You don't have to spend a fortune in order to have a fun night on the town in Louisville. There are a ton of free things to do in Louisville if you know where to go. The following attractions are all things you can do in Louisville without spending a dime.
21C Museum Hotel Art Gallery
(c) 2008 Michael Maupin
The 21c Museum Hotel is one of Louisville's most interesting downtown establishments. It is a hotel, art gallery, and restaurant all in one building. The 21C Museum Hotel Gallery is a 9000 sq. ft. art museum that maintains a blend of both permanent and revolving installations in a number of different mediums. It is open to the public 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Free Shows at Actors Theatre
(c) 2008 Michael Maupin
Each year, Actors Theatre chooses 22 aspiring stage actors from a pool of more than 2,000 to join their Apprentice Company. The Apprentice Company puts on its own season of plays that are free to the public. These plays run from mid-August to early May. For ticketed shows, tickets must be requested through the Actors Theatre Box Office. For non-ticketed shows, you can just arrive on location and enjoy the program.
Jim Beam American Outpost
A trip to the Jim Beam American Outpost allows you to experience the making and history of one of Kentucky's signature products -- bourbon. At the Jim Beam distillery, you can watch a movie about the history of the Beam family, see how Jim Beam bourbon is made, and see how the Jim Beam bottles have changed throughout the years. Best of all, there is no charge for any of these activities at the Jim Beam American Outpost, though you'll probably want to bring some money for a bottle of bourbon.Louisville Nature Center
The Louisville Nature Center is a place where people can explore, learn about, and enjoy nature. The Louisville Nature Center features butterfly and dragonfly gardens, wildlife exhibits, and hiking through Beargrass Creek State Nature Preserve, as well as a variety of children's activities. While visiting the Louisville Nature Center, you can explore the outdoor nature preserves and wildlife exhibits, or you can engage in learning activities in the indoor museum area.The Museum at the American Printing House for the Blind
© 2009 Jessica Elliott
The Museum at the American Printing House for the Blind houses items that help visitors explore the history of education for the blind in America. Both admission to the museum and guided tours of the factory are free. Unlike the rules at most museums that discourage visitors from touching the exhibits, visitors to the Museum at the American Printing House for the Blind are encouraged to touch the exhibits in order to better understand the experiences of the blind.
Cave Hill Cemetery
(c) 2008 Michael Maupin
Cave Hill Cemetery is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. It is a Victorian-era cemetery and arboretum that is open to the public. Cave Hill is a pleasant and photogenic place where people go for the lovely scenery and intricate gravestones as well as to visit their deceased loved ones. The land is home to a cave, lakes, and the graves of many famous Louisvillians, including KFC founder Colonel Sanders.
The Speed Art Museum
Photo Courtesy of Greater Louisville Convention and Visitors Bureau
The Speed Art Museum is Kentucky's oldest and largest art museum with more than 12,000 pieces in its permanent collection. The art pieces at the Speed Art Museum span 6,000 years of history, from Egyptian to contemporary works of art, as well as many pieces created by Kentucky artists. In addition to its permanent collections, the Speed Art Museum also commonly hosts special exhibits that revolve throughout the year. Admission to the Speed Art Museum's permanent collection is free.