Freeman Lake Park — Elizabethtown, KY
Quick Facts
- Park
- Freeman Lake Park
- Location
- Freeman Lake Road, Elizabethtown, KY
- Type
- Lakeside Park (~164 acres)
- Managed By
- E-town Parks & Recreation
- Admission
- Free
- Hours
- Dawn to dusk, daily
Overview
Freeman Lake Park is Elizabethtown's flagship outdoor destination and the crown jewel of the city's parks system. Spanning approximately 164 acres along the shores of Freeman Lake, this park has been a gathering place for E-town families, anglers, runners, and nature lovers for generations. The lake itself covers about 170 acres and serves as the scenic centerpiece, offering calm waters framed by mature hardwoods, rolling green spaces, and well-maintained shoreline paths. Located just minutes from downtown Elizabethtown off Freeman Lake Road, the park is easily accessible from nearly every neighborhood in the city and draws visitors year-round. Whether you are looking for a peaceful morning walk along the water, a weekend picnic with your family, or a competitive bass fishing outing, Freeman Lake Park delivers an experience that residents consistently rank as one of the top reasons they love living in Elizabethtown. The park's combination of natural beauty, recreational variety, and central location makes it a defining feature of the community and a major selling point for homebuyers considering the area.
Amenities & Facilities
Freeman Lake Park offers a wide range of amenities designed for every age group and interest. Playgrounds are scattered throughout the park, featuring modern equipment with slides, climbing structures, and swings for toddlers through age twelve. Multiple covered pavilions and picnic shelters are available for family gatherings, birthday parties, and community events — many can be reserved through the Elizabethtown Parks and Recreation Department. The park features a well-maintained walking and jogging trail that winds along the lake shoreline, offering roughly two miles of paved pathway with scenic water views the entire route. A fishing pier extends over the lake, providing accessible bank fishing for anglers of all skill levels. Public restrooms are located near the main parking areas and pavilion clusters. There are also open green spaces perfect for throwing a frisbee, flying a kite, or setting up a game of cornhole. Benches line the trails and lakefront, and mature shade trees offer natural relief during the warm Kentucky summers. The boat ramp allows small watercraft access to the lake for kayaking, canoeing, and fishing boats with electric motors. Ample parking areas are available at multiple entry points along Freeman Lake Road.
Activities & Things to Do
Fishing is one of the most popular activities at Freeman Lake Park. The lake is stocked with largemouth bass, bluegill, catfish, and crappie, making it a reliable destination for both experienced anglers and families introducing children to the sport. Bank fishing is available along the shoreline, and the dedicated fishing pier offers an accessible platform for casting. Kayaking and canoeing are popular on calm days, with the boat ramp providing easy watercraft access — note that only electric motors are permitted on the lake. The paved lakeside trail is ideal for walking, jogging, and cycling, and many residents use it as their daily exercise route. Birdwatching is rewarding here as well, with great blue herons, kingfishers, and various waterfowl regularly spotted near the water's edge. The pavilions and open spaces host community events throughout the year, including the city's popular Fourth of July celebration, outdoor concerts, and seasonal festivals. Families regularly use the playgrounds and picnic areas for weekend outings, and the park is a favorite spot for photography sessions, particularly during fall foliage. During spring and summer, the green spaces fill with families playing catch, reading in the shade, and simply enjoying the outdoors.
Visiting & Practical Info
Freeman Lake Park is located off Freeman Lake Road in the heart of Elizabethtown, roughly a five-minute drive from downtown. The park is open daily from dawn to dusk. There is no entrance fee, and parking is free at all access points. Several lots along Freeman Lake Road provide convenient access to different sections of the park — the main lot near the pavilions fills fastest on weekends and holidays, so arriving early is recommended during peak season. Pavilion reservations can be made through the Elizabethtown Parks and Recreation Department by calling (270) 765-6121. The walking trail is ADA-accessible and stroller-friendly along its paved sections. Dogs are welcome on leashes. The closest restaurants and shops are along North Dixie Highway, just minutes from the park entrance. Freeman Lake Park is conveniently located near several of Elizabethtown's most popular residential neighborhoods, making it a daily-use amenity rather than just a weekend destination for many E-town homeowners.
Nearby Neighborhoods
Explore the Elizabethtown neighborhoods closest to Freeman Lake Park:
Looking for a home near Freeman Lake Park? Austin Kutz at Compass and Key Group knows every neighborhood within walking distance of the lake. As a veteran-owned agency with deep roots in Elizabethtown, CKG can help you find the perfect home where a lakeside walk is part of your daily routine. Call (270) 735-3897 to start your search.