Frank E Simon Memorial Park

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Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Frank E Simon Memorial Park is a beautiful park located in the state of Kentucky.


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Summary

It is a popular destination for visitors and locals alike due to its scenic beauty and numerous attractions.

One of the main reasons to visit the park is to enjoy its natural beauty. The park is home to a variety of flora and fauna, including several species of birds and mammals. There are also several hiking trails that visitors can explore, providing a great opportunity to experience nature up close.

There are also several points of interest within the park, including a lake that is perfect for fishing and boating, a playground for children, and picnic areas for families and large groups. The park is also home to a memorial honoring Frank E Simon, a well-known politician and philanthropist who donated a significant amount of money to the park.

Interesting facts about the park include its history as a former coal mining site. The park was created in the 1960s after the mining operations ceased, and the land was reclaimed and transformed into a beautiful public park. Additionally, the park is located near several other attractions, such as the Kentucky Coal Museum and Portal 31, which provide visitors with a glimpse into Kentucky's rich mining history.

The best time of year to visit Frank E Simon Memorial Park is in the spring and summer when the weather is temperate, and the park is in full bloom. Visitors can enjoy hiking, fishing, boating, and other outdoor activities in the park during these seasons.

Overall, Frank E Simon Memorial Park is a must-visit destination for nature lovers and those interested in Kentucky's rich mining history. It offers a unique blend of natural beauty and historical significance that makes it a great destination for visitors of all ages.

       

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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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