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

Overview
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!
City: Louisville
Sun 29 Dec
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You can choose the date already on the booking website
Starting at $25.00
Sun 29 Dec
Starting at $25.00
Make a reservation
What's Included
Certified Guide
Additional Info
  • 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!
  • Regular temperature checks for staff
  • Contactless payments for gratuities and add-ons
  • Social distancing enforced throughout experience
  • Hand sanitiser available to travellers and staff
  • In keeping with local and CDC guidelines, we are keeping our groups small and encourage the use of masks. This tour is entirely out-of-doors and we maintain proper social distances at all times.
What To Expect
1
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.
2
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.
3
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.
4
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.
Show 1 more stops
Cancellation Policy
All sales are final. No refund is available for cancellations.
Traveler Photos
Reviews (365)
Neverfish
Jul 2020
It was a beautiful walking tour of an interesting area and I loved hearing the back stories of the different homes. David was a wealth of knowledge and I would definitely recommend this tour.
Response from Host
Jul 2020
Thanks so much for joining us in Old Louisville! Hope to see you again soon!
Babytraveler1011
Jun 2020
Engaging, fun, and open to questions. Couldn’t have asked for a better tour guide than David. Worth it.
Response from Host
Jun 2020
Thanks so much - and thanks for coming to Old Louisville!
B3733GVbeatrizv
Jun 2020
Wonderful experience, recommended for everyone who wants to explore Louisville! Enjoy the scenery!!!
Response from Host
Jun 2020
Thank you very much! We're glad you came to see us in Old Louisville!

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