A Long Weekend in Louisville, KY

Skip to Trip Info Box

We usually roll into campgrounds with an RV, which requires logistics and has a specific rhythm to it. This time was different. For our long weekend in Louisville, we stayed in a stationary Airstream at Progress Park, and it completely changed the pace for us.

Progress Park is a calm neat spot for families to wind down and relax. It is built for calm activities, with a small manmade pond in the center of the park, and a few outdoor games scattered around the park. There are about a dozen Airstream units around the park, in various sizes. Some are more secluded, a few are grouped together, but for the most part, the experience was more of alone time, which is not what we are used to when we plan an RV getaway, but it can be a welcome change of pace. We spent most of our time with the kids in the water — there are kayaks and stand-up paddleboards near the pond for the guests free usage, which is a fun perk, and really, what made this vacation enjoyable. When we needed something different we explored the outdoor games (giant chess, pickleball and playground), and relaxed on the swing and hammock in front of our unit. In the evening, we gathered around the fire pit in the spectacular outdoor private space.

The Airstream itself was updated and rather comfortable, although probably a better fit for young kids only, and a party of no more than 4, as it did get crowded for us. Nonetheless, the space sufficed for sleeping, snacking, and collapsing at the end of an active day.

Midway through the weekend, we did venture out to walk the Big Four Bridge downtown, the longest pedestrian bridge over the Ohio river, that connects Louisville to Jeffersonville, Indiana. It was wild to “walk to another state,” and the views over the river were worth the trip.

Progress Park stood out by how self-contained it is, though recommended to be visited for a calm short stay with friends or extended family to maximize your fun!

Even though this park is tucked so close to the city, you feel far from the hectic rhythm. This short getaway reminded us the balance between nature exploration and entertainment we need to reset our energy and togetherness.

If You Go

The weather in Louisville, KY, is appropriate for water and outdoor activities during May through September.

• Location: Progress Park, Louisville, KY

• Book through: https://www.progressparkky.com/

• Best for: Families with kids who like the outdoors

• Bring: Swimsuits, water shoes, food & snacks, yard games, and bikes/scooters for zipping around

• Stay: Airstream rentals include private patios, lake access, kayaks, and paddleboards

If you're looking to keep your kids entertained with something other than screens, on long road trips or on downtime, read through our Road Trips Games for Kids article, to find experience-based hand-picked games that truly worked for us!

Make Sure To pack and bring anything food-related, as there's no where within the park to grocery-shop.

Check out these recipes for cooking in a tiny kitchen -

Couscous Salad

Creamy Lentils Stew

GF Power Bowl

Shakshuka

Savory Stir Fry

Hazelnut Chocolate Pancakes

Chocolate Chip Pancakes

For more culinary inspiration, read my article about a unique collection of one-pot recipes and visit our recipes section and lunchbox set ups, for more adventurous ideas!