27 BEST Day Trips From Louisville You’ll Love In 2024

Ready to Take Day Trips in Louisville Like a Local?

Discover amazing day trips from Louisville and make unforgettable memories! Whether you’re a local or just visiting, these top 5 excursions offer adventure, relaxation, and unique experiences. Let’s dive in and plan your perfect day out!

Growing up in Louisville, my family vacations were day trips to many of these top sites for many years! As our hometown has grown, many new and awesome places have emerged as leading hotspots to tour. Sara and I have experienced great joy in taking our kids to explore our state.

Our journey begins with must-see destinations near Louisville, each offering a unique glimpse into the region’s culture, history, and natural beauty. Let’s jump right into our comprehensive guide to the 27 best daycations from Louisville!

27 Quick Getaways Gems From Louisville

Louisville’s central location within the United States positions our awesome city within easy reach of 50% of the country’s population. Visiting Louisville has never been easier with our expanding airport direct flight options and convenient highway system!

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TL;DR – Top 5 Day Trips from Louisville

Louisville is a vibrant city with amazing nearby adventures. Here are the top 5 day trips to enhance your visit:

1. Kentucky Bourbon Trail: Enjoy scenic bourbon tours, expert tastings, and delicious local cuisine.
2. Red River Gorge: Hike, rock climb, and discover stunning natural arches.
3. Churchill Downs: Experience the iconic horse racing and explore the Kentucky Derby Museum.
4. Mammoth Cave National Park: Tour the world’s longest cave system and hike scenic trails.
5. Holiday World & Splashin’ Safari: Family-friendly amusement park with thrilling rides and a world-class water park.

1.    Kentucky Bourbon Trail

Ready for an unforgettable adventure? Experience the Kentucky Bourbon Trail! Enjoy the beautiful rolling hills and delicious bourbon.

Kentucky is home to 11.4 million barrels of bourbon whiskey, which is nearly 7 million more barrels than residents! With that much delicious brown water waiting to be tasted, it’s no surprise the Kentucky Bourbon Trail tops our list of Best Day Trips from Louisville.

Don’t miss out on the bourbon trail experience of a lifetime. Reserve your spot now and toast to unforgettable moments!

What is Bourbonism? Bourbonism is tourism centered around exploring the rich history of bourbon distilling in Kentucky. Discover the traditions and pride of Kentucky craftsmanship.

🥃Craving a unique day on the Bourbon Trail? 🛤️ Travel the Bourbon Trail With Your Personal Driver!

Why do we enjoy the Kentucky Bourbon Trail?

• Gorgeous Landscapes: Visitors are treated to the beautiful rolling hills of central Kentucky while visiting distilleries in the more rural parts of the state. The foliage along the drives to the distilleries is stunning during the fall. Most bourbon tours guide visitors around these pristinely manicured shrines to bourbon to show off the natural beauty of each distillery. Walking through these properties on a bright, sunny day is good for the soul, filling you with a sense of peace and awe.
• Amazing Food: Amazing local restaurants can be found along the Bourbon Trail. When you’re in Bardstown, KY, be sure to stop by Mammy’s Kitchen & Bar. Savor the joy of discovering mouth-watering local cuisine that perfectly complements your bourbon journey.

Pro Tip: Our favorite distilleries include Maker’s Mark in Loretto, KY, Woodford Reserve in Versailles, KY, and Buffalo Trace in Frankfort, KY. Visit iconic distilleries and create lasting memories with each sip.

Fun Fact: Sara’s family resides less than 2 miles from Maker’s Mark. Our visits to Maker’s Mark began before Bourbonism exploded! Did you know that Maker’s Mark hand-dips every bottle in red wax? Here’s a behind-the-scenes look at the process.

Tips and Tricks to Have Your Best Day on the Bourbon Trail.

• Plan ahead – Distilleries are very busy, especially on the weekends, so make sure you plan your route in advance! A sample day might look like this: Start your day with a visit to Jim Beam at 10 AM, followed by lunch at Bardstown Bourbon Company. End the day with a sunset tasting at Angel’s Envy. Maximize your time on the trail by planning ahead!
• Designate a driver – Distillery tours include bourbon tasting at the end. While it’s a small amount of whiskey, drinking and driving is not cool. Plan for a DD before starting the trail! Enjoy your tastings with peace of mind, knowing you’re making safe choices.
• Hire a Tour Guide and Driver – Hired guides let everyone enjoy the tour and tasting.

2. Holiday World & Splashin’ Safari

As the third generation of my family to enjoy Holiday World & Splashin’ Safari, we love this park! Mike has been visiting Holiday World since it was called Santa Claus Land.

Holiday World & Splashin’ Safari has transformed from a small amusement park centered around the Holiday season into a large theme park with all the rides to thrill visitors of all ages!

Here are a few of the many reasons we love Holiday World & Splashin’ Safari

• Amazing Rides – Holiday World offers amazing world-renowned wooden roller coasters! Visitors travel from around the world to experience the thrill of world-class coasters like The Raven, The Legend, and The Voyage.
• World Class Water Park – Splashin’ Safari provides wild water coasters (Mammoth Water Coaster) and relaxing lazy rivers; guests will pass hours soaking up the sun.
• Clean and Friendly – Holiday World remains family-owned and operated…and it shows. The Holiday World team is super nice and friendly. Picture the friendliness of Disney World and multiply it by 10 and you have Holiday World!
• Free Drinks & Sunscreen – Holiday World goes against the grain of the giant parks nickel and diming guests by providing free drinks and sunscreen.

Holiday World & Splashin’ Safari operates daily from late May through the end of July.

A single day is perfect to visit Holiday World, but a second day at the park allows you to really enjoy all the park offers! We camped at the Lake Rudolph campground and appreciated the short walk to and from the park.

Admission tickets can be purchased online in advance or at the gate. We like buying in advance to avoid the crowds at the gate. Stay up to date with Holiday World & Splashin’ Safari directly from the park.

3. Red River Gorge: Home to 150 Natural Arches!

Explore the breathtaking Red River Gorge! Hike to stunning sandstone arches or enjoy an adrenaline-filled day with rock climbing and ziplining. Plan your adventure today!

What do we love about Red River Gorge?

• Hiking – Over 50 miles of maintained trails offer a wide range of hiking terrain. From easy walking paths to highly technical boulder crossing the trails in the Gorge provide adventure for all hiking abilities. Two of our favorite trails are (i) Double Arch and Auxier Ridge Loop Trail (5 miles) and (ii) Rock Bridge Trail (2.5 miles). For more information about hiking in Red River Gorge see our article on What to Experience in Red River Gorge.

• Arch Hunting – There is something special about hiking in the Gorge turning the corner and being face to face with an 80-foot-tall arch that was just hidden.

• Pizza and Ice Cream – After a day of hiking our reward is Miguel’s Pizza (a mainstay of the Gorge).

Pro Tip: Reservations are NOT required to enter Red River Gorge! Explorers should arrive early to secure parking spots for the best hikes. The Gorge is about 100 miles east of Louisville.

Red River Gorge is part of the Daniel Boone National Forest, so no charge to access this amazing park during daytime hours. However, at night, visitors are required to have an overnight pass.

If you want more than one day in the Gorge we recommend staying at 4 Guys RV Park. 4 Guys offers cabins and tiny homes for travelers without an RV.

Planning an adventure to the National Parks can be overwhelming. Let our guide walk you through the details!

4. Churchill Downs: The Fastest Two Minutes in Racing

Experience the thrill of Churchill Downs! Whether it’s Derby season or not, the Kentucky Derby Museum offers a fascinating glimpse into horse racing history.

Even if horse racing isn’t your style, the strength and grace of the thoroughbreds and the jockeys who guide them around the track are amazing. If you’re lucky enough to visit during the spring or fall meeting, purchase a general admission ticket, sit in the grandstand, pick a horse, and YELL at the top of your lungs for your horse to Go Baby Go!

And if the race season is not in session, all is not lost, check out the Kentucky Derby Museum located at historic Churchill Downs. The museum brilliantly brings to life the stories of the past Kentucky Derby winners, the families that supported these horses, and the trainers who live in the barns to unleash the magic in these majestic athletes!

Churchill Downs tickets are tough to get during Derby Week. Otherwise, getting into the track is affordable and open to all race fans.

Check out the official Churchill Downs website for the latest on the racing season or the Kentucky Derby Museum for up-to-date pricing and hours.

Local Pro Tip: Stop by Waggner’s Pharmacy, located just on the edge of the track’s property, and see if you can score free tickets. Often, season ticket holders give away their unused tickets!

Located about 10 minutes from downtown Louisville, visiting Churchill Downs is a cool in-town adventure!

5. Step back in time at Keeneland Racecourse

Seeking a look back at the days when men wore a coat, tie, and hat to a public event, and ladies wore beautiful dresses and fashionable hats? Keeneland Racecourse is your kind of place. With its creek stone clubhouse, manicured grounds, and overall ambiance of yesteryear (in an elegant way), entering the gates from Versailles Road immediately transports you back to the 1920s.

Keeneland is home to the largest and most prestigious yearling Thoroughbred sale in the world. During the sale, the Lexington airport is home to as many private planes as the busiest private airports in the world. Visitors can tour the racecourse for tickets check here. Get your tickets early as tours frequently sell out.

➡️ Want a more bespoke tour of Keeneland AND a working horse farm? Use our link to reserve a perfect day exploring Kentucky’s racing history.

6. Explore Kentucky Horse Park

Still interested in learning more about Kentucky’s rich tradition of horse racing? Then, Kentucky Horse Park in Lexington is a must-visit! As a working horse park, visitors get up close and personal with what it takes to operate a facility at a world-class level.

The park is filled with statues serving as tributes to many of the legends in the sport like Man o’War, Alysheba (one of the only Derby’s I cashed a ticket!), or Sergeant Reckless (a military horse in the Korean War). The International Museum of the Horse illustrates the history of the horse and the advancements to mankind thanks to horses!

Kentucky Horse Park is located about 60 minutes east of Louisville. The Horse Park is open year-round but check the website here before visiting to plan your best day!

7. Experience a Moonbow at Cumberland Falls

Did you know that you can see a rainbow at night? On nights around the full moon and if conditions are right (few clouds, plenty of water flowing over the falls, bright moon), visitors are treated to a true world wonder…a Moonbow!

Kentucky’s Cumberland Falls also known as Niagara of the South is home to one of the few regularly visible moonbows in the WORLD! We have visited this marvel twice and had spectacular luck seeing a beautiful moonbow in September 2023!

Pro Tip: The human eye will see a white light arching off the waterfall, but your camera (yes, even an iPhone) will see the colors. Make sure to use a tripod and a long shutter speed for the best results.

Located about 150 miles to the southeast of Louisville, Cumberland Falls is filled with tons of hiking and exploring. Plan to visit for at least a full day. If you have time, two days is recommended. Within two days you can check out Harlan Sanders’ (e.g., the Colonel of KFC) home and first restaurant, an old coal mining town restored by the National Forest Service, and so much more!

Learn more about hiking at Cumberland Falls State Park.

8. National Corvette Museum

Do you have the need for speed? Don’t skip out on the National Corvette Museum. Located in Bowling Green Kentucky…home of the Corvette.

Car lovers, especially Corvette enthusiasts, come from all over the country and world to experience the history of this American icon. The Corvette changed sports cars in America forever.

Even non-car lovers will enjoy this museum. We visited on a cold and blustery winter day. This provided us with a fun afternoon learning the history of this car. We learned the current mid-engine supercar was hotly debated within GM for over 40 years! In my opinion, the latest design is the best ever made!

Want to get behind the wheel of one of these supercars? Then make sure to include a side trip to NCM Motorsports Park.

After satisfying your need for speed, stop into Cambridge Market for a bite to eat. Cambridge offers the best food in town, but we’re biased because Sara’s family owns and operates this awesome restaurant!

Bowling Green and South Central Kentucky, the Cave Capital of Kentucky, are filled with so many amazing things to do! Plan to spend a few days exploring this beautiful area of Kentucky!

9. Mammoth Cave National Park: The World’s Longest Cave!

Discover the world’s longest cave system at Mammoth Cave National Park! Book your tour today and explore the incredible underground world.

Over 426 known miles of trail make Mammoth Cave the longest cave in the world and it’s located about 90 minutes south of Louisville. Stop in for a tour on your way to or from the Corvette Museum.

Tours often sell out quickly, so get tickets online in advance. Otherwise, you can hike and explore some fabulous trails at Mammoth Cave free of charge. If you miss out on a ranger-led tour, you can take the Discovery Tour, which is self-guided.

Growing up, this was one of the day trips my family took from Louisville. We explored the Historic Tour, which is about two hours and two miles long. The Historic Tour showcases many of the most prominent features of the caves. You’ll never forget the difference between a stalactite and a stalagmite again…hang tight to the ceiling, or you might reach the ceiling!

Get all the insider tips before you visit Mammoth Cave National Park.

10. Carter Caves State Park

Boasting over 20 caverns, Carter Caves State Park has some of the most interesting caves in eastern Kentucky. X Cave is widely toured and offers amazing views of giant stalactites nearly 7 feet in diameter and 30 feet tall! Don’t miss the Pipe Organ, which “plays music” when the pipes are hit with a piece of wood!

Besides exploring caves, visitors can hike several trails including Three Bridges Trail, our favorite, and take in the sites of the natural arches eastern Kentucky is famous for! Rock climbing and rappelling are permitted in the park…make sure you get the proper permits and stay on approved routes. Boating and fishing in the 45-acre lake provide more fun opportunities to enjoy the park.

We visited during the Halloween season and the park was alive with activity. The campground was a fun place for adults and kids.

Louisville is about 170 miles west of Carter Caves. To visit for a day trip plan to leave Louisville early and arrive back late. Although a long day, this park is a crown jewel in the Kentucky Park network.

11. Squire Boone Cavern

Squire Boone, Daniel Boone’s brother, was a beast! An early explorer of Kentucky and Indiana, he was instrumental in pioneers settling the lands.

He fought for America in the Revolutionary War, where he was wounded 11 times in the Battle of Boonesboro. During his time in Indiana, Squire discovered the cave that became the present-day Squire Boone Cavern. Squire used these caves to hide from local Indians.

Squire Boone Cavern has unique cave features, including underground waterfalls and tremendous water flows. It’s estimated that 1,000,000 gallons of water flow through the cave daily, making it a living and growing cave!

The tour is an easy 1/3 of a mile out and back, with nearly 75 stairs to exit the cave in the gift shop.

Squire Boone Caverns is located a short 45 minutes west of Louisville. This is a quick day trip and the cave can be enjoyed in the morning or afternoon freeing up the rest of the day to explore more of Louisville. For more information about tickets check out their website.

12. Falls of the Ohio State Park

The Falls of the Ohio is the driving force behind why Louisville grew into a powerful city in the mid-1800s. A series of rapids in the Ohio River forced keelboats and riverboat captains to divert their goods and boats around the falls for safe passage.

While visiting the Falls of the Ohio State Park, visitors will learn about oceans that once covered this region and how the retreating glaciers shaped the topography.

Ever wonder why Indiana is mostly flat while Kentucky is rolling hills? The knobs of southern Indiana along with the Ohio River helped hold back the glaciers.

This excursion is perfect for an early morning visit. Plan to spend about half a day visiting and exploring the museum and fossil bed near the Ohio River.

The Falls are about 10 minutes north of downtown Louisville in Jeffersonville, Indiana. For the latest information on events at the Falls check out their website.

13. Urban Bourbon Trail

Bourbonism has ushered in a new wave of craft distilleries. Many of these distilleries are conveniently located in downtown Louisville. The best part is visitors can walk or Uber to these neat places.

Home to 13 urban distilleries, we have visited 4 of the 13. Each distillery has its unique history that shapes its brand and the whiskey taste profile. For example, while visiting the Evan Williams Bourbon Experience, we learned that bourbon whiskey grew in popularity in the 1800’s because the corn crop yields would spoil if the harvest was not converted into a useful product. Bourbon whiskey helped shape and drive both the local and national economy.

Pro Tip: Sometimes, hard-to-find whisky brands are available inside the gift shop at normal retail prices. For what it’s worth, I’ve not run across Pappy Van Winkle in the gift shops…maybe one day!

Bonus Tip: Grab a “Bourbon Passport” and collect stamps from all the distilleries you visit. After a few bourbon tastings, the list can get foggy!

Travel Tip: If you arrive by airplane, make sure you have your bourbon purchase shipped to your home. Otherwise, you may be gifting a bottle of your favorite spirit to the TSA agents.

Tours often sell out in advance. Make sure to buy tickets in advance. For a listing of the distilleries on the Urban Bourbon Trail check out the website.

Bonus – Enjoy an Evening at the Sauerbeck Family Drive-In

The Sauerbeck Family Drive-In is located about 20 minutes northeast of downtown in Buckner, Kentucky. The Sauerbeck’s are bringing back this fun way to watch a movie together! With a modern drive-in movie screen, a playground for the kids, and a fully stocked snack bar, this drive-in is a one-of-a-kind experience!

The drive-in is open year-round. As a family-owned and operated venue, they select all the movies they show. This is awesome! At Christmas, you can catch holiday classics life Elf, The Polar Express, and The Grinch. Don’t worry—they also play new releases!

Pro Tip: With tickets as low as $15 for a carload for retro-movie nights and $11 for adults / $6 for kids, this is the best deal around for watching a movie!

The Sauerbecks are in the process of adding a second screen that will allow movies to be viewed during the daytime!

14. Louisville Slugger Museum

Next to bourbon whiskey baseball is about as American as sports get. Louisville is home to the Louisville Slugger. On Main Street in downtown Louisville stands a giant baseball bat leaning against the museum. The bat is 120 feet tall and is visible throughout downtown!

Why did Louisville Slugger become famous? In 1905 Louisville Slugger made history by paying Honus Wagner (Hall of Famer) to use his name on the bat. They created a market and demand followed.

Famous players including Babe Ruth, Ty Cobb, Jackie Robinson, Tony Gwynn, Ken Griffey Jr., and more have used Louisville Slugger bats in MLB games. According to the company’s website, in 1997, Louisville Slugger became the official bat of MLB.

When you visit be sure to grab your mini-bat as a souvenir.

Tours are available daily. Check their website for more information.

15. Louisville Bats: Pro Baseball

The Louisville Bats are the Triple-A affiliate of the Cincinnati Reds. Attending a game at Slugger Field is a fun experience for the entire family. As a Triple A team games remain affordable for a family of 4. We enjoy taking in a game at least once a season.

Slugger Field’s design brings fans close to the action and all the seats are great. Families with young kids will enjoy the playground and merry-go-round located along the right-field sideline.

As an added benefit, the Bats often welcome players from MLB as they rehab or get additional reps at a slightly lower level. Ken Griffey JR played a number of games in Louisville over his career.

The season runs from mid-April through the end of August or early September. General admission tickets are typically easy to score. Check out the Bats website for all the details.

For another look at professional baseball, consider attending a BG Hot Rods game in Bowling Green when visiting Mammoth Cave!

16. Take a Cruise on the Belle of Louisville

With the prominence the Falls of the Ohio and riverboats had on Louisville’s formation and growth, our city would be remiss not to have an honest-to-goodness steam-powered paddle wheeler. A variety of cruise offerings are available year-round. Cruising in late spring or early October is perfect for the weather and viewing the riverbanks.

In preparation for the Kentucky Derby, our city races anything that isn’t nailed down. I think it helps set the mood in the city for the fastest two minutes in sports. We race steamboats on the Ohio River. This race, as you can imagine, is far from the fastest two minutes in sports. But, it’s a fun event where the riverboat captains often have some tricks up their sleeves to gain the winning edge!

River and weather conditions affect the Belle’s ability to cruise, so check the website for the latest sailing conditions.

17. Tioga Falls and Buttermilk Falls

Waterfall lovers will enjoy visiting Tioga Falls and Buttermilk Falls. On the drive from Louisville, visitors will arrive at Tioga Falls first. The trailhead is located near Westpoint, Kentucky. For exact directions check out Radcliff Tourism’s website.

Tioga Falls Trail is located on a very light-used portion of Fort Knox…where they keep all the gold. I think that’s a myth, but nevertheless, it’s federal property so follow the posted instructions. This trail is out and back with the out being mostly uphill. The falls really flow well after moderate to heavy rain. We visited on Mother’s Day one year and really enjoyed a fun hike and celebrating Sara!

Buttermilk Falls is located about 30 to 40 minutes west of Tioga Falls in the river town of Brandenburg, Kentucky. Buttermilk Falls trail is designed like a lollypop…a long out and back with a loop to the falls. The out-and-back portion of the trail is uphill on the way out. Dogs are welcome on this trail but must be kept on a leash. This was our first official hike with our pup, Finn! For precise directions to the trailhead check out Brandenburg Tourism’s website.

18. Ark Encounter

How long is a cubit? Find out at the Ark Encounter. This is Disneyworld for Christians. We found the Ark very interesting and somewhat overwhelming with the volume of information. Each animal that boarded the Ark is described and illustrated in 3-D.

Noah and his sons must have been professional engineers because the details they thought through were intricate. For instance, an animal feeding system was described in such a way that the process was nearly an assembly line. Interior lighting and ventilation were considered. This was long before the Google machine so WOW!

The Ark Encounter showcases several animals in their zoo. Daily zookeeper talks are certain to educate visitors with fun facts about the animals in the zoo.

We wrote about our visit to the Ark in our article titled Discover the Ark Encounter. The Ark is located about 70 miles from Louisville. We recommend spending at least half a day visiting and learning. Complete your day in Northern Kentucky at the Newport Aquarium, our 19th choice for day-tripping from Louisville!

FWIW the Ark is 300 cubits long!

19. Newport Aquarium

Stay dry while exploring the depths of the ocean at the Newport Aquarium. When we lived in Northern Kentucky we visited the aquarium often. This is truly a crown jewel of the Newport Kentucky riverfront.

I love the bright blue fish that are typically found around coral reefs. The aquarium just completed a new coral reef tunnel. I find glass tunnels in aquariums to be super cool. The fish swim on all sides while I get to stay nice a dry!

The Newport Aquarium gets crowded so book your tickets early and be prepared for timed entry. Timed entry helps control the flow of guests and improves the experience. Check out Newport Aquarium’s website for the latest details on visiting!

20. Bernheim Forest

When was the last time you walked among giants? Probably too long ago! Visit Bernheim Forest for a one-of-a-kind chance to come face to face with giants created out of wood. These gentle giants stand guard over the lake and grounds of Bernheim Forest.

This park located a short 25 miles from downtown Louisville provides over 40 miles of trails for all abilities of hikers. There are several ponds and lakes to sit beside, soak up the sun, and just reflect in nature. As I prepared for this section my kids reminded me of the new playground that was just completed. The opportunity to let loose always entices them…we have to get back here soon!

The Park is largely donor supported and a small donation is requested upon entry. Stay up to date with their seasonal hours through their website.

21. Louisville Mega Cavern

Not just another cave…this is the Mega Cavern! The Louisville Mega Cavern was created as a limestone quarry under the city of Louisville. As mining operations wrapped up some business-savvy entrepreneurs seized the opportunity.

The Mega Cavern today is home to underground zip lines, a rope course, cavern tours (in an open-top vehicle), and our Christmas Holiday favorite Lights Under Louisville!

We visit Lights Under Louisville every year. Each year the Christmas light display gets bigger and better. With 2 to 3 miles of wall-to-wall Christmas lights, this place is sensor overload of light, music, and JOY! Since the cavern is underground Lights Under Louisville is open during most daytime hours! Find about an hour to fit this amazing attraction into your Louisville day trips.

Located about 8 miles from downtown Louisville, the Mega Cavern is accessible from anywhere in the city within 30 minutes or less! For tickets and information, check out their website.

22. Shaker Village of Pleasant Hill in Harrodsburg, Kentucky

Way back in grade school, we took a day trip (aka a field trip) to Shaker Village. I recall the drive out being spectacular among the rolling hills of central Kentucky. Our landscape is amazing.

Shaker Village has been restored to represent life during the period. The challenge of the lifestyle was not lost on me even as a fifth grader! The grounds include a Historic Center, Farm, and Preserve. The Historic Center showcases the remaining 30 or so buildings from the Shaker’s time on the property. The Preserve includes 3,000 acres of green space and trails to explore and enjoy nature.

It’s about an hour’s drive from Louisville, so it’s perfect for a day trip. Check their website for ticket info – it’s totally worth the trip for a unique glimpse into history.

23. Float Down the Elkhorn Creek at Canoe Kentucky

Last summer, we visited Canoe Kentucky on Father’s Day weekend for a relaxing float down Elkhorn Creek. Located about an hour east of Louisville in Frankfort Kentucky Canoe Kentucky is a quick day trip.

When we started our journey it was cool for mid-June and by mid-afternoon the air had warmed up! The cool water felt amazing. Along the way, there are several spots to pull onto the shoreline and enjoy some lunch or a snack. We like the waterproof bags to keep our lunch dry.

The greenery along the banks provided a beautiful, natural backdrop, making it an ideal escape from the city hustle.

On our first trip, we brought our dog, Finn, thinking he’d enjoy the adventure as much as we did. Turns out, he’s not a fan of kayaking!

But it was a different story for the kids. They absolutely loved it, and it was a fantastic way for them to get more comfortable with kayaking.

We enjoy camping at Elkhorn Creek RV Park which is one of our Top 4 Campgrounds Near Louisville!

Ready to book your float? Canoe Kentucky offers a variety of rental options, including canoes and kayaks, and getting tickets is a breeze on their website.

24. Abraham Lincoln Birthplace

I remember visiting the Abraham Lincoln Birthplace National Historical Park in Hodgenville, KY, as a kid on a family day trip from Louisville. It’s about an hour’s drive from Louisville. I recommend planning on at least 1 to 2 hours on the property. Unless you just stop in for a quick look.

I remember my mind was blown when I saw the size of the one-room log cabin. This was smaller than my bedroom. The park centers around this symbolic cabin, thoughtfully preserved inside a beautiful memorial building.

Visiting the Park helps visitors understand Lincoln’s life and how he formed anti-slavery views.

Click here for our complete planning guide for your perfect day trip to Abraham Lincoln’s Birthplace!

25. Explore The Art of War at the Frazier History Museum

Our family visit to the Frazier History Museum in downtown Louisville happened on a chilly January day, adding a kind of solemnity to our exploration of the past. The museum’s interactive approach to history really captivated our son. He was particularly fascinated by the extensive exhibits of weapons throughout history, which provide a tangible connection to various periods and conflicts.

As I walked through the museum, I couldn’t help but be struck by the sheer number of wars that have occurred over the course of human history. The array of arms and armor, while impressive, was a stark reminder of the many conflicts that have shaped our world. It made me reflect on the irony of peace – it seems to be maintained as long as everyone agrees, a delicate balance that history has often seen disrupted.

Located conveniently in downtown Louisville, the Frazier History Museum is a great place for anyone interested in history, whether it’s local Kentucky history or the broader scope of human events. It’s easy to get tickets, either online or at the museum, and they offer a variety of educational programs and live performances that make history come alive in a very engaging way. It’s a thought-provoking destination that’s accessible and enriching for visitors of all ages.

26. My Old Kentucky Home

Are you looking for a change of scenery while touring Bourbon Country? After enjoying lunch at Mammy’s Kitchen (we highly recommend this local restaurant!) located on the Bardstown Square, take a tour of My Old Kentucky Home.

The stately Federalist-style home is just as beautiful today as it was in the 1800s. While touring, visitors are certain to learn how this historic place aided in the abolitionist movement. The song My Old Kentucky Home was inspired by Harriet Beacher Stowe’s novel Uncle Tom’s Cabin. For more interesting facts check out this landmark!

Bardstown is located about 60 minutes south of Louisville and is in the heart of Bourbon Country. Visiting My Old Kentucky Home and a bourbon distillery would make for a perfect day trip! Tickets and more information on tours can be found on their website.

27. Tour Louisville’s Victorian Homes

Enjoy a walking tour of Louisville’s Victorian Homes. Louisville is home to the most Victorian-era homes in the nation. With over 40 blocks of restored Victorian Era, visitors are sure to enjoy this stroll back in time.

Central Park is a centerpiece of Old Louisville and home to one of the longest-running Shakespeare festivals in the country. If you are visiting in the summer, we think you will enjoy an evening in the park watching a play. Be sure to arrive early to get a great spot!

We recommend taking a walking tour to learn about the history of Old Louisville. After your tour, stop by Buck’s for an old-fashioned bourbon-themed cocktail. Buck’s is one of our favorite upscale restaurants in town. With white linen tablecloths, jazz piano, and white flowers on the tables, this restaurant is elegant and delicious!

➡️ Ready to book your guided tours today? Use our link to book!

Where To Stay in Louisville

Living in town it’s rare we stay overnight. So, when we stay overnight it’s for a special occasion like a birthday or anniversary. We hope you enjoy our favorite accommodations as much as we do.

📍Budget Option: The Galt House – An independent hotel located along the riverfront in the heart of downtown. The Galt House has recently undergone a major renovation and is updated to complete with the finest hotels in town. Book here!

📍Mid-Range Option: The Brown Hotel – Another Louisville landmark located at 4^th and Broadway. This hotel is beautifully restored to its glory days of the past. The Brown Hotel is home to a famous Kentucky delicacy…The Hot Brown. YUM! Book your stay here!

📍Luxury Option: The Dupont Mansion – We recommend the Dupont Mansion as your chance to stay in one of the city’s most beautiful Victorian-Era homes. Enjoy accommodations the way travel used to be. We have stayed here a few times and always enjoy our stay. Connecting with the innkeepers is so fun! Book your stay here!

Kentucky Vacations for Every Season

As local Kentucky residents, we are experts in enjoying the Bluegrass state in every season!

Spring in Kentucky

• Create the perfect Spring Break Staycation in Louisville with our ultimate guide.
• Take part in the Kentucky Derby Festival. This is when Louisville blooms back to life!
• Louisville is perfect for fall foilage, horse racing, and bourbon!

FAQs

Louisville is a beautiful river town with a rich history that shaped America. In many ways, Louisville was fortunate to have the Falls of the Ohio in its front yard! While our history shaped much of our story, our people and leadership are propelling our future!

Here are a few FAQs and helpful hints to prepare for your journey.

What is the closest beach to Louisville Kentucky?

This is tricky! Reaching the beautiful green waters of the gulf takes about 10 hours via car to reach Pensacola, Florida. The Atlantic Ocean to the east varies from 10 to 12 hours depending on traffic.

The closest beach to Louisville Kentucky is Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore in northern Indiana on Lake Michigan. The Great Lakes are amazing. If you want to explore more about the Great Lakes take a read through our journey through Michigan!

How many days do you need in Louisville?

We are biased and believe you can never have too many days in Louisville. To see the city, experience the culture, enjoy the exceptional food scene, and take a few day trips, we recommend 3 to 4 days. A long weekend would provide an excellent starting point for a visit to the river city!

Is Louisville Kentucky worth visiting?

We think everyone should visit Louisville. Our hometown has something for everyone. Historic homes, fine dining, fast horses, fast cars, tasty bourbon, and a whole lot more. Come experience Louisville’s hospitality!

What city is across the bridge from Louisville?

In fact, Louisville has two cities across the bridge from downtown. On the central and eastern side (e.g., upriver from the Falls of the Ohio) is Clarksville. New Albany is located on the down-river side of the Falls and the western part of the city.

Summing It Up: Memory-Making Day Trips from Louisville

As huge fans of our hometown, we believe Louisville is a gateway into Kentucky’s rich history and natural beauty, as well as a hub of adventure and discovery.

From My Old Kentucky Home and the awe-inspiring Abraham Lincoln Birthplace to the thrill of kayaking down Elkhorn Creek or marveling at the wonders of the Frazier History Museum, Louisville and its surrounding areas offer a diverse array of experiences.

Whether you’re a history buff, a nature lover, an adventure seeker, or just someone looking to explore the nuances of bourbon country, there’s something here for everyone.

The beauty of these day trips lies not only in their variety but also in their accessibility. Most destinations are just a short drive from Louisville, making them perfect for spontaneous outings or well-planned excursions. Plus, with options ranging from the serene landscapes of Bernheim Forest to the bustling excitement of Churchill Downs, every visit promises a unique and memorable experience.

As we wrap up our exploration, Louisville’s best day trip destinations offer something for everyone, from serene parks to bustling historic sites. Whether it’s through the lens of history, the thrill of adventure, or the simple pleasure of a scenic drive, Louisville’s Top 27 Rated Day Trips are sure to provide lasting memories and a deeper appreciation for this richly diverse region.

Pack your bags, grab your camera, and get ready to discover all the wonders that lie just a short journey from Louisville’s doorstep.

About Us

Mike and Sara reside in Louisville and this is our hometown. We love exploring our hometown when we are not out camping and discovering new places. We hope this inspires readers to discover more about their hometowns AND come visit Derby City.