We give our small towns a lot of love here in Kentucky, but that’s not to dismiss our big cities, either. While the Bluegrass State may not be home to major metropolises like NYC or LA, that doesn’t mean our cities are any less stunning than their coastal brethren. Louisville, for starters, is absolutely ravishing. Boasting a stunning skyline and dazzling riverfront, Louisville has, in our humble opinion, the most picturesque cityscape in the U.S.
Kentucky’s largest city, Louisville is home to over 633,000 residents and some of the most historic neighborhoods and iconic architecture and attractions in the state.
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The city’s Historic Louisville neighborhood is the third largest historic preservation district in the United States, and it’s a celebrated part of the city’s core culture.
Historic Louisville/Facebook
In addition to its commanding old mansions, the city is home to numerous structures that are noteworthy due to their architectural characteristics and significance. Blending old and new, notable buildings in the skyline include the superlative 400 West Market skyscraper, the National City Tower, and PNC Plaza.
Wayne Bonnett Photography/Moment Collection via Getty Images (Keen observers will also see a pair of charming lighthouses in the Louisville skyline, too!)
The Big Four Bridge is undeniably the city’s most striking feature. A proud and inextricable part of the Louisville skyline, it was constructed in 1895 as a railroad bridge for freight and passengers traveling between Louisville and Southern Indiana. Today, the Big Four Bridge is a proud beacon welcoming all to Derby City.
Waterfront Park/Facebook
Louisville’s waterfront location is another key ingredient to its stunning cityscape. The downtown business district of Louisville is located immediately south of the Ohio River, where the Belle of Louisville faithfully patrols the waters. Come nightfall, this beautiful body of water makes the bright lights and tall buildings of Louisville positively dance and dazzle.
Waterfront Park/Facebook
The aptly named Waterfront Park, meanwhile, is a celebrated part of the town and truly the community gathering place for all in Louisville, Kentucky. Home to numerous festivals and public events, it’s a glorious urban park that’s a model for what a city park can and should be.
Waterfront Park/Facebook
The Big Four also features a bicycle and pedestrian bridge that allows folks to come and immerse themselves in this beautiful city. The two-mile, round-trip journey really is a rite of passage for Kentuckians!
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Founded in 1778, Louisville is a place where past and present converge, offering a bright and beautiful path toward the future. The most beautiful cityscape in the U.S., Louisville, Kentucky, is a warm and welcoming place that we’re so proud to call ours!
Shannon Tompkins/Flickr
We adore you, Louisville — there’s truly no cityscape more beautiful!
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Historic Louisville/Facebook
Wayne Bonnett Photography/Moment Collection via Getty Images
(Keen observers will also see a pair of charming lighthouses in the Louisville skyline, too!)
Waterfront Park/Facebook
hstiver/iStock via Getty Images Plus
Shannon Tompkins/Flickr
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Address: Louisville, KY, USA
