For centuries, La Grange, a small town in Oldham County, has been attracting people looking for La Grange's landmarks, and I must admit that I don't understand the whole hype about "historical small towns" until I was here. I came by car over the I‐71, a short detour from Louisville, and the first thing I noticed was the cosy, crunchy headstone pavement that swells through the historic centre, as if it wanted to whisper a quiet “welcome back” to every visitor.
The city was founded in 1828, named after the French Marquis de La Grange, and has since changed the name more than a few times – a bit like my favorite jeans, which are rediscovered again and again. The old wooden houses still standing today tell of a time when horse cars were the main means of transport; today they share the road with vans and occasional tourist buses that stop here, because they believe it is “authentic”.
I especially like the small café on Main Street, which has more character than some large district. You sit there, drink too strong coffee and watch the locals talking about the weather with an eye-catcher – this is the true heart of La Grange for me. And yes, if you ask for La Grange sights, think not only of buildings, but of the people who live here, and of the slightly cynical smile they give to every visitor.
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The first stop I put to every new man's heart is that Bernheim Arboretum and Research Forest. Who thinks Kentucky is only endless wheat fields, is huge – here is a forest that houses more art installations than some urban gallery. I remember the day I stood between the huge metal-forged trees and suddenly a squirrel touched my hand courageously, as if I wanted to say that I am right here. Parking is almost always a children's game as long as you don't come on Saturday night, then the entrance area turns into a small battlefield of SUVs and caravans. The path to the main path is well signposted, and a short trip leads to a brook that is so clear that you could almost see your own mirror image in it – a perfect place for a spontaneous selfie that you later post on Instagram with the hashtag #KentuckyWoods.
A short jump back into time leads to Oldham County Historical Society. The building itself is a charming, slightly weathered brick house that has more stories to tell than an average guide can accommodate in one sentence. I once found an old suitcase that was supposed to belong to a traveler from the 1920s – that was just a replica, but the idea that someone here once pulled through the area with a suitcase full of dreams makes me smile every time. The exhibition is small but fine; a few old maps, a few dusty tools and a particularly well-preserved phone from the era that still works when you take off the listener – a real starter for those who like to chat with locals.
You might think that Oldham County Courthouse be just another sober government building, but that's a bust. The imposing dome and the artistic pillars give the place an almost majestic aura that is rarely found in small counties. I have observed a court appointment there – not because I have legal curiosity, but because I just wanted to take the opportunity to experience a little drama. The seats in the rear hall are comfortable enough to follow the events, and parking right in front of the building is almost always free as long as you are not there during the weekly market event.
A bit later, if the sun already leaves a little, it is worth a detour to the Oldham County Fairgrounds. Here the true heart of the region pulsates – from year to year, the terrain turns into a colorful kaleidoscope of carousels, rumble stands and local craft stands. I remember a year when I climbed a giant wheel out of pure boredom and suddenly was surprised by a loud whiff of the Ansager, who announced that the next game was “ pumpkin throwing”. It wasn't my favorite game, but the enthusiasm of the children was contagious. Parking is available in abundance, and the drive-in and out is a children's game thanks to wide accesses – a rare comfort in an area where parking is otherwise sometimes a patience sample.
Finally, a secret tip that only the locals really appreciate: that Old Mill Park. The old water mill plant, which has been standing here for over a century, has been transformed into an idyllic picnic area. I once made an improvised campfire there (of course only with approved grill), while I listened to the sound of flowing water – a sound that is almost more meditative than any yoga session. Access is free, and parking is usually easy as long as you are not there during the summer festival when the terrain is overrun by families.
Whether you are a nature lover, a history fan or just someone looking for a good place for a spontaneous picnic – the surroundings of La Grange have more to offer than you would suspect at first sight. This selection La Grange Attractions shows that the surrounding area is full of small treasures waiting to be discovered.
Even at the first glance of the old, slightly weathered Oldham County Courthouse, it becomes clear why every time I drive through La Grange, I stop and take a photo that I later dust in my blog – not because the building is particularly spectacular, but because it gives me the feeling of standing in a time when dishes were still equipped with wooden banquets and not with Wi-Fi.
I'm lucky that this Oldham County History Center is located directly behind the courthouse, and there you can dip into a few dusty boxes through the history of the region without a tourist guide handing you. Once, I caught myself in the corner with the old maps, and an older gentleman who works there as a voluntary curator told me that the city was once an important hub for horse trade – a detail that I would never have connected to today's quiet suburb. Parking is almost always a klack, as long as you don’t come on Friday night after the local pub “The Old Mill”, then parking becomes a small expedition.
If you're looking for a walk that doesn't just consist of concrete, then stroll through the La Grange Historic District. The street is lined by Victorian houses that look like they just got an Instagram photo from another century. I once discovered a small antique shop where an owner showed me an old but still working gramophone – no joke that was part of his collection. The atmosphere is like walking through a lively history book, only that the sides here consist of bricks and oak.
A bit away from the historic paths Oldham County Fairgrounds. I don't understand the hype around County Fairs, but if you're there in August, the giant wheel that circles over the field is a real magnet for children and confused adults alike. I once tried a piece of fried pork there, which was so good that I almost forgot that I actually came only after a photo for my Instagram story. Note: On Saturday afternoons parking is a nightmare because the stands are full and the entrance is blocked by a tractor.
For those who prefer fresh products and a little local flair, the La Grange Farmers Market A must. Every Saturday morning, when the sun is just over the fields, the stands fill with homemade jams, fresh honey and vegetables, which has not even found the way to the supermarket. I once met a farmer who told me that he had grown the same variety of tomatoes since 1972 – a conversation that lasted longer than the actual shopping tour.
A short detour to Oldham County Public Library is worthwhile if you have a faible for modern architecture that still sprays a little retro charm. The library has a large reading room window to capture the light of the Ohio River Valley in the summer. I borrowed a book about the local folklore that later took me on the walk Oldham County Riverfront Park accompanied – a small park on the river where you can enjoy the tranquility, while ducks express their opinion on the passing boats.
And yes, if you’re looking for a compact overview, just tap “La Grange Attractions“in your search engine – you will quickly realize that this city has more to offer than you would suspect at first glance. I personally feel that everyone who comes here learns a little more about the history, the people and the unmistakable country life that is still pulsating here, even if the world around us is getting faster and faster.
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