Overview
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 Dominé, 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.
- Recommended by 98% of travelers
- Badge of Excellence
- Mobile ticket
What's included
Glitter Ball City Souvenir!
Autographed Copy of A DARK ROOM IN GLITTER BALL CITY
A Sweet Treat!
Meeting and pickup
Travelers meet at the meeting point.
Meeting point
Get to Birdie & Vi's Fleatique (622 W Magnolia Ave, Louisville, KY 40208) 10-15 minutes early so you can browse the antiques! Then meet DAVID at the bar and enjoy a cider or one of 72 beers on him. Make sure to say hello to Mr. Lewis! There is usually plenty of free street parking.
End point
This activity ends back at the meeting point.
Good to know
Meet DAVID DOMINÉ several minutes before the tour start time and wear comfortable walking shoes. Tours depart from in front of the "Welcome to Old Louisville" sign at the southwest corner of South Fourth Street and West Ormsby Avenue. Plan on about 2 1/2 hours for the tour.
Please treat your tour tickets as you would concert or theater tickets. If you miss your tour, there are no refunds; if you arrive late, it is up to you to find your guide. The tour may be cancelled if there are not enough people signed up. In that case, you will be refunded or you may move to a different time or day.
What to expect
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Old Louisville
1 hour 30 min
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.
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Conrad-Caldwell House Museum (Conrad's Castle)
5 min
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.
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Central Park
5 min
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.
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The Filson Historical Society
5 min
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.
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Bernheim Mansion Bed and Breakfast
2 min
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.
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The Witches' Tree
5 min
Hear the legend of a famous gnarled and twisted tree where witches used to meet!
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St. James Court Fountain
5 min
Since the 1890s, this lovely fountain featuring a statue of Venus rising from the sea has been the symbol of Old Louisville.
Cancellation Policy
All sales are final. No refund is available for cancellations.
Times are local to the experience (America/New York).
Additional Information
- Not recommended for visitors with mobility issues
- Mobile or paper ticket accepted
- Up to 15 travelers per booking
- Each booking must include at least one adult.
FAQs about The Glitter Ball City Walking Tour
Can I cancel The Glitter Ball City Walking Tour for free?
No. All sales are final. No refund is available for cancellations.
How long does it take?
It takes about 2 hours–2 hours 30 min.
Where does it start?
Get to Birdie & Vi's Fleatique (622 W Magnolia Ave, Louisville, KY 40208) 10-15 minutes early so you can browse the antiques!
What's included?
- Glitter Ball City Souvenir!
- Autographed Copy of A DARK ROOM IN GLITTER BALL CITY
- A Sweet Treat!
Which places does it visit?
It visits Old Louisville, Conrad-Caldwell House Museum (Conrad's Castle), Central Park, The Filson Historical Society, Bernheim Mansion Bed and Breakfast, The Witches' Tree, St. James Court Fountain.
Which languages is it offered in?
It is offered in English.
Is it suitable for children?
Children must be accompanied by an adult.
Operated by Louisville Historic Tours
