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.It couldn't be easier to arrange your visit to Iroquois Park and many more Louisville attractions: make an itinerary online using Inspirock's Louisville tourist route planner.
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Reviews
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rsteads
I love Wilco and we got to see them in Louisville at the Iroquois Amphitheater. We traveled from Cincinnati, paid top dollar for front row tickets. Security was not to be found as people try to get in... more »
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Vickie S
I grew up in this area and remember when the tornado went through taking out several of the oldest, largest trees. The park improvements since my last visit make the park even more beautiful. more »
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Healthywalker
This is one of the city's signature Olmsted parks. Its features were planned by the Frederick Law Olmsted firm. The forest is described as the 10,000 year old forest. I am not sure of the origin of th... more »
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Robin Moore
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.
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Joseph DeTrana
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.
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Asher Taylor
One of the best spots in town for road cyclists to work on their climbing game, Iroquois Park also offers great off-road trails for hikers, equestrians, and mountain bike enthusiasts. Gravel racers will also find a nice stretch of gravel for training purposes.
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Jake Allgeier
Great park with nice views if Louisville. You feel like you're escaping from the city without ever leaving. But beware there can be sketchy people from time to time. I love to climb the hill at times when cars aren't allowed
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Namaste Holistik
I love this place. Its vegetation is spectacular. I've never seen such beautiful trees as here. I highly recommend it for a family outing in the woods. And why not a Sunday picnic.
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