Louisville Slugger Museum & Factory

What towers over the Louisville skyline, weighs over 65,000 pounds, and can hold more than 30,000 gallons of water? It's not a bird or plane, but a carbon steel replica of the world's most famous bat, the Louisville Slugger. Visitors to the Louisville Slugger Museum can see this amazing landmark as well as get a history tour of baseball's best and brightest, and then end the day with a factory tour watching major league bats being made ready for the upcoming season.

How to get to Louisville Slugger Museum
The Louisville Slugger Museum is part of the city's Museum Row, located downtown and just two blocks from the Ohio River. Parking is tricky and street parking is almost non-existent unless you're willing to walk several blocks. The best bet is the parking structure located directly behind the museum where you can get a pass for full day, or just a few hours.

Best and worst time to go to Louisville Slugger Museum
The Louisville Slugger Museum is generally open every day from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.; however, they have extended summer hours in July and August and stay open as late as 8 p.m. Monday-Thursday. Those summer months are a really busy time to go, though. With kids out for the summer, the museum is usually packed. The best times to go are during the week, midday, because the low tour numbers really let you see the factory up close, and personal and tour guides are more willing to show you things regular visitors might not get to see.

Admission to Louisville Slugger Museum
Admission prices are very affordable with prices ranging near the $10 mark, cheaper for children and free for those 5 and under. Seniors get a discount and the museum also offers special packages and group tours and discounts.

Must see/do at Louisville Slugger Museum
The best part of the museum is the Factory tour where you'll get to see every step in the process of the making of those world famous bats, hear a bit of history about your favorite ball players, and, if you're lucky, get to watch signature bats of your favorite MLB players being made ready for the start of the season. Another must-see is the Signature Wall which is a display of the signatures of the most famous ball players from history and the exact signature they had ingrained on their own Slugger. Finally, you'll get to end the day taking home your very own piece of history--a miniature Louisville Slugger of your very own.

Insiders tips for Louisville Slugger Museum
If you're a baseball player or fan, make sure to visit the website or call ahead. Visitors can actually have the chance to design their very own bat and watch it being made, then pick it up at the end of their tour!

Author's bio: CC Thomas is freelance writer and Kentucky native who loves to travel. Follow the adventures at www.iknowfuntravel.blogspot.com.