Attractions Nearby Louisville, Day Trips and Excursions

(Louisville, Kentucky - KY, USA)

Nearby attractions to Louisville are plentiful and the city's surrounding towns offer a wealth of alternative activities to amuse day-trippers. Whether you spend the day exploring Bardstown's bourbon offerings or you drive by the legendary fortification of Fort Knox for a peek at where the country's gold reserves are kept, Louisville's nearby attractions will not disappoint.

In line with Louisville's impressive collection of architecture and historic homes is Farmington Historic House, among other nearby significant buildings and attractions. Those with time to travel farther from Louisville should head to Mammoth Cave National Park and enjoy some of Kentucky's countryside.

Fort Knox

Situated 30 miles / 48 km south of Louisville, Fort Knox holds a certain appeal and many people like to pass by just to catch a glimpse of the legendary fortification. Holding the country's nine-million pound gold reserve, the area is fenced in, floodlit and guarded. Visitors are not permitted to stop at the roadside for more than five minutes and the famous Bullion Depository is not open to the public.

Bardstown

Address: Bardstown, Kentucky KY, 29582, USA
This charming Kentucky town, well-known for its bourbon, is a popular place for day trips from Louisville. Situated south of Louisville, the main attractions here are the town's famous bourbon distilleries as well as the Oscar Getz Museum of Whiskey History. The surrounding area boasts even more distilleries where you can sample the delicious tipple that is matured by law for two years in oak barrels with charred interiors.

Mammoth Cave National Park

Address: Mammoth Cave National Park, Mammoth Cave, Kentucky KY, 42259, USA
Tel: +1 270 758 2328
Less than two hours by car from Louisville, this park is well worth the drive. Encompassing a staggering 350 miles / 576 km of passages and maze-like caverns, these fascinating geological formations attract thousands of visitors each year who come to explore the amazing natural attractions of Kentucky's favorite national park. The unusual rock formations have been formed through acidic water eroding the limestone and visitors to the park can view some impressive stalactites and stalagmites. Among highlights is Frozen Niagara, a 'frozen' cascade of flowstone.
Open hours: daily
Admission: charge

Farmington Historic House

Address: 3033 Bradstown Road, Louisville, Kentucky KY, 40205-3019, USA
Tel: +1 502 425 9920
A delightful 14-room Federal-style house that was designed by Thomas Jefferson, this former 19th-century hemp plantation belonged to John and Lucy Speed. It was built in 1810 and is now open to the public so visitors can enjoy its newly restored interiors and experience what the house was like back in the days when Abraham Lincoln spent some time here. The elegant home is close to central Louisville and is complemented by 18 acres / 7 hectares of land and gardens.
Open hours: Tuesday to Saturday - 10:00 to 16:30, Sunday - 13:30 to 16:30
Admission: charge, discounts for children and seniors, children under five free

Zachary Taylor National Cemetery

Address: 4701 Brownsboro, Louisville, Kentucky KY, 40207-1746, USA
Tel: +1 502 893 3852
Located 6.5 miles / 10 km from Louisville city center, Zachary Taylor National Cemetery has become a popular visitor attraction due to it being the final resting place of the 12th US President Zachary Taylor as well as two medal honor recipients. Spread over more than 16 acres / 6 hectares, the cemetery is a peaceful place to explore.