Nathan Garrett June 23rd, 2022Eighteen Parks and Playgrounds in Louisville to Visit
Discover some of the most popular parks and playgrounds around the Louisville area. The list below ranks our cities top parks to better help you discover new parks you may want to visit this summer.
1. The Parklands of Floyds Fork
Growing in popularity is one of my favorite parks to visit, the Parklands of Floyds Fork. A new park system that stretches alongside the Gene Snyder Freeway and Floyds Fork. A collection of four different, unique parks with plenty of amenities. The four parks include Beckley Creek Park, Pope Lick Park, Turkey Run Park and the newest one Broad Run Park.
Hiking in The Parklands
The Parklands features over 40 miles of trails throughout the park system that can be used for hiking and biking.
Beckley Creek Park
One of the most popular parks of the bunch is Beckley Creek Park. A great park located in Middletown and only minutes from the popular neighborhood Lake Forest. This park features a 22 acre Egg Lawn, splash grounds, and great playgrounds for toddlers and kids of all ages to enjoy.
Canoeing and Kayaking
If you are into paddling, Beckley Creek Park is also a great place to go canoeing and or kayaking if the water level is just right.
WHERE:
Located between Middletown and Fern Creek. Just beyond the Gene Snyder Freeway. Runs alongside Floyds Fork.
PARK HOURS:
Dawn to Dusk
WEBSITE:
The Parklands
ACTIVITY/AMENITIES:
Biking ✪ Canoeing ✪ Dog Park ✪ Fishing ✪ Hiking ✪ Events ✪ Parking ✪ Playgrounds ✪ Restrooms ✪ Running ✪ Sports Field ✪ Spraygrounds ✪ Walking ✪ Wildlife Viewing
2. Cherokee Park
One of the all-time favorite parks for locals in Louisville is Cherokee Park. This park is a 'must see' for anyone who is visiting the Louisville area or thinking about relocating here. Cherokee Park is located near the Highlands and Cherokee Triangle neighborhoods. This park is more than 400 acres and is one of the original parks designed by Frederick Law Olmstead.
Frequent visitors also enjoy spending time at Big Rock Park or letting their four legged friends play at Cochran Hill Run Dog Park. Both can be found in Cherokee Park.
Navigating Cherokee Park
There is a beautiful 'Scenic Loop' that will take you throughout the park. The loop is a great route for walking, jogging, and biking. Just remember, the secret to navigating the park is to keep left to stay inside the park or continue to turn right if you want to leave the park.
WHERE:
745 Cochran Hill Rd
Louisville, KY 40206
PARK HOURS:
Dawn to Dusk
WEBSITE:
Cherokee Park
ACTIVITY/AMENITIES:
Archery ✪ Basketball ✪ Biking ✪ Dog Run ✪ Events ✪ Fishing ✪ Golf ✪ Hiking ✪ Parking ✪ Playground ✪ Restrooms ✪ Running ✪ Spraygrounds ✪ Tennis ✪ Walking
3. Waterfront Park
A popular park located inside Downtown Louisville is The Waterfront Park. Home to more than 120 different events and concerts throughout the year. An 85 acre municipal park that runs alongside the Ohio River. Also, home to the Big Four Walking Bridge and the Adventure Playground Waterplay.
Waterfront Park has great paved walking ways throughout for you to enjoy an afternoon stroll alongside the Ohio River.
WHERE:
129 River Rd
Louisville, KY 40202
PARK HOURS:
6:00 am - 11:00 pm
WEBSITE:
Waterfront Park
ACTIVITY/AMENITIES:
Biking ✪ Events ✪ Parking ✪ Playgrounds ✪ Restrooms ✪ Running ✪ Spraygrounds ✪ Walking
4. Jefferson Memorial Forest
A great park to go hiking, camping, and fishing. Jefferson Memorial Forest is one of the best parks in Louisville to visit to better explore nature but is still in close proximity to the city. A 6,500 acre forest that was originally established as a tribute for the veterans of Kentucky. Jefferson Memorial Forest is the largest, municipal urban forest in the United States.
Go Ape at Jefferson Memorial
Just recently, Go Ape opened to the public at Jefferson Memorial Forest. A zip line and treetop adventure for both kids (ages 10+) and adults to enjoy. Go Ape features five different treetop obstacle courses that are packed full of adventure.
WHERE:
11311 Mitchell Hill Rd
Fairdale, KY 40118
PARK HOURS:
Welcome Center: Monday - Saturday 8am-4pm. Sunday - 10am-3pm
WEBSITE:
Jefferson Memorial Forest
ACTIVITY/AMENITIES:
Biking ✪ Camping ✪ Events ✪ Fishing ✪ Hiking ✪ Parking ✪ Playground ✪ Restrooms ✪ Running ✪ Walking ✪ Wildlife Viewing
5. E.P. Tom Sawyer State Park
E.P. Tom Sawyer State Park is located in the eastern part Jefferson County. Just near Anchorage and Springhurst. A 550 acre state park that is popular for its BMX bike track where they have hosted the BMX Nationals in years past. Also, a favorite is the Sawyer Dog Park, indoor basketball courts, and more. This is a must see park for residents even outside of the Louisville area.
WHERE:
3000 Freys Hill Rd
Louisville, KY 40241
PARK HOURS:
Dawn to Dusk
WEBSITE:
E.P Tom Sawyer State Park
ACTIVITY/AMENITIES:
Archery ✪ Basketball ✪ Biking ✪ BMX ✪ Dog Park ✪ Events ✪ Hiking ✪ Model Airplane Flying ✪ Parking ✪ Playgrounds ✪ Restrooms ✪ Running ✪ Sports Field ✪ Swimming ✪ Tennis ✪ Walking
6. Iroquois Park
Another Fredrick Law Olmstead designed park is the 739 acre Iroquois Park. This park is not just popular for the great playground for toddlers and kids but also because of the breathtaking views at the 'Overlook' at the top of the park. Local residents also enjoy visiting the park for the number of different events that are held at the Iroquois Amphitheater.
Iroquois Golf Course
Avid golfers also enjoy taking on the challenge of the hilly Iroquois golf course that is lined with tall, mature trees.
WHERE:
5216 New Cut Rd
Louisville, KY 40214
PARK HOURS:
Dawn to Dusk
WEBSITE:
Iroquois Park
ACTIVITY/AMENITIES:
Amphitheater ✪ Archery ✪ Basketball ✪ Biking ✪ Disk Golf ✪ Events ✪ Golf ✪ Hiking ✪ Horseshoe Pit ✪ Parking ✪ Playgrounds ✪ Restrooms ✪ Running ✪ Spraygrounds ✪ Tennis ✪ Volleyball ✪ Walking ✪ Wheelchair Accessible-Playground
7. Seneca Park
Seneca Park has a great playground for kids in Louisville. Located only minutes from St Mathews, Seneca Park was the last park that was designed by Fredrick Law Olmstead and is a very popular park during the peak months in the summer. Many runners and joggers come here bright in early for the morning run. Seneca Park is also a great place for tennis meetups.
WHERE:
3151 Pee Wee Reese Rd
Louisville, KY 40207
PARK HOURS:
Dawn to Dusk
WEBSITE:
Seneca Park
ACTIVITY/AMENITIES:
Basketball ✪ Biking ✪ Field Hockey ✪ Golf ✪ Hiking ✪ Parking ✪ Playground ✪ Restrooms ✪ Running ✪ Sports Field ✪ Tennis ✪ Volleyball ✪ Walking
PRINTABLE MAP OF THE TOP PARKS IN LOUISVILLE
8. Joe Creason Park
A municipal park located just around the corner of the Louisville Zoo, off of Trevillion Way. On 63 acres with more than six miles of trails for hikers and cross-country runners. Joe Creason Park is also home to the Louisville Tennis Center’s nine clay tennis courts.
WHERE:
1297 Trevilion Way
Louisville, KY 40213
PARK HOURS:
Dawn to Dusk
WEBSITE:
Joe Creason Park
ACTIVITY/AMENITIES:
Hiking ✪ Parking ✪ Playground ✪ Restrooms ✪ Running ✪ Sports Field ✪ Tennis ✪ Volleyball ✪ Walking
9. George Rogers Clark Park
George Rogers Clark is located in the Audubon Neighborhood, off of Popular Level Rd. A great park to visit for families during the winter months to go sledding or visit in the summer months to play on the playgrounds.
WHERE:
1024 Thurston Ave
Louisville, KY 40217
PARK HOURS:
Dawn to Dusk
WEBSITE:
George Rogers Clark Park
ACTIVITY/AMENITIES:
Basketball ✪ Events/Lodge ✪ Horseshoe Pit ✪ Parking ✪ Playground ✪ Restrooms ✪ Sports Field ✪ Sprayground ✪ Tennis ✪ Volleyball
10. Long Run Park
Another one of the best parks in Louisville is Long Run Park. Located a little further away from Downtown Louisville than the other parks on the list. A very nice park to visit for fishing, to take the kids to play on the playgrounds or cool off in the new spraygrounds addition. This park has a large loop that circles the large 28 acre lake for walking, running, or biking.
WHERE:
1605 Flat Rock Rd
Louisville, KY 40245
PARK HOURS:
Dawn to Dusk
WEBSITE:
Long Run Park
ACTIVITY/AMENITIES:
Basketball ✪ Biking ✪ Fishing ✪ Golf ✪ Grill ✪ Parking ✪ Playground ✪ Restrooms ✪ Running ✪ Sprayground ✪ Tennis ✪ Volleyball ✪ Walking
11. McNeeley Lake Park
One of the largest parks in the Louisville Metro Park system is McNeeley Lake Park. Featuring a pier and boat ramp, visitors and residents enjoy fishing this 46 acre lake.
WHERE:
10500 Cedar Creek Rd
Louisville, KY 40229
PARK HOURS:
Dawn to Dusk
WEBSITE:
McNeeley Lake Park
ACTIVITY/AMENITIES:
Basketball ✪ Fishing ✪ Grill ✪ Hiking ✪ Model Airplane Flying Fields ✪ Parking ✪ Playgrounds ✪ Restrooms ✪ Running ✪ Sledding ✪ Soccer ✪ Tennis ✪ Walking
12. Charlie Vettiner Park
Charlie Vettiner Park is known for its well-maintained 18 hole golf course. But when visiting this park there are other things for you to enjoy as well, this park features a dog run, basketball courts, disc golf or you could even go fishing.
WHERE:
10207 Mary Dell Ln
Louisville, KY 40299
PARK HOURS:
Dawn to Dusk
WEBSITE:
Charlie Vettiner Park
ACTIVITY/AMENITIES:
Basketball ✪ Disc Golf ✪ Dog Run ✪ Fishing ✪ Golf ✪ Grill ✪ Horseshoe Pit ✪ Model Airplane Flying Fields ✪ Playground ✪ Restrooms ✪ Running ✪ Sledding ✪ Tennis ✪ Volleyball ✪ Walking
13. Riverview Park
[PICTURE COMING SOON]
Located in South Louisville, alongside the Ohio River. Enjoy a nice scenic view while swinging on swings at Riverview Park. Boat ramp river access, fishing, popular spray ground and also three different playgrounds for different age groups.
WHERE:
8202 Greenwood Rd, Louisville, KY 40258
PARK HOURS:
6am - 11pm
WEBSITE:
Riverview Park
ACTIVITY/AMENITIES:
Fishing ✪ Playground ✪ Sprayground ✪ Running ✪ Walking ✪ Boat Access ✪ Restrooms
14. Kevin Hammersmith Memorial Park
[PICTURE COMING SOON]
This next park is not in Louisville, but definitely worth the drive. Located in Floyd County Indiana. KHMP just opened the accessible playground and splash pad. There is also two Basketball Courts. One is even covered with lighting! A KFC Amphitheater and a small 3/4 mile walking trail.
WHERE:
4400 Lewis A Endres Pkwy, New Albany, IN 47150
PARK HOURS:
6am - 11pm
WEBSITE:
Riverview Park
ACTIVITY/AMENITIES:
Accessible Playground ✪ Splashpark ✪ Running ✪ Walking ✪ Basketball ✪ Amphitheater ✪ Restrooms
15. Robsion Park
[PICTURE COMING SOON]
Donated to the city of Lyndon by John M. & Laura Robsion, Jr. A large 17 acre park with walking paths, green space, playground, and during summer months, a splash pad. Great space for a picnic and even sports.
WHERE:
1 Robsion Park Dr, Lyndon, KY 40222
PARK HOURS:
8am - 9pm
WEBSITE:
Riverview Park
ACTIVITY/AMENITIES:
Playground ✪ Splash pad ✪ Running ✪ Walking ✪ Picnic ✪ Pavillions ✪ Restrooms
16. The Maples Park
This park may not be in Louisville but it is very close! Any newcomer that just bought a home in Oldham County quickly discovered this gem in Crestwood. Beautiful open park with a playground and splash park. Maples Park also has paved and mulched walking trails. There are numerous benches, picnic tables, and even a couple of wooden swings hanging from tall mature trees to swing on.
WHERE:
6826 W State Hwy 22, Crestwood, KY 40014
PARK HOURS:
7am - 6pm
WEBSITE:
Riverview Park
ACTIVITY/AMENITIES:
Playground ✪ Sprayground ✪ Running ✪ Walking ✪ Picnic ✪ Pavillion ✪ Restrooms
17. Hounz Lane Park
[PICTURE COMING SOON]
Hounz Lane Park might be a little smaller than the rest of the parks on the list but is always nice and well-kept. Enjoy the afternoon watching the kids play and grab a picnic under the pavilion. Situated next to a creek, with big flat rocks to step on to get closer to the water. The bridge over the creek is great to look for turtles and fish. Also have fun with pickleball and tennis.
WHERE:
2300 Hounz Ln, Louisville, KY 40223
PARK HOURS:
8am - 10pm
WEBSITE:
Riverview Park
ACTIVITY/AMENITIES:
Playground ✪ Pickleball ✪ Ballifield ✪ Multi-purpose Field ✪ Running ✪ Walking ✪ Picnic ✪ Tennis ✪ Restrooms
18. Harmony Park at Creasey Mahan Nature Preserve
Located just behind the popular Creasey Mahan Nature preserve is Harmony Park. A city ran Park that features both a large and small playground, gazebos, picnic tables, and plenty of open land. Near the popular neighborhoods City of Goshen, Barbizon Place, and Harmony Lake
WHERE:
Off of Old Harmony Landing Rd, Goshen, KY 40026
PARK HOURS:
6:30am - 9pm
WEBSITE:
Riverview Park
ACTIVITY/AMENITIES:
Biking ✪ Dog Park ✪ Hiking ✪ Playground ✪ Running ✪ Walking ✪ Sports Field ✪ Restrooms
What is the Importance of Local Parks?
Evidence shows that when residents have easy access to local parks, it helps increases the quality of life for the neighborhood and the community. People tend to start spending more time attending these parks and in return they become more active.
Quality Park System?
It is important to have a good quality park system in your neighborhood or community. Louisville's park system has not always received the 'best park ratings'. Unfortunately, compared to other cities in the United States, Louisville actually ranks towards the bottom of the list.
Despite the low score, you will notice that there are still some really great parks to visit throughout the Louisville area!
Enjoy Your Local Park Today
The City of Louisville and the residents who live close to these parks, take great pride in keeping them maintained for all visitors to enjoy. When visiting the parks in Louisville, remember to always pick up after yourself and also do your part to try and keep the parks clean!
What is your favorite park to visit?
Please comment below and share with anyone new to the area or who may be thinking about relocating to Louisville and what to expect.
Posted by Nathan Garrett on
Leave A Comment