Shively KentuckyATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Shively, Kentucky.
1. Churchill Downs
LEGENDARY HORSE RACING VENUE
Churchill Downs is the iconic racetrack best known as the home of the Kentucky Derby, America's most famous horse race held annually in early May. Visitors can tour the historic grounds, visit the winner's circle, and experience the vibrant atmosphere on race days or during guided tours. Its grandstands, museum, and memorabilia make it a must-see for both horse racing fans and history lovers.
2. Kentucky Derby Museum
IMMERSIVE EQUESTRIAN HISTORY
The Kentucky Derby Museum sits adjacent to Churchill Downs and offers interactive exhibits telling the story of the storied race and thoroughbred culture. Guests can learn about legendary horses and jockeys, try their hand at betting strategies, or watch stunning replays of classic races. The museum also provides engaging educational programs and behind-the-scenes tours of the racetrack.
3. Stitzel-Weller Distillery
HISTORIC BOURBON LANDMARK
Stitzel-Weller Distillery in Shively is famed as a key birthplace of Kentucky bourbon and was once home to iconic brands like Old Fitzgerald and Pappy Van Winkle. The distillery offers engaging tours through its barrel warehouses and historic grounds, explaining the craft of whiskey aging and production. Tastings and a visit to the on-site Garden & Gun Club bar round out the distillery experience.
4. The Speed Art Museum
RENOWNED ART COLLECTION
The Speed Art Museum, located near the University of Louisville, houses an impressive range of artworks from ancient to contemporary periods. Visitors encounter rotating special exhibitions, film screenings, and interactive family activities within its expansive modern building. The museum's celebrated collection includes European masterpieces, American works, and decorative arts.
5. Altitude Trampoline Park
FAMILY TRAMPOLINE ADVENTURE
Altitude Trampoline Park in Shively boasts over 40,000 square feet of wall-to-wall trampolines, making it ideal for active families and groups. The facility features main and kids' courts, dodgeball zones, basketball lanes, a gymnastics tumbling track, and a special area for toddlers. It's a favorite spot for birthday parties and evening fitness classes, ensuring fun and exercise for all ages.
6. Waverly Hills Sanatorium
HAUNTED HISTORICAL LANDMARK
Waverly Hills Sanatorium is a famed historic building known for its beautiful architecture and chilling ghost stories from its days as a tuberculosis hospital. Guided tours explore its haunted history, including the notorious 'body chute,' and recount local legends. The site is especially popular among paranormal enthusiasts and history buffs seeking a thrilling experience.
7. Iroquois Park
VAST SCENIC GREENSPACE
Iroquois Park offers sprawling acres of woodlands, rolling hills, and landscaped gardens, designed by famed landscape architect Frederick Law Olmsted. Visitors can hike scenic trails, picnic under mature trees, and climb the park's lookout for panoramic views of Louisville. The Iroquois Amphitheater hosts regular concerts and performances in an inviting outdoor setting.
8. Big Four Bridge
PEDESTRIAN RIVER CROSSING
The Big Four Bridge is a former railroad truss bridge transformed into a pedestrian and cycling path connecting Louisville with Jeffersonville, Indiana across the Ohio River. The bridge is illuminated at night, offering spectacular city and river views, and is a popular destination for leisurely strolls and bike rides. Visitors can access waterfront parks on both sides, making it perfect for an outing.
9. Waterfront Park
URBAN RIVERSIDE OASIS
Waterfront Park stretches along the Ohio River in downtown Louisville, featuring walking paths, picnic areas, playgrounds, and stunning river vistas. The park hosts major festivals, outdoor concerts, and public art displays, making it a vibrant hub for locals and visitors. Its open lawns and gardens provide a peaceful retreat within the city.
10. Belle of Louisville Riverboats
HISTORIC STEAMBOAT CRUISES
The Belle of Louisville Riverboats offer scenic cruises along the Ohio River on a beautifully restored, century-old steamboat. Guests enjoy narrated tours highlighting local history, skyline views, and live entertainment or themed events. Cruises are a delightful way to experience Louisville's riverfront heritage in style.
11. Conrad-Caldwell House Museum
RICHARDSONIAN ROMANESQUE MANSION
The Conrad-Caldwell House Museum showcases the grandeur of Victorian-era Louisville inside a stunning Richardsonian Romanesque mansion in Old Louisville. Guided tours reveal lavish interiors, period furnishings, and tales of the city's elite families. The mansion's unique architectural details and historical significance fascinate architecture and history enthusiasts alike.
12. Cherokee Park
OLMSTED-DESIGNED RETREAT
Cherokee Park, another Olmsted masterpiece, is loved for its rolling hills, scenic drives, and well-kept hiking and cycling loops. The park's winding roadways, open meadows, and densely wooded areas invite exploration and relaxation. It's a favorite spot for jogging, picnicking, and spotting wildlife within the city.
13. Louisville Zoo
WILDLIFE CONSERVATION PARK
The Louisville Zoo features diverse habitats for animals from around the globe, including gorillas, tigers, and penguins. Educational exhibits and hands-on encounters teach visitors about conservation and animal behavior. Special seasonal events and a large splash park make it a great family attraction.
14. Kentucky Kingdom & Hurricane Bay
THRILLING AMUSEMENT PARK
Kentucky Kingdom & Hurricane Bay is a sprawling amusement and water park featuring roller coasters, thrill rides, and splash zones. The park offers entertainment for all ages, with live shows, family attractions, and water slides galore. Its central location in Louisville makes it a top pick for day-long excitement.
15. Old Louisville
HISTORIC VICTORIAN NEIGHBORHOOD
Old Louisville is famed for its collection of preserved Victorian-era homes and tree-lined streets, comprising one of the largest such neighborhoods in the U.S. Visitors can take walking tours to admire the ornate architecture, gardens, and historic charm. The area often hosts art fairs and cultural festivals, attracting both local residents and travelers.