LOUISVILLE GENERAL ATTRACTIONS
Louisville, KY
Churchill Downs
DESCRIPTION: Considered one of the top thoroughbred horse race tracks in the world, the history here will astound you and ladies always dress nicely for the races; this thoroughbred racetrack is famous for hosting the Kentucky Derby annually since it opened in 1875; it featured a number of Black jockeys in the Horse Racing Hall of Fame; more recently, Churchill Downs has hosted the renowned Breeders' Cup on several occasions as well; Kentucky Derby Museum, the fairgrounds, a gift shop and café make this a day long event
BOX OFFICE: Wed-Sun 11a-2p, Night Racing Fridays Noon-9p
DAYS & HOURS: Daily, weather permitting
ADDRESS: 700 Central Avenue MAP
PARKING: paid parking on premises
PHONE: 502-636-4400
WEBSITE: http://www.churchilldowns.com
4th Street Live!
DESCRIPTION: The premier entertainment, dining and retail district in downtown, that also attracts professionals after work; venues include Hard Rock Cafe, TGI Friday's, Lucky Strike Lanes, Red Cheetah dance club, Parrot Beach, and Felt billiards lounge, and Rascals Comedy Club; the dance clubs stay open late and now that KFC Yum Center has opened downtown, its the unofficial meeting place after basketball games; in nice weather the district often hosts free concerts
DAYS & HOURS: Daily and nightly
ADDRESS: Fourth Street, between Liberty and Muhammad Ali Blvd MAP
PARKING: garages and paid lots near venue; valet parking available
WEBSITE: http://www.4thstlive.com
Louisville Mega Cavern
DESCRIPTION: Take a 60-70 minute tour under 17 miles of man-made cavern spanning under roadways and corridors beneath the city of Louisville; it’s a great tour to learn about science and history of geology or simply want to see what a giant man- made cavern of this magnitude looks like; it was created by a massive limestone quarry over 42 years in the 20th century. It was acquired in 1989 by private investors who saw the potential to develop a portion of the cavern into an environmentally-conscious high security commercial storage facility; even though it’s underground, the MEGA Cavern is the largest building and recycling center in the state of Kentucky; during the 1962 Cuban Missile Crisis, state officials made plans that in case of nuclear attack it would house 50,000 people because it's a natural bomb shelter
PRICING: Age 12-59 $13.50, Age 60+ $12, Age 3-11 $8, Age 2 and under enter FREE
DAYS & HOURS: tours depart Sun-Fri 9:30a and 11:30a, Sat 10a, 11a, Noon, 1p, 2p, 3p, 4p; Visitor Center and Gift Shop 9a-4p daily
ADDRESS: 1841 Taylor Ave MAP
PARKING: FREE on premises
WEBSITE: http://www.louisvillemegacavern.com
Lexington, KY
Kentucky Horse Park
DESCRIPTION: upon entry, the Visitor Information Center details attractions beginning with the short educational film; The Rein of Nobility, which was filmed at locations throughout the world and focuses on man's relationship with the horse; in the International Museum of the Horse, a Smithsonian affiliate, visitors learn about what some believe to be the 55-million year history of the horse; exhibits include a collection of 19th century horse-drawn carriages and racing vehicles; Horse in Sport gallery displays contemporary uses of the horse in competition; Calumet Farm: Five Decades of Champions exhibit includes 560 gold, silver and crystal trophies, and paintings that trace the racing legacy of Lexington's most famous farm; the museum also houses a Cultural and Learning Center permanent exhibit honoring a prominent Thoroughbred owner and breeder; the American Saddlebred, Kentucky's first native breed, is also on display via a large panorama; located off the main parking lot, the American Saddlebred Museum and Gift Shop is included with park admission
DAYS & HOURS: Daily 9a-5p (March-Oct), Wed-Sun 9a-5p (Nov-March)
ADDRESS: 4089 Iron Works Parkway MAP
PARKING: on premises
PHONE: 800-678-8813
WEBSITE: http://www.kyhorsepark.com
Elizabeth, IN
Horseshoe Casino
DESCRIPTION: docked along the Indiana bank of the Ohio River, it claims to be the world's largest gaming vessel measuring 450 feet long and four stories high; live entertainment and 3600 gaming positions available; casino theme areas include sports, movies, music, and the Burning of Rome; features 6 restaurants, The Showroom, an indoor pool, several gift shops and Chariot Run Golf Course open to the public; the intimate Aroma Cafe Bar is open nightly in the hotel lobby
DAYS & HOURS: Daily
ADRRESS: 11999 Casino Center Drive SE MAP
PARKING: on premises
PHONE: 866-676-SHOE
WEBSITE: http://www.horseshoe-indiana.com
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