Free Places to Visit in Louisville

When you think of Kentucky, the first words that come to mind may be the Kentucky Derby that is held in Louisville. But if you aren’t much of a horse racing fan, what else is there to do in Louisville? There’s actually a lot of things to do, from visiting museums of all kinds to walking through scenic parks. Below is a short list of things you can do and to make it all much more appealing, everything is free!

Speed Art Museum

This museum is only free on Sundays. There are 4 different options to choose from in the self-guided activities:

Gallery Guides are full of games and suggestions.

See Stop Sketch provides you will all of the drawing materials you need to sketch.

Family Bags are geared towards children ages 2-10.

Slow Down at the Speed is an audio programs that gives you one-on-one time with a piece of artwork.

This museum offers something for everyone!

Waterfront Park

Waterfront Park is a public park so do you know what that means? Free admission! While there is one parking lot that requires you to pay (The Blue Wharf), all the others are free.

Are you planning to visit during the summer? If so, hop on over to the Adventure Playground/Waterplay Area. Your children will have fun jumping through water cannons and running through the spray misters.

The Children’s Play Area has three areas close together for different age groups.

There are, of course, other things to do here but they will cost a fee like taking a ride on the Scream Machine or taking a kayak tour.

Big 4 Bridge Waterfront Park

The Big 4 Pedestrian Bridge connects Waterfront Park to Jefferson, Indiana from over the Ohio River.

Admission is, you guessed it, free! The bridge is about 2 miles round trip from one end to the other.

A local author put together 2 activities about the bridge and the Ohio River.

It is a major tourist attraction and it doesn’t cost a dime to visit.

Another good think about the bridge is that it is open 24/7.

Whether you’re looking to have a romantic stroll or have your kids run back and forth from one state to the other, this scenic bridge should be one of your stops while visiting Waterfront Park and Louisville.

If being in 2 states at once which an amazing view doesn’t entice you to this location, what will?

21c Museum Hotel

Free and open to the public every day, 365 days a year is the 21c Museum and hotel. While you do have to pay to stay at the hotel, of course, the museum admission itself won’t cost you anything.

We’ve all heard of Michelangelo’s David, right? Right outside is a larger than life replica.

This museum features contemporary art. Guided tours are offered on Wednesday and Friday at 5pm.

Galleries are open every day and the exhibits rotate so there will always be something new and fresh to view and learn about.

More than 9,000 square feet of exhibition space so that’s a lot of art to look at.

Louisville Nature Center

Flowers, trees, butterflies, nature, and free admission. The Louisville Nature Center (LNC) has it all.

Hike through the Beargrass Creek State Nature Preserve.

Take pictures at the wildflower garden and pond.

Walk through gardens that attract beautiful butterflies.

The LNC is a great place for relaxation. They also have wildlife and Beargrass Creek exhibits.

If you want to cool off during the summer at Waterfront Park, view butterflies, birds, and flowers, or visit a contemporary museum, Louisville is waiting for you.