KY Museums Named Top Attractions in U.S. for Sports Fans

When sports are mentioned in relation to Kentucky, a lot of folks immediately think of basketball. The UK vs. Louisville rivalry, Big Blue Madness, couch burning, etc. However, Kentucky is most famous for two other sports of both human and animal athletic prowess.

Both baseball and horse racing have a long heritage in the Bluegrass state. That's why when USA Today released their 2024 Reader's Choice Top Ten Best Attractions for Sports Fans, I was not shocked at all to see Kentucky made the list not once, but twice. And these two attractions are even both in the top five.

Beating out Olympic training facilities and the Pro Football Hall of Fame are a couple of museums you may have even visited on field trips in elementary school. Both in Louisville, KY, hundreds of people from around the world tour them each year to learn about iconic sports history.

As Kentucky As a Louisville Slugger

While other baseball attractions made the list like The Field of Dreams set in Iowa, the number five best attraction in America is the Louisville Slugger Museum in downtown Louisville. It's a must-visit for any baseball fan. Honestly, it's fun even if you just go to baseball games for the popcorn and hot dogs.

Besides being home to the world's largest baseball bat — which is 120 feet tall and weighs 68,000 pounds — the Louisville Slugger Museum & Factory is a legendary site beloved by baseball fans. Visitors can swing by to check out the array of iconic ballplayer and game memorabilia, the retro baseball-gaming exhibit, the legendary lumber in the bat vault, or create a personalized Slugger of their own.

Go, Baby, Go to the Kentucky Derby Museum

The third best sports attraction in America is the Kentucky Derby Museum. The first time I went, I was in fourth grade. On the tour, we got to meet some horses with the auras of celebrities. Chances are they were pampered like them too! I returned as an adult, and sure enough, I was starstruck again by the majestic thoroughbreds that run "The fastest two minutes in sports."

The Kentucky Derby, also known as the "greatest two minutes in sports," carries with it a long and storied heritage filled with tradition. The Kentucky Derby Museum, located next to Churchill Downs, tells the story of this history with its collection of art, artifacts, and interactive exhibits. 2024 marks the event's 150-year anniversary, so visitors should check out their honorary, new-and-exclusive exhibits, tours, and souvenirs.

Whether you are planning a trip to Kentucky or you live here, these two destinations should be on your travel bucket list, no doubt. To see the full list of the 2024 Reader's Choice Top Ten Best Attractions for Sports Fans, click here. What others would you add to the roster?

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