Year-Round Attractions in Louisville: Jewel of the Ohio River

Home of the Kentucky Derby, Louisville's "Run for the Roses" is what many people associate with this famous Kentucky city. Louisville, however, has many year-round attractions of interest to visitors, unrelated to its famous race.

Those passionate about baseball also know that Louisville is the home of a famous piece of equipment, indispensible to the game. The Official Bat of Major League Baseball, the Louisville Slugger, has been manufactured here for more than 120 years. Located a short distance from the Ohio River, the Louisville Slugger Museum & Factory offers visitors a peek of the game in its "The Heart of the Game" film, followed by a tour of the famous factory. Before departing, each visitor receives a miniature Slugger as a souvenir of the visit.

The gloves come off at the cultural and educational center inspired by one of Louisville's most famous sons. At the Muhammed Ali Center, visitors trace events in the life of the Greatest interactively. Groups visiting Louisville can also rent space at the Center, if desired.

For those who prefer personal participation in a sport, the Louisville Extreme Park offers a variety of choices. Visitors are encouraged to join skateboarding, in-line skating and biking activities. From novice to pro, all skill levels and ages are encouraged.

A National Historic Landmark, the Belle of Louisville is the city's flagship. It is the oldest Mississippi River-style stern wheel steamboat still operating and is available for regular and charter cruises. Built in 1914, the Belle of Louisville offers visitors a unique day trip.

After the trip, a visit to the Louisville Waterfront Park completes any outing. With 85 acres, all of which is a free wireless hotspot, the Louisville Waterfront Park offers a different view of the Ohio River.

Louisville is also home to a variety of museums. Through a partnership with the Royal Armouries of Great Britain, the Frazier International History Museum displays 300 artifacts only previously available to the public in Great Britain. Visitors can view Geronimo's bow and General Custer's rifle, in addition to the 1,000 years of history offered to visitors by the museum, through artifacts and live and multimedia presentations. Walk softly, though, because Theodore Roosevelt's "Big Stick" is also there.

Other museums in Louisville include the Louisville Science Center with its hands-on interactive exhibits and four-story high IMAX Theatre. If there is an interest in science, the University of Louisville conducts sky shows at its Gheens Science Hall and Rauch Planetarium.

Those who sedately point out that Louisville ranks 7th as the safest city in the United States, among cities with a population of 500,000 or more, may never have sampled the thrills at Six Flags Kentucky Kingdom. Among the 110 rides and attractions are state-of-the-art roller coasters, such as Chang and Greezed Lightnin'. If, however, roller coasters do not entice, the 1,300 animals who reside on the 134 acres of the Louisville Zoo await to welcome visitors.

Downtown Louisville offers the unique Fourth Street Live!, a collection of dining and entertainment emporiums. Among the businesses represented are the Hard Rock Café, a country music bar and an upscale bowling alley that also contains a billiards club. If the dining selections do not offer the desired cuisine, visitors can also sample the fare at a variety of eateries along Bardstown Road and Frankfort Avenue, or venture eastward towards the restaurants of the Hurstbourne area of Louisville.

Louisville is also home to 28 art galleries, which include blown glass studios. Recommended are the Speed Art Museum, the oldest art museum in Kentucky, and the Glassworks on Market Street. For those who prefer art with a more dramatic flair, Louisville also offers the Actors Theatre of Louisville.

However, if a trip to Louisville would not be complete without visiting Churchill Downs, the Kentucky Derby Museum, located at the main entrance of the racetrack, allows year-round visitors to experience what happens behind the scenes on Derby Day. It includes an examination of the Thoroughbreds who run the race.

Should a visit coincide with the running of the Kentucky Derby, visitors are encouraged to participate in many of the events that Louisville stages during the weeks prior to the actual Derby. If attending the race, purchase tickets for the grandstand beforehand, or tailgate with locals during the race.

Visitors can obtain more information about Louisville, or the Kentucky Derby, by contacting the Louisville Convention & Visitors Bureau at its website, www.gotolouisville.com.