Do you love US history? Enjoy adding education to your vacation? You’re going to love Louisville! Aside from the more commonly known historical sights like Churchill Downs, the Frazier History Museum, and stops on the Bourbon Trail, there are many lesser-known spots that will fascinate and surprise you. Additionally, the neighborhood of Old Louisville is one of the largest historic districts in the United States. If you like to learn, make Louisville, Kentucky your next vacation destination… and don’t forget to stick with the history theme and book your stay with us at the historic Inn at Woodhaven!
Enjoy the architecture of the Conrad-Caldwell House Museum
Our first destination is the Conrad-Caldwell House Museum, located at 1402 St. James Court in the historic neighborhood of Old Louisville. It’s fair to say that “house” is an understatement to describe this 1895 building designed by architect, Arthur Loomis, as it was designed in the style of a Richardsonian Romanesque castle. The home was once occupied by two of Louisville’s most prominent businessmen and their families. Theophile Conrad is responsible for the creation of the home and several other historic properties in the area, while William E. Caldwell and his family were the second occupants of the home.
The museum was the 2019 recipient of the Kentucky History Awards and offers both self-guided and docent-led tours of the building on Wednesdays through Sundays. (Word has it that at least one of the docents is a descendant of a family that lived in the house.) Discount tickets are available for seniors, military, and students. Plan to spend around 1-2 hours touring this site.
Head to the water for a new perspective of the city
If the weather is nice, book a Harbor History cruise on the Belle of Louisville Steamboat, the only remaining steamboat from the great American packet boat era. This very affordably-priced excursion will take you on a tour of the Ohio River for a one-hour narration that includes the history of Louisville and the significance of steamboats. The Belle of Louisville is a National Historic Landmark and has been in operation since 1914.
The Harbor History cruise is not the only way to set sail on this iconic ship. Visit their website for a full list of both day and evening cruises, along with seasonal special events like their “Speakeasy on the River” and “Bourbon on the River” excursions. Casual attire is suitable for most events, with flat shoes and sun protection recommended.
A property that’s nearly as old as the nation
One of the oldest settler’s sites in Louisville is Locust Grove, home to Louisville’s founders, William and Lucy Clark Croghan. This 55-acre property includes the Croghans’ Georgian mansion, all of which was built and cultivated by 30-45 enslaved people in the late 1700s. Croghan’s brother-in-law was George Rogers Clark of the well-known Lewis and Clark expedition. In his later years, Clark lived on the property at Locust Grove until he died in 1818.
Locust Grove honors both its founders and the history of the enslaved people who built the property and were responsible for the Croghans’ prosperity. There are 60-90 minute guided tours of the house in the morning and early afternoon on Tuesday through Saturday. There are also self-guided tours available with audio headsets that guide you through the history of twelve sites on the property. Advanced ticket purchase is recommended and can be purchased from their website.
The best place to stay for a history-filled vacation
We couldn’t wrap our history blog without discussing the very history of our beloved Inn at Woodhaven! The property was built in 1853 by well-known Kentucky farmer, Theodore Brown, who lived there with his family for many years and surrounded the property with walnut trees. The property was then purchased by the Monohan family who enjoyed the home for several decades. We (Mark & Jeremy) are honored to be the fifth owners over the past 171 years.
To honor the original owner, you can stay in our Theodore Brown Suite, which features a queen four-poster bed, private balcony, sitting room, and 10-foot-tall steam shower. Or, explore our seven other rooms, suites, and cottage for the space that matches your style best. Aside from a comfortable night’s sleep, we deliver one of the most drool-worthy breakfasts in town that will leave you satiated for your full day of historic exploration around Louisville.
Visit this blog for our highly sought-after caramel French toast casserole recipe so that you can bring a bit of Louisville’s charm back to your home after your vacation! It’s a fan favorite that’s sure to never be a thing of the past.
