Introduction
What is the Falls of the Ohio, where is it located, and what is its regional, national and international significance? The Falls of the Ohio was named for a treacherous two-mile long series of waterfalls on the Ohio River that impeded navigation and required river traffic to portage. The communities of Jeffersonville, Clarksville and New Albany, Indiana and Louisville, Kentucky were settled and commerce flourished because of these dangerous waterfalls.
Today, the communities around the Falls have come to embrace and showcase the beauty and unique culture of the area. From ancient fossil beds and historic sites to parklands and community gathering spaces, each of the sites below tells its own compelling story. When woven together, one can see and appreciate the national and international significance of the Falls of the Ohio area’s history, culture and natural resources.
Indiana Shore of Ohio River
James T. Duffy’s Landing
Location: 2610 Utica Pike, Jeffersonville, IN 47130
Ownership: Jeffersonville Parks & Recreation
Ph.: 812-285-6440
E-mail: parksinfo@cityofjeff.net
Website: https://jeffparks.org/parks/james-t-duffys-landing/
Significant features:Twelve acres, free boat ramp; transient boat docks; free daytime parking; year-round portable restroom; rentable gazebo
History:Captain James T. Duffy immigrated from Ireland to America and transported coal up and down the Ohio River.
Photo Credit: Jeffersonville Parks
Jeffboat (in planning and development stages)
Location:1030 E Market St, Jeffersonville, IN 47130
Ownership:American Commercial Barge Line
Website: Stay tuned! https://www.whas11.com/article/news/jeffboat-site-plan-development-phase-one-jeffersonville-indiana/417-42473c75-0e8a-45f2-bf77-e9ff7d5ae3b0
Significant features:Redevelopment project with plans that include an entertainment district, amphitheater, greenspace, restaurants, apartments, condos, townhouses, and more. Construction is slated to start in 2025.
History:Originally known as Howard Shipyards, the Howard family established the company in 1834 and built over 3,000 ships. It later became known as Jeffboat, the largest inland shipbuilder in the U.S. It closed in 2018.
Photo Credit: American Commercial Barge Line
Jeffersonville Fisherman’s Wharf/Van Dyke Park
Location: Fisherman’s Wharf Way, Jeffersonville, IN 47129
Ownership: City of Jeffersonville Parks Department
Ph.:812-285-6440
E-mail:Parkslnfo@CityofJeff.net
Website:https://jeffparks.org/parks/fishermans-wharf/
Significant features: Five acres, transient boat slips, picnic tables, park benches.
History: History information coming soon.
Photo Credit: SoIN Tourism
Big 4 Station Park
Location:215 W Chestnut St., Jeffersonville, IN 47130
Ownership:City of Jeffersonville Parks Department
Ph.:812-285-6440
E-mail:Parkslnfo@CityofJeff.net
Website:https://jeffparks.org/parks/big4-station/
Significant features:Ten acres, access to Big Four Bridge (pedestrian/bicycle bridge that spans the Ohio River), greenspace, playground, water feature, park benches, restrooms, picnic tables, pavilion, parking.
History: History information coming soon.
Photo Credit: Jeffersonville Parks
Ashland Park
Location:430 East Riverside Drive, Clarksville, IN 47129
Ownership:Clarksville Parks and Recreation
Ph.:812-283-5313
E-mail:info@clarksvilleparks.com
Website:https://clarksvilleparks.com/parks/
Significant features:Situated on the Ohio River, scenic views of Louisville skyline, playground area, picnic tables, restrooms, shelter house. Access to Ohio River Greenway multi-use path.Stay tuned for exciting new developments! https://www.townofclarksville.com/clarksville-finalizes-purchase-of-ashland-park-property/
History: History information coming soon.
Photo Credit: Town of Clarksville
Falls of the Ohio State Park
Location: 201 W. Riverside Dr., Clarksville, IN 47129
Ownership: Indiana Department of Natural Resources
Ph.: 812-280-9970
Website: https://www.fallsoftheohio.org/
Significant features: Designated a National Natural Landmark. Largest exposed Devonian period fossil beds in the world, interpretive center, viewing deck, outdoor classroom, fossil digging piles, hiking trail, bird watching, picnic tables, fishing, boating. Biking and walking on the adjacent Ohio River Greenway multi-use path.
History: Features 390-million-year-old Devonian period fossil beds, Native American heritage, launching site for the Lewis and Clark Corps of Discovery.
Ohio River Greenway
Location: 315 Southern Indiana Ave, Jeffersonville, IN 47130
http://ohiorivergreenway.org/project-info/project-map/ (includes trailheads and parking)
Ownership: A collaborative effort between the communities of Jeffersonville, Clarksville and New Albany, Indiana. From Jeffersonville the Big Four Bridge (pedestrian/bicycle bridge) spans the Ohio River to Louisville.
E-mail: info@ohiorivergreenway.org
Website: http://ohiorivergreenway.org/
Significant features: 7.5-mile multi-use hard surface path that connects Jeffersonville, Clarksville, and New Albany, Indiana. Access to Big Four Bridge (pedestrian/bicycle bridge that spans the Ohio River) in Jeffersonville.
History: History information coming soon.
Photo Credit: SoIN Tourism
George Rogers Clark Home Site
Location: 1021 Harrison Ave, Clarksville, IN 47129
Ownership: Indiana Department of Natural Resources (Falls of the Ohio State Park)
Ph.: 812-280-9970
Website: https://fallsoftheohio.org/activities/george-rogers-clark-home-site/
Significant features: Remnants of cabin replica (destroyed by fire in 2021), enslaved person’s cabin replica, small picnic shelter, boat ramp (currently closed), and trailer parking.
History: Revolutionary War General George Rogers Clark built a cabin on this bluff overlooking the Ohio River and lived here from 1803 to 1809. His brother, William Clark, met Meriwether Lewis at this site to launch the historic Corps of Discovery expedition.
Photo Credit: Louisville Historic Architecture
Lewis and Clark Bicentennial Park
Location: 1240 West Harrison Ave, Clarksville, IN 47129
Ownership: Clarksville Parks and Recreation
Ph.: (812) 283-5313
E-mail: info@clarksvilleparks.com
Website: https://clarksvilleparks.com/parks/
Significant features: Interpretive signs, replicas of a keelboat and campfire circle. Adjacent to multi-use Ohio River Greenway.
History: Park built in 2003 to commemorate the bicentennial of the Lewis and Clark Corps of Discovery Expedition launching in 1803.
Photo Credit: Ohio River Parks Project
Mill Creek
Location: Mill Creek, River
Photo Credit: Louisville Public Media
Origin Park (in planning and development stages)
Location: 1235 West Kenwood Avenue, Clarksville, IN 47129
Ownership: River Heritage Conservancy
Ph.: 812-463-3553
E-mail: info@riverheritageconservancy.org
Website: https://www.originpark.org/
Significant features: Stay tuned! This 430-acre urban riverfront park is in the development stages. Planned amenities include hiking trails, River Arts House, Event Center, meadow, event lawn and more.
Photo Credit: Origin Park
Silver Creek
Location: Silver Creek, Clarksville, Indiana, USA
Photo Credit: Community Foundation of Southern Indiana
Loop Island Wetlands
Location: 2200 East Main Street, New Albany, Indiana 47150
Ownership: New Albany Parks and Recreation
Ph.: 812-949-5448
E-mail: parks@cityofnewalbany.com
Website: https://cityofnewalbany.com/parks/loop-island-wetlands/
Significant features: 54 acres of wetlands and walking trails. Features a variety of wetland plants and wildlife.
Photo Credit: City of New Albany
Town Clock Church of New Albany (Second Baptist Church)
Location: 300 E Main St, New Albany, IN 47150
Ownership: Second Baptist Church of New Albany, Indiana
Ph.: 812-945-3814
Website: http://www.townclockchurch.org/ https://silivingmag.com/2022/09/09/full-of-history/
Significant features: The National Park Service designated this church an official Network to Freedom site for its critical role in the Underground Railroad. In addition to the historically significant church, an Underground Railroad Garden area behind the church includes statues and a gazebo.
History: Built in the mid 1800’s, abolitionist members of the Church helped freedom-seekers escape slavery.
Photo Credit: Indiana Landmarks
New Albany Riverfront Park, Riverfront Amphitheater and Overlook
Location: 100 E Water St, New Albany, IN 47150
Ownership: City of New Albany, Indiana
Ph.: 812-949-5448
E-mail: parks@cityofnewalbany.com
Website: https://www.newalbanyshoreline.com/amphitheater
Significant features: Live event Amphitheater and Overlook, playground, access to Ohio River Greenway multi-use path.
New Albany Flow Park
Location: 105 E Water St, New Albany, IN 47150
Ownership: City of New Albany, Indiana
Ph.: 812-949-5448
E-mail: parks@cityofnewalbany.com
Website: https://www.newalbanyshoreline.com/flow-park
Significant features: A skateable work of art that features a steamboat and symbols of Ohio River bridges.
Photo Credit: Hunger Skateparks
River Recreation Park
Location: 700 Floyd St, New Albany, IN 47150
Ownership: City of New Albany, Indiana
Ph.:812-949-5448
E-mail:parks@cityofnewalbany.com
Website:https://www.newalbanyshoreline.com/river-recreation-site
Significant features: Boat ramp, picnic shelter and picnic tables, basketball court, access to Ohio River Greenway multi-use path.
Photo Credit: News and Tribune
Ohio River Way
Location: P.O. Box 812, Cincinnati, Ohio 45201
Ownership: The Ohio River Way, Inc.
E-mail:info@ohioriverway.org
Website:https://www.ohioriverway.org/
Significant features: Nonprofit membership-based organization that promotes communities and their recreational, natural, historic, and cultural resources along the Ohio River, between Portsmouth, Ohio and West Point, Kentucky.
Photo Credit: Ohio River Way
Kentucky Shore of Ohio River
Locust Grove
Location:561 Blankenbaker Lane, Louisville, KY 40207
Ownership:Owned by Louisville Metro Government, operated by Historic Locust Grove, Inc.
Ph.:502-897-9845
E-mail:lghh@locustgrove.org
Website:https://locustgrove.org/
Significant features:Designated a National Historic Landmark, 55 acres, historic home and outbuildings, pavilion. Visitor center with gift shop, meeting space and museum.
History:William and Lucy Clark Croghan were the first owners this 1792 mansion, which was built by enslaved individuals. Revolutionary War General George Rogers Clark (Lucys’ brother) moved here in 1809 and stayed here until his death in 1818. Meriwether Lewis and William Clark visited the home in 1806 upon their return from their historic Corps of Discovery expedition to the Pacific Coast.
Photo Credit: Louisville Tourism
Caperton Swamp Park
Location: 3916 River Rd., Louisville, KY 40207
Ownership: Louisville Parks and Recreation
Ph.:502-574-7275
E-mail:parks@louisvilleky.gov
Significant features: 29 acres, one-mile soft-surface loop trail system. Woodlands, wet woods and pond habitats. Remnant of wooded wetland habitat along the Ohio River corridor before development. Birding, wildlife viewing, hiking.
Photo Credit: Wilderness Louisville
Carrie Gaulbert Cox Park
Location: 3730 River Rd. Louisville, KY 40207
Ownership: Louisville Parks and Recreation
Ph.:502-574-7275
E-mail:parks@louisvilleky.gov
Website:https://louisvilleky.gov/government/parks/park-list/carrie-gaulbert-cox-park
Significant features: Scenic view of Ohio River, 51 acres, picnic tables, playground areas, boat ramp and landing.
Photo Credit: Louisville Parks
Thurman-Hutchins Park
Location: 3734 River Rd., Louisville, KY 40207
Ownership: Louisville Parks and Recreation
Ph.:502-574-7275
E-mail:parks@louisvilleky.gov
Website:https://louisvilleky.gov/government/parks/park-list/thurman-hutchins-park
Significant features: 53 acres, walking trails, wetland trails, lake and overlook deck, playground, restrooms, picnic tables, picnic pavilion, baseball and soccer fields.
Photo Credit: Louisville Parks
Louisville Water Tower Park
Location: 3005 River Road, Louisville, KY 40207
Ownership: Louisville Water Company
Ph.:502-897-1481
E-mail:zornrental@LouisvilleWater.com
Website:https://louisvillewater.com/louisville-water-tower/
Significant features: The Water Tower and its Pumping Station are a designated National Historic Landmark. 185 ft. water tower, WaterWorks Museum, Grand Hall rentable venue, large multi-use green space, Ohio River view.
History: Began operations in 1860.
Photo Credit: Louisville Water Company
Louisville Champions Park
Location: 2050 River Road, Louisville, KY 40206
Ownership: Louisville Parks and Recreation
Ph.:502-574-7275
E-mail:parks@louisvilleky.gov
Website:https://louisvilleky.gov/government/parks/park-list/louisville-champions-park
Significant features: 222 acres, large multi-use green space, soccer field, dog run, disc golf course.
Photo Credit: All Trails
Beargrass Creek
Location: Beargrass Creek, River, Louisville, KY 40206, USA
Waterfront Botanical Gardens
Location: 1435 Frankfort Avenue, Louisville, KY 40206
Ownership: Waterfront Botanical Gardens Inc.
Ph.:502-276-5404
E-mail:info@waterfrontgardens.org
Website:https://waterfrontgardens.org/
Significant features:native plant garden, pollinator garden, event and meeting space, classrooms, sculptures, water wall, fountain, and waterfall stream.
Photo Credit: Waterfront Botanical Gardens
Waterfront Park
Location: 129 River Road, Louisville, KY 40202 Several Parking Lots throughout the area:https://ourwaterfront.org/visit/directions/
Ownership: Waterfront Development Corporation.
Ph.:502-574-3768
E-mail:info@ourwaterfront.org
Website:https://ourwaterfront.org/
Significant features: 85 acres, access to Big Four Bridge (pedestrian/bicycle bridge that spans the Ohio River connecting Louisville, Kentucky to Jeffersonville, Indiana). Belle of Louisville historic riverboat, boat docks, playgrounds, Lincoln Memorial, picnic areas, public art, swing garden.
Photo Credit: Waterfront Park
Belvedere
Location: 500 West Main Street, Louisville, KY 40202
Ownership: Louisville Parks and Recreation
Ph.:502-574-7275
E-mail:parks@louisvilleky.gov
Website:https://louisvilleky.gov/events/venues/belvedere
Significant features: 7 acres, multi-use park, event space located on the Riverfront next to the Galt House and The Kentucky Center for the Performing Arts between 4th and 6th streets in downtown Louisville. Open lawn, riverfront plaza.
Photo Credit: Louisville Public Media
Louisville Loop
Location: 444 South 5th Street, 4th Floor, Louisville, KY 40202 https://louisvilleky.gov/government/louisville-loop
Ownership: Louisville Parks and Recreation
Ph.:502-574-5810
E-mail:parks@louisvilleky.gov
Website:https://louisvilleky.gov/government/louisville-loop
Significant features: Louisville Loop is a visionary plan to develop a 100-mile multi-use trail for bicyclists/pedestrians that encircles the city of Louisville.
Photo Credit: Courier-Journal
Westward Expansion of Waterfront Park (in planning and development stages)
Location: Between 10th and 14 Streets along the river
Ownership: Waterfront Development Corporation
Ph.:502-574-3768
E-mail:info@ourwaterfront.org
Website:https://ourwaterfrontparkexpansion.org/
Significant features: Stay tuned! In development and construction stages. Twenty-one acres with features to include Playport at Waterfront Park (a classroom/community meeting room), restrooms and parking lot.
Photo Credit: Waterfront Park
Falls of the Ohio National Wildlife Conservation Area
Location: On the Ohio River; includes Falls of the Ohio State Park
Ownership: U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Louisville District
Ph.:502-477-8882
Website:https://www.lrl.usace.army.mil/Missions/Civil-Works/Recreation/Lakes/Falls-of-the-Ohio/, https://www.fallsoftheohio.org/
Significant features: 1,404 acres, includes fossil beds, Shippingport Island, Sand Island, Lewis and Clark Island, Devonian Period fossil beds, Indiana Birding Trail.
History: Named a National Natural Area by the National Park Service in 1966; designated a National Wildlife Conservation Area by the U.S. Congress in 1981.
Photo Credit: SoIN Tourism
Lannan Park
Location: 901 North 26th Street, Louisville, KY 40212
Ownership: Louisville Parks and Recreation
Ph.:502-574-7275
E-mail:parks@louisvilleky.gov
Website:https://louisvilleky.gov/government/parks/park-list/lannan-park
Significant features: Louisville Loop access, 17 acres, playground, picnic area, baseball field, basketball court, tennis court.
Photo Credit: Louisville Parks
Army Corps of Engineers McAlpine Locks and Dam Visitor Area
Location: 805 N. 27th Street, Louisville, KY 40212
Ownership: U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Louisville District
Ph.:502-776-6866
E-mail:lrl-pao@usace.army.mil
Website:https://www.lrd.usace.army.mil/Mission/Projects/Article/3638632/mcalpine-locks-and-dam/
Significant features: A set of lock chambers and a dam at the Falls of the Ohio facilitates shipping navigation and river commerce; a visitor area allows a close-up view of the locks and interprets the history of the locks and dam system.
History: The locks and associated canal were the first major engineering projects on the Ohio River, completed in 1830.
Shawnee Golf Course
Location: 460 Northwestern Parkway, Louisville, KY, 40212
Ownership: Louisville Parks and Recreation
Ph.:502-776-9389
E-mail:parks@louisvilleky.gov
Website:https://www.metroparksgolf.net/shawnee/
Significant features: An 18-hole championship golf course adjacent to Shawnee Park on the Ohio River. Also features 3-hole junior course, driving range, pro shop, rental facility available for meetings and events.
History: Opened in 1926.
Photo Credit: Louisville Parks
Shawnee Park
Location: 4501 W Broadway, Louisville, KY 40211
Ownership: Louisville Parks and Recreation
Ph.:502-574-7275
E-mail:parks@louisvilleky.gov
Website:https://louisvilleky.gov/government/parks/park-list/shawnee-park
Significant features: 285 acres, baseball, basketball, golf course, picnic shelter, picnic tables, playground, restrooms, sprayground, tennis courts, walking path. Boat ramp access to Ohio River.
History: Designed by Frederick Law Olmsted, acquired in 1892.
Chickasaw Park
Location: 1200 Southwestern Pkwy, Louisville, KY 40211
Ownership: Louisville Parks and Recreation
Ph.:502-574-7275
E-mail:parks@louisvilleky.gov
Website:https://louisvilleky.gov/government/parks/park-list/chickasaw-park
Significant features: 61 acres, ballfield, basketball court, picnic shelter, picnic tables, playground, restrooms, sprayground, tennis courts.
History: Designed by the Olmsted Firm in 1923 for the Black community during segregation.
Chickasaw Park (U.S. National Park Service) (nps.gov)
https://www.olmstedparks.org/park/chickasaw-park/
Photo Credit: Olmstead Parks
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