Why Louisville Is the Ultimate Destination for Sports Fans

Both baseball and horse racing have a long heritage in the Bluegrass state. That's why when USA Today released their 2025 Reader's Choice Top Ten Best Attractions for Sports Fans, I wasn't shocked at all to see Kentucky made the list. I WAS surprised that Kentucky made the list FOUR times!

Louisville, KY Top Travel Destination For Sports Fans

All located in Louisville, KY, these hot sports spots attract thousands of people from around the world who tour them each year. Beating out the U.S. Olympic Museum and the College Football Hall of Fame are a couple of museums you may have visited on field trips in elementary school. Add two iconic downtown attractions, and that's a whole lot of history and fun all in one place.

Muhammad Ali Center is the G.O.A.T.

Kicking off the top ten list at #10 is a tribute to one of Louisville's own. Considered one of the greatest athletes of all time, Muhammad Ali was born and raised in Louisville's West Side in a little pink house. This museum and activity center, located downtown, educates visitors all about Ali's personal and professional life, highlighting his boxing career as well as his dedication to social justice.

Churchill Downs is Where the Magic Happens

Those twin spires are unmistakable. The first time I went to Churchill Downs, I was in fourth grade. On the tour, we got to meet some horses with celebrity auras. Chances are, they were pampered like them, too! I returned as an adult, and sure enough, I was starstruck again by the majestic thoroughbreds that run "The fastest two minutes in sports." Churchill Downs takes the #5 spot for best sports attraction in the U.S.

As Kentucky As a Louisville Slugger

While other baseball attractions made the list, like The Field of Dreams set in Iowa, the number four best attraction in America is the Louisville Slugger Museum in downtown Louisville. It's a must-visit for any baseball fan. Honestly, it's fun even if you just go to baseball games for the popcorn and hot dogs.

Besides being home to the world's largest baseball bat — which is 120 feet tall and weighs 68,000 pounds — the Louisville Slugger Museum & Factory is a legendary site beloved by baseball fans. Visitors can swing by to check out the array of iconic ballplayer and game memorabilia, the retro baseball-gaming exhibit, the legendary lumber in the bat vault, or create a personalized Slugger of their own.

Go, Baby, Go to the Kentucky Derby Museum

The 2nd best sports attraction in America is the Kentucky Derby Museum. According to the website:

The Kentucky Derby, also known as the "greatest two minutes in sports," carries with it a long and storied heritage filled with tradition. The Kentucky Derby Museum, located next to Churchill Downs, tells the story of this history with its collection of art, artifacts, and interactive exhibits. 2024 marks the event's 150-year anniversary, so visitors should check out their honorary, new-and-exclusive exhibits, tours, and souvenirs.

Whether you are planning a trip to Kentucky or you live here, these destinations should be on your travel bucket list, no doubt. Also, how cool that one city is represented four times? To see the full list of the 2025 Reader's Choice Top Ten Best Attractions for Sports Fans, click here. What others would you add to the roster?

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