Historic Old Louisville Walking Tour – Louisville, Kentucky

EXPERIENCE

Take a guided tour of the heart of the Victorian Mansion district in Old Louisville. In the late 1880s, Louisville hosted the Southern Exposition, a world’s fair, which drew a million people to see the arts and industry of the South. Thomas Edison installed 5000 of his new incandescent light bulbs, which was the first night-time exhibit in the country. Learn about this amazing exposition and then how this area was developed into the first affluent suburb of Louisville.

St. James and Belgravia Courts became the site of some of the most unique and beautiful Victorian-era mansions, homes of titans of industry and successful businessmen who wanted to show off their wealth. They hired the best architects of the age and built stunning Richardsonian Romanesque, Chateauesque, Italianate, Neoclassical, Queen Anne, and Beaux Arts mansions. Today, historic Old Louisville is like stepping back in time. Third Street included in the tour was known as Millionaire’s Row in the 1890s. Fourth Street near Central Park boasts some of the most elegant Victorian townhomes. This guided tour showcases the highlights of this national historic preservation district comprising 48-square blocks.

This highly regarded tour was designed by a local architect and historian. In 2016, the American Planning Association in Washington, D.C. named Old Louisville One of the Great Places in America, not only because of the historic architecture but because of the community’s rich arts heritage. The Old Louisville Neighborhood Council received this award on behalf of Historic Old Louisville.

The tour begins and ends in the comfortable Old Louisville Visitors Center, a Mission Style building inside Central Park designed by Frederick Law Olmsted. We provide a place to rest, a clean restroom, and information about other area attractions. Street parking around the perimeter of the park is free and only steps away from the Visitors Center.

Each tour attendee receives a free 48-page color brochure that explains the Victorian Mansion district as part of our mission of education and enrichment.

This tour is part of the education mission of the Old Louisville Neighborhood Council, a nonprofit advocacy organization, that serves to protect and promote the Old Louisville historic district. All proceeds support this historic preservation work.

HIGHLIGHTS

Discover the nation’s largest contiguous collection of Victorian era mansions.
See why Historic Old Louisville is a Kentucky heritage tourism attraction.
Marvel at the beauty of these 19th century mansions and churches.
Stroll through tree lined streets and walking courts with lovely gardens.
Visit mansions of bourbon kings, captains of industry, and great architects..

Discover more exciting & fun things to do in Louisville