Indiana Dunes National Park (Indiana), #4. On February 15th, Confederate troops counter-attacked. In April of 1863, Burnside asked a search committee to identify a location that would allow the Department of the Ohio to consolidate troops and supplies in central Kentucky. Gorgeous lake views are aplenty here, and there are tons of lovely wooden bridges and boardwalks throughout the 2.8-mile stretch that bring you through the woods. Perhaps the most famous feature of Cumberland Falls is the incredible Moonbow that forms in the mist on bright nights - its the only phenomenon of its kind in the entire world! Confederate General Felix K. Zollicoffer was killed when he mistakenly approached a Union officer thinking it was one of his own men. In this article, well familiarize you with the incredible national parks that are within a days drive of downtown Louisville. It's a chance to connect with nature, foster a love for the outdoors, and create memories that will last a lifetime. If youre looking for a beautiful, short-and-sweet hike in Kentucky, this is it! The trail climbs up a mountainside in the forest and runs along a ridgeline for several miles. Yellowstone National Park (Wyoming, Montana, Idaho), #35. Mount Rainier National Park (Washington), #50. Estimated driving times are from Here and are only available within the lower 48 states. I'll get right to it.. Big South Fork National River & Recreational Area, 6. While there arent any crazy views on this trail, the scenery is very peaceful and secluded, and youll get the feeling of full immersion in nature without going far from the city at all. Some are right on our doorstep and others require a little more of a road trip, but all are close enough for single-day adventure! She has held positions in writing, editing, and media-related fields for over 10 years, including serving as the Editor-in-Chief for Cal Polys literary journal Byzantium and copywriting for advertising/marketing agencies before joining Only In You State team in 2015. After two other distillerymore, Historical ToursArchitectural ToursWalking ToursSouth Louisville, We met at a closed coffee shop just up from Central Park and waited about 10-ish minutes formore, -- I love the annual holiday homes tour, have attended Shakespeare in the Park, and can tell you allmore, Since it is in downtown Louisville you will have to find a meter to park or a parking lot and pay.more, This is the "small" Pride festival in Louisville. Louisville Waterfront Park | National Parks / Natural World | Kentucky "Tom" Sawyer State Park Flickr / Erik Eckel This 550-acre Kentucky state park near Louisville was opened in 1947 and offers tons of activities and opportunities to folks who visit. To publish, simply grab the HTML code or text to the left and paste into Its a perfect spot for photos or for hikers to experience a totally otherworldly landscape without going too far from Louisville. At the park, you'll find forested trails with lots of local wildlife and a few more urban areas with statues, sidewalks, and fields. Iceland Sports Complex Ice Skating Rink. The park is also home to several smaller rivers and streams, as well as over 150 miles of hiking trails that wind through forests, canyons, and along ridges. This incredible canyon system is in the Daniel Boone National Forest, two hours east of Louisville. A 2-hour drive from the city, the Grays Arch Trail loop is one of the most jaw-dropping hikes near Louisville, taking intrepid hikers to a natural bridge formation called Grays Arch. All featured distances and driving times are estimated using representative locations from the center of each metro and national parkfor some places within the metro area, the actual distance may be slightly shorter or longer to reach the closest entryway to a park. distribution partner, email us at 1. What are some hidden gem parks near Louisville? Top 10 Best National Parks near Louisville, KY 40296 - Yelp Abraham Lincoln Birthplace & National Historical Park, 2. Stacker believes in making the worlds data more accessible through There is a small church there which was built in 1912. Beargrass Creek State Nature Preserve, Louisville, KY 40213, USA, McNeely Lake Park Road, McNeely Lk Pk Rd, Louisville, KY 40229, USA. KY If youre looking to stretch your legs then I recommend Zollicoffer Park. Some of the larger caverns are lit by bright, colorful lights that make a tour through this underground natural wonder feel positively magical! Located along the beautiful banks of the Cumberland River, the Fort Donelson National Battlefield is a wonderful place to visit. This site includes a historic tavern and log cabin. While there arent too many crazy views or landmarks along the 12.1 miles of this trail, the real fun is in the hike itself youll climb over 2,000 feet along the way and have a lot of fun trail challenges, like steep ascents and potential wildlife spotting. Louisville has two Pride festivals. The federal government established what it called a Home for Colored Refugees at Camp Nelson. His early life on Kentucky's frontier shaped his character and prepared him to lead the nation through Civil War. The church was named in honor of John Fee who dedicated his life to creating educational opportunities for African Americans. Wed recommend getting there early in the morning to avoid the crowds, or go on a weekday. While youre there, you should also visit the Hall Community. Youll also find several scenic spots that boast wooden bridges and boardwalks throughout the park. The incredible rock formations were formed over millions of years and fill the massive caverns. Mammoth Cave National Park preserves the worlds longest known cave system. Straddling the Kentucky-Tennessee border, the Big South Fork National River and Recreation Area boasts a bounty of activities for adventure lovers, including whitewater rafting, rock climbing, hiking and horseback riding. Mill Springs Battlefield National Monument. The Mount Saint Francis Loop Trail is the perfect example of a trail thats a perfect escape. You can find them on the western side of the park. You can expect one (short) email per week. And let's not forget the educational opportunities that await your little ones! More Than Just Parks | National Parks Guides, Article Summary: National Parks Near Louisville. Before Urban Outdoors, she worked at Bain & Company, National Geographic, and built and sold Jetfarer, a travel media company. Be sure to check with individual parks before you visit to find out about ongoing, pandemic-related safety precautions at www.nps.gov/coronavirus. EP "Tom" Sawyer SP Orienteering Clue Sheet, EP "Tom" Sawyer SP Orienteering Course Notes, All Trails for E.P. Walk where 300,000 people crossed the Appalachians to settle America. Great Smoky Mountains National Park (North Carolina, Tennessee), #3. Louisville Mega Cavern. No BS! Tioga Falls are an absolutely beautiful set of waterfalls located just over half an hour from the city, and its just a 2 mile out and back trail to see them. Rocky Mountain National Park (Colorado), #19. Step inside the Memorial Building which houses the Symbolic Cabin. The Mammoth Cave system is considered the longest in the world and has more than 390 miles of passageways crisscrossing through the limestone rock. Wikimedia / Corey Heitz. For PHONE NUMBERS to each individual Kentucky State Park continue to SCROLL DOWN. 3. If you like to see magnificent sites then I recommend the East Rim Overlook in the southeastern area. OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article. Distance From Louisville: Fifty-four minutes (58 miles) via I-65 S. The Abraham Lincoln Birthplace National Historical Park is dedicated to the life and legacy of the 16th President of the United States, Abraham Lincoln. Abraham Lincoln Birthplace National Historical Park (U.S. National Park Some features, like the Frozen Niagara, can be seen on easygoing lighted tours, while other "wild" tours travel away from the more popular areas and into areas and lead you through tighter, darker tunnels if you are looking for a more difficult adventure! This amazing limestone cave is just over an hour south of Louisville and is considered one of the most beautiful in the state! Cumberland Falls is located near Corbin, about two and a half hours from Louisville. Despite its horrific name, the waterfalls on this trail look like something out of a fairytale. The largest single drop is about 30 feet, and the full cascade is lovely! Explore the Knob Creek Tavern, a log home, and step into the place where Abraham Lincoln formed his earliest childhood memories. Following his victory at Fort Henry on the Tennessee River, Union General Ulysses S. Grant marched his troops to Fort Donelson. "Tom" Sawyer State Park is located at 3000 Freys Hill Rd, Louisville, KY, 40241. Urban Outdoors is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. They have animals you may feed too.more, Venues & Event SpacesLandmarks & Historical BuildingsMuseumsBrownsboro Zorn, Louisville Water Tower Park is awesome! Badlands National Park (South Dakota), #15. I've actually talked about Louisville's water quality a lot this weekend, as I've been visiting family out of town. Louisville may not be the first place that comes to mind when you think of incredible landscapes, but it sure is located perfectly for people who love the outdoors! There arent many trails that have as much stunning scenery as Dog Slaughter Falls, and wed absolutely recommend this hike for anyone willing to take on the challenge! This unbelievable. ), but it's simply too incredible not to include on this list. As one of Louisvilles most beautiful outdoor trails, Cherokee Parks Scenic Loop Trail is an excellent hiking trail for all levels of hikers. Beckley Creek Parkway, Beckley Creek Pkwy, Louisville, KY, USA. Reviews on National Parks in Louisville, KY 40296 - Marengo Cave Park U.S. National Landmark, Falls of the Ohio State Park, Door To Nowhere, Squire Boone Caverns, Angel's Envy They offered protection to formerly enslaved people in Confederate states under Union control. Take as much (or as little) time as you need in the various sections of the gardens. The Mill Springs Battlefield Association developed a 10-stop Driving Tour, which begins at the Visitor Center. A 554-acre oasis on the outskirts of Louisville, the rolling fields that were once farmland are now the site of some of the finest indoor and outdoor recreation facilities in Kentucky. There are also hiking trails and picnic areas. What are some other beautiful places to visit near Louisville? At the Abraham Lincoln Birthplace National Historical Park, there are two farm areas where visitors can see how Lincoln lived as a child in Kentucky. Perhaps one of the most stunning natural landmarks within driving distance of Louisville is Grays Arch in Daniel Boone National Forest, Kentucky. Dennison Ferry has a wooden canoe and kayak ramp with stairs to the water, Green River Ferry has a gravel canoe and kayak launch ramp and an auto ferry ramp that can also be used for motorboats, and Houchin Ferry has a temporary canoe and kayak launch ramp. Shelter 2 is located near the main parking lot to the right of the Activities Building. We are partial to the new Coach Lester G. Mimms Trail, and think it belongs on every Kentuckian's bucket list! 5. For another beautiful place to explore in Kentuckys largest city, check out this beautiful park that boasts the best views of downtown Louisville! Green River Lake State Park, 179 Park Office Rd, Campbellsville, KY 42718, USA. The state park lies near the towns and cities of Louisville, KY, Cincinnati, OH, and Lexington, KY. Charlestown State Park began life as part of the Indiana Army Ammunition Plant and was donated in separate parcels since 1993. Mammoth Cave National Park (U.S. National Park Service) List Of National Park Sites Near Louisville, 15 AMAZING National Parks In Tennessee Worth Visiting, Mammoth Cave National Park preserves the worlds longest known cave system, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CAZiIc4j-Ps&t=1s, The BEST National Park in America (2021) (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CAZiIc4j-Ps&t=1s), 20 MUST-SEE Tennessee Landmarks (Expert Guide + Photos), 6 AMAZING National Parks Near Lexington Youll Love (Photos + Guide), 10 AMAZING National Parks Near Memphis Youll Love (Photos + Guide), Big South Fork National River & Recreation Area, Mill Springs Battlefield National Monument. Louisville's national parks offer a sanctuary of tranquility, where you can escape the hustle and bustle of city life. National Historical Park Abraham Lincoln Birthplace Hodgenville, KY For over a century people from around the world have come to rural Central Kentucky to honor the humble beginnings of our 16th president, Abraham Lincoln. If you're not in the area,more, Local FlavorLandmarks & Historical BuildingsWaterfront, On top of that, it's right next to the waterfront, apartments, and Waterfront Park where they do amore, This being our first visit, we started off with the train ride around the park.more, hours strolling along forested paths is a great way to unwind and enjoy a park like setting.more, Very interesting place. The National Park Service offers three different river access points on the south side of the Green River, all of which are accessible by car. Isle Royale National Park (Michigan), #14. 2. Youll also have the chance to catch a few nice views of the forest from above! The Clifty Falls area is a magnificent landscape to explore with tons of variety and is one of the coolest hikes near Louisville! Perfect for families, beginners, and anyone seeking an easy, leisurely hike, youll get to see a wide variety of ecosystems and wildlife along the trail. national parks near louisville, louisville national parks, national parks near louisville, louisville national parks, national parks near louisville, louisville national parks, national parks near louisville, louisville national parks, national parks near louisville, louisville national parks, national parks near louisville, louisville national parks, national parks near louisville, louisville national parks, national parks near louisville, louisville national parks, national parks near louisville, louisville national parks, national parks near louisville, louisville national parks, In: History, National Parks, National Parks Near Cities, Your email address will not be published. With access to some of the best local green spaces, state parks, and national forests in Kentucky, Indiana, and Ohio, there are so many places to explore. You definitely do not want to miss the Visitor Center here; it houses incredible exhibits featuring some of the ancient fossils found in the area, archeological and historical information, and beautiful Native American art. Gates of the Arctic National Park (Alaska), #61. Today, the country's 63 national parks contain at least 247 species of endangered or threatened plants and animals, more than 75,000 archaeological sites, and 18,000 miles of trails. There are several nature trails throughout the park, including a wheelchair accessible boardwalk called the Discovery Trail that winds through grassland, wetland, and savannah habitats. It's an opportunity to rejuvenate your senses, find solace in the beauty of the natural world, and create a harmonious balance between mind, body, and spirit. The 344-acre park includes the birthplace unit at Sinking Springs arm and the Boyhood Home Unit at Knob Creek Farm. Distance From Louisville: Two hours fifteen minutes (138 miles) via I-65 S. The Battle of Mill Springs was a Union victory early in the Civil War. But theres also 6 national park sites within a days drive of the city. Grand Canyon National Park (Arizona), #39. The 125-foot wide falls is sometimes called the "Niagara of the South" for its sheer magnificence. Camp Nelson became a large recruitment and training center for African American soldiers (USCTs). Visitors will find a museum with many fascinating exhibits which provide a greater understanding of the battles combatants and its impact on the war. 11 Best State Parks To Visit Near Louisville - Only In Your State Engage in interactive exhibits, join guided tours, and participate in educational programs designed to inspire curiosity and a sense of responsibility towards our natural world. You shouldn't pass up the chance for a guided tour of this world-famous attraction! A network of underground passageways and tunnels that forms thelongest cave system in the entire world, Mammoth Cave is home to over 130 species of wildlife and almost every type of cave formation, making it the worlds most diverse series of caverns. Distance From Louisville: One hour 27 minutes (93 miles) via US-65 S. If you like to explore caves then youll love Mammoth Cave National Park. Mammoth Cave National Park is located about an hour and a half south of Louisville. Louisville is lucky to be close to so many of these, so whether you are looking for a quick afternoon escape or a mini-adventure road trip that you can do in one day, these eight amazing natural wonders definitely deserve a spot on your bucket list! Why Trust Us About National Parks Near Louisville? and more. Located in Hoosier National Forest, this 1.2 mile hike takes hikers almost entirely alongside a rocky cliff area, complete with cave-like structures and bowl-shaped gorges. restrictions, which you can review below. White Sands National Park (New Mexico), #29. McNeely Lake Park is located at 10500 Cedar Creek Rd, Louisville, KY, 40229. Take a hike along the shaded Goose Creek Nature Trail.4. Whew buddy, so many good events this week! They have animals you may feed too.more, This being our first visit, we started off with the train ride around the park.more, Venues & Event SpacesLandmarks & Historical BuildingsMuseumsBrownsboro Zorn, Louisville Water Tower Park is awesome! Theres so much more to the Bluegrass State than the Kentucky Derby. Test your skills at the only outdoor public archery range in Louisville. Knobs State Forest is located at 1006 Audubon Dr, Shepherdsville, KY, 40165, Taylorsville Lake State Park, 1320 Park Rd, Mt Eden, KY 40046, USA. Big Bone Lick State Historic Site, 3380 Beaver Rd, Union, KY 41091, USA. Louisville's national parks are like hidden gems, waiting to be discovered. Guadalupe Mountains National Park (Texas), #24. Adding a business to Yelp is always free. The visitor center provides an orientation to the historic events that unfolded at Camp Nelson. It symbolizes the efforts to assist African American refugees as they struggled to begin a new life. "Tom" Sawyer State Park. Today, however, this new trail represents not only a literal bridging between two Bluegrass parks, but also a symbolic connection between two cultures. Were Jim Pattiz and Will Pattiz, collectively known as the Pattiz Brothers (and sometimes the Parks Brothers) and we absolutely LOVE the national parks. Its a little further out than some of the other natural wonders on this list, but can still be explored on a single-day adventure! Congaree National Park (South Carolina), #10. Best national parks near Louisville, KY 40296, The Louisville Lowdown -- quick picks on what to do in Derby City. Kentucky State Parks have resorts with lodging and . General Butler State Resort Park, Kentucky 227, Carrollton, KY, USA. Hawaii Volcanoes National Park (Hawaii), #63. The park is named for the Confederate general who died there. The cashier in the shop was lovely and was gave us plenty of wonderfulmore, The Benjamin Head House was built by a Revolutionary War Captain, Janes Head, in 1812 and is on the National Registry of Historical Places. National Park of American Samoa (American Samoa), Highest-rated restaurants in Louisville, according to Foursquare, What the Louisville housing market looks like at 5 different price points, Highest-rated class of 2023 football recruits from Kentucky, How the avian influenza has impacted Kentucky, People from these metros are looking to buy homes in Louisville, The status of new cybersecurity laws proposed in Kentucky, See how many UFO sightings have occurred in Kentucky, See how many LGBT people have children in Kentucky, Kentucky girls high school basketball rankings, Top 50 women-directed movies of the last 10 years, endangered or threatened plants and animals, https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0/?ref=chooser-v1. Visit our country's first memorial to Lincoln, built with donations from young and old, and the site of his childhood home. Its an antebellum home built before the Civil War. Take a moment to breathe in the crisp, fresh air, meditate amidst the serene surroundings, or simply relish the stillness and peace that nature offers. Sign up so youre the first to know when we come to your city: Kay Rodriguez is the founder & CEO of Urban Outdoors. The cabin is enshrined inside thememorialbuilding at the site of his birth. The battle took place on January 19, 1862. Its the site where Ulysses S. Grant accepted the Confederate surrender of the Fort from his old friend Simon B. Buckner. It includes river valleys, forests, historic churches and cemeteries, sinkholes and the worlds longest cave system. We created this guide to the best hikes near Louisville to inspire you to plan your next outdoor adventure! 14 Spectacular Hikes Near Louisville to Do Before You Die - Urban Outdoors Virgin Islands National Park (U.S. Virgin Islands), #45. I've never been much of a fan of bourbon, but she LOVES it. The unit features a replica of the log cabin in which Lincoln was born, as well as the Sinking Spring, a natural spring that was an important source of water for the Lincoln family. For over a century people from around the world have come to rural Central Kentucky to honor the humble beginnings of our 16th president, Abraham Lincoln. She has held positions in writing, editing, and media-related fields for over 10 years, including serving as the Editor-in-Chief for Cal Polys literary journal Byzantium and copywriting for advertising/marketing agencies before joining Only In You State team in 2015. William Harrison Park [53] Highview Park [54] Nelson Hornbeck Park [55] Hounz Lane Park [56] Irish Hill Park [57] Louis B. Israel Park [58] Ivy Court Park [59] Jefferson Memorial Forest - Largest municipal urban forest in the U.S., operated as a park by Metro Parks. [emailprotected]. Top 10 Best National Parks near Louisville, KY 40266 - Yelp This lovely park within The Parklands at Floyds Fork is only 25 minutes from downtown Louisville and offers beautiful lakes, overlooks, and waterfalls along several wonderful hiking and walking trails. Squire Boone Caverns 31 If you love history then check out the Blue Heron Mining Community. Add your attraction on Family Days Out now. There is an incredible variety of activities for visitors throughout the park year-round. If you're not in the area,more, DistilleriesToursWhiskey Bars$$$East Main, We took to the bourbon trail in celebration of a great friend hitting a milestone birthday. Since then, our national parks have welcomed visitors from around the world to experience some of the best the country has to offer and showcase the country's natural beauty and cultural heritage. When you hear that Bernheim Forest is an arboretum, you probably think trees. Well, thats true there are thousands of trees in this heavily forested area but there are also several fun surprises on this 5-mile trail. McNeely Lake Park is located at 10500 Cedar Creek Rd, Louisville, KY, 40229. Cumberland Gap. Objects on display provide a window into the role Camp Nelson played during its height as a military installation, supply depot, hospital, recruitment center, and refugee camp. If you enjoy hiking or biking then youre in luck when visiting this Kentucky national park. Not the biggest or the best, but a little treasure in Louisville.". The Auxier Ridge Trail is one of the prettiest hikes near Louisville in this area, with 4.4 miles of trails that bring hikers to viewpoints of some of the areas most striking rock formations, which stick out above the forest treetops. Its an incredibly scenic trip. Cave tours are available. The beautiful stone building now housesmore, Landmarks & Historical BuildingsCrescent Hill, Crescent hill reservoir is my new favorite and go to spot for a quick work out.
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