Life in Louisville

Louisville is a city where innovation and tradition intersect daily. Located at the epicenter of an emerging Bourbon industry as well as home to the world-famous Kentucky Derby (held at the iconic Churchill Downs), the touchstones which make this city celebrated culturally have also embraced technology and forward-thinking business practices to make Louisville a global economy on the rise.

Downtown Louisville is a vibrant business and entertainment center, featuring the Muhammad Ali Center, the 4th Street LIVE! bar, club, and dining scene, the Kentucky Center for the Arts, Louisville Slugger Factory and Museum, the world-renowned Actors Theatre of Louisville, and more!

Louisville also is a significant commercial and industrial base, with headquarters for UPS air operations, Yum! (KFC, Taco Bell, etc.),
Brown-Forman, Humana, and a host of innovative healthcare organizations.

Louisville stats and facts

  • Established 1778 (UofL was founded 20 years later in 1798)
  • Named for King Louis XVI of France
  • Land area: 352 sq. miles
  • Population: 1,269,702
  • Number of parks: 120
  • Number of hotel rooms: 19,150
  • Over 100,000 mint juleps are served between the Kentucky Derby and the Kentucky Oaks
  • 90% of the world’s disco balls are produced in Louisville
  • Thunder Over Louisville is the largest non-4th of July fireworks display in the country.
Visit Louisville’s Department of Tourism Looking for maps of Louisville? Click here.

Must-sees in Louisville

Kentucky Derby racehorses in action
For over 145 years The Kentucky Derby is the signature horse racing event in the world.
Churchill Downs 21c Museum Hotel Louisville Slugger Museum Speed Art Museum The Bourbon Trail starts in Louisville. Muhammad Ali Center