Des Pres Park

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Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Des Pres Park is a beautiful and peaceful park located in the city of Louisville, Kentucky.


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Summary

The park offers numerous activities to visitors, including hiking, fishing, picnicking, and cycling. The park also has a playground, basketball court, and a dog park for pet owners.

One of the main attractions in Des Pres Park is the scenic hiking trails, which provide breathtaking views of the park's natural beauty. The park is also home to several species of birds, and bird watching is a popular activity here. For those interested in history, there are several historic sites in the park, including an old farmhouse and a Civil War cemetery.

Interesting facts about Des Pres Park include its history as a former tobacco farm and the fact that it was donated to the city of Louisville by the Des Pres family in the 1970s. Additionally, the park is a popular spot for hosting events such as outdoor concerts and festivals.

The best time of year to visit Des Pres Park is during the spring and fall when the weather is mild and the foliage is at its most vibrant. During the summer, visitors can enjoy swimming and fishing in the park's lake. It is recommended to check the park's website or call ahead for updated information on events and park hours.

Overall, Des Pres Park is a great destination for nature lovers, history buffs, and families looking for a day of outdoor fun. The park's beautiful scenery, diverse wildlife, and variety of activities make it a must-visit attraction in the state of Kentucky.

       

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Park & Land Designation Reference

National Park
Large protected natural areas managed by the federal government to preserve significant landscapes, ecosystems, and cultural resources; recreation is allowed but conservation is the priority.
State Park
Public natural or recreational areas managed by a state government, typically smaller than national parks and focused on regional natural features, recreation, and education.
Local Park
Community-level parks managed by cities or counties, emphasizing recreation, playgrounds, sports, and green space close to populated areas.
Wilderness Area
The highest level of land protection in the U.S.; designated areas where nature is left essentially untouched, with no roads, structures, or motorized access permitted.
National Recreation Area
Areas set aside primarily for outdoor recreation (boating, hiking, fishing), often around reservoirs, rivers, or scenic landscapes; may allow more development.
National Conservation Area (BLM)
BLM-managed areas with special ecological, cultural, or scientific value; more protection than typical BLM land but less strict than Wilderness Areas.
State Forest
State-managed forests focused on habitat, watershed, recreation, and sustainable timber harvest.
National Forest
Federally managed lands focused on multiple use—recreation, wildlife habitat, watershed protection, and resource extraction (like timber)—unlike the stricter protections of national parks.
Wilderness
A protected area set aside to conserve specific resources—such as wildlife, habitats, or scientific features—with regulations varying widely depending on the managing agency and purpose.
Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Land
Vast federal lands managed for mixed use—recreation, grazing, mining, conservation—with fewer restrictions than national parks or forests.
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