types of bourbon. You can plan a day of hopping between distilleries. While kids are welcome on the tours, they won’t be able to participate in the tastings. The Ghost Tour takes place at night in Old Louisville, an extensive historic district filled with beautiful, well-preserved mansions and homes. This walking tour lasts about 1-2 hours and shares intriguing stories of haunted houses dating back decades. Be sure to dress warmly, as the evenings can get chilly.

Mammoth Cave National Park, located about 1.5 hours from Louisville, KY, is the longest cave system in the world, with over 400 miles of explored passageways. It offers an unforgettable experience for visitors of all ages. You can take guided tours through its stunning underground chambers, where you'll see impressive stalactites, stalagmites and unique geological formations.