TOP 20 KENTUCKIANA TOURIST ATTRACTIONS
- Morgan Bauer Brown
- Mar 8, 2018
- 6 min read
Updated: Mar 14, 2018

Southern Indiana and Louisville, Kentucky are home to some of the most loved and interesting attractions around. For those who are lucky enough to be residents of this area the popularity of these spots are tried and true. And for those who come as tourists to our cities are sure to leave wanting more. An article compiled in the Louisville Business First, by Allison Stines, lists the top 25 tourist attractions in the area based on yearly attendance. Take a look at their findings below -
#1 FOURTH STREET LIVE

Ranked at number 1, Fourth Street Live is known for it's dining, entertainment, and retail. You will find restaurants such as Hard Rock Cafe, The Fudgery, Guy Fieri's Smokehouse, and more. Nightlife and entertainment includes PBR Louisville, Jim Beam Urban Stillhouse, and more. It is located on 4th Street in downtown Louisville, KY. Learn more at 4thstlive.com
* 2017 Attendance - 4.75 million
#2 HORSESHOE SOUTHERN INDIANA

Horseshoe is the areas well known casino, as well, as hotel and conference center. It also offers top of the line restaurants, Indulge spa, and Envy Bar & Lounge. Restaurants include Jack Binion's Steak, Aroma Cafe & Bar, Smoke & Rye, and more. It is located in Elizabeth, IN. For more information visit horseshoe-indiana.com
* 2017 Attendance - 1.82 million
#3 CHURCHILL DOWNS

Home of the Kentucky Derby. For many the stables and track of Churchill Downs are a must see on their bucket lists. It is a National Historic Landmark located in Louisville, KY. See more at churchilldowns.com
* 2017 Attendance - 1.35 million
#4 KFC YUM! CENTER

Concerts and sports fanatics are very familiar with the arena of the KFC Yum! Center in Louisville, KY. This venue has seen some of the most talented musicians and athletes around. It is also home to the Louisville Cardinals. A popular attraction for outside fans and travelers. Check out kfcyumcenter.com for events
* 2017 Attendance - 1.1 million
#5 LOUISVILLE ZOO

The Louisville Zoo is home to more than 1,500 exotic animals, botanicals, a splash park, and African petting zoo. The zoo offers camel rides, giraffe feedings, family fun, and holiday events. Check it out and get tickets at louisvillezoo.org
* 2017 Attendance - 873,164
#6 KENTUCKY KINGDOM & HURRICANE BAY

Coming in at #6 is Louisville's theme park and water park covering 60+ acres with more than 70 rides and attractions. Rides range from roller coasters, wave pools, kid friendly rides, and thrill seeking attractions in the theme park and water park. Get tickets and more information at kentuckykingdom.com
* 2017 Attendance - 800,000
#7 HUBER'S ORCHARD, WINERY, & VINEYARDS

650 acres where you can find bottled wine, fruit & vegetable farm, bourbon, vodka & gin distillery, a event hall popular for weddings and other occassions, farm park, ice cream shop, and bakery. Located in Borden, IN. Learn more at huberwinery.com
* 2017 Attendance - 692,355
#8 JOE HUBER FAMILY FARM AND RESTAURANT

Huber's is known for their popular restaurant, farmer's market, gift shop, soda pop shop, and barnyard activities. This restaurant will be sure to impressive if you love a classic home cooked dinner like fried chicken, rolls, green beans, etc. Located in Starlight, IN. More information at joehubers.com
* 2017 Attendance - 650,000
#9 LOUISVILLE BATS BASEBALL CLUB

The Louisville Bats, a minor league baseball team affiliated with the Cincinnati Reds, play at Louisville Slugger Field. This is the perfect summer activity for families, couples, and all sports fans. The field host great themed nights and bring your dog nights as well. See more at batsbaseball.com
* 2017 Attendance - 467,024
#10 THE KENTUCKY CENTER FOR THE PERFORMING ARTS

Located in downtown Louisville, the Center for the Performing Arts is home to many of the city's major art organizations. Events range from music shows, theatre performances, book tours and more. Check it out at kentuckycenter.com and see which upcoming events you may be interested in
* 2017 Attendance - 415,475
#11 LOUISVILLE MEGA CAVERNS

The caverns host a number of exciting events throughout the year including the Mega Tram, Lights Under Louisville, Mega Zips, Mega Quest, and Mega Underground Bike Park. Lights Under Louisville is a 17 mile 30 minute drive of underground Christmas lights that are sure to wow the family. The zip line course would be great for thrill seekers or group events. See all the events at LouisvilleMegaCavern.com
* 2017 Attendance - 409,000
#12 LOUISVILLE SLUGGER MUSEUM AND FACTORY

The Slugger museum is admired immediately from the outside where the world's largest baseball bat towers 120 feet tall. The museum offers baseball bat tours, engaging exhibits, and a gift store. The factory itself makes about 5000 bats a day. Learn more at sluggermuseum.com
* 2017 Attendance - 326,595
#13 KENTUCKY SCIENCE CENTER

The science center is a popular attraction in Louisville, KY that provides hands-on exhibits, activity stations, a four-story theater, and educational programs. Great for kids, families, field trips, and just a fun day with friends. For more information visit kysciencecenter.org
* 2017 Attendance - 233,004
#14 KENTUCKY DERBY MUSEUM

Another great reason to visit Louisville is to see the KY Derby Museum. It is a nonprofit museum committed to engaging and educating on the Kentucky Derby. If you've watched the Derby every year or have only heard of it this museum is interesting for all. Head over to derbymuseum.com to find out more information
* 2017 Attendance - 229,913
#15 DERBY DINNER PLAYHOUSE

The playhouse is a dinner theater that presents Broadway musicals, comedies, children's theater, and the performing arts academy. It is a must attend for theater enthusiasts and anyone ready for an entertaining dinner. Come in take a seat, eat a great meal, and enjoy the show. Located in Clarksville, IN.
See what shows are happening at derbydinner.com
* 2017 Attendance - 205,871
#16 CAVE HILL CEMETERY COMPANY

Cave Hill is a rural, Victorian, garden style cemetery. The grounds boast beautiful ponds, flowers, and landscaping. While a cemetery seems unlikely for a popular attraction this location is breaktaking, peaceful, and a great place to visit. You can learn more about Cave Hill at cavehillcemetery.com
* 2017 Attendance - 180,000
#17 LOUISVILLE CITY FC

Louisville City FC is a American professional soccer club. Soccer fans are sure to enjoy watching games, following tournaments, and even attending meet and greets. Recently the team has had lots of success and drawn an enthusiastic crowds Check out their website at louisvillecityfc.com
* 2017 Attendance - 175,834
#18 ACTORS THEATRE OF LOUISVILLE

This theatre in downtown Louisville presents almost 400 live shows each year. It is home to the Humana Festival of New American Plays. Shows range from Dracula, Christmas Carol, Little Bunny Foo Foo, and more. There is something for everyone! For show info and tickets visit actorstheatre.org
* 2017 Attendance - 136,721
#19 SPEED ART MUSEUM

Speed Art Museum is yet another fantastic museum attracting residents and tourists alike in Louisville, KY. It is Kentucky's largest art museum located on the campus of the University of Louisville. Head over to speedmuseum.org for more information and to see the current exhibits
* 2017 Attendance - 131,112
#20 MUHAMMAD ALI CENTER

Well known professional boxer, Muhammad Ali, was born in Louisville, KY. The center is a international cultural center that promotes the six core principles of Muhammad Ali. The center is well recognizable with mosaics of the activists face. Go to alicenter.org to learn more
* 2017 Attendance - 114,262
#21 LOUISVILLE MEMORIAL AUDITORIUM

Designated a Louisville and National Historical Landmark hosts concerts, dance competitions, conferences, special events. Check out louisvillememorialauditorium.com
* 2017 Attendance - 100,000
#22 FRAZIER HISTORY MUSEUM

Frazier History Museum brings more than 1,000 years of history to life, with interactive exhibits, events, and daily performances by costumed interpreters. The museum features special limited time exhibits such as the Hunger Games exhibit in 2017. Visit fraziermuseum.org to see what is taking place
* 2017 Attendance - 94,000
#23 BELLE OF LOUISVILLE RIVERBOATS

The Belle of Louisville is a great attraction for those who love to be out on the water. Southern Indiana and Louisville are separated by the Ohio River. The River gives Louisville the opportunity to entertain with riverboat rides. The Belle of Louisville is the oldest operating Mississippi River style steamboat in the world. It is also a National Historic Landmark. Buy tickets and more at belleoflouisville.org
* 2017 Attendance - 85,000
#24 STONEWARE & CO.

This company is the oldest pottery company in the United States. It offers factory tours and paint-your-own-pottery. This is fun for all ages and a great place to visit for both history, art, and retail. Their website can be found at louisvillestoneware.com
* 2017 Attendance - 75,000
#25 KENTUCKY OPERA

The Kentucky Opera is a regional opera company and the state opera company of Kentucky. Located in Louisville, KY. You can buy tickets and plan your visit at kyopera.org
* 2017 Attendance - 56,151
Which attractions in our area are YOUR favorite? Any 25 listed here now on your must visit list? Let us know!








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