Word has gotten out, thanks to the New York Times, that Louisville, Kentucky is a fabulous place to vacation in the United States.
And while nearly everyone is very familiar with Churchill Downs, Kentucky Derby, and Old Louisville, there are SO many other great things to see and do in the Bluegrass State. Did you know that Louisville has 120 metro parks? You won’t run out of options here.
Here’s our list of fun things to do in Louisville in summer. Some of these are treasured local seasonal events, and others are year-round stops that you simply must experience in the warm months.
These activities in Louisville and beyond deserve to be added to your summer vacation itinerary… plus we’ll throw in a Derby Day Cookie recipe from our kitchen to yours!
Summer Activities in Louisville
While exploring the museums on Museum Row such as the Underground Railroad Museum or the Frazier History Museum are great year-round, we’re focusing this list on the things to do when the sun is out! But don’t worry, we’ll include a few rainy day ideas for you, too.
1. Kentucky Bourbon Trail
You really can’t talk about things to do in Kentucky in the summer without mentioning the famous Kentucky Bourbon Trail.
While the trail is worth visiting year-round, the first two weeks of June mark a special series of events. For fourteen glorious days, Kentucky celebrates its bourbon heritage with the annual Old Fashioned Fortnight.
All around town you can find bourbon events, live music and special cocktails all paying homage to the famous cocktail as well as Kentucky’s famous spirit.
If you’re a Stewart (a sommelier for bourbon), don’t skip the Inn at Woodhaven! We have a top-notch bourbon collection (as well as an in-house expert!) at your disposal.
Tastings are available for request at any time — we’ll even help you pick out a personalized flight and teach you how to drink bourbon.
2. Explore the Bernheim Forest and Arboretum
You won’t be alone in the Bernheim Forest… and we don’t just mean the animals! Say hi to the Bernheim Forest Giants by Thomas Dambo. These gentle giants are beloved Louisville icons and can be discovered on the Forest Giants Trail.
Learn about the history of the park and the giants here:
3. Spend a Day in New Albany
New Albany is a city in Indiana that’s only a stone’s throw away across the Ohio River from Louisville, KY. It’s sometimes called “Louisville’s Brooklyn” thanks to its position across the bridge and thriving arts scene.
Parks, live music, boutiques, the Ohio River Greenway — New Albany has so much to explore on your Louisville vacation!
4. Louisville Slugger Field
Whether you’re a huge fan of America’s pastime or you’re just there for the peanuts and Cracker Jack, Louisville Slugger Field is a slice of nostalgic entertainment that everyone can enjoy!
For the true baseball savants, taking a factory tour in the nearby Slugger Museum is a once-in-a-lifetime event that you’ll remember for the rest of your life.
When it comes to Lugger Field, there’s not a bad seat in the house and the baseball field always has additional entertainment besides just the Louisville Bats’ minor league game. The season schedule runs from April through September, with a variety of seating options and discounts for military members.
After your bats game, make sure your next stop is…
5. Against the Grain Brewery
Against The Grain Brewery & Smokehouse is located in the southeast corner of Louisville Slugger Field and features happy hour drink specials and extended hours to celebrate the victory!
This establishment is a former train station that features “beautifully ornate industrial architecture” and “one of the nation’s only operational, Victorian styled and 3-story ‘showpiece’ brewhouses” with 15 copper clad barrels and art produced by Louisvillian artists.
This smokehouse has something for everyone, from classic dishes like their Derby City Skyline Dog and root beer float, to a Simkung Wrap with fried chicken and kimchi slaw and a 35K stout float.
Their menu also includes vegetarian and vegan options. Want our recommendation? Go for their pork belly on a stick appetizer with their Kentucky Ryed Chiquen barrel-aged rye amber ale.
6. Waterfront Park
With the tagline “A waterfront for everyone,” Waterfront Park is a must-visit place for some classic summertime fun!
This scenic stretch along the Ohio River in Downtown Louisville is a great place to capture some gorgeous vacation photos, complete with whimsical metal chicken sculptures and a view of Louisville Slugger Field.
Enjoy the sounds of fountains around the park or lay out a blanket in one of many green spaces for a picnic (we’ll pack it for you). Summer just screams “outdoor dining!” If a picnic takes too much planning, enjoy some local delicacies from a food truck.
Take a slow stroll along the paths or rent motorized scooters to cover more ground, but be sure to include the Big Four Bridge to Indiana on your journey. It’s the most relaxing fun you’ve had in a while… and it’s free!
7. Free Concerts at Waterfront Wednesday
If you’re visiting Louisville on the last Wednesday of the month, you’re in for a special treat at Waterfront Part. From April to September, free concerts are held for locals and visitors alike.
This incredible concert series is a defining feature of Louisville in summer. Keep your eye out for the 2025 summer lineup here. You can catch a glimpse of what these events are like below!
Don’t worry about reserving tickets — these events are free for everyone. You will want to arrive early though, as these events get busy.
You can find even more live music at the Highland Festival Grounds – check their schedule for events during your visit.
8. Climb NuLu
Climb Nulu is an inviting bouldering gym for climbers of all skill levels, including first-timers. With no ropes or harnesses involved, bouldering is an easy activity to learn and an incredibly challenging one to master.
Luckily, Climb Nulu has custom padded floors that are 16” thick and a $15 day pass (yes, you can leave and return during the same day) make it well worth the try.
And if your muscles are wondering what the heck just happened to them, then drop into one of their Sunday evening yoga classes with Aaron to rejuvenate, energize, and realign your spine.
9. Queen of Sheba Restaurant
If all of this food talk is making you hungry, then we’ve got one more food stop to round out your summer trip. Queen of Sheba offers authentic Ethiopian cuisine right here in the heart of Louisville.
If you’re familiar with Ethiopian food, then you may know that traditionally, entrees are served together on a large, round tray for sharing and are eaten by tearing off a piece of Injera (flat bread) to scoop the food. But don’t let that intimidate you.
Queen of Sheba is happy to accommodate eaters looking for a more American style by serving plates in individual portions with silverware if requested.
We highly recommend branching out of your usual food fair and giving their meals a try—especially their lamb Awaze Tips, which is served with sauteed vegetables and a spice paste. Then cool your palate with their limoncello mascarpone cake.
Since we can’t just talk about food (or can we?!), let’s shift back to one of our favorite active days out– and this one is particularly good on those occasional rainy summer days or when you just need a break from the summer sun!
10. Explore Local Family Farms
Eat local farm-grown produce and have fun at one of the area’s many family farms. The Foxhollow Farm is only a 24-minute drive from the Inn at Woodhaven and has hiking trails, markets, workshops, and more.
11. Visit the Muhammad Ali Center
Perfect for a hot or rainy day, the Muhammad Ali Center is a community gem in Louisville. Walk around (enjoying the air conditioning!) exploring the unique life and legacy of Muhammad Ali.
Enjoy permanent exhibits like “Six Core Principles,” which explores the way Ali lived his life, or enjoy rotating temporary exhibits.
12. My Favorite Muffin Bakery
Fresh gourmet muffins? Yes, please! My Favorite Muffin handcrafts its unique cake-like muffins daily and features over 24 rotating varieties to enjoy for breakfast, as an afternoon snack, or as a late-night treat back in your bed and breakfast suite.
A few flavors to try include their Boston Cream Pie, Cherry Cheesecake, Deep Dish Apple Pie, Golden Cornbread, and Lemon Poppyseed, but we are always tempted by their seasonal “muffin of the month” before it’s gone.
If you fall in love and happen to be from elsewhere in the Midwest, My Favorite Muffin offers regional shipping of their products so that you can share this treasure with friends and family back home.
13. Louisville Zoo
In summer, the Louisville Zoo is about much more than just animals:
- Sign your kids up for an annual one-day summer camp programs
- Enjoy the annual Zoofari event
- Cool off at the Splash Park
You can see a great glimpse of the zoo here:
Things To Do In Kentucky
As much as we love our city, Kentucky has much more to offer than just Louisville! Here are some great ways to make some summer memories, all well within reach from Derby City.
Besides great options for hiking and fishing, the Bluegrass State has plenty to offer for more restless travelers. Consider visiting one of these attractions as you explore the rolling hills of beautiful Kentucky.
14. Kentucky Horse Park
If you can’t get enough of horse racing, then a visit to Lexington is a must. Slightly more than a 1-hour drive, this city lays claim to the (not undisputed!) title of Horse Capital of the World.
Horse enthusiasts can learn all about the ins and outs of horse racing by visiting the fascinating Kentucky Horse Park.
Apart from the International Museum of the Horse and its amazing gift shop, the Park offers plenty of horse riding options and other opportunities to meet the horses ‘in person’.
Who knows, you might even find equine celebrities as Kentucky Horse Park was once the home of Cigar, America’s official horse of the year!
15. Mammoth Cave National Park
Few places in the Louisville area rival Mammoth Cave National Park.
The expansive caves of Mammoth Cave National Park are more than worth the 90-mile drive.
With the earliest traces of human activity go back more than 5,000 years! That’s well before any pyramid was built in Egypt. The caves are guaranteed to delight all visitors, history buff or not!
Officially the longest cave system in the world, Mammoth National Park offers guided tours that take you deep into the caves.
Although the caves are open to visitors year-round, it’s advised to dress for a chilly environment. The temperature is often significantly cooler than it is outside!
Tours often sell out during the warmer months so make sure to book your tickets ahead!
NPS, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons
16. Explore the Kentucky River
For more adventurous visitors, a trip to explore the Kentucky River is a great way to spend a warm summer’s day.
Besides plenty of opportunities for hiking and fishing, the river is also a hotspot for whitewater rafting. The town of Frankfort is home to a rafting center that’s well worth the 50-mile drive from Louisville.
Are you the lesser outdoorsy half of a couple? Then rest assured as the river has plenty of calmer sections that you can explore with a kayak or paddleboard.
17. Red River Gorge
Home to the largest number of natural sandstone arches in the US, the Red River Gorge is a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts. All around the gorge, you’ll find amazing opportunities for hiking, fishing and rock climbing.
Although the gorge is about 100 miles from Louisville, don’t be alarmed by the driving distance. The scenic drive to the Red River Gorge takes you through the rolling hills of the beautiful Kentucky countryside.
Stay With Us — Inn at Woodhaven
Make your Louisville visit as memorable as possible by staying with us in our historic bed and breakfast.
Sip bourbon over a game of chess in the living room, or relax on our front porch beneath the Christmas lights. You’re going to have an unforgettable visit!
Okay, now you deserve a great culinary treat!
A Recipe from the Woodhaven Kitchen to Yours
It’s becoming a tradition now to share one of our favorite recipes at the end of our blogs. We love the feedback we’ve received from folks who have tried our Caramel French ToastGreek Picnic Pita, or Blackberry Mint Julep. We hope you’ll check our past blogs for more magnificent meals to enjoy and let us know what you think of this next one.
Woodhaven Derby Day Cookies
This is always a Derby-season favorite for us, inspired by a recipe from AllRecipes.com.
Ingredients:
- 2 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking soda
- ½ tsp salt
- 1 cup butter, softened
- ½ cup white sugar
- 1 cup packed brown sugar
- 2 eggs
- 5 Tbs sweet Kentucky bourbon, like Buffalo Trace
- 1 ½ cups chopped pecans
- 1 ½ cups semisweet chocolate chips
Directions:
- Preheat the oven to 350F (175 C).
- In a medium bowl, stir together the flour, baking soda, and salt.
- In a separate bowl, cream together the butter, white sugar, and brown sugar until smooth. Bear in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the bourbon.
- Stir in the flour mixture until just blended. Fold in the pecans and chocolate chips.
- Drop large spoonfuls onto an ungreased baking sheet. Bake for approximately 10 minutes or until the edges start to brown.
- Cool on the cookie sheet for 1 minute and then move to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Enjoy while you cheer on your favorite Thoroughbred!
