- CHURCHILL DOWNS
700 Central Ave.
Louisville, KY 40208
(502) 636-4400
Home of the Kentucky Derby-but still an interesting sight any other time of the year. See below:
- KENTUCKY DERBY MUSEUM
704 Central Ave.
Louisville, KY 40208
(502) 637-7097
Located at Gate 1 of historic Churchill Downs, the museum presents the traditions and excitement of the "greatest two minutes in sports." Highlights include three floors of racing-related exhibits with hands-on displays, artifacts and fine art; a 360-degree, multi-image slide presentation; and a tour of the Downs (weather permitting). There's a gift shop and the Derby Cafe, open Mon.-Fri. from 11 a.m.-3 p.m.; museum hours are 9 a.m.-5 p.m. daily except Thanksgiving, Christmas, Kentucky Oaks Day and Derby Day.
- LOUISVILLE SCIENCE CENTER / IMAX THEATRE
727 West Main St.
Louisville, KY 40202
(502) 561-6100
Located on historic Main Street in a 19th-century building, the Science Center features hands-on exhibits and a four-story theater where the latest IMAX films are shown daily. Permanent exhibits include the Space Science Gallery, the Magic School Bus Discovery Room, KIDSPACE and "A Show of Hands." A gift shop, restaurant, group dining facilities and bus parking are available. Mon.- Thurs., 10 a.m.-5 p.m.; Fri.-Sat., 10 a.m.-9 p.m.; Sun., noon-5 p.m. Closed Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve and Christmas.
- COLONEL HARLAND SANDERS MUSEUM
1441 Gardiner Lane
Louisville, KY
(502)456-8353
The creator of Kentucky Fried Chicken was born in Southern Indiana, but he brought his 11 secret herbs and spices to Kentucky to start his world-famous chain of restaurants. This museum, located at KFC's world headquarters, depicts his rise from poverty and misfortune to "overnight" success during his mid-60s. Displays include a Norman Rockwell portrait of Sanders, a film telling his life story, and photos of the Colonel's first restaurant in Corbin, Ky. Mon.-Thurs., 8 a.m.-4:30 p.m.; Fri., 8 a.m.-3 p.m.
- LOUISVILLE SLUGGER MUSEUM, HILLERICH & BRADSBY CO.
800 W. Main St.
Louisville, KY
(502)588-7228
This spanking-new 15,000-square-foot museum celebrates Louisville's greatest contribution to the world of baseball: the Louisville Slugger bat. (Sorry, PeeWee, you're a close second.) Since 1884 H&B has been turning out bats prized from the Little Leagues to the big-time. You'll learn just how they're made and used from hands-on exhibits and a multi-media tour. Don't miss the gift shop. The museum is open 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Mon.-Sat., but you'll want to get there no later than 3 p.m. for a quality tour.
|
