Hurstbourne KentuckyATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Hurstbourne, Kentucky.
1. E.P. Tom Sawyer State Park
OUTDOOR RECREATION PARADISE
E.P. Tom Sawyer State Park offers 555 acres of diverse outdoor activities including hiking, BMX biking, archery, pickleball, and remote control airplane facilities. Families can enjoy a day out with soccer fields, basketball courts, tennis courts, and swimming pools throughout this expansive Kentucky State Park. The park also features the Sawyer Hayes Community Center for special events, community gardens, and guided interpretive hikes to appreciate the natural surroundings.
2. Big Four Bridge
HISTORIC PEDESTRIAN CROSSING
The historic Big Four Bridge is a former railroad bridge turned pedestrian and bicycle crossing that spans the Ohio River between Louisville, Kentucky and Jeffersonville, Indiana. Visitors can enjoy spectacular views of the Louisville skyline and the river while walking or cycling across this 0.5-mile long bridge. The bridge is illuminated at night with colorful LED lights, creating a stunning visual display that has become an iconic part of Louisville's waterfront.
3. Waterfront Park
RIVERSIDE URBAN OASIS
Louisville's Waterfront Park is an 85-acre urban park along the banks of the Ohio River offering panoramic views, walking paths, and expansive green spaces. The park hosts numerous events and festivals throughout the year, including concerts, cultural celebrations, and the famous Thunder Over Louisville. Visitors can enjoy playgrounds, picnic areas, and the dancing waters of the interactive fountain while appreciating the park's beautiful landscape design and public art installations.
4. Frazier History Museum
KENTUCKY'S CULTURAL GATEWAY
The Frazier History Museum serves as the official starting point of the Kentucky Bourbon Trail and houses an extensive collection of artifacts, interactive exhibits, and historical treasures. Visitors can explore the rich history of Kentucky and beyond through engaging displays that bring the past to life with immersive storytelling. The museum offers regular special exhibitions, educational programs, and cultural events that celebrate the diverse heritage of the region.
5. Louisville Mega Cavern
UNDERGROUND ADVENTURE PARK
Louisville Mega Cavern is a 100-acre underground adventure park built within a former limestone mine beneath the city of Louisville. Thrill-seekers can experience zip lines, an aerial ropes course, underground bike park, and the world's only fully underground zip line course. The cavern also offers tram tours highlighting the history of the mine and its transformation into a unique recreational facility with a constant year-round temperature of 58 degrees.
6. Hurstbourne Country Club
HISTORIC GOLF DESTINATION
Hurstbourne Country Club features a historic clubhouse partially housed in Lyndon Hall, which dates back to 1818 and underwent major remodeling in 1928. The club offers a premier golf experience with beautifully maintained courses set amidst the rolling landscape of Hurstbourne. Members and guests can enjoy fine dining, social events, and recreational activities in a setting that preserves the area's rich heritage.
7. Soldier's Retreat Archaeological Site
HISTORIC ESTATE RUINS
Soldier's Retreat was a 500-acre estate established in 1789 by Col. Richard Clough Anderson Sr., whose house was excavated, moved, and rebuilt in 1983 after being discovered in the 1970s. The original house faced damage in the 1811 earthquake and was later struck by lightning and demolished in the 1840s. This archaeological site offers visitors insight into early Kentucky settlement and the preserved history of one of the area's founding families.
8. Lynn's Station Historic Site
EARLY SETTLEMENT LANDMARK
Lynn's Station was one of the earliest settlements in the Hurstbourne area, established in the late 18th century and later abandoned by Linn's heirs in the 1790s. The site includes a preserved springhouse and represents an important chapter in the frontier history of Kentucky. Visitors can explore this historic location that has been carefully preserved despite the extensive development of the surrounding Hurstbourne area.
9. Full Throttle Adrenaline Park
HIGH-SPEED ENTERTAINMENT COMPLEX
Full Throttle Adrenaline Park offers high-speed go-kart racing, axe throwing, and virtual reality experiences for thrill-seekers near Hurstbourne. The facility features state-of-the-art Italian-made electric karts that can reach speeds of up to 40 mph on professionally designed indoor tracks. Visitors can also enjoy arcade games, group events, and competition leagues in this modern entertainment complex.
10. Hurstbourne Parkway Nature Trails
URBAN CREEK PRESERVATION
The Hurstbourne Parkway Nature Trails wind along preserved creek beds and natural features that have been maintained despite the area's urban development since 1965. Visitors can explore these scenic pathways that showcase the environmental conservation efforts of the Hurstbourne community. The trails offer a peaceful retreat where residents and visitors can observe local wildlife, native plants, and the natural water systems that have been part of this landscape for centuries.
11. Bourbon Trail Tours
KENTUCKY SPIRIT JOURNEY
Bourbon Trail Tours departing from the Hurstbourne area offer visitors immersive experiences at renowned distilleries like Buffalo Trace and Woodford Reserve. These guided excursions provide transportation, expert commentary, and behind-the-scenes access to Kentucky's signature spirit production facilities. Participants can learn about the history, production methods, and distinctive flavor profiles while sampling premium bourbons in their authentic settings.
12. Cave Hill Dog Walk
PET-FRIENDLY HISTORIC GROUNDS
The Cave Hill Dog Walk offers a unique opportunity for pet owners to explore the historic grounds of Cave Hill Cemetery with their canine companions. This special event, in partnership with PG&J's Dog Park Bar, combines exercise, historical education, and social interaction for dogs and their humans. Visitors can admire the cemetery's beautiful landscape, notable monuments, and serene atmosphere while enjoying a structured walking experience designed for dogs of all sizes.
13. Louisville Women's Birding Club
AVIAN APPRECIATION SOCIETY
The Louisville Women's Birding Club organizes regular outings in natural areas around Hurstbourne and greater Louisville for bird watching enthusiasts. Members and guests can participate in guided identification walks, conservation discussions, and seasonal migration observations led by experienced birders. The club provides a supportive community for female birders of all experience levels while contributing to citizen science projects that monitor local bird populations.
14. Highlands Secret History Tours
NEIGHBORHOOD MYSTERY EXPLORATION
The Secrets of the Highlands tours reveal hidden stories and mysterious aspects of one of Louisville's most historic and vibrant neighborhoods near Hurstbourne. Participants journey through tree-lined streets while guides share tales of notable residents, architectural significance, and lesser-known historical events that shaped the area. These walking explorations combine entertainment, education, and local lore to provide a deeper appreciation for the cultural heritage of Louisville's distinctive Highlands district.
15. Sawyer Hayes Community Center
GATHERING PLACE FOR ALL
The Sawyer Hayes Community Center in E.P. Tom Sawyer State Park provides versatile spaces for gatherings, events, and community activities near Hurstbourne. This modern facility accommodates everything from business meetings and educational programs to family celebrations and recreational classes throughout the year. The center's convenient location within the park allows visitors to combine indoor functions with outdoor activities in a picturesque natural setting.