Louisville, Kentucky is situated in the northern portion of the state along the Ohio River. It is definitely a city worth visiting, offering a variety of attractions.
You can visit any other time of the year, as well, even if there are no races going on. You can book a tour through the Derby Museum to see the grounds.
Kentucky Kingdom is an amusement park featuring several roller coasters, a water park (Hurricane Bay), and a variety of rides/activities to suit all ages.
The Big Four Bridge used to be a railroad but now functions as a pedestrian only crossing. The bridge itself is half a mile long and connects Louisville with Jeffersonville, Indiana on the other side, spanning the Ohio River.