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Iroquois Park, Louisville

4.2
#5 of 8 in Parks in Louisville
Nature / Park
Iroquois Park is a 739-acre municipal park in Louisville, Kentucky, United States. It was designed by Frederick Law Olmsted, who also designed Louisville's Cherokee Park and Shawnee Park, at what were then the edges of the city. Located south of downtown, Iroquois Park was promoted as "Louisville's Yellowstone". It is built on a large knob covered with old growth forest, and its most prominent feature are the scenic viewpoints atop the hill.The summit of Iroquois Park presents an all-at-once vista of the city of Louisville, seen from the south. A bronze plaque at the site demonstrates the plan of the city's park and parkway system as planned and executed by Olmsted's firm.The park features an amphitheater, basketball courts, 18-hole golf course, a disc golf course and a riding stable. Louisville Metro Parks and partner companies stage concerts, musicals, and other shows each summer at Iroquois Amphitheater.HistoryIroquois Park was one of the three major suburban parks created in the late 19th century in Louisville. In 1889, Mayor Charles Donald Jacob purchased Burnt Knob, a 313-acre (1.3 km²) tract of land 4 miles (6 km) south of the city, for $9,000, and was reimbursed by the city treasurer without approval from the city council or public referendum, meaning the original purchase was probably illegal. Jacob also negotiated with landowners between the city and the then-rural park to acquire the right of way for a 150-foot (46 m) wide "Grand Boulevard", today's Southern Parkway, which still leads to the park.
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Iroquois Park Reviews
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TripAdvisor Traveler Rating
133 reviews
Google
4.6
TripAdvisor
  • July 10, 2017
    The park has a Golf Course and a walking trail. They also have an Amphitheater that have live music in the summer. It's not too far from the University and Churchill Downes. The neighborhood is a litt...  more »
  • June 26, 2017
    I walked up to lookout point as the drive way was closed on the day I went. Quite a long walk, over 3 miles in total I believe. Peaceful, beautiful. I wish the drive would have been open as I wasn't p...  more »
  • June 25, 2017
    Attended a concert by the Louisville Philharmonia Orchestra at the Iroquois Amphitheater. Excellent concert. Parking around the amphitheater was excellent.  more »
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Google
  • July 3, 2017
    My favorite place for a challenging walk/run in the city. Paths and trails are wide and well maintained, though, the trailheads could be a little more well marked. Great playground and water park for kids. Play equipment, jungle gym included, is wheelchair accessible and there are adult size swings with secure, hard plastic harnesses for individuals with special needs.
  • June 6, 2017
    A true sanctuary in the middle of the south end of Louisville. A wonderful place to run walk or bike. An expansive and large park with an amazing and recently updated over look area that overlooks the city. The amphitheater also host amazing show and talent as well.
  • April 10, 2017
    A good place to bring the whole family. It's a decent sized park, for being in the middle of the city. It incorporates Iroquois hill, which is very large. It offers great views of the city, and many trails. There is also a small water park that consists mainly of fountains for the kids to cool off. There is plenty of space for kids' birthday parties, cookouts, etc. Also Iroquois amphitheatre, usually host to plays, concerts, book readings, free movies- (usually family oriented), etc. The list of events can usually be found in the paper or online.
  • June 21, 2017
    Louisville's largest urban park. I enjoy seeing shows at the ampitheater and walking the recreation loop. There is also a nice disc golf course. If you go to the top of the hill, there is a nice view of the city.
  • June 19, 2017
    Great place to spend day with your kids. My 2 year old loved the sprinkler. Will definitely be going more often...
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Old Town has a number of atmospheric hotels close to the city’s main attractions, while hotels in the Highlands neighborhood offer proximity to the city’s most unusual bars, restaurants, and stores. Louisville’s collection of bed and breakfasts, generally farther from town, are a great way to experience some warm Kentucky hospitality. To save some money and enjoy the city’s scenic surroundings on a vacation in Louisville, consider one of Louisville’s campgrounds. The Jefferson Memorial Forest is just 24 km (15 mi) south of downtown.
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