NOTE: Saturday tours focus on the Big Four Bridge; Sunday tours start at the Belle of Louisville and proceed through Waterfront Park.
This free walking tour, led by local historian Rick Bell, will explore the history of Louisville’s riverfront and the development of today’s acclaimed Waterfront Park. Beginning at the Belle of Louisville’s landing at the Fourth Street wharf, the 90-minute tours will end at the base of the Big Four Bridge. Bell will describe the riverfront’s importance to the growth of Louisville from its founding during the American Revolution, through its glory days during the Steamboat Era, to its renaissance as one of the world’s most successful maritime recreational parks.
The tour will start on the wharf in front of the Belle of Louisville and will conclude at the base of the Big Four Bridge. Free parking is available in the park and on the north side of River Road. The total walking distance from your car, through the tour, and back to your car will be approximately 2 miles.
(SEE MAP FOR LOCATIONS OF THE BELLE, THE LINCOLN MEMORIAL, AND PARKING.)
Walkers will have an opportunity to purchase Bell's book, Louisville's Waterfront Park - A Riverfront Renaissance, by paying for it at the Belle of Louisville and then collecting it at the end of the tour and having it signed by the author.
Suggestion: Wear your comfortable walking shoes and bring drinking water and sunscreen.
Additional tours will be offered the last weekend of September and on October 19 & 20.