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

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 27 Apr

Other dates

You can choose the date already on the booking website

Starting at $25.00

Make a reservation

Sun 27 Apr

Starting at $25.00

Make a reservation

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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!

What To Expect

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.

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.

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.

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.

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Cancellation Policy

All sales are final. No refund is available for cancellations.

Traveler Photos

Reviews (649)

Karen_K

Mar 2025

Interesting way to hear a little about Louisville of the late 1800s. Guide was very knowledgeable about local architecture of that period. Also an intriguing story about the decline of wealthy urban neighborhoods and their rebirth. Bring some extra cash to tip your tour guide if you enjoyed the tour and don't count on them to have change.

Response from Host

Mar 2025

Thank you for joining us to hear about the local history and our unique architecture!.

Jennifer_P

Feb 2025

It was a good mixture of history and humor about old Louisville. As a designer, I found it fascinating and cool to see the historic parts of the city.

Response from Host

Feb 2025

Thank you for joining us in Old Louisville! It is a fascinating place to see the maximalist decoration of the day!

T9237ANandrewd

Feb 2025

The tour was excellent. If you are interested in the history of Louisville's house architecture and an insight into people from the town's early days, then you will enjoy David's tour. He was engaging and able to answer all my questions. The walk was long enough to be interesting, but that long, you felt you had walked to Lexington.

Response from Host

Feb 2025

Thank you for joining me in Old Louisville! It was a pleasure showing you around!