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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.

Show 1 more stops

Cancellation Policy

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

Traveler Photos

Reviews (649)

Storyteller559072

May 2020

In September 2019, two friends and I were going on a ladies’ only trip to Louisville. Prior to the trip, I wanted to investigate what this great city had to offer. As a native New Yorker, I didn’t have to look far. I found an article published in the New York Times, “36 Hours in Louisville”. It recommended the best way to learn about the architecture and history of the Old Louisville neighborhood was to book a tour. Not any tour, but a David Domine run Louisville Historic Tour. It definitely was the best way to see “America’s Grandest Neighborhood”, as David led us though the blocks, boulevards and courtyards. His knowledge about the different architectural styles of the homes and the engaging history of Old Louisville made this tour highly informative and enjoyable. He is a wonderful story-teller. This walking tour definitely went beyond our expectations. I would highly recommend this tour to anyone interested in a historical perspective of this city.

Response from Host

Jun 2020

So glad you had a good time! Thanks so much for the nice review! I look forward to seeing you soon again in Old Louisville!

lhart4d

May 2020

My friends and I booked a ghost walking tour with David Domine to get into the Halloween spirit. It was a lovely exploration of the history of Louisville' amazing Old Louisville neighborhood, full of stately Victorian homes, mixed with fascinating tales of horror, both real and supernatural. David is a great storyteller and clearly has a deep passion for the neighborhood and its rich history. We had a great evening, and I would highly recommend this experience.

Response from Host

Jun 2020

Thanks so much for the shout-out!! Look forward to seeing you soon again!

mammapb05

May 2020

I loved the tour. It was fun, the homes are beautiful and I loved thwarting the historical significance. It will be something I will do many times when family comes to visit.