Old Louisville Walking Tour Recommended by The New York Times! @ 4th and Ormsby

Louisville, US
99% of travellers recommend this
Excellent (105 reviews)

Included

  • inclusion
    Certified guide

Excluded

  • exclusion
    Private transportation

Meeting Point

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.

Meeting point

,

End point

End Point

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.

Meeting point

,

End point

What to expect

1

Old Louisville

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.

Duration 90 minutes
2

The Witches' Tree

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.

Duration 5 minutes
3

Conrad-Caldwell House Museum (Conrad's Castle)

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.

Duration 5 minutes
Admission Admission Not Included
4

Louisville

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.

Duration 5 minutes
5

The Filson Historical Society

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.

Duration 5 minutes
Admission Admission Not Included
6

Central Park

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.

Duration 5 minutes

The experience can be subject to change due to bad weather or unforseen circumstances. We always endeavour to give you the best possible experience.

Additional Information

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

What our experts say

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    Try nearby Please & Thank You café.
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    Visit the Conrad-Caldwell House after.
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    Bring a camera for stunning architecture.
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    Wear comfortable shoes for walking.
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    Plan for possible encounters in the area.

More About this Experience

Introduction

Immerse yourself in the rich history and captivating charm of Old Louisville with the highly acclaimed Old Louisville Walking Tour. This tour has been recommended by The New York Times and promises an unforgettable experience through the streets of one of the largest historic districts in the United States. With over a thousand structures spread across 40 square blocks, Old Louisville is a vibrant and ever-evolving neighborhood that will envelop you in its grand Victorian mansions, captivating stories, and unique atmosphere.

What to expect?

During this 90-minute tour, you can expect to discover the hidden gems and lesser-explored corners of Old Louisville. Your knowledgeable guide will lead you through the transitional neighborhood, providing fascinating insights into the history and architecture of the area. Explore beyond the popular St. James Court and delve into the enchanting Ormsby Avenue, Park Avenue cottages, Floral Terrace, the legendary Witches' Tree, and the opulent Millionaires Row. Marvel at the grandeur of the Bourbon barons' mansions, appreciate the racetrack royalty's influence, and learn about the titans of tobacco who once called this neighborhood home.

Who is this for?

The Old Louisville Walking Tour caters to all individuals who have a passion for timeless architecture, rich history, and off-the-beaten-path adventures. Whether you're an avid history buff, an architecture enthusiast, or simply someone who appreciates the charm of old houses, this tour will captivate you. The tour is designed for those seeking a deeper connection with the places they visit and a desire to uncover the hidden stories and secrets of Old Louisville. Don't miss this opportunity to explore the neighborhood that has gained well-deserved national attention for its Victorian mansions and eclectic residents.

Why book this?

The Old Louisville Walking Tour stands out as a must-experience journey for several reasons. Firstly, unlike many other neighborhood walking tours, this tour covers twice as much ground, allowing you to see more sights and immerse yourself in the captivating history of Old Louisville. Moreover, this tour has been recommended by The New York Times and praised by author David Dominé, who regularly guides groups himself. David's extensive knowledge and passion for the neighborhood will bring the stories to life and leave you with a deep appreciation for the area's unique allure. So, whether you're a history enthusiast or a curious traveler, this tour promises an enriching and captivating experience.

Good to know

It's important to note that Old Louisville is a transitional neighborhood, which means you may encounter elements that are typical of any larger city, such as panhandlers or homeless people. Additionally, as most of the houses in Old Louisville are private residences, the tour does not include entering any structures. However, you will have the opportunity to stop in front of the Conrad-Caldwell House Museum, where you can arrange a separate tour of the mansion for a fee. Furthermore, please be aware that the meeting point has changed due to COVID-related closures. Instead of the Adrienne & Co. donut shop, you'll now find your guide waiting at the "Welcome to Old Louisville" sign on the corner of Fourth and Oak.

Reviews

Feedback and reviews from individuals who have embarked on the Old Louisville Walking Tour consistently highlight the exceptional knowledge and storytelling skills of the guides. Visitors have been impressed by the comprehensive itinerary, which covers both well-known landmarks and hidden treasures. Many have praised the opportunity to learn about the neighborhood's intriguing past and gain a deeper understanding of its architectural legacy. Overall, participants have expressed high levels of satisfaction with this immersive and captivating tour experience. Experience the beauty and history of Old Louisville like never before. Book the Old Louisville Walking Tour and embark on a remarkable journey through the enchanting streets of this truly unique and atmospheric neighborhood.

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