The 4 Largest City Parks in Kentucky

Kentucky is a Commonwealth state that is known for horses, bluegrass, and bourbon, among other things. With plenty of Southern hospitality and relaxed living, it’s not surprising that this state has plenty of natural areas for its residents to enjoy. Some of the city parks in the Bluegrass State are so expansive that it could take days to explore and enjoy everything that they have to offer.

Whether you want to check out hiking and biking trails, spend time with your family at the playground or in the dog park, or just get some fresh air on a walking path, there’s something for you to find at one of Kentucky’s spectacular city parks.

#1 Otter Creek Park

Located near Louisville, Otter Creek Park is a vast natural area that is maintained by the Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources. It was founded in 1934 making it one of the oldest continuous parks as well. It covers 2,261 acres and includes horse trails, bike trails, a disc golf course, and plenty of open space. The focus of this park is on providing opportunities for recreation in the great outdoors. If you like to fish, hunt, hike, bike, or ride horses, this is the place for you. It even includes campgrounds!

There are fees for entry to the park as well as additional fees for certain areas or activities. Kids under the age of 13 get in free. Anyone 13 and older is required to pay for a day permit or annual permit. If you are a resident or plan to return more than once a month, it’s worth it to get the annual pass. Special activity passes for entry to the shooting ranges, horse trails, and mountain bike trails are extra. These are also available for daily permits or annual permits.

The campsites require reservations so make sure to book ahead of time if you want to stay the night. There are strict rules about where you can go in the park after dark, even if you have a campsite. Some have electric or water hookups, while others do not. The park allows There are even equestrian campsites that can accommodate horses! Cabins with and without electricity are also available.

If you like getting into the great outdoors within a park, this is the spot for you. It has all of the things that you might expect from a park, like trails and open areas, as well as spaces suited for special outdoor recreation activities.

#2 Central Park

This park is the largest of the city parks in Ashland, Kentucky. It covers 47 acres and was originally a horseracing track when it was first purchased by the city in 1900. Kentucky is famous for its horseracing and equestrian heritage. It is fitting that this large park had its origin in such a Kentuckian activity.

If you are a nature lover, you’ll enjoy the 1,000 trees in the park. You can also visit the three Indian Mounds in the park. Research and historical records of an exploration of the mounds in 1853 show that they contain human remains dating as far back as 600 BC. The Adena Culture made up of small tribal groups likely constructed the mounds. They lived in the area for hundreds of years before the Native American and later European settlers came to the region.

Sports and recreation are big in this park. There are multiple courts available for public use, including tennis courts, basketball courts, baseball diamonds, and sand volleyball courts. The park includes standard spots for play and logistics, including playgrounds and parking lots. There is also a pond with fountains in it, additional fountains around the park, pavilions, and wonderful views. If you are looking for a good spot for a family or special event photo shoot, try this charming location.

#3 Veteran’s Park

This 235-acre park is located in the beautiful city of Lexington, Kentucky. It goes through two counties, Fayette and Jessamine. There are developed portions that include paved paths suitable for walking or biking, a 3.5-mile mountain bike trail, and picnic shelters with access to restrooms. There are also some wooded portions that are also open for exploration, although you should take care to watch for wildlife.

This park is fun for the entire family, with a playground, dog park, disc golf course, and two baseball diamonds. The 1-mile shared-use path around the sports and picnic areas is perfect for walking the dog, teaching kids to ride bikes, or just enjoying a leisurely stroll. The longer green/blue trail has two options that are suitable for walking or biking. It winds through the wooded portion, allowing visitors to reconnect with nature even amid the hustle and bustle of nearby Lexington. The green section is easier. The blue section is more difficult due to jumps and obstacles. Together, they form a 4.7-mile trail.

As its name suggests, Veteran’s Park honors military Veterans through exhibits and special markers in the park. There is a tank for visitors to see as well as tributes at other points of the park. There are two playgrounds, one near the ballfields and the other at the other end of the park. If you have a child who plays baseball with a younger sibling who enjoys the park, this setup is ideal. Sports and recreation are a strong focus in this park.

#4 Elizabethtown Nature Park

A visit to charming Elizabethtown, Kentucky is made even better if you stop by one of the city’s 10 parks. Together, they cover 650 acres and the largest is the Elizabethtown Nature Park. Like others in the city’s park system, it is open from dawn to dusk. This park features plenty of walking trails and is a great place to get close to nature. If you need something that is paved rather than a rugged hiking path, Elizabethtown Nature Park is a good spot to go. Not only does it have paved paths but there are options that still get close to nature while also being accessible.

There are 104 acres of park to explore in this nature area. It is one of the best and biggest parks in Elizabethtown, a city known for its strategic location during the American Civil War as well as its spot as a railroad depot. The city values history and heritage, a prominent feature of the park.

A Vietnam Veterans’ Memorial Wall is a solemn place to visit within the nature park. It also has a prominent Veterans’ Memorial in the park. Five bronze sculptures that represent the branches of the military flank are at the center of a paved walking path. According to the city’s website, “the tribute is a monument to show Hardin County citizens’ respect and gratitude to each and every veteran, living or deceased, who has served his or her country with honor and dignity, commitment, courage, and sacrifice so that each of us can live safe and free.” To recognize someone in your life who served, order a paver or brick for inclusion.

Summary of Largest City Parks in Kentucky