Since 2004, Louisville Historic Tours offers the ORIGINAL guided walks of Old Louisville. This recent addition to our tour line-up is unique in that it is always guided by local author David Domine, whose recent true-crime memoir, A DARK ROOM IN GLITTER BALL CITY has throngs of visitors flocking to the Derby City to check out the spots and sites featured in the story. This narrated jaunt through Old Louisville includes a visit to the stunning Conrad-Caldwell Mansion on stunning St. James Court, as well a stop for a drink at a local watering hole highlighted in the book. Each participant receives a signed, personalized copy of the book, in addition to a souvenir and a sweet treat or two.
- Put the selfie stick away: Let a professional photographer take your photos
- Get a shortcut to Nashville’s most photogenic places
- Benefit from the luxury of a private shoot for just your party
- Flexible experience that can accommodate your needs’such as proposals
What To Expect
Old Louisville
With more than a thousand structures spread out over 40 square blocks, Old Louisville is one of the largest historic districts in the United States. This is a transitional neighborhood and you should expect to encounter things you would in any larger city. Panhandlers and homeless people, for example, are often found along Fourth Street at the north edge of the neighborhood. 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.
1 hour 30 minutes • Admission Ticket Included
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.
5 minutes • Admission Ticket Not Included
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.
5 minutes • Admission Ticket Free
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.
5 minutes • Admission Ticket Not Included
Bernheim Mansion Bed and Breakfast
At the heart of the old Millionaires Row, the Bernheim Mansion features green men arranged around a triple Roman-arched porch. This is just one of the features that sets this impressive Richardsonian Romanesque mansion apart.
2 minutes • Admission Ticket Not Included
The Witches’ Tree
Hear the legend of a famous gnarled and twisted tree where witches used to meet!
5 minutes • Admission Ticket Free
St. James Court Fountain
Since the 1890s, this lovely fountain featuring a statue of Venus rising from the sea has been the symbol of Old Louisville.
5 minutes • Admission Ticket Free
Highlight
Confirmation will be received at time of booking
Not recommended for travelers with back problems
No heart problems or other serious medical conditions
Not recommended for pregnant travelers
Service animals allowed
Stroller accessible
Not wheelchair accessible
Travelers should have a moderate physical fitness level
Not recommended for visitors with mobility issues
This tour/activity will have a maximum of 12 travelers
Max group – 15
