Old Louisville Historic Neighborhood Walking Tour
from
$25
Louisville
KY
1-15
people
price for
1 participant
1 hour
30 minutes
  • • Explore Historic Old Louisville's Architectural Treasures
  • • Discover Old Louisville in A 1.5 Hour Guided Walking Tour
  • • Experience The Most Extensive Walking Tour of Old Louisville
or

Why We Love This Unique Experience

Explore the charm and history of Old Louisville with a captivating walking tour recommended by The New York Times! This is a unique opportunity to immerse in one of the largest historic districts in the United States, where stunning Victorian mansions stand as a testament to a rich past filled with bourbon barons and tobacco titans. Experience the vibrant atmosphere of this transitional neighborhood, showcasing both its impressive architecture and the quirky charisma of its residents.

During the 90-minute guided tour, participants will stroll through the renowned St. James Court and beyond, venturing into picturesque areas like Ormsby Avenue, Park Avenue cottages, and the unusual Witches' Tree, among other hidden gems. Led by knowledgeable guides, including the celebrated author David Dominé, each walk provides fascinating insights into the stories behind the grand houses and the people who once called them home. Whether it's the haunting tales or the architectural marvels, every step reveals the secrets of a neighborhood that has captivated hearts and earned national attention.

This walking tour makes for an extraordinary gift that allows loved ones to discover the enchanting allure of Old Louisville. Perfect for history buffs, architecture enthusiasts, or anyone looking for a memorable experience, this tour promises to create lasting memories. Embrace the opportunity to gift something truly special and let someone explore the delightful narrative of Old Louisville!

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Experience Overview:

Old Louisville Walking Tour Recommended By The New York Times! @ 4th And Ormsby

March through November, daily; limited dates in the off-season!
Our tours include more than St. James Court. We see twice as much as other neighborhood walking tours, visiting Ormsby Avenue, Park Avenue cottages, Floral Terrace, the Witches' Tree, and Millionaires Row. Bourbon barons, racetrack royalty, and titans of tobacco settled here in the 1800s. Today, impressive Victorian mansions and quirky residents have earned national attention for Old Louisville.

Author David Dominé often guides groups himself. The New York Times recommends his tours as a MUST during a visitor's "36 Hours in Louisville." Learn more in A DARK ROOM IN GLITTER BALL CITY, David's next book—out in October 2021!

Narrated walks depart from the transitional edge of the neighborhood. If you love old houses, this is the tour for you! If you do not like an up-and-coming neighborhood with a diverse racial make up, please stay home. If you can't go 90 minutes without a bathroom, this is not for you!

Meeting Point

West Ormsby Avenue & South 4th Street

W Ormsby Ave & S 4th St, Louisville, KY 40203, USA

Daytime tours NO LONGER start at Adrienne & Co. donut shop near the corner of Fourth and Oak. Unfortunately, this business has permanently closed its doors due to the current COVID situation. Meet your guide at the brown "Welcome to Old Louisville" sign on the corner. "1300 S. 4th. St." for GPS.

What's included:

  • Certified Guide

What to expect:

Duration: 1 hour, 30 minutes

Old Louisville

Old Louisville, Louisville, KY, USA

With more than a thousand structures spread out over 40 square blocks, Old Louisville is one of the largest historic districts in the United States. This is a transitional neighborhood and you should expect to encounter things you would in any larger city. Panhandlers and homeless people, for example, are often found along Fourth Street at the north edge of the neighborhood. This is a walking tour and we do not enter any structures, as most of the houses in Old Louisville are private residences. We do stop in front of the Conrad-Caldwell House Museum, and you can arrange with them to tour the mansion for a fee.

1 hour, 30 minutes

The Witches' Tree

Park Ave, Corner S 6th St, Louisville, 40208, Kentucky

A gnarled tree rose up on the spot where a tree cherished by local witches once stood. When the city chopped down the original tree, townsfolk incurred the wrath of the crones, who sent a tornado to destroy the city in revenge. Visitors often leave offerings on the twisted trunk to make amends.

5 minutes

Conrad-Caldwell House Museum (Conrad's Castle)

1402 St James Ct, , Louisville, 40208-2127, Kentucky

This is a walking tour and we do not enter any structures, as most of the houses in Old Louisville are private residences. We do stop in front of the Conrad-Caldwell House Museum, and you can arrange with them to tour the mansion for a fee.

5 minutes • Admission Ticket Not Included

Bernheim Mansion Bed and Breakfast

1416 S 3rd St, Louisville, KY 40208, USA

At the heart of the old Millionaires Row, the Bernheim Mansion features green men arranged around a triple Roman-arched porch. This is just one of the features that sets this impressive Richardsonian Romanesque mansion apart.

2 minutes • Admission Ticket Not Included

The Filson Historical Society

1310 S 3rd St, Louisville, 40208-2306, Kentucky

Built in 1905, the Ferguson Mansion once counted as the grandest home in the city. A splendid example of Beaux Arts architecture, it today is headquarters for the Filson Historical Society. Visits can be arranged separately.

5 minutes • Admission Ticket Not Included

Central Park

Fourth & Magnolia Avenues, , Louisville, 40208-2350, Kentucky

Just like its famous cousin in New York City, Louisville's Central Park was designed by Frederick Law Olmsted. With 14 acres of native tree species and shaded walkways, this four-square-block space counts as the green heart of the neighborhood. It's also where Shakespeare in the Park takes place each summer, since 1961, making it the nation's oldest free outdoor Shakespeare event.

5 minutes

Details & Important Info

Additional Experience Details & Important Information

Wheelchair accessible
Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
Service animals allowed
Public transportation options are available nearby
All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible
Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
Not recommended for pregnant travelers
Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
FYI The starting point is in a transitional area where you might encounter panhandlers, homeless people, and people who don't look like you.
Not recommended for visitors with mobility issues
MUST BE ABLE TO WALK 90 MINUTES WITHOUT A BATHROOM BREAK!

Cancellations & Refunds

Reservation Changes, Cancellations & Refunds

All ticket sales are final and not refundable. Reservations cannot be changed, rescheduled or refunded once confirmed. Reservations may be re-scheduled by the operator of the activity due to reasons such as weather, minimum participation requirements, mechanical issues or other interruptions beyond their control.

Organized by

Louisville Historic Tours

Product SKU: US-5973-0001
Google Business Profile: Louisville Historic Tours

Old Louisville Historic Neighborhood Walking Tour

(624 reviews)
Louisville
KY
1-15
people
price for
1 participant
1 hour
30 minutes
  • • Explore Historic Old Louisville's Architectural Treasures
  • • Discover Old Louisville in A 1.5 Hour Guided Walking Tour
  • • Experience The Most Extensive Walking Tour of Old Louisville
or

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