It starts as a low rumble. Then, the bells. Next, vibrations. Most first-time visitors to historic downtown La Grange are astounded as a freight train rolls through town. Yes, a train runs through it – right down the center of Main Street. Up to 30 trains a day come through this county seat of Oldham County, Kentucky, much to the delight of locals and tourists alike.
La Grange is located 20 minutes northeast of Louisville at exit 22 on I-71. Recently featured in Country Discoveries magazine, La Grange is also known for its quaint Main Street shopping, unique restaurants, historic homes and beautiful drives through horse country. In 1994, First Lady Laura Bush recognized the city of La Grange as a Preserve America community, a designation for communities that protect and celebrate their heritage.
The Country Side of Louisville
Just minutes from downtown Louisville, La Grange and Oldham County offer many scenic vistas of horse farms and rolling hills. Just north of La Grange is U.S Highway 42, designated as a Kentucky Scenic Highway. About 10 minutes northwest of La Grange is Hermitage Farm, one of the most internationally famous thoroughbred horse farms producing a Kentucky Derby Winner, Breeder's Cup winner and Kentucky Oaks winner.
Shopping and Dining
The buildings along Main Street reflect the predominant architectural styles of the 1875 to 1930 time period in small Kentucky cities, housing a mixture of craft, antique and collectible shops, in addition to restaurants, personal service businesses and professional offices.
The bounty of La Grange and surrounding areas can be found at the Discover Downtown La Grange Farmers Market held at the courthouse square each Saturday morning from June through October. Produce, honey, breads and other value-added products, produced and grown locally, are featured each week.
Autumn and Holiday Fun
Each fall the city’s Main Street organization, Discover Downtown La Grange, hosts The Spirits of La Grange Ghost Tour, a 1 ½ hour walking tour of allegedly haunted locations throughout the city. This popular tour attracts visitors from Kentucky, Indiana and Ohio. Participants learn about documented paranormal activity in several buildings, along with favorite tales of spirits and local lore.
The first weekend in December is Light Up La Grange, the two-day community festival that ushers in the holiday season. On Friday night, merchants offer specials and refreshments and children enjoy a visit from Santa. Live entertainment, carriage rides and the ceremonial tree lighting round out the event. On Saturday, shopping specials abound, along with more entertainment and games for the family.
People and Places in History
Oldham County was established in 1824, and in 1827 La Grange became a city. The deed was presented by William Taylor, who named the city La Grange because his friend, the Marquis de Lafayette, had an estate in France by the same name, which means “the farm.” Before this, the site was call Crossroads, because it was situated on 5 major springs and had already become an established wagon path. One of these springs is still active, located near Washington and 2nd Street behind the city parking lot.
La Grange is the birthplace of renowned silent film artist David Wark (D. W.) Griffith. Born here on January 22, 1875, he was one of the pioneers of contemporary filmmaking (and often cited as the single most important figure in the history of American cinema), and also one of the most controversial figures in the history of Hollywood. Griffith embarked on an ambitious production based upon Thomas Dixon's novel The Clansman, which ultimately became known as Birth of a Nation (1915) -- the first great epic film of American cinema. A home Griffith purchased for his mother sits near the corner of 4th Avenue and Madison Street.
The founder of the Order Of the Eastern Star, Rob Morris, lived in La Grange from 1862 to 1888. Visitors can tour the architecturally significant weatherboard house on Washington Street.
While in La Grange, a visit to the Peyton Samuel Head Family Museum is a must. The museum is an interactive and interpretive contemporary community museum, housed in a restored historic structure, with a major exhibit on local history and changing exhibits on a variety of topics, including art and natural history.
For more information about visiting La Grange, Kentucky, contact Discover Downtown La Grange at (502) 269-0126.
Discover Exquisite Dining and Atmosphere
Discover Art, Antiques and Designer Boutiques
Discover our History
Discover our Farmers Market
Discover that a Train Runs Through It
Discover our Spirit and our “spirits”
Discover our Great Community
Discover Downtown La Grange
It starts as a low rumble. Then, the bells. Next, vibrations. Most first-time visitors to historic downtown LaGrange are astounded as a freight train rolls through town. Yes, a train runs through it – right down the center of Main Street. Up to 30 trains a day come through this county seat of Oldham County, Kentucky, much to the delight of locals and tourists a like.
Tourists are also, thrilled to learn that Historic Downtown LaGrange is filled with amazing Shopping, unique Art Galleries, amazing Eateries, as well as great monthly events! When people come to La Grange they feel as if they have found a little get-away not far from Louisville!
