Bernheim Arboreteum and Research Forest
Bernheim is a beautiful place to have a picnic or go hiking or biking. It hosts programs and events throughout the year and includes an arboreteum, gardens, lakes and 30 miles of hiking trails. Bernheim is located about 25 miles south of downtown Louisville.
P.O. Box 130
Clermont, KY 40110
(502) 955-8512
Located on the outskirts of Louisville, this state park has fitness & nature trails, a gymnasium, indoor basketball and badminton courts, soccer and softball fields, tennis courts, a BMX track, a model airplane field, arts and crafts classes, a dog park, a community garden for seniors, an archery range, a pool, and rentable picnic shelters.
E. P. "Tom" Sawyer State Park
3000 Freys Hill Road
Louisville, KY 40241-2131
(502) 429-7270
The Falls of the Ohio State Park and Interpretive Center is located on the banks of the Ohio River, overlooking downtown Louisville. A 14 minute, large screen movie introduces visitors to "400 Million Years at the Falls", which begins with the Devonian Sea and travels through history to the present time. The exhibits cover the natural and cultural history of the area in detail. The staff of the State Park monitors the Falls of the Ohio National Wildlife Conservation Area, known locally as the "fossil beds." We provide education programs to promote an awareness of the importance of this unique natural resource and the need to protect it. We also work with ORSANCO on the yearly Ohio River Sweep and with local agencies on watershed awareness and conservation. The park provides opportunities for fishing, hiking, bird watching, boating and picnics.
201 West Riverside Drive
Clarksville, IN 47129
(812)280-9970
park@dnr.in.gov
Kentucky State Nature Preserves Commission
"Mission: To protect Kentucky's natural heritage by (1) identifying, acquiring and managing natural areas that represent the best known occurrences of rare native species, natural communities and significant natural features in a statewide nature preserve system; (2) working with others to protect biological diversity; and (3) educating Kentuckians as to the value and purpose of nature preserves and biodiversity conservation."
801 Schenkel Lane
Frankfort, KY 40601
(502) 573-2886
naturepreserves@ky.gov
Kentucky State ParksLouisville Metro Parks
Louisville Metro Parks manages 123 parks in Louisville/Jefferson County! Find the parks alphabetically, by feature, near your home or in your district.
P.O. Box 37280
Louisville, KY 40233
(502) 456-8100
Louisville Nature Center & Beargrass Creek State Nature Preserve
Located across from the Louisville Zoo, the Louisville Nature Center includes walking trails, gardens, exhibits and children's activities.
3745 Illinois Avenue
Louisville, KY 40213
(502) 458-1328
lnc@bellsouth.net
The Olmsted Parks touch each of us in different ways. And each of us can give something special in return to keep our parks healthy and vital. Our volunteer program, Park Champions, is a fun and interesting way to get involved. Whether it’s one day a year or once a week, you can make a difference by volunteering your time. It’s a great way to learn about the environment, make new friends, get some exercise, and have fun—all while making a positive difference in our Olmsted Parks.
Restoring health to woodlands, ponds, meadows and other natural areas takes a lot of hands-on effort. Individuals, families and groups can take part in projects that will root out invasive plants, rebuild trails, and restore native plants. Volunteers are needed during the week, and on the weekends.
P.O. Box 37280
Louisville, KY 40233-7280
info@olmstedparks.org