Louisville, Kentucky

Boxing fans have certainly heard Muhammad Ali proclaim Louisville as “the greatest city in the world.” And that’s just one of the many reasons he chose his home town as the site for his living legacy. Much more than a museum, the $75 million cultural and educational centre is inspired by the ideals of Ali and traces his life through an interactive journey from his unprecedented boxing career to his global humanitarianism. Recently opened, the Muhammad Ali Centre is perhaps one of the most unique museums in the United States.

Visitors don’t have to be fans of America’s favourite pastime to appreciate the enormity of the world’s largest baseball bat marking the entrance to another one-of-a-kind attraction, the Louisville Slugger Museum & Factory. The museum tour begins with an inspiring look at the sport of baseball and its heroes in “The Heart of the Game” film, followed by a tour of the factory where the Official Bat of Major League Baseball is made. The Louisville Slugger is a celebrated American tradition that’s more than 120 years old. Every visitor leaves with their very own miniature Slugger.

The Frazier International History Museum opened its doors to worldwide acclaim, largely due to its unique partnership with the Royal Armouries of Great Britain. Visitors to the Frazier are treated to an array of arms, artifacts, stories and interpretations that span 1,000 years of European and U.S. history all housed in an historic building located along the city’s West Main Street cultural corridor. An average of 11 live interpretations of some of America’s most colourful historical figures are performed daily from Annie Oakley to Wild Bill Cody. See Teddy Roosevelt’s legendary “Big Stick,” General Custer’s rifle and Geronimo’s bow.

These are just a few of the museums housed on Louisville’s Museum Row and nestled in the city’s thriving theatre district. North, south, east or west – Louisville offers a wealth of attractions and historic architecture. Check out the downtown East Market district, Frankfort Avenue and Highlands neighbourhoods for enclaves of boutiques, dining and entertainment options galore. At night the city comes alive, anchored by downtown’s Fourth Street Live! entertainment district.

A visit to the “Derby City” would not be complete without a tour of the Kentucky Derby Museum, located at the main entrance to legendary Churchill Downs racetrack. At the Museum, visitors can experience the power and speed of three-year-old thoroughbreds as they compete in the “fastest two minutes in sports.” Start with the 360-degree high-definition “The Greatest Race,” which takes you behind the scenes from dawn to dusk on Derby Day. Explore the exhibits to capture the pride, tradition and excitement that is the Kentucky Derby!

Much more than a typical visitor information centre, it’s a mini-attraction in its own right. The Centre not only offers full-service visitor assistance with a full-time staff to answer questions, give directions, pass out brochures and maps and sell Louisville merchandise, but visitors also learn the stories of two of Kentucky’s most famous icons – Colonel Harland Sanders, creator of Kentucky Fried Chicken, and bourbon, America’s only native spirit.

The proud host of The 37th Ryder Cup, Louisville, Kentucky is ready to make your trip a memorable one, so add on a few extra days to your itinerary and take advantage of all the one-of-a-kind experiences the city of Louisville can offer. You’ll find more information on hotels, restaurants and attractions at the Louisville Convention & Visitors Bureau’s website: www.gotolouisville.com, as well as a free Visitors Guide.