One of the biggest local attractions in Louisville is its parks system. There are more than 120 public parks in the metro area alone, many created by famed landscape architect Frederick Law Olmstead. Olmstead was a nationally-renowned landscape architect responsible for creating Central Park in New York. The following are the ten most popular Louisville parks.

Cherokee Park

Cherokee Park is located in the Highlands neighborhood of the East End of Louisville. Cherokee Park is one of the most popular parks among both residents and travelers alike. With amenities like a 2.4-mile scenic loop, a fenced dog park, and a bird sanctuary, Cherokee Park entertains close to 500,000 visitors a year, making it one of the 50 most-visited parks in the United States.

Iroquois Park

First planned as a “scenic reservation” by Frederick Law Olmstead, the 739-acre Iroquois Park is known for its panoramic views, large open-air amphitheater, and golf course. There is automobile access to overlook views via Uppill Road during certain times of the year; however, foot and bicycle access to the top of Iroquois Park is available year-round, making this particular park attractive to hikers, runners, and adventurous visitors.

Waterfront Park

Since its inception in 1986, Waterfront Park in Louisville has been the city’s means of reclaiming a viable green space that urban residents would find attractive for recreation and leisure from what was once one of the most dilapidated areas in town. Spanning 85 acres of water frontage, the park has slowly developed in three distinct phases, with the final phase planned for completion in 2011.

Shawnee Park

Shawnee Park, another beautiful destination designed by Frederick Law Olmstead, is located in West Louisville. It offers over 200 acres, including an 18-hole golf course and a state-of-the-art sports complex. Shawnee Park extends all the way to the Ohio River and includes River Walk access, providing an exercise path that follows the river’s edge.

Louisville Extreme Park

The Louisville Extreme Park is a 40,000 sq. ft. concrete skate park where people of all skill levels can skate and bike around the clock. Some of the park’s most notable features include a 24 ft. full pipe, two 11 ft. bowls, two 8 ft. bowls, two 4 ft. bowls, a 6 ft. bowl, fun boxes, a street course, a 6 ft. flat bank, ledges, rails, and a 12 ft. wooden vertical ramp with a 13 ft. extension.

Central Park

Located in Old Louisville across from St. James Court—one of the city’s most well-known streets for its stunning Victorian architecture—Central Park is best known for hosting the Kentucky Shakespeare Festival, an annual summer festival featuring various Shakespeare plays. Designed by Frederick Law Olmstead, Central Park is a serene and picturesque place to enjoy year-round.

McNeely Lake Park

McNeely Lake Park is one of the largest parks in Louisville, featuring McNeely Lake, a 46-acre fishing lake as its most popular attraction. Other park amenities include horseback riding stables, a Korean War memorial, a model airplane flying field, a boat ramp, and several scenic hiking trails.

Jefferson Memorial Forest

At 6,191 acres and located just 15 miles from Downtown Louisville, Jefferson Memorial Forest is the nation’s largest municipal urban forest. Hikers cherish Jefferson Memorial Forest for its over 35 miles of hiking trails, while campers appreciate the affordable lots and the convenient amenities. Popular activities here include fishing, bird-watching, and horseback riding.

Algonquin Park

Algonquin Park is a beautiful Frederick Law Olmstead park situated in Louisville’s West End. It is particularly popular for its outdoor pool, which operates during the summer—one of the few public pools available in the vicinity. Moreover, Algonquin Park offers numerous attractive amenities, including basketball, volleyball, and tennis courts, a baseball field, a spray park, and a playground.

E.P. “Tom” Sawyer State Park

E.P. “Tom” Sawyer State Park is renowned for its unique features, including one of the best BMX tracks in the country. It boasts an Olympic-size pool that opens from Memorial Day to Labor Day. Additionally, the park houses an activities center with a gymnasium that can seat 600, indoor courts for basketball and badminton, and a recreational game area.