E.P. Tom Sawyer State Park image

E.P. Tom Sawyer State Park

Tourist attraction Park State park

Activity-filled, 550-acre urban park with trails, birding, a pool, an archery range & more. People often mention park, trails, nice, playground, walking, Great, Sawyer, soccer, fields, great,


Address

3000 Freys Hill Rd, Louisville, KY 40241, United States

Website

parks.ky.gov

Contact

+1 502-429-7270

Rating on Google Maps

4.60 (2.2K reviews)

Open on Google Maps

Working Hours

  • Friday: 7:30 am to 10 pm
  • Saturday: 7:30 am to 10 pm
  • Sunday: 7:30 am to 10 pm
  • Monday: 7:30 am to 10 pm
  • Tuesday: 7:30 am to 10 pm
  • Wednesday: 7:30 am to 10 pm
  • Thursday: 7:30 am to 10 pm

Featured Reviews


Frequently mentioned in reviews: park (40) trails (18) nice (12) playground (8) walking (7) Great (7) Sawyer (7) soccer (6) fields (6) great (6)
Reviews are sorted by relevance, prioritizing the most helpful and insightful feedback at the top for easier reference.
  • 4/5 Ben K. 1 year ago on Google
    Had an amazing time today with my co-workers at the park. We played games, enjoyed the gymnasium and even listened to music. There was a calm breeze that made the 90 degree temperature bearable. Enjoy a picture of my 2nd best friend Levi after winning the 3 legged race. - Cheers (only subtracted 1 star because a colleague was confronted after driving the wrong way down a 1-way pedestrian path.)
    5 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Jessica 9 months ago on Google • 199 reviews
    It is a wonderful park with many amenities. There are walking and hiking trails, tennis courts, pickleball courts, and soccer fields. This park is very well maintained, and I enjoy bringing my children and dog here.
    3 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Sam C. 7 months ago on Google • 206 reviews
    I love this park, have been here a lot, one of the best skateparks in town, well maintained trails for running and lots of soccer fields. Great park for the family or just a picnic as well.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 Stephen W. 7 months ago on Google • 317 reviews
    Overall, it was a great experience. There are certain spots that shows serious aging, such as the bleachers at the ball fields. Plenty of parking and the grounds were cut pretty clean. The area for archery was well kept too. I would recommend and will return. I would recommend bringing your own chair if you are going to be watching a lot of games.

  • 5/5 Alexander K. 8 months ago on Google • 64 reviews
    What a nice park! Lots of close to the grass parking, I mean LOTS of parking. I came after 5pm and there were hardly anyone it seemed. Big expanses of lush grass, porta potties, pretty trees, easy to feel out in the wilderness here. Came to fly my power kite but no wind today. Took pics instead.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 David W. 3 years ago on Google • 26 reviews
    Nice park, large and very active. Multiple trails to walk or run on. Activities always happening here, baseball fields(s) soccer pitches, multiple tennis courts. A play ground with a rentable pavilion for birthday parties and gatherings, an outdoor workout playground, archery range, and a good amount of open green fields to fly kites, throw Frisbees etc. Wildlife birds and insects roam in the park. The had axe throwing the one time we went there. The reason for a knock off of a star is that the trails could use some upgrading. The signs are all faded and unreadable, the paths aren't marked very well. The first time I went here with my daughter it was just kind of a guessing game on which path to choose. It can also be a little crowded sometimes, I think a local high school uses the main trail as a running ground for their students. Over all a nice park, just needs some touch ups.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 2/5 CB 8 months ago on Google • 8 reviews
    The park appears clean and taken care of but the other aspects need a lot of work. It appears to be your typical government agency ran poorly with employees not completing their jobs. Gates and doors locked well after opening. Unable to provide information and materials for things and activities listed. When asked employees just give the typical bs excuse for not properly doing their jobs. The grass is nicely cut though. The main trails are nice but the secondary are in bad need of repair. Lots of dead fall and window makers crossing the trails. Also a nice illegal dump spot not more than 50 feet from the trail head Do better Kentucky State government
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 Dave B. 2 years ago on Google
    E. P. Sawyer is a Kentucky State Park located within the county limis of Louisville. It's known mostly as a location for sports; cross country, softball, soccer. However it does have a couple of trails that traverse through wooded areas that are nice. Portions of these trails are within the grounds of the Central State Hospital, formerly known as the Kentucky Insane Asylum.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Ren E. 1 year ago on Google
    Very nice park with easy walking paths and a decent playground. They have an aerodrom for model planes and drones. Great place to walk for people of all ages and abilities. Good place to run because the paths are wide enough to get around the strollers.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Sara S. 1 year ago on Google
    We went to the park for my daughter's 5k race girls sponsored by "Kentuckiana-Girls on the run." It was beautiful and so much fun
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 2/5 Enjel S. 8 months ago on Google
    I recently visited Tom Sawyer pool for the first time, and overall, my experience was pleasant. The staff members were friendly and accommodating. However, I did notice a few areas that could use improvement, particularly for families with toddlers who have outgrown the baby stage. One drawback was that the pool itself seemed quite cold, which could be uncomfortable for young children. Additionally, the water was very clear, and it was easy to see everything that was in it. This might be off-putting for some visitors. Another aspect that didn't quite meet my expectations was the concession stand. Despite spending $25, the amount of food we received did not seem worth the price. In particular, the portion of fries provided was insufficient for my toddler to fully enjoy. It would be great if they could offer larger portions to better satisfy their customers. Furthermore, I noticed that some of the lifeguards seemed to have a lenient approach to enforcing the rules. It appeared as though they were selectively allowing certain individuals to bend the rules, which is not ideal for maintaining a fair and safe environment. Having visited various pools this summer, I have been spoiled by the amenities offered at other locations. Many of them have heated pools and a wide range of activities for children, such as slides and play areas. The concession stands at these places also tend to provide more generous portions of food. Given the ample space available at Tom Sawyer park, I believe it has the potential to become a truly remarkable water park. If the park management is open to suggestions, I have some ideas and connections with individuals who can help bring this vision to life. Collaborating with a dedicated team or seeking external assistance could greatly enhance the overall experience and transform the park into a beautiful water park destination.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Alisa P. 1 year ago on Google
    I love this park in Louisville. It used to be very close to the place I used to live. This park is great for walks, running, and playing soccer. No bikes are alowed in the park.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 JozARTSY 3 years ago on Google
    Tom Sawyer park is one of my favorites! So many cool trails and hikes I could never get bored there. Lots of deer and groundhogs/ other wildlife.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Alan G. 5 months ago on Google • 24 reviews
    This park is amazing. So many sports activities and things to do. But there's a lot more to it than initially meets the eye, especially if you get back into the trails. Trail running is my thing. Beautiful place.

  • 3/5 Justin D. 4 years ago on Google • 22 reviews
    I entered on by the community building which I thought was the main entrance. (I recently moved to Louisville and didn't know my way around.) I found paths mowed in the grass and pavement that I figured were trails but couldn't find any signs or markings to tell me what I was on. I left after a few minutes a bit confused about where to go. As I left the park, driving around the corner I found the main entrance. I have to check that side out in case better signage is there. This park is built on a former Asylum...so there's that.

  • 5/5 Ollie W. 6 months ago on Google • 10 reviews
    Great State Park....family friendly. If you want to explore nature then this is the place to go. You and our children can play and have fun worry free. Excellent playground area, walking trails, picnic location with covered shelter and bathroom and if you're wanting to tie the knot then check out their wedding packages. It's also pet friendly.

  • 5/5 Kent H. 1 year ago on Google
    E. P. Tom Sawyer Park is a great urban State Park that hosts big events for this region of the State as well as serve as an important component of Eastern Jefferson County.

  • 5/5 Rich H. 2 years ago on Google
    Went to the dog park. Huge! Very nice. My dog loved it. Lost my Detroit hat couldn't find it for weeks. Took my dog to the doggie park at Tom Sawyer Park and there it was sitting on the fence post just waiting for me to come get it. No I don't know about you but I think that is cool as hell. The fact I was just thinking to myself this very same day I lost my Detroit hat and I have to get another one I really wish I could find it and then God told me to take my dog to doggie park cuz apparently he had a hidden agenda where he's going to give me back my Detroit hat. Surprise!

  • 5/5 Rachael E. 1 year ago on Google
    I mainly visit for softball tournaments, but have been there and walked the trails and been to the dog park. There are concessions available at the softball diamonds most nights and during tournaments. The grounds are well-kept for a state park. The bathrooms have been slightly improved over the last couple of years and as long as people respect them, they are clean and kept orderly. You will see wildlife when you visit the park. It is a big park with a ton of wooded areas along with open space for many different activities. It's a beautiful park and should be utilized by more people.

  • 5/5 Lake Resort (Hill Lake R. 6 months ago on Google • 4 reviews
    Awesome park. Lots of space for camping during the BMX races. The track is one of the best in the Midwest if not the entire country.

  • 5/5 Sophie P. 1 year ago on Google
    Great park wonderful walking trails to take dogs even a little creek for the fur babies to cool off

  • 4/5 Michele S. 1 year ago on Google
    The playground area is small and only at the front now. They've taken out all other play areas. No bathrooms, not even a port-a-potty on the back side of the trails anymore. Most trash barrels have been removed. Rest benches and picnic tables are few and far between with many being worn out and in dire need of a coat of paint to prevent splinters. The landscape is still clean and well maintained. The walking path needs new gravel. No trail signs or markers indicating distance or difficulty. All in all a nice park that needs meaningful improvement.

  • 1/5 Kris C. 7 months ago on Google
    Went today and POOL IS CLOSED. Louisville needs to Improve it's access to swimming. When reviewing second options closest place to swim is in Indiana. A non resident fee is required for me to enter pool there. Need more budget friendly community options for people in Louisville, Kentucky. Please EP Tom Sawyer next year improve your swimming programs the community needs this positive resource for children and adults!

  • 4/5 Stephanie L. 1 year ago on Google
    If it had a fenced in playground or an inclusive playground I would give 5 stars. Lots of options of things todo. Great parking and plenty of restrooms.

  • 5/5 Josué I. 8 months ago on Google
    That's so much to do at this place. Great place for so many sports. Cycling, BMX bike course, tennis, playgrounds, baseball, swimming pool. All very nice.

  • 3/5 Denise N. 1 year ago on Google
    I'll be honest kind of disappointed with this place. I came up here to visit a friend and we had no idea that you had to pay to use a dog park. I couldn't find any of the information to even pay for the key fob to get in. So it was really disappointing it would have been a good trip since I had my kids with me and there was a playground right next store. We did go across the street where there was some cute hiking trails. Nothing was really marked but I think there was a water park too for the summer time. I would say plan your trip first this place didn't seem friendly to new visitors....

  • 5/5 Tonya L. 1 year ago on Google
    We love so many things about the park, but getting a surprise meet and greet with four of Louisville's finest the icing on the cake #mountedpatrollouisvillemetro

  • 5/5 Jamie W. 9 months ago on Google
    I bring my toddler here a lot he loves the the play ground. They have great walking path that they do a good job of keeping cleaning.

  • 5/5 Anne C. 1 year ago on Google
    The dog park is so fun. My pup has a blast. The hiking trails are beautiful - some of them could stand some better markings. The Sayer Hayes house is a great event location.

  • 5/5 Rosemarie B. 11 months ago on Google
    Great place to enjoy being outdoors. Playground,soccer fields,basketball and lots of walking trails. Covered shelters with tables and grills are a nice place to rest,picnic or parties. I heard the pool was nice but it was not open for the season yet when I went. Bathrooms are pretty decent,not horrible.

  • 5/5 Morgan w. 8 months ago on Google
    Nice free archery range, with targets going out to 40 yards. Bring your own target if you want to shoot out to 60 yards. Sometimes you'll get the opportunity to stop and enjoy the wildlife!

  • 4/5 Jess E. 10 months ago on Google
    A lot of green space. Unfortunately, the portion of the park that I was in, wasn't very well maintained. A lot of debris everywhere.

  • 4/5 Rick H. 2 years ago on Google
    Good cross country course. A little more grooming, better event branded barricades and better signage, and finish line stadium seating would make it a 5.

  • 5/5 A B. 2 years ago on Google
    A nice piece of green space with wide open parks and a playground for the kids. They have a covered spot with restrooms as well. It is well worth the visit when you want to get away for a little bit. There is also plenty of parking here.


Call +1 502-429-7270 Open on Google Maps

Amenities


  • Pets
    • ✓️ Dog park
    • ✓️ Dogs allowed
  • Activities
    • ✓️ Hiking
  • Accessibility
    • ✓️ Wheelchair-accessible car park
    • ✓️ Wheelchair-accessible entrance

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