Downtown Louisville Attractions: Belle of Louisville, Falls of the Ohio State Park and Waterfront Park

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June 4, 2012

If you’re coming to Louisville for the upcoming Good Sam Rally, presented by DISH, happening June 21-24, there are many can’t-miss attractions to add to your agenda — in addition, of course, to mingling with thousands of RV and trailer lovers at the Kentucky Exposition Center.

First and foremost, you’ve got to check out the beautiful Louisville waterfront. Sited along the Ohio River, Louisville’s downtown is unique for its stunning evening reflections and 85-acre Waterfront Park. It’s considered the front door to Kentucky from its northern neighbor, Indiana. Three phases, with a total estimated of approximately $95 million has made this park a city treasure that continues to evolve. Aside from the spectacular view, the park hosts an ongoing roster of concerts and festivals and it’s the perfect spot for some quiet reflection, a lovely stroll or a picnic in one of the country’s finest urban parks.

Just across the Ohio River in Indiana, the Falls of the Ohio State Park — a swift 10 minutes from downtown — is part of a National Wildlife Conservation Area and includes an interpretive center where visitors can learn about the nearby Devonian fossil beds from the Paleozoic Era. Finds include ancient shells, so-called Indian Bead fossils, corals and various snails. The history of previous human inhabitants is also on display in this educational and accessible park.

To see Louisville’s best side, book a trip on the Steamer Belle of Louisville, which is a National Historic Landmark and, according to its operator, the oldest Mississippi-style steamboat in the world.

The Steamer Belle is open and available year-round, and lunch or dinner cruises are also available — but reservations are recommended. For the standard sightseeing tour, rates are $21 for adults, $20 for seniors 60 and older, 12 for children 3-12 and free for kids 2 and under. A $1 port charge is included in the ticket price.

For more information on the Belle of Louisville, visit www.belleoflouisville.org. To learn more about great destinations in and around Louisville, visit www.gotolouisville.com.

Learn More About the Louisville Rally

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