Bourbon, Horses & History - Kentucky Tourism

From Louisville to Bardstown, discover multifaceted history, cutting-edge cuisine, exciting attractions, world-famous bourbon distilleries and a little race called the Kentucky Derby.

Kentucky’s rich past and vibrant present are on proud display in the Bourbon, Horses & History region. Built on the falls of the Ohio River, Louisville is Kentucky's largest city, but it has all the friendliness of a small town. Churchill Downs is the iconic backdrop of the Kentucky Derby, the first race in the Triple Crown series. Sip the finest bourbon in the world at more than 40 top-shelf bars, distilleries, and tasting rooms offering the finest spirits imaginable. Explore world-class attractions such as the Louisville Zoo, where exotic wildlife awaits, and the Louisville Slugger Museum & Factory, celebrating the iconic baseball bat. For an underground adventure like no other, delve into the Louisville MEGA Cavern, home to the world's only fully underground zipline. Thrill-seekers will find excitement at Kentucky Kingdom & Hurricane Bay, where a variety of rides cater to all ages. After a day of exploration, immerse yourself in the city's vibrant entertainment districts, alive with live music and bustling nightlife."

More Things to Do in the Bourbon, Horses & History Region

Louisville is the official starting point of the Kentucky Bourbon Trail® at the Frazier History Museum, which rolls on through towns like Clermont (home to the James B. Beam Distilling Co. American Outpost) and historic Bardstown, the Bourbon Capital of the World. Here, you can sample award-winning spirits from nine legendary distilleries, including Willett, Preservation, and Four Roses. While you’re in the area, browse antiques in Elizabethtown and discover a different kind of spirit on a Bardstown ghost tour. Cruising through Oldham County, the Farm Tour Capital of Kentucky, an incredible meal at the new farm-to-table restaurant Barn8 & Bourbon Bar is a must. See the stables of Shelbyville, the American Saddlebred Capital of the World, and squeeze in a little retail therapy at the Outlet Shoppes of The Bluegrass.

Trip Inspiration

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Untold to the Unforgettable

Lonnie Ali

Muhammad Ali Center

Hear unique insights into the life of a man known simply as “The Greatest” from the woman who knew him best: Muhammad Ali’s wife, Lonnie Ali. As she peels back the layers to help preserve her late husband’s legacy, listen as a woman of substance, intelligence and compassion in her own right tells her stories of love and perseverance – not just of the boxer, but of the man.

Immerse yourself in Kentucky Community Highlights

Horses, Hats & Bourbon With Claudia Coffey

Top Trip Ideas

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Bourbon, Horses and History Region