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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

Thu 26 Jun

Other dates

You can choose the date already on the booking website

Starting at $25.00

Make a reservation

Thu 26 Jun

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)

celiacfoodie2

May 2020

We have taken several of these tours through Old Louisville. Super fun, guide is very knowledgeable. Easy walk at a manageable pace through years of history in one of the prettiest parts of the city. Book a tour, you won't be disappointed.

Response from Host

Jun 2020

Thanks so much! I look forward to seeing you soon again in Old Louisville!

MildredsMom

May 2020

I absolutely loved the tour as did my brother and mom. I liked it so much that I took my aunt, uncle, and boyfriend. David is a fantastic story teller because of his passion, enthusiasm, and knowledge. I highly recommend the tour. Thanks, David, I appreciate you.

Response from Host

Jun 2020

Thanks so much for the nice review! I look forward to seeing you soon again in Old Louisville!

Becky_Ritchie_KY

May 2020

My friends and I had such a great time on the Old Louisville Walking Tour. David is a fabulous storyteller and incredibly knowledgeable about all things Louisville! If you’re in Louisville on a visit or a lifelong resident of the Derby City you owe it to yourself to go on this tour; you will have a great time and learn so much about this wonderfully historic neighborhood!!

Response from Host

Jun 2020

Thanks so much for the nice shout-out, Becky! We look forward to seeing you soon again in Old Louisville!