Horse races are held throughout the year with the crowning event being the annual Kentucky Derby while Family Fun Days are held each week during the Spring Meet. This would make for a better option if you would like your legacy to live on for years to come. No need to spend anymore in gift shop! But whats really amazing about this visit, is the tour after the movie. It is recommended you arrive 60-90 minutes prior to closing to have ample time to Don't forget about exploring your own hometown with a staycation. The staff was super friendly, and I look forward to visiting again soon when the place is in full swing. There is a 1-mile trail through the zoo so you can see the amazing animals while getting those steps! and answers related to Tennessee. Louisville Slugger Museum & Factory is located in Louisville, Kentucky. Bring your fishing pole and your road bike, there are plenty of areas to enjoy both. A visit to Louisville is not complete without coming over to the Kentucky Derby Museum. If you're taking a road trip to Music City, add some excitement to your drive by pulling off at one of these stops to sightsee, stretch your legs, and nosh on some of the best roadside eats around. The tour of the Lost River Cave lasts for approximately forty five minutes and is split into two parts. I think those main tour doors needed to be construction orange or green with a big clear enter sign enter sign . My daughters first trip to the Zoo for her 3rd birthday. Souvenirs and gift shops were nice, but sparce with selections that other parks may offer. Tours are available from 9 am throughout the day Founded back in 2003, Chaneys Dairy Barn & Restaurant is a seemingly deceiving animal farm barn at first glance, but its actually a quirky little restaurant that serves homemade ice cream. Get the reverse directions for a Tennessee to Chicago drive, or go to the main page to plan a new road trip. Their wave pool, lazy River, and splash park for bigger kids is always a good time and keeps everyone cool and happy. The Louisville Zoo is one of the most unique venues for weddings in the city of Louisville, Kentucky, providing couples with a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to tie the knot surrounded by their favorite zoo animals, such as the Western Lowland Gorilla Troop, the Sea Lions and Harbor Seals, or the Sumatran Tigers. Caverns & Caves1841 Taylor Avenue, Louisville, KY 40213MoreLess Info. Southwest Desert. Once you enter you can't return. A giant baseball bat marks this venue offering tours & exhibits on the sports-equipment icon. If you are looking for a wonderful family experience and a great day out, make sure you pay a visit to Louisville Zoo. Best part is, Each person got a Mini Bat as keepsake with Tour Ticket Cost! (The Center Square) - A Tennessee bill that passed House committee Tuesday would put $3 billion into a new Transportation Modernization Fund as the state looks to change the way it funds future road infrastructure. This section could be endless, so rather than trying to Main St. in the Central Business District, the museum is the highest-rated museum in Louisville, boasting 4.5 stars out of 358 reviews on Yelp. But, wonderfully put together. Discover and tour this hidden gem that flows under 60 acres of trails and is known for being the shortest and deepest cave in the world. Despite it being snowy and dead and almost everything closed and many animals put indoors, it was still fun! Took my girls for a small getaway. ride tour of Indiana Caverns. A fascinating place for baseball fans as well as those with just a passing knowledge of the game. Today, its been converted into a fun recreation complex with various attractions, including zip-lining, tram tours, walking tours, and an underground, aerial ropes course. Then, let the boat tour take you to another dimension, from here on. It's perfect for just about anything from laying out, playing catch, flying kites, having a picnic, and so much more. There's much more than lions, tigers and bears at the Louisville Zoo, also known as the "State Zoo of Kentucky." Daylight disappears from view as you board the boat on the river that Ripley's Believe It or Not claims is the shortest and deepest in the world. Visit the on-site Kentucky Derby Museum to learn more. Tour the factory and watch how bats are made, visit the Bat Vault and see the bats used by baseball's most legendary players and view branded autographs of thousands of players who signed contracts with Louisville Slugger. But nostalgia and ghost stories aside, the Parklands are rad. This place is awesome. The open road can be a fun and exciting place, and who better to help you plan your next adventure than the AAA travel experts. On an amazing 134 acres, the Louisville Zoo is an outstanding attraction to visit with friends and family when visiting Louisville. Cruise an underground river and explore the trails at Lost River Cave, downtown Bowling Greens natural wonder. I couldn't stay as long as I wanted, but I'll be back SOON!! The guide owned half of the property and knew so much.. her side has the cave in which water flowed into the Red River. The reason I gave it four stars though is because I'm a semi truck driver and there's no parking for us at all so you have to walk about a mile from the truck stop to get to it. Seasonal bicycle rentals are available. This time was different. Bill Lee's plan to fund Tennessee highway work as the state says it needs $26 . It is a bit of a trek, but Louisville Zoo has restrooms, benches, and concessions throughout the campus to allow for any needed breaks. It was very clean. We had so much fun on our visit to Lost River Cave. Trippy is where I highly recommend this museum. What you should expect from this specialty museum:. Avec mon ami, nous avons 2 semaines de vacances, du 12 au 27 Aout 2023. If you are going to visit, I highly recommend the $35 package! Safe area? The place also has its own Gift Shop and offers easy access to the Kentucky Fare too!. Spring Hill 48F. The wine tasting was fabulous and you get to pick six wines or you also had the option to taste the spirits. Youll easily spend a whole day here. Action-packed park featuring a seasonal zoo, walking trails & a high-energy playground. With four waterfalls that cascade down from over 250 feet, Burgess Fall State Park is known for its natural beauty and family-friendly activities. The last tour of the day typically departs 45 minutes to an hour before closing. While the company has been making the iconic bat since the 1880s, the current facility is actually its fourth location. We were just traveling through and we saw a billboard and we thought we would stop. The Zoos collections which include botanical gardens are accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) and the American Alliance of Museums (AAM). Glades range from bare rock to a thin substrate of soil with desert-like vegetation to shallow soil grasslands. Spanning over seven miles of incomparable sights, the Lost River Cave is full of spectacular natural cave formations and crystal blue underground pools thatll make the hour-long tour a walk in the park. Our teenage kids Loved stopping here and doing the tour! This place offers an exclusive tour which meanders around the journey that the brand has made with some of the most legendary Baseball players of all times. Learn about the life of jockeys and gape at the flamboyant hat collection. There are plenty! The drive from Chicago to Nashville is 468 miles (753 km). We hated to miss it (my kiddos weigh as much as a green pea) but we enjoyed a tram tour of the cave. Whether you decide to zip-line or try out the Bike Park loved by the locals, the louisville caverns is the perfect spot to start on the adventure that Louisville is!. Staff seemed like they didn't want to be there, with the exception of maybe 20 ride hosts and hostesses. After entering through the side and walking down a creepy hall, I walk into this massive room and there was the tram, and across the giant room was a town faade and waiting area. The Bulls shot 52% from the field, 40% from three, and 82% from . This park is huge and has very well managed trails. If youre going on a road trip from Chicago to Nashville, we did the research for you and compiled some great stops along the way with Louisville, Indianapolis, and Bowling Green and top places to visit like Indiana Dunes State Park and Indiana Dunes National Park, or the ever-popular Horseshoe Hammond. We went on a Saturday in September, and most the rides were manned and operating, which is great since all the college staff is gone. The Churchill Downs is the official race track used for the famous Kentucky Derby and is loved for its sheer energy, grandeur and impeccable Fashion (on special derby days) seen during the derby matches. You will find a range of exhibits to explore here as well as exciting tours including night time tours. This park is good for all ages - play area, tennis court, splash pad, walk path, running trails, extensive parking etc. Louisville, Kentucky's largest city, sits on the Ohio River along the Indiana border. There's even a world-class "concert hall" with a grand piano and some of the most elegant decor you've ever seen. The Lost Cave Boat Tour is appropriate for all ages, where you will learn the history of the area and see the sites of this manufactured feature. If you have kids bring them it's is worth the price to get in.. Sports lovers will also enjoy the nearby Muhammad Ali Center, dedicated to the beloved boxer. A great experience for kids, adults, and the whole family! The workers there for the most part though are awful. Our tour guide was super funny and made it so much more enjoyable as she educated us on the natural history of the area. Here are some of your best accommodation options: The City of KFC is renowned nationwide for its spectacular cuisine, and since you'll be passing directly through, there's virtually no excuse not to stop here and relax at a fancy hotel. We come with our guests here and everyone likes a unique experience. When in Louisville, catching a live derby match here is a must as you appreciate the dedication, love for the sport and spectacular trained horses. The visit really opens my eyes to a whole new world that I have not touched before. Wanderlog makes planning a trip so effortless. Right down the road is Churchill Downs, the home of the Kentucky Derby. They have a special room. Museum with period details in an elaborate, circa-1889 home built by a local entrepreneur. My family and I chose the Tram tour since we have a small child. Since in 1898, the amusement park has entertained both young and old alike with its carnival games, coasters and giant Ferris wheel. Huge selection of delicious treats!! It is just a short 45 minute drive from Nashville and well worth it. The winery and distillery are great. AAA Photo. Find pet-friendly stops. 22 hours 10 minutes. These included whispering voices similar to those of old women singing hymns, night terrors about RATS gnawing away at the family's beds, and the sighting of a bizarre animal, which appeared to be a hybrid between a rabbit and a dog. So you can delve into all 70+ years of the Corvette via hands-on exhibits, and admire more than 70 rare Corvettes, race-winners, prototypes and classics in mint condition. Bowling Green, Kentucky, is known as the official worldwide home of the Corvette. 1 minute off the main route, 64% of way to Nashville. The great thing about the road trip from Chicago to Nashville is that there are heaps of luxurious stopover options. It was super cool to see the track at night and hear these stories under the hallowed spires. You will get sand in your shoes and the wind off Lake Michigan can be strong. Chaney's Dairy Barn is the place to stop for a family-friendly day full of delicious eats. Much cooler than I expected! The quicker route will have you following Interstate 65 through Indiana and Nashville. It has some interesting history as well once being a fallout shelter. Taylor and I walked the entire zoo (no small feat) as we visited the gorillas, Asian elephants, and meerkats. There's also a great exhibit about a sink hole that swallowed a load of cars from their collection very interesting. If you are looking for something deeper and more meaningful, head to the museums in city. The Kentucky Derby Museum is the exclusive provider for the famous Churchill Downs Race Course. It's a unique experience and one I'd definitely say to give a try. They are really focused on getting students real skills to get a job which contributes to society. When we were there in late winter there was not much to be seen in the way of wildflowers, but the trails were very quiet and pleasant. You can hold a bat that belonged to Babe Ruth in 1933, you can see bats from Joe Di Magio, Roberto Clemente, Jackie Robinson, Roger Maris, Tyler Cobb, and some other legends. There are a lot of activities held at the park depending on the timing or season. Disappearing underground, surrounded by jaw dropping beauty this cave is open year around and offers fun activities for all. Bowling Green has been the exclusive home of Corvette manufacturing since 1981. The museum showcases relics like Babe Ruth's 1927 record-setting bat, complete with notches for every home run carved by the Bambino himself. Centennial Park (6 mentions) Every year, the Kentucky Derby Festival lasts for two weeks, culminating in the thrilling race, where three-year-old Thoroughbreds race each other during the Most Exciting Two Minutes in Sports. Have heard owls and other nightlife talking. Pick a day when they have music. Stayed in the Beach Club Cottage #10. Dune-lined park for hiking, swimming, fishing, cross-country skiing, birding & more, plus campsites. A key attraction in the Louisville region, more so for horse racing enthusiasts, the Kentucky Derby Museum is established on Churchill Downs in Louisville, Kentucky. It covers 470 miles and takes around 7 hours 10 minutes to drive, and it'll take you all the way through Indiana and a decent chunk of Kentucky. Also, be sure to take a picture out front next to the world's tallest bat. 700 Central Ave, Louisville, KY 40208, USA. Click the button below to explore more questions Traverse City, MI. You are literally seeing history in the making as you walk through the factory. 1:44 am (past midnight) arrive at Tennessee driving 9.5 hours Change your route From: To: Alternate route Enter a city to drive through, or find all trips from Chicago to Tennessee. Ive never been interested in horses. We just sat in a general admission area which worked out perfect because we were there during the week when it wasn't crazy busy. Road Trip Conditions. 61 Trips. Nashville (190 answers) Road Trip Conditions. All kinds of candy from when I remember when I was a little girl. Have seen a ton of deer walking around and not too far away. A drive to Music City through a chain of incredible landmarks should be on everybody's to-do list - the road trip from Chicago to Nashville will take you past some of the fanciest cities, deepest caverns, and greenest forests in the Midwest and Upper South. The amusement park is open from May through September each year and deserves a spot on your list of things to do in Bowling Green KY. If you want your next event to be exceptional, host it at the Kentucky Derby Museum. Although the price tag is hefty, it may be just the special occasion that the car lover in your family has been waiting for. Louisville Zoo commits to better the bond between the people and the planet through their excellent care for animals. The Parklands is composed of four connected parks with separate addresses. Get to know the A to Z of the Louisville Slugger baseball bats and the sheer history which the brand has made for itself!. The Parklands of Floyds Fork is only about 20 miles outside of downtown Louisville, but it feels like youre in an entirely different world. Guests can mingle during the cocktail hour around one of many different world-class exhibits, such as South America or Africa. Indianapolis, colloquially known as Indy, is the state capital and most-populous city of the U.S. state of Indiana and the seat of Marion County. Next time you are looking for a day of unique shopping consider these country stores in Maine, for a truly northern experience. Back on the main route, once you're past Marion, get onto Interstate 24 and follow it through Shawnee National Forest before crossing the Ohio River into Kentucky. Beautiful campus and so vibrant, full of life. Is there anything more iconically Louisville than Churchill Downs?. From its luxurious lobby to the top-of-the-line rooms, the attention to detail at this hotel is second to none. open-ended. Since it was only a 30 minute tour, we didn't go far from the museum, but we did get to see the track and the winners circle under the twin towers! With three boys who love baseball, we decided to give it a shot. Arguably the nations most famous horse race, the Kentucky Derby draws in sports fanatics, gambling gurus, horse-lovers and fashionistas alike come May of every year, with spectators donning their best hats and seersucker suits to watch the two-minute event thats been ongoing since 1875. The museum provides guests with a first hand look at the event for which Louisville, Kentucky is known worldwide. Discover how the No. Louisville Mega Cavern is a former limestone mine, over 17 miles of underground passageways located in Louisville, Kentucky. While some of the most popular MLB players have attributed their success to playing with this Louisville-made bat, theres an aura of glory that alone can justify countless hours of roaming around in this place. Animal interaction is available, from camel or pony riding right through to giraffe and parakeet feeding. Explore the lovely green spaces of Lost River Cave and enjoy the bowling alleys in Bowling Green. The museums in Bowling Green give the very essence of its citizens and rich culture. Indiana Dunes National Park is a beautiful park with lots to see! Watching the zookeeper feed the polar bears was very cool. suggest every local activity or attraction, we'll leave it So call before you book to avoid issues. Bonjour tous! The glades may be small or large open areas surrounded by cedar trees. The Veterans Memorial on the Courthouse grounds is nicely done. Last year we had one of our most fun underground experiences trampolining in a 168-foot deep cave in Wales, UK. So much to do at this place. Its hard to miss this museum, as its marked by a 120-foot baseball bat. All the facilities were incredibly clean and the entire grounds were well maintained. Take the family on an outing to Beech Bend Park during your trip to Bowling Green. We didn't get to see the private collection, and I wish they had some sign at the check-in desk that have the hours of when they are open. Not too crowded. Churchill Downs is home to the world famous Kentucky Derby race!. The Louisville Zoo is also an agency of Louisville Metro Government. There was a gift shop, snack area, very nice restrooms, and an open indoor ropes course to the side. Your trip to Bowling Green isnt complete without a day at Beech Bend Amusement Park and Splash lagoon!. Make sure you check road conditions *The online booking site is confusing, it gave me the wrong room. I felt good spending money here, knowing that the proceeds go to and not for profit foundation set up to preserve this historical cavern. Its a thoroughbred horse racing museum located in Louisville, Kentucky. Mist. Was so interesting learning all the history and with that was put into this. Terrible attitudes, obviously dont want to do their jobs, and some of the ride operators seem really young to be doing their job or seem like it isnt a priority. This place is amazing! Great guide, extremely funny, and delivering an up beat, educational tour with a side of humor. Huber's Plantation Hall At Huber's Orchard & Winery is a wedding and event venue located in Borden, Indiana. Cool little tree growing out of the bell tower. I registered, purchased tickets, and signed wavers all online and via digital delivery. The Derby Museum takes you on a walk through history (and the kids will love it.) Visitors can step up to the plate themselves head into the batting cages and grab a replica slugger model, or create a customized bat at the end of the tour. Chaneys Dairy Barn offers premium homemade ice cream, made right on the premises. 9 stops on a Selma to Montgomery National Historic Trail road trip; A cross-country road trip to U.S. presidential libraries; A road trip to filming locations featured in 'The Goonies' The top things to do on an Extraterrestrial Highway road trip; Pay Tribute and Reflect at These US Monuments and Memorials; The top things to do on a Blue Ridge . I was unsure if our daughter would enjoy it or be entertained long enough to sit still for the tour but she did fine. There are currently more than 1,500 animals at the Louisville Zoo. First time here, nice enjoyable park, has some great unique rides. The kids loved everything! Grand Ole Opry (8 mentions) Then it all comes to life with a guided tour through the factory to witness the journey of the famous Louisville Slugger bat, from wood to finished product. SPECIAL GROUPON DEAL: Underground Bike Park Admission at Louisville Mega Cavern. The zoo is situated on the land above the Mega Cavern so think about that while you are wandering around. One of the beautiful, well maintained and easily accessible park in Mt.Juliet. My little one got to go on stage. 1075 Charlie Daniels Pkwy, Mt. Virtually everyone who lives in Chicago and loves the outdoors has made this journey at least once. Whether you enjoy scouting for rare species of birds or flying kites on the sandy beach, the national park's 15,000 acres will continually enchant you. In terms of landmarks, this route is comparable to the first one, only instead of driving through Louisville, you can detour to St. Louis in Missouri. Another one of the top things to do in Louisville is visiting the Kentucky Derby Museum. You can buy nice souvenirs at the gift store and even get a customized bat. The property is beautiful and well kept. If you dont have time for a match, a tRead more. Gas from Chicago to Nashville would cost around $44 to $104 USD, depending on your vehicle's fuel efficiency. The wedding of your dreams awaits at a stunning space inside one of Louisvilles most historic and iconic buildingsRead more located on historic West Main Street. 3. This was our sons favorite part of vacation. It is definitely an "urban" National Park. Caverns & Caves2818 Nashville Road, Bowling Green, KY 42101MoreLess Info. TCM also shows their entire sinkhole collection and history of everything. The staff were incredibly friendly. Technically Huberts is in Indiana but it is worth the drive. There are lots of photos of the different era cars on the Google page, however, I clicked the snap button on my favorites. Zip through a freaking enormous limestone cavern underneath the city of Louisville. Absolutely love this place, the best chocolate pecan caramel patties you could find!! 1080 N Dixie Hwy, Elizabethtown, KY 42701, USA. In a seemingly never-ending chain of historical sites and activities, the drive along Mississippi River to East Dubuque is one of the best road trips from Chicago. This home for America's Sports Car features over 70 Corvettes showcased in periodic settings!. On the museum side of things (which takes about 2 hours to properly browse), visitors can explore the history of this all-American pastime through a range of interactive exhibits (like getting your own player profile card made or creating your very own personalized bat), as well as admire some iconic artifacts like Babe Ruths bat. Even when the track isn't alive with races, the museum is still open to visitors. The Mega caverns place caters to people of all ages from ages 3 to 60 (and more). The staff were courteous and knowledgeable. While the thrilling spectacle is undoubtedly the venues biggest draw, countless other warm-up races and competitions take place at the track throughout the year. It ends in the state of Tennessee. Seriously, this app does it all! Country Music Hall of Fame (6 mentions) The Kentucky Derby Museum exhibits the derbys history, fine arts, trophies, photographs, racing artifacts and much more. Couples can seal the deal with the zoos Harbor Seals and Sea Lions or head on over to the Western Lowland Gorilla Troop to tie We love checking out the zoo when we visit a new city because its easy to know what to expect and fun for the whole family. The charming resort town of Traverse City, located at Michigan's northern tip, offers plenty to do for nature enthusiasts. Their balloons spacious baskets are equipped with doors, allowing for easy access rather than climbing in over the sides! So, if you miss this great show or want to get more information, Kentucky Derby Museum is your next stop in a marathon of exciting things for couples to do in Louisville. Mega Cavern is a man-made Cavern that is rich in history, geology, mining, and entertainment. Watch bats being created out of blocks of wood. One of the best ways to discover the history beneath Bowling Green is to see it for yourself with a visit to Lost River Cave. Beech Bend Amusement Park is the place to be during the summer in Bowling Green. temperature is about 52 degrees, even during the winter. 350 Corvette Dr, Bowling Green, KY 42101, USA. Visit theparklands.org/parks for specific directions to Beckley Creek Park, Broad Run Park, Pope Lick Park and Turkey Run Park. The Louisville Zoological Gardens, a non-profit organization and state zoo of Kentucky, is dedicated to its mission to Better the Bond Between People and Our Planet by providing excellent care for animals, a great experience for visitors, and leadership in conservation education. When youre looking for activities that cant be had just anywhere, you need to go to Louisville Mega Cavern. Upcoming road trip from Houston to Chicago in my 2019 Rav4. . But most activities are outside. For an amusement park, has no carmel or candied apples, no cotton candy, taffy or fudge for sale, which is really strange for a place like this. Check the road conditions from Chicago to Rienzi (Mississippi) and plan a trip based on the weather along the way. The Louisville Zoo is a 134-acre zoo with around 1700 animals. Peg Leg Porker BBQ Expansive farm with fruit & vegetable picking, plus wine tasting, vineyard tours & a bakery. They also host many events for kids and families. A definite highlight would have to be The Deluxe King rooms, which look world-class yet have that unmistakable feeling of home. Id have stayed longer, but a thunderstorm chased me out. The top cities between Chicago and Nashville are Louisville, Indianapolis, and Bowling Green. Indianapolis Zoo (2 mentions) It would be impossible to list everything there is to see, but be sure to check out the following places: You can do the road trip from Chicago to Nashville almost any time of year and find something to enjoy, although Nashville's peak season is unique in that it lasts over 6 months. questions about Nashville: You can have fun spelunking like never before at the Lousiville Mega Cavern. Our tour guide was extremely knowledgeable and encouraged us often to ask questions. The Kentucky Museum has exhibits on state history, including one about the Civil War. If you havent visited in the winter, you must. The displays are immaculate. Family-friendly setting with playgrounds, plus tennis, basketball & sand volleyball courts. Though this is little away from the city, it is worth driving here and enjoy in the open countryside environment. Eureka Springs, Arkansas. Down-to-earth casino complex with a horse racing track & slot machines, plus dining & live music. More than 150,000 people attend the event, the energy and of the crowd is part of the experience. Walking from the parking lot to the shore line was a easy walk. Kudos to all the staff and specially to KISS for a memorable experience!! We are going back to the zoo in the day because this is our first visit to this one! We went for the Wild Lights night walk and it was amazing! Birmingham Route. The communal sitting area is almost cathedral-like in terms of presentation, and the bright, airy rooms are bound to leave a lasting impression. I have only received 3 Floyd's through beer trades and I have always wanted to make the pilgrimage to the brewery. Even if you dont come for the Derby, take a couple of hours to visit the amazing Kentucky Derby Museum.