Louisville Parks and Gardens

(Louisville, Kentucky - KY, USA)

Louisville boasts a first-rate network of public parks and landscaped gardens, many of which were designed by Frederick Law Olmsted, the famous landscape architect who was also responsible for designing New York's Central Park. It is in Louisville's parks that world heavyweight boxing champion Muhammad Ali trained, with Chickasaw Park being his favorite.

Regardless of whom Louisville's parks and gardens were designed or used by, they provide a veritable selection of green patches that are well equipped with recreational facilities, complemented by beautiful nature.

Carrie Gaulbert Cox Park

Address: River Road and Indian Hills Trail, Louisville, Kentucky KY, USA
Carrie Gaulbert Cox Park in Louisville is an ideal place to bring children and has good amenities including picnic tables, a boat ramp, sailboat ramp, playground, restrooms, river frontage and a one-mile walking path. Located near the Ohio River, the park provides scenic views of the water and some lovely parks and gardens.
Open hours: daily
Admission: free

Cherokee Park

Address: Eastern Parkway and Cherokee Road, Louisville, Kentucky KY, USA
Tel: +1 502 339 1637
This park provides an alternative activity that can't be easily found in Louisville's other parks. Here you will find an archery range, ball field, tennis and basketball courts, fishing lake, grills, hiking trails, horseback riding and mountain biking trails, two horseshoe pits, bird sanctuary, three picnic shelters, picnic tables, playgrounds, restrooms and a spray pool. Often crowded in the summer months, the park is a good place to bring dogs.
Open hours: daily
Admission: free

Chickasaw Park

Address: Southwestern Parkway and Greenwood Avenue, Louisville, Kentucky KY, 29575-4936, USA
Tel: +1 502 456 8171
Famous as heavyweight boxing champion Muhammad Ali's morning training grounds, it was here that the boxer enjoyed his early workout in preparation for his matches. Attractions at Louisville's Chickasaw Park include a one-mile long walking trail, playing field, fishing lake, barbecue grills, lodges for rent, picnic grounds, children's playground and tennis, basketball and volleyball courts.
Open hours: daily
Admission: free

E.P. Tom Sawyer State Park

Address: 3000 Freys Hill Road, Louisville, Kentucky KY, 40241-2132, USA
Tel: +1 502 426 8950
A popular open space and a favorite park among Louisville residents, the Tom Sawyer State Park boasts soccer fields, forested trails and a BMX track that is busy with professionals and amateurs alike. This park is a great place to enjoy a picnic or barbecue among its expansive 369 acres / 148 hectares, and visitors to the park will be impressed with its comprehensive recreational facilities.
Open hours: daily
Admission: free

McNeely Lake Park

Address: Cooper Chapel Road, Louisville, Kentucky KY, USA
Tel: +1 502 425 9463
A large park that can take more than a day to explore, McNeely Lake Park offers visitors the use of a ball field, basketball, tennis and volleyball courts, boat ramp, fishing lake, grills, hiking and horseback riding trails, model airplane flying field, picnic shelters, playground and soccer fields. The park is also home to Louisville's Korean War Memorial, which is worthy of a visit.
Open hours: daily
Admission: free

Waterfront Park

Address: 129 East River Road, Louisville, Kentucky KY, 40202-1335, USA
Tel: +1 502 574 3768
Louisville's Waterfront Park is a peaceful recreation area offering greenery and shady patches. Located along the waterfront, the park is the ideal place for relaxing. Attractions include a children's water play area, restrooms and an adventure playground, while boating access is also available during the boating season.
Open hours: daily - 06:00 to 23:00
Admission: free