Indian Hills KentuckyATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Indian Hills, Kentucky.
1. Cherokee Park
HISTORIC OLMSTED-DESIGNED PARK
Cherokee Park is one of the original parks designed by Frederick Law Olmsted, known as the father of landscape architecture in the United States. The park features a 2.3-mile paved Scenic Loop that is perfect for cycling, running, or a leisurely stroll. Visitors can enjoy the lush green spaces, rolling hills, and charming bridges that make this park a beloved outdoor retreat close to Indian Hills.
2. Waterfront Park
RIVERSIDE URBAN GREEN SPACE
Waterfront Park is an 85-acre public park situated on the banks of the Ohio River, transformed from former scrap yards and abandoned industrial buildings. The park offers stunning views of the river, walking paths, playgrounds, and open spaces for recreation and relaxation. Throughout the year, Waterfront Park hosts numerous festivals, concerts, and events that celebrate Louisville's vibrant culture.
3. Big Four Bridge
HISTORIC PEDESTRIAN CROSSING
The Big Four Bridge, originally completed in 1895 as a railroad bridge, now connects Louisville, Kentucky, and Jeffersonville, Indiana, for pedestrians and cyclists. The repurposed bridge spans nearly a mile across the Ohio River, offering spectacular views of the Louisville skyline and river activities. Illuminated with colorful LED lights at night, the bridge has become one of the city's most iconic landmarks and a favorite spot for evening walks.
4. Kentucky Science Center
INTERACTIVE LEARNING EXPERIENCE
The Kentucky Science Center offers hands-on exhibits and interactive experiences that make science accessible and engaging for visitors of all ages. Located in downtown Louisville, this educational attraction features three floors of exhibits covering topics from physics and chemistry to biology and astronomy. The center also houses a four-story digital theater where visitors can enjoy immersive films about science, nature, and the universe.
5. The Waverly Hills Sanatorium
HISTORIC HAUNTED HOSPITAL
The Waverly Hills Sanatorium is a former tuberculosis hospital that has gained fame as one of America's most haunted locations. Built in 1910 and expanded in 1926, the massive Gothic structure has five floors of history, with guided historical and paranormal tours available for visitors. The sanatorium's fascinating and sometimes tragic past draws thousands of history enthusiasts and ghost hunters each year, particularly around Halloween when special events are held.
6. Churchill Downs
HOME OF KENTUCKY DERBY
Churchill Downs is the world-famous racetrack that hosts the Kentucky Derby, the first leg of the American Triple Crown. The historic venue, with its iconic twin spires, has been operating since 1875 and offers racing throughout the year, not just during Derby season. Visitors can tour the grounds, experience the Kentucky Derby Museum, and feel the rich tradition of thoroughbred racing that has made this location a symbol of Kentucky heritage.
7. Kentucky Derby Museum
RACING HISTORY SHOWCASE
The Kentucky Derby Museum celebrates the history and tradition of America's most famous horse race. Located at Churchill Downs, the museum features interactive exhibits, historic race footage, and artifacts that tell the story of the Derby and Kentucky's thoroughbred industry. Visitors can experience a 360-degree immersive film that captures the excitement of Derby Day and even meet a resident thoroughbred and miniature horse that call the museum home.
8. Louisville Slugger Museum & Factory
ICONIC BASEBALL BAT EXPERIENCE
The Louisville Slugger Museum & Factory is marked by the world's largest baseball bat leaning against the building, making it impossible to miss. Inside, visitors can tour the factory where the official bats of Major League Baseball are crafted and learn about the history of America's favorite pastime. Every guest receives a miniature Louisville Slugger bat as a souvenir, and baseball fans can even order custom bats made to their specifications.
9. The Belle of Louisville
HISTORIC STEAMBOAT RIVER CRUISES
The Belle of Louisville is the oldest operating steamboat in the United States, offering scenic cruises on the Ohio River since 1914. This National Historic Landmark provides passengers with a glimpse into river travel of bygone days, complete with calliope music and stunning views of the Louisville skyline. The Belle offers various themed cruises throughout the year, from sightseeing excursions to dinner cruises with live entertainment.
10. Muhammad Ali Center
BOXING LEGEND'S LEGACY
The Muhammad Ali Center honors the life and legacy of Louisville's native son, boxing legend Muhammad Ali. This cultural center features interactive exhibits that explore Ali's six core principles: confidence, conviction, dedication, giving, respect, and spirituality. Visitors can watch Ali's greatest bouts, explore his humanitarian efforts, and learn how his influence extended far beyond the boxing ring to impact civil rights, global peace, and social justice.
11. Speed Art Museum
KENTUCKY'S PREMIER ART COLLECTION
The Speed Art Museum is Kentucky's oldest and largest art museum, housing a diverse collection spanning 6,000 years of human creativity. Recently renovated and expanded, the museum features works from ancient cultures to contemporary art, with particularly strong collections of Renaissance and European paintings. The museum also hosts traveling exhibitions, film screenings at its cinema, and engaging community programs in its beautiful modernist building.
12. Beckley Creek Park
OUTDOOR RECREATION PARADISE
Beckley Creek Park is a stunning outdoor space that forms part of The Parklands of Floyds Fork, one of the largest new urban park systems in the nation. The park features miles of hiking and biking trails, fishing lakes, and the impressive Egg Lawn and Pavilion, perfect for picnics and outdoor gatherings. Visitors can enjoy paddling on Floyds Fork, observe wildlife in the wetlands, or simply relax in the beautifully designed landscape that blends recreation with natural conservation.
13. The Kentucky Center for the Performing Arts
CULTURAL ARTS HUB
The Kentucky Center for the Performing Arts serves as the premier venue for Broadway shows, ballet, opera, and orchestra performances in Louisville. This cultural cornerstone houses multiple theaters and performance spaces, including Whitney Hall and the Bomhard Theater, which host local, national, and international talent throughout the year. The Center is also home to the Louisville Orchestra, Kentucky Opera, Louisville Ballet, and StageOne Family Theatre, making it the heart of Louisville's performing arts scene.
14. KMAC Museum
CONTEMPORARY CRAFT AND DESIGN
KMAC Museum (Kentucky Museum of Art and Craft) celebrates contemporary art, craft, and design with a focus on Kentucky's rich cultural heritage. Located in downtown Louisville's historic West Main Street district, the museum features rotating exhibitions that showcase innovative works by regional and international artists. KMAC offers educational programs, workshops, and a museum shop filled with unique handcrafted items, making it a vibrant space where traditional craft techniques meet contemporary artistic expression.
15. Louisville Zoo
WILDLIFE CONSERVATION CENTER
The Louisville Zoo is home to more than 1,500 animals in naturalistic habitats spread across 134 acres of carefully designed landscapes. Visitors can explore diverse ecosystems from around the world, including the award-winning Glacier Run (a recreation of a Churchill, Alaska town) and Islands, featuring critically endangered Sumatran orangutans. The zoo's focus on conservation, education, and creating meaningful connections between people and wildlife makes it a favorite destination for families throughout the region.