
South Louisville
Louisville’s traditional South End neighborhood has a rich history that continues to be written.
In recent years, South Louisville has experienced a renaissance. Young families have moved into this area of second-and-third-generation residents, and many have come from across the globe. With this mix of old and new, the area has become a multicultural community that’s rich and diverse.



EAT & DRINK
Start your morning before heading to Churchill Downs like many horsemen do with biscuits and gravy or a Pam & Jack’s omelet at Wagner’s. The old-time pharmacy with a soda fountain has been a Louisville institution since 1922. Or, dine at Churchill Downs' new steakhouse and fine dining restaurant, Matt Winn's, while you're at the track. Or hop over to the Derby Café & Bourbon Bar at the Kentucky Derby Museum (connected to Churchill Downs) which serves signature Kentucky dishes like the Bubbling Over Hot Brown along with Mint Juleps and specialty Bourbon cocktails.
Delicious and inexpensive international dining options abound, including Annie’s Café and Vietnam Kitchen (a top pick of many Louisville chefs). Mike Linnig’s has been serving up fried fish, frog legs, shrimp, pan-fried oysters, turtle soup and more since 1925. Nestled in a shady grove along the Ohio River, you can have your seafood served to you indoors or out, all while enjoying the view. If you have a taste for barbecue, you’ll enjoy the rustic Shack in the Back BBQ located in Fairdale. Colonial Gardens, a historic entertainment complex that’s been recently revitalized, is home to local favorite Taco Luchador and the B.A. Colonial which serves southern staples.
If you’re in town on a Saturday from March through November, stop by the Suburban Social Club Fish Fry for a truly authentic South Louisville tradition since 1927. “Green River” style fish is sold by the pound (cash only) alongside slaw, fries and signature marinated onions.
If you need a caffeine fix, get fueled up at Sunergos, a micro-roastery and coffee shop in the eclectic Beechmont neighborhood that also highlights local artwork.
DISCOVER
The South Points Scenic Area, along the Ohio River, surrounded by thousands of acres of forested knobs and open space, is a prime destination for outdoor recreation and cultural pursuits. To download a map of the South Points Scenic Area, please click here. The Jefferson Memorial Forest is the largest municipal forest in the country and is the site of more than 35 miles of scenic woodland trails for hiking and trail running, and another 11 miles for equestrian use.
For mountain biking or fishing, don’t miss a visit to Waverly Park. South Points is also home to Iroquois Park, one of the gems of the Olmsted parks, which hosts concerts in the Iroquois Amphitheater. It is also the site of the annual Jack O’ Lantern Spectacular Halloween event.
See firsthand how Bourbon and whiskey are made from start to finish at the legendary Stitzel-Weller Distillery, which is home to the Garden & Gun Club, one of only two in the country.
The area boasts some of the most beautiful views of the Ohio River Valley, with many accessible while hiking along a trail atop its many knobs or biking the Louisville Loop, which stretches from Riverside, the Farnsley-Moremen Landing through West Louisville and into downtown. History aficionados can explore a 19th century farm on the Ohio River at the Farnsley-Moremen House. Or, take in the Little Loomhouse, which is on the National Register of Historic Places and is the biggest repository of original and classic textile patterns in the United States.
Experience live racing and sip a Mint Julep at Churchill Downs, home of the legendary Kentucky Derby, during the spring, September and fall meets. Experience the thrill and traditions of the Kentucky Derby every day at the Kentucky Derby Museum, where guests experience exclusive behind-the-scenes tours of Churchill Downs, an 18-minute immersive film about the Derby, a new Secretariat exhibit.
Featured Attractions & Things to Do
Churchill Downs
700 Central Ave.
Louisville, KY 40208
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South
Live Thoroughbred horse racing in the spring/summer & fall, including Saturday night races under the lights. Home of the...
Harbor House of Louisville
2231 Lower Hunters Trace
Louisville, KY 40216
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South
The Ken-Ducky Derby (KDD) is an annual fundraising rubber duck race held in Louisville, KY, and is an official Kentucky...
Hometown Brewing Company
4041 Preston Hwy
Louisville, KY 40213
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South
We think beer makes everything better. That’s why it’s our mission to bring together #GoodPeople with #GoodBrews Est....
Iroquois Amphitheater
1080 Amphitheater Road
Louisville, KY 40214
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South
Large outdoor performance hall presenting live bands & movies, plus a small experimental theater.
Iroquois Golf Course
1501 Rundhill Rd.
Louisville, KY 40214
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This scenic 18-hole layout is hilly & lined with mature trees. The terrain of the Bermuda course challenges golfers of all...
Iroquois Park
5216 New Cut Road
Louisville, KY 40214
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South
Iroquois Park was planned by Frederick Law Olmsted as a "scenic reservation" of forested hillsides and breathtaking...
Jefferson Memorial Forest
11311 Mitchell Hill Rd.
Fairdale, KY 40118
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South
Just 15 minutes from downtown Louisville, the nation's largest municipal urban forest has something for everyone. The...
Kentucky Derby Museum
704 Central Ave.
Louisville, KY 40208
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South
Experience Derby Day, Every Day! General Admission includes a 30-minute historical walking tour of Churchill Downs...
Kentucky Kingdom and Hurricane Bay
937 Phillips Lane
Louisville, KY 40209
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Kentucky Kingdom and Hurricane Bay
Airport
Skip the stress. Not the Fun at Kentucky Kingdom & Hurricane Bay. Enjoy more than 70 family-friendly attractions,...
Little Loomhouse
328 Kenwood Hill Rd.
Louisville, KY 40214
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South
Three historic board & batten cabins circa 1870-1890. Weaving center, coverlet collection & exhibit of weaving looms,...
Louisville Nature Center
3745 Illinois Ave.
Louisville, KY 40213
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The Louisville Nature Center is located in the center of Louisville and adjacent to the Beargrass Creek State Nature...
McNeely Lake Park
10500 Cedar Creek Road
Louisville, KY 40229
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South
North Entrance near fishing docks: 6900 Cooper Chapel Rd. Size: 746 acres Amenities: Ballfield Basketball Boat Ramps &...