Best Louisville Kentucky Travel Books of 2025

The Moon USA State by State travel guide is a comprehensive and well-organized book that helps travelers discover the best of the US. The book provides a breakdown of all 50 states, Washington DC, and Puerto Rico by region, introducing the unique personality of each state. It also features the top three experiences in every state, unforgettable outdoor adventures, road trip ideas, local flavors, history, and fun facts. The foldout poster map with checklists is a nice touch for tracking adventures. The book is perfect for travelers who want to explore the US in-depth and off the beaten path.

The Birds of Kentucky Field Guide is a comprehensive and easy-to-use guide for birdwatchers in Kentucky. The book features 118 species of birds found in Kentucky, organized by color for quick identification. It also includes naturalist notes, professional photos, and a compare feature to help distinguish between similar-looking birds. The new edition includes updated photographs and range maps, along with revised information and even more expert insights from the author, Stan Tekiela. This guide is an excellent resource for both beginners and experienced birdwatchers looking to identify the birds of Kentucky.

The Kentucky Bucket List Adventure Guide is a comprehensive travel guide for those looking to explore the Bluegrass State's must-visit destinations. With over 100 offbeat locations, including the Crystal Onyx Cave and the National Corvette Museum, this guide provides driving instructions and GPS coordinates for each adventure. It also includes lesser-known facts about each destination and information on the best time to visit, weather conditions, and average expenses. Overall, this guide is a great resource for adventurous spirits looking to break their daily routine and explore the wonders of Kentucky.

A Dark Room in Glitter Ball City: Murder, Secrets, and Scandal in Old Louisville is a true crime book that explores the story of a murder in a Victorian mansion in Old Louisville. The author, David Dominé, uncovers the secrets and corruption that existed within the walls of the old house, and the struggle between hope for a better future and the power of the status quo. The book provides a detailed account of the trials, and the confidences of neighbors, drag queens, and other acquaintances within the city's vibrant LGBTQ community are used to piece together the details of the case. This book is a riveting, layered, and heartrending read that delves deeply into the storied, curious, and at times scandalous history of Louisville.

The Unofficial Downton Abbey Word Search Puzzle Book is a delightful collection of puzzles that will transport fans back to the beloved British TV series. The book features 50 large-print word search puzzles that relate to the show's characters, locations, and actors. Additionally, it includes two pages of Downton Abbey trivia. The puzzles are fun to solve and easy on the eyes, making it a perfect gift for any fan of the series. Highly recommended for those who want to relive the drama and enjoy hours of entertainment.

"Louisville, Kentucky: A Photographic Portrait" by William Manning is a beautiful tribute to the city's rich history and vibrant present. The book showcases stunning photographs that capture the essence of Louisville, from its bustling riverfront to its thriving culinary scene and Museum Row. Manning's 25 years of experience as a professional photographer shine through in the exceptional quality of the images. The book is a must-read for anyone interested in Louisville's culture, architecture, and history. Overall, "Louisville, Kentucky: A Photographic Portrait" is a unique and captivating travel book that will leave readers with a newfound appreciation for this charming city.

Wicked Newport: Kentucky's Sin City is a captivating book chronicling the development of Newport as a center of criminal activity. Written by Eastern Kentucky University Professors Gary Potter and Thomas Barker, along with Jenna Meglen, the book offers a thought-provoking assessment of the possible advantages that organized crime brought to the city commonly considered to be Las Vegas's predecessor. The authors shed light on the heavy hand of the mob and government corruption that fueled Newport's seedy status quo. The book is a must-read for anyone interested in organized crime and the history of Newport.

Secret Louisville: A Guide to the Weird, Wonderful, and Obscure is a captivating book that takes readers on a scavenger hunt of the city's most intriguing secrets. From a cave to a hidden underground sex club, the book uncovers Louisville's oddities and lesser-known places of interest. Written by Kevin Gibson, a Louisville-based author, the book is a testament to his love for the city. This U.S. State & Local History Book is published by Reedy Press and is a must-read for anyone interested in exploring Louisville's quirky side.

Five-Star Trails: Louisville and Southern Indiana: 40 Spectacular Hikes in the Derby City Region is a comprehensive guide for hiking enthusiasts visiting Louisville and southern Indiana. The book features 40 five-star hiking trails, including easy strolls and longer hikes, all offering a broad spectrum of diverse landscapes. The author, Valerie Askren, provides full-color GPS-based trail maps, elevation profiles, and detailed directions to trailheads, as well as insight into the history, flora, and fauna of the routes. The book is an excellent resource for both experienced and novice hikers looking to explore the natural beauty of the region.

The Folded Map: Louisville Street Map by Rand McNally is an essential tool for anyone traveling in and around Louisville, Kentucky. This updated and full-color map shows all major highways, parks, points of interest, airports, schools, shopping malls, county boundaries, and streets. The legend and index are easy to use, making it quick to find destinations. The map measures 9.5' x 4' and folds out to 40' x 28', with a convenient folded size. Overall, this map is a reliable and accurate resource for navigating Louisville and the surrounding areas.