LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WHAS11) -- When many people think of Ali landmarks they think of his boyhood home, Central High School, and of course the Ali Center; however if you get off the beaten path there are a few Ali hidden gems that you may drive by every day and never even know they're there.
“Muhammad Ali, growing up as a little boy, obviously he was an idol of mine growing up,” said Martin Dumas.
Hailing from Chattanooga, Tennessee, Martin Dumas is in town for one reason, and one reason only.
“I’m here to see Muhammad Ali and pay my respects to him,” said Dumas.
Travel Advisor David Nichols has received dozens of calls from people like Martin who want to see Ali's Louisville through the eyes of the Champ.
“He had such an impact all over the entire city from places downtown, to places near his childhood home,” said Nichols. “One of the really neat spots is the West End School out on Virginia Avenue.”
There are no markers in the Chickasaw neighborhood to commemorate it, but a young Ali attended school at West End when the building was known as the Virginia Avenue School.
“You can’t even begin to imagine how I feel to go in there, and know that’s somewhere he’s sat, and he did somethings in there,” said Dumas. “It’s just awesome to never meet the man, but share some of his memories.”
From Smoketown, to Bardstown road, and East Broadway there are murals that pay homage to The Greatest even if they're easy to miss.
“When you do it all in one single tour you kind of get that feeling of what his life was like here,” said Nichols.
“That mural, that actual stance, means a lot,” said Dumas. “It may actually be a tattoo I leave Louisville with and take back with me to remember it all.”
Mint Julep Tours are offering guided tours of Ali sites throughout the city, or if you want to take the trip on your own click here: https://louisvilleky.gov/government/alis-louisville/ali-art-and-landmarks