The majestic Ohio River, the major link between the bustling cities of the East Coast and the mighty Mississippi River, was greatly instrumental in shaping the future of the city of Louisville and to this day still captures the imagination of all who visit.

The Belle of Louisville, a National Historic Landmark and the most beloved symbol of our city, continues to grace us with her presence at the very site she visited so often throughout the early nineteen hundreds.

It is firmly embedded in the American national consciousness for its multimillion dollar Kentucky Derby. Each year, the horse race attracts over 500,000 fans to this cosmopolitan and well diversified industrial city, which still bears the traces of the early French settlers who came upriver from New Orlean.

More than 2,500 restaurants serving an astounding variety of cuisines, ranging from quiet cafes and coffee houses to ethnic restaurants and gourmet palaces.

Louisvilles most visited park offers opportunities for fishing, horseback riding, softball, tennis, basketball, golf, bicycling, jogging and picnicking. Discover the beautiful spring wildflowers in the area of Cherokee Park obscured from the road.

The city is big on the national sporting map, too, being the home of the famed Louisville sluggers and baseball fans flock to the downtown museum dedicated to this team. This, together with some exciting attractions like an indoor forest, a restored old sternwheeler river boat, an excellent zoo and a thrilling amusement park, makes Louisville a perfect family holiday destination, set in the very heart of America.

The State Zoo of Kentucky currently exhibits over 1,300 animals in naturalistic and mixed animal settings representing both geographical areas and biomes or habitats.

The Science Centre strives to bring out the scientist in you via exhibits, programs and IMAX films that are both educational and entertaining. This phenomenal hands-on facility has something for everyone.

As the cities population and economy advanced, so did its institutions. The University of Louisville traces its roots to 1798 when the Jefferson Seminary was established.

The local tourist authority boasts that the city is within a days drive of more than half the population of the United States. Other tours include pottery crafting at Louisville Stoneware or Hadley Pottery, or Braille printing at the American Printing House for the Blind. For all ages, for all interests. A great place to be, come and see for yourself.