Looking for a fun way to spend a day outside?  Otter Creek Park, one of Louisville Metro’s most popular parks, is loaded with things to experience.  From hiking to camping, and horse riding to disc golf, Otter Creek is one of Louisville’s best kept secrets. 

Otter Creek Park is actually located outside the city in Meade County, about 25 miles southwest of downtown Louisville.  The 2600 acre park is located on the scenic Ohio River, just a short drive from the Gene Snyder Freeway. 

One of the most popular things for visitors to do at Otter Creek is camping.  They have family cabins with up to 4 bedrooms and an overlooking view of the Ohio River, group cabins and residential cabins for large groups that accommodate up to 80 people.  Whether you’re looking to take a large group or just a few friends along for an overnight adventure, Otter Creek has a cabin to fit your needs.  Looking to pack up your own tent and spend the night?  The park has campgrounds with electrical hookups, water service, fire rings and large picnic tables.  There’s also a children’s playground and pavilions for gathering. 

If your plans for the trip don’t include an overnight stay, Otter Creek has various other options for enjoying an adventurous afternoon.   Bring your mountain bike up to enjoy some of the best trails in this part of the state.  Pack a lunch in your backpack and hike the terrain located in and around the Ohio River and its scenic habitat.  There’s also horseback riding and disc golf and an observatory that offers to bring the skies  

to the public!  Be sure to check out the nature center as well, as it offers viewings of living reptiles and fish, bird viewing window and plenty of hands-on interactive activities for persons of all ages. 

For those interested in taking a more hands-on approach to nature, Otter Creek offers many educational programs.  With classes ranging from Wetland Ecology, Astronomy, Birding for Beginners and Cave Ecology, anyone can become an expert in our natural surroundings.  The class times and age group vary, so be sure to call ahead and see what times work best for you! 

Feeling a little more like becoming a part of nature itself?  How about trying one of Otter Creek’s Adventure Programs?  The park offers classes in Rock Climbing at the Rock Quarry, Rapelling at Van Buren Overlook and even climbing the 50 foot Alpine Tower.  You can also get your feet wet while learning about cave ecology on one of the park’s cave tours.  Otter Creek will provide you with all of the equipment and instruction necessary for any of these programs… just bring your adventurous spirit! 

The park also offers corporate outings and team building exercises, including many of the above activities for social groups, businesses or any other social participants.  Have your company’s next conference or event at any of their facilities.  Otter Creek even offers wedding packages with overnight stays for those looking to tie the knot in the out of doors in the company of friends, family and nature! 

For more information including class and program details, times and rules for camping, please visit: 

http://www.louisvilleky.gov/MetroParks/parks/ottercreek/