List of parks in the Louisville metropolitan area Facts for Kids

A park is a special place, often with lots of trees, grass, and open spaces, where people can go to relax, play, and enjoy nature. The Louisville area is lucky to have many amazing parks, forests, and nature preserves. These green spaces are perfect for everything from a quiet walk to exciting sports and exploring wildlife.

View of Downtown Louisville from the overlook atop Iroquois Park.

Parks in Louisville (Jefferson County)

Frederick Law Olmsted Parks

Many of Louisville's most beautiful parks were designed by a famous landscape architect named Frederick Law Olmsted. He was a genius at creating parks that felt natural and inviting. These parks are managed by Louisville Metro Parks.

Main Olmsted Parks

Cherokee Park: A large, popular park with rolling hills and walking paths.
Iroquois Park: Known for its beautiful views from a high overlook.
Shawnee Park: A large park along the Ohio River.

Other Olmsted Parks

There are many other lovely parks designed by Olmsted, each with its own charm.

Algonquin Park
Baxter Square
Bingham Park

Walking trails in Central Park, located in the Old Louisville neighborhood.

Boone Square
Central Park: A historic park in the Old Louisville neighborhood.
Chickasaw Park
Seneca Park
Shelby Park
Tyler Park

Parkways

Olmsted also designed special roads called parkways that connect some of his parks. These roads are lined with trees and green spaces, making drives feel like a trip through a park.

Algonquin Parkway
Eastern Parkway
Northwestern Parkway
Southern Parkway
Southwestern Parkway

Other Parks Managed by Louisville Metro Parks

Louisville Metro Parks manages many other wonderful parks across the county.

The Jefferson Memorial Forest is the largest municipal urban forest in the United States.

David Armstrong Extreme Park: A popular spot for skateboarding and BMX biking.
Eva Bandman Park: A special place for bike racing, especially cyclocross.
Joe Creason Park
Jefferson Memorial Forest: This is the largest city-owned forest in the United States! It's a huge natural area with lots of trails for hiking and exploring.
Louisville Champions Park: A large park used for many different sports and events.
McNeely Lake Park: A park with a lake, great for fishing and boating.
Riverside, The Farnsley-Moremen Landing: A historic home and river landing with beautiful grounds.
Sun Valley Park
Charlie Vettiner Park: A large park with sports fields and walking trails.
Waverly Park: This park includes a golf course.
Wyandotte Park

Parks Not Managed by Louisville Metro Parks

Some parks in the Louisville area are managed by other groups or cities.

Louisville Waterfront Park, once an industrial wasteland, Louisville's reclaimed waterfront now features trees and walking paths

Beargrass Creek State Nature Preserve: A special area that protects nature along Beargrass Creek.
Blackacre Nature Preserve and Historic Homestead: A farm and nature preserve where you can learn about history and see animals.
Louisville Waterfront Park: A beautiful park right on the Ohio River, perfect for walks and enjoying the city views.
The Parklands of Floyds Fork: This is a huge, newer park system that follows Floyds Fork creek. It includes several parks like Beckley Creek Park, Pope Lick Park, Broad Run Park, The Strand, and Turkey Run Park.
E. P. "Tom" Sawyer State Park: A large state park with many sports facilities and open spaces.
Six Mile Island State Nature Preserve: A nature preserve on an island in the Ohio River.

Parks in Kentucky Counties Near Louisville

Bullitt County

Sign at the entrance of Bernheim Arboretum and Research Forest, 25 miles south of Louisville.

Bernheim Arboretum and Research Forest: A very large forest and garden, great for hiking, exploring, and learning about trees and plants.

Meade County

Otter Creek Outdoor Recreation Area: A big outdoor area for fishing, hunting, and other activities, managed by the state.

Nelson County

My Old Kentucky Home State Park: A historic park that includes the famous Federal Hill mansion.
Bardstown Community Park

Oldham County

John T. Walsh Park
Wendell Moore Park
Yew Dell Gardens: A beautiful botanical garden.
Creasy Mahan Nature Preserve: A nature preserve with trails and wildlife.

Shelby County

Clear Creek Park

Spencer County

Taylorsville Lake State Park: This park is around Taylorsville Lake, a popular spot for boating and fishing.

Trimble County

Milton City Park
Trimble County Park

Parks in Indiana Counties Near Louisville

Clark County

Jeffersonville Parks

Bob Hedge Park
Colston Park
Warder Park

Clarksville Parks

Ashland Park
Colgate Park
Lapping Park

Other Parks and State Parks

Charlestown State Park: A state park with rugged hiking trails and beautiful views.
Clark State Forest: A large forest managed by the state.
Falls of the Ohio State Park: Famous for its ancient fossil beds that are exposed at low water.

Harrison County

Buffalo Trace Park
Harrison-Crawford State Forest
Hayswood Nature Reserve

List of parks in the Louisville metropolitan area facts for kids

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