The Conrad-Caldwell House Museum, Louisville

It's easy to see why The Conrad-Caldwell House Museum is often referred to as "Conrad's Castle." The massive limestone mansion was a marvel when architect Arthur Loomis built it in the late 19th century, using indoor plumbing, electricity, and all the other modern innovations of the time. Today, the house stands as a piece of history, one where preserved decor and family heirlooms make it look just as it did when William and Elaine Caldwell lived there in 1908.

• Size: a three-story Richardsonian Romanesque mansion, with two floors filled with furniture, paintings, and other antiques circa 1908
• Eye Catchers: the limestone masonry work of the house's exterior, including many gargoyles
• Don't Miss: one of the docent-led tours, which may even be hosted by a member of the Caldwell family
• The Price Tag: it cost about $75,000 to build the home in the late 1800s; that would translate to around $3–$4 million today
• Crown Jewel: the Front Hall, where a hand-caved oak grand staircase takes center stage
• Pro Tip: look closely at the floors, moldings, and woodwork—each of the house's main rooms was finished in a different type of hardwood
• While You're in the Neighborhood: visit the other historic homes in the area, such as the Thomas Edison House, where an unnamed genius used to live
• Special Programs: twilight tours held the third Thursday of every month, special exhibits on the third floor, and lectures held throughout the year