Community Information: ATTRACTIONS
The recreational and sightseeing attractions that can be found in and around Louisville are popular among residents and visitors near and far. No matter what your idea of fun might be, whether its screaming at the top of your lungs on a roller coaster, dancing with hundreds of other people at Forecastle, taking a bike ride across the Big Four Bridge, or watching a play at the Kentucky Center, Kentuckiana has something that will attract you.
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LOCAL ATTRACTIONS
Kentuckiana is packed full of unique local attractions offering everything from thrill rides to petting zoos. Here are a few local favorites that everyone in and around Louisville should visit at least once:
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Kentucky Kingdom and Hurricane Bay 937 Phillips Ln Louisville, KY 40209 www.kentuckykingdom.com
Open seasonally, this amusement park is a popular area attraction for families and thrill seekers of all ages. The park offers a variety of roller coasters, thrill rides, kid friendly attractions, and several attractions in its large water park, Hurricane Bay.
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Holiday World and Splashing Safari 452 East Christmas Blvd Santa Claus, IN 47579 www.holidayworld.com
Located about an hour from Louisville off I-64, Holiday World and Splashin' Safari is a combination theme park and water park. From top-ranked coasters and one of the world's largest water parks, park goers can enjoy all kinds of rides, live entertainment, games, and attractions all summer long.
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Big Four Pedestrian & Bicycle Bridge Connects downtown Louisville, KY & downtown Jeffersonville, IN louisvillewaterfront.com sunnysideoflouisville.org
Stretching over the Ohio River this attraction was once a railroad bridge serving for the "Big Four Railroad" (Cleveland, Cincinnati, Chicago, and St. Louis). It was recently renovated and converted into a pedestrian and cyclist pathway that opened in 2014. Indiana and Kentucky residents can now cross each other's state borders on foot or bike 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
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Louisville Mega Cavern 1841 Taylor Ave Louisville, KY 40213 louisvillemegacavern.com
This underground adventure zone is truly a one-of-a-kind attraction! This 100-acre limestone cavern offers visitors a chance to experience the history and science of the underground world with tram-guided tours, the world's only fully underground zip line course and aerial ropes course, and even an underground bike park. Plus, each year during the holidays the public is invited to drive their own vehicles through the Mega Cavern to ride through a spectacular underground holiday light show.
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Louisville Zoo 1100 Trevilian Way Louisville, KY 40213 louisvillezoo.org
One of the region's most popular family attractions, the Louisville Zoo exhibits more than 1,500 animals on 134 acres of natural settings. Zoo-goers journey through representations of zoogeographical areas and habitats to see the world's wildlife in action. With its own share of lions, tigers, and bears the Zoo also features award-winning exhibits—Islands, Gorilla Forest and Glacier Run—a petting zoo, a train, a carousel, education programs, and more. Various events are also held throughout the year at the Louisville Zoo including the annual "World's Largest Halloween Party" in October.
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Atlantis Water Park 515 Marriott Drive Clarksville, Indiana 47219 atlantiswaterpark.net
A family-fun water park in Southern Indiana that offers summer fun for all ages with a number of attractions including a wave pool and thrilling water slides.
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My Old Kentucky Dinner Train 602 North 3rd St, Bardstown, KY 150 Oliver Lewis Way, Lexington, KY kydinnertrain.com
Operating year-round, passengers aboard a beautifully restored 1940's vintage dining car where they are served a delicious meal and taken on a scenic excursion through the stunning Kentucky countryside.
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Henry's Ark 7801 Rose Island Rd Prospect, KY 40059 (502) 228-0746
Henry's Ark is not just your ordinary petting zoo. Tucked away in the city of Prospect, KY Henry's Ark features a variety of domestic and exotic animals including camels, peacocks, zebras, sheep, buffalo and more. This visitor-supported attraction is free to the public but be sure to bring a small donation so families can continue to enjoy this unique place.
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Joe Huber's Family Farm & Restaurant 2421 Engle Road Starlight, Indiana 47106 joehubers.com
In an atmosphere that reminds you to appreciate family, homemade products, and the beauty of the country, Joe Huber's Family Farm makes for a fun and wholesome day trip. Visitors can take a tractor ride through the pumpkin and strawberry fields, apple orchard and more, explore the winery, visit the market, and have a true country-style meal at the restaurant.
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Mammoth Cave 1 Mammoth Cave Parkway Mammoth Cave, KY 42259 www.nps.gov/maca
With over 400 miles explored, Mammoth Cave is the world's largest known cave system. Visitors to Mammoth Cave can enjoy cave tours, surface hikes, canoeing on the Green River, horseback riding, camping and more.
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Marengo Cave 400 East State Road 64 Marengo, IN 47140 marengocave.com
Located in Southern Indiana, Marengo Cave is a U.S. National Landmark offering an adventure for any level cave explorer. From easy walking tours through huge rooms decorated with stalagmites and stalactites, to wet and muddy excursions through undeveloped, natural cave seeing only with the lights you carry. Canoeing is also available on the Blue River.
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Georgetown Drive-In 8200 State Road 64 Georgetown, IN georgetowndrivein.com
Opened in 1951, the Georgetown Drive-In features two screens, and a well-maintained kids playground. The drive-in is open on weekends during April through October.
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ENTERTAINMENT VENUES
Fourth Street Live! Premier dining and entertainment destination located in the heart of historic downtown Louisville. 400 S 4th St 4thstlive.com
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Churchill Downs Live thoroughbred racing in the spring and fall for the most authentic Louisville experience you can get. 700 Central Ave Louisville, KY 40208 churchilldowns.com
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Horseshoe Southern Indiana Resort with hotel, slot machines, table games, restaurants, shows, concerts and more! 11999 Casino Center Drive Elizabeth, IN 47117 horseshoe-indiana.com
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Iroquois Amphitheater Outdoor theater that hosts a variety of performing arts and cultural programs. 1080 Amphitheater Rd Louisville, KY 40214 iroquoisamphitheater.com
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Louisville Palace Theater in downtown Louisville offers live entertainment, concerts, musicals, movies, shows, and more. 625 S. 4th Street Louisville, KY 40202 louisvillepalace.com
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Kentucky International Convention Center The largest meeting space in downtown Louisville used for a variety of conventions, trade shows, gatherings, cultural activities, and more. 221 South Fourth Street Louisville, KY 40202 kyconvention.org
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Kentucky Exposition Center Large multi-use facility for a variety of conventions, sports, performances, cultural activities, and more. 937 Phillips Lane Louisville, KY 40209 kyexpo.org
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Gheens Science Hall & Rauch Planetarium Multi-sensory astronomy presentations in a dome with a 360 degree projected view of the night sky. Special events, laser shows, and children's programs held throughout the year. University of Louisville 106 W Brandeis Ave Louisville, KY 40292 speedmuseum.org
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New Albany Riverfront Amphitheater Outdoor Amphitheater on the Ohio River that hosts a variety of special events, festivals, performances, concerts, and more. East Main Street at the foot of Pearl Street New Albany, Indiana
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Riverfront Plaza/Belvedere Along the Ohio River this elevated event space is commonly used for festivals and other downtown events. Between Fourth & Sixth St, Downtown Louisville louisvillewaterfront.com
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Waterfront Park Venue of many large events throughout the years including music and cultural festivals, public concerts, fundraisers, and more. River Road Louisville, KY louisvillewaterfront.com
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PERFORMING ARTS
Louisville and the surrounding area has a rich performing arts scene with various outlets for any music, dance, and drama-enthusiast. From national professional productions to children's education and workshops, here are a few highlights of the community's performing arts organizations, theaters, studios and schools.
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Actor's Theatre 316 W Main St Louisville, KY 40202 actorstheatre.org
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Kentucky Shakespeare Festival 323 W. Broadway Suite 401 Louisville, KY 40202 Performances in Central Park kyshakespeare.com
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The Stephen Foster Story 411 E Stephen Foster Ave Bardstown, KY 40004 stephenfoster.com
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CenterStage Theater 3600 Dutchmans Ln Louisville, KY 40205 jewishlouisville.org/jcc/centerstage
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Little Colonel Playhouse 302 Mt Mercy Dr Pewee Valley, KY 40056 littlecolonel.net
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The Sutton Studio for the Performing Arts 1106 W. Ashland Ave Louisville, KY 40215 thesuttonstudio.com
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Derby Dinner Playhouse 525 Marriott Dr Clarksville, IN 47129 derbydinner.com
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Louisville Ballet 315 E Main Louisville, KY 40202 Performances at the Kentucky Center louisvilleballet.org
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UofL Theater Arts 2314 South Floyd Street Louisville, KY 40292 Patrons may buy tickets to shows in person or over the phone. louisville.edu/theatrearts
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Kentucky Center for the Performing Arts 501 W Main St Louisville, KY 40202 kentuckycenter.org
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Louisville Orchestra 323 West Broadway, Suite 700 Louisville, KY 40202 Performances at various locations louisvilleorchestra.org
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Youth Performing Arts School 1517 S 2nd St Louisville, KY 40208 ypas.org
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Kentucky Opera 323 W Broadway #601 Louisville, KY 40202 Performances at various locations kyopera.org
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StageOne Family Theater 315 W Market St Louisville, KY 40202 stageone.org
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ANNUAL EVENTS & FESTIVALS
Dozens of events and festivals take place in the Louisville area every year. Festivals could be a celebration of local history and culture, or a showcase of fine arts and music, or themed for a specific holiday. Here a few of the unique and popular events held annually in throughout the community:
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Abbey on the River An annual festival held on the Belvedere celebrating the music and honoring the spirit of the Beatles. arotr.com
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Jack-O-Lantern Spectacular Every October in Iroquois Park a walking trail is lined with 5,000 professionally carved pumpkins and are illuminated at night for an art show that is sure to get you in the Halloween Spirit. www.indiancreekwinery.org
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St James Art Show Held in Old Louisville during the first full weekend of October, this annual art fair has become a regional favorite. Over 750 artists from North America showcase a wide variety of fine arts and crafts. stjamescourtartshow.com
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Forecastle Festival One of the country’s most anticipated summer festivals held on the Waterfront showcasing music, art, and activism. forecastlefest.com
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Kentucky Derby Festival The Kentucky Derby Festival is one of the most anticipated events across the region, attracting over 1.5 residents and tourists every year. Held at various sites throughout Louisville, the festival takes place during the two weeks leading up to the Kentucky Derby and includes over 70 special events including Thunder Over Louisville, Great Steamboat Race, the Pegasus Parade, and more. kdf.org
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WorldFest As one of the region’s largest international festivals, Worldfest incorporates international food, music, dance, culture, and education, bringing a unique experience to Louisville. Held at the Belvedere for 3 to 4 days every year, Worldfest showcases Louisville’s diversity giving visitors a chance to explore and celebrate the many faces and cultures of our own city. worldfestlouisville.com
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Gaslight Festival This festival that has become a Jeffersontown tradition. Centered in the small-town ambiance of Gaslight Square the 8-day festival includes a variety of attractions including a golf scramble, parade, balloon glow, car show, and more. jtownchamber.com/gaslightfestival
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Kentucky State Fair For 11 days at the end of summer local and regional residents head to the Kentucky State Fair. The fair showcases the state's finest products, organizations, agriculture livestock, and more. The promotes education and fun with special exhibits, concerts, shows, and carnival rides. kystatefair.org
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World's Largest Halloween Party Throughout the month of October, the Louisville Zoo invites families for a magical Halloween experience. Extravagant decorations and costumed characters transform the Zoo, bringing your favorite storybook scenes to life. Various activities are held each night including trick-or-treating for the kids. louisvillezoo.org/halloween
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Homearama Held at different sites each year, the Building Industry Association of Greater Louisville's "Homearama" gives visitors the opportunity to tour hundreds of homes showcasing the unique and professional talents of builders, interior designers, craftspeople and landscape architects. homearama.com
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Kenutcky Shakespeare Festival During June and August the non-profit, professional theater company, Kentucky Shakespeare, offers free performances at the amphitheater in Old Louisville's Central Park. kyshakespeare.com
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Home, Garden & Remodeling Show Every year tens of thousands of people attend the annual Home, Garden and Remodeling Show at the Kentucky Expo Center. The show features the latest products and services from hundreds of vendors and thousands of ideas that are designed to improve you home. louisvillehomeshow.com
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Lights Under Louisville During the holiday season, the Louisville Mega Cavern is transformed into the world's only underground holiday light show. Visitors are able to drive their own vehicles through the cavern to experience a one-of-a-kind holiday spectacular. louisvillemegacavern.com
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