falls of the ohio state park

carey812

Great place to hike, picnic, explore fossils, Ohio river fishing. Inside explore exhibits, local animals of the past and present, fossils and history of Clarksville, Indiana. There is also a bird garden to sit and enjoy the sights and sounds of local birds.

634katiep

Great scenic spot, take the kids or the dog down to walk by the river. Also a place for festivals and local events.

koobyack

If you enjoy the outdoors, you will enjoy looking for fossils at Falls Creek. Our boys enjoyed the adventure. Pretty views.The informational building was closed but we were able to navigate on our own.

714annp

Very interesting to walk the riverbank and find the fossils at your feet. A walking stick helps because the ground is very uneven. The Lewis and Clark center very informative.

988paulay

This is one of the nicest views of Louisville you will get. This park is located right on the falls. There are shelters for a nice lunch and a museum that offers some interesting information about life on the Ohio river.

bandguy54

I have lived not far from here all my life, but had never visited until about a month ago. The fossil beds are extremely interesting and it is worth the time. Didn't make it to the Interpretive Center, it is currently closed for renovations.

yaflincoln

Very interesting afternoon even though the interpretive center was closed. I walked down to the waters edge and took some fabulous photos of Louisville and the bridges. The water was very low so I was really able to view the rocks and riverbed. Just had to dip my hand in the Ohio River as well :-) There is a pathway leading most of the way down to the waters edge( near the interpretive center) and then you should just be careful as you navigate the rest of the way. Not to difficult, even for me with my 60 year old knees :-) There is an area for picnicking and a pathway along the top for bike riding as well. Not really an out of town visitor destination but a nice way to spend an afternoon if you have some extra time.....

Mom2ArmyRangerMedic

Staff, surroundings which would include the Ohio River bed, observation deck at the FOTO Interpretive Center. is a year round location where one can enjoy nature, relaxing listening to the roar of the Ohio River and locks. Their staff are all knowledgeable of the history. Their Center is a mini version of the WDC Natural History Museum. They also have a brick paver program where one can purchase a brick to honor or create a forever memory for you and/or the family. They assisted in honoring my son, a Fallen Army Ranger on 8th of November. But I have over the years gone there to mediate and unwind. One is within walking distance of many choices of restaurants and perfect views of the Ohio River. Take a drive. It is well worth whatever travel time you may have. I live an hour away, and am there at least once a week.

midwestraveler2014

This park is one of the best natural state parks around. We have visited several times and have discovered something new each time!

trevelord

We had visited Louisville, KY and never knew this park was just across the river. There was a very nice interpretive center ( due to close soon for renovations) and interesting exhibits.The best was being able to walk down to the riverbed and look for fossils in the rocks. A great activity for kids.You can go on the riverbed at no charge , but there is a $5.00 admission for the center.

BurgessTeacher

After struggling through the crazy roadworks due to bridge work, we had a lovely afternoon exploring the rocks. You have to pay cash for the car park and to get in the exhibit. But it is a nice way to pass an hour in the afternoon. Kids would love it.

blackieboswell

We had such a great time visiting the State Park! This is a hidden gem. If you are looking for an interesting thing to do with your family or by yourself this is it. My husband and I visited the State Park during a weekend trip to Louisville. We took lots of pictures and saw so many fossils it was really interesting. We probably spent about two full hours wandering around the fossil beds. There are some great opportunities for picture taking of the fossils; and the Louisville skyline in the background is beautiful. This was the most memorable thing that we did on our trip to Louisville. Just over the bridge from downtown. Don't miss this one.

navidj

I just loved this place. I went there when I was driving back from Indiana to Missouri. I knew it would be beautiful just by enjoying the roadside scenery from Indiana to Kentucky. I loved Kentucky. This place is so tranquil. You can see the Louisville Skyline. It's not like the one major cities have, but it's nice both in day and night time. Plenty of space around to enjoy a quality time with friends and family over a barbeque meal. Didn't spend much time there as I was in kind of hurry to drive almost 7 more hours.

jtkoehler2

The admission I thought was a little high. But don't mis visiting the visitors museum. It has a movie and various displays. The main attraction is outside near the Ohio river. The fossil beds are free to explore. The movie I side explains what you are seeing

TrishA4

First, please notice the architecture of the exterior of the building... the different colors of block are to represent the layers of sedimentary rock this area is comprised of. Next, the let the exhibits of the park carry you back to the Devonian age...when the area was covered with an inland sea that led to the fossils displayed in the limestone. Information on native people living in the area is covered with displays. Lewis and Clark met at the falls of the river to begin their expedition to the Pacific ocean. This is how Louisville was established, as many pioneers stopped here due to the obstruction of the falls. John Audubon painted many of the native birds found at the falls, and there is a bird watching window to relax and observe them at feeders. The exhibits are very interesting and educational. When the river is at a low point you can walk out on the limestone shelf and view fossils embedded in the rock. Be sure to wear sturdy walking shoes...and ones you don't mind getting muddy or wet! Have fun!