Eden Park, Cincinnati

When Nicholas Longworth owned these 186 acres overlooking the Ohio River and downtown Cincinnati he called them "The Garden of Eden." The city of Cincinnati purchased the property in 1859 and named it Eden Park. It is the 4th oldest and 4th largest of more than 100 Cincinnati city parks. It may also be the most popular.

There are no marked trails in the park, but it is a very popular place for walkers who use the many paths. Karen and I have wonderful memories of strolling here arm-in-arm and drinking in the city's best views when we were courting. (Of course we are still courting). Mirror Lake is used for ice skating in the winter, and outdoor concerts are held in the Murray Seasongood Paviion. There are several cultural landmarks within the boundaries of Eden Park, including Krohn Observatory, Playhouse in the Park, and Cincinnati Art Museum. Each of these deserve their own seperate tip.

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Eden Park lies in the south-eastern corner of downtown Cincinnati and holds a wonderful park filled with picnic areas, playgournds, scenic overlooks of the city and Ohio River, the Art Museum, lakes/ponds, Play House in the Park, and the Krohn Conservatory. It also sits besides the residential/entertainment area of Mt. Adams. This is a place where you can satisfy many different interests and desires without having to go far.

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Eden Park is a pretty place to visit up next to Mt Adams. There are gardens, a conservatory, The Cincinnati Art Museum and a Playhouse here. There is a replica of Rome's Capitoline Wolf here, too (Rome and Cincy have something special in common - they were both established on seven hills). Eden Park is a great place to watch the sunset!!!

Comprised of 186.29 acres, Eden Park was assembled by a series of purchases beginning in 1859. The name came, naturally, from the Garden of Eden and was given by Nicholas Longworth who owned a large tract which constitutes the main portion of the park.

For most American communities, water towers are a ubiquitous part of the landscape. But the old brick water tower which stands above Eden Park harks back to a time when such utilitarian structures were thoughtfully designed and prominent local landmarks. Now a National Historic Landmark, the 172-foot-high brick water tower in Cincinnati was built in 1894, and was in use until 1912. Actually the tower is still in use, but is now a communications facility for the city. Unfortunately the public may view the tower only from the outside.

Just behind the tower are several quiet, shaded, hilltop acres with four memorial tree plantings. These are:

Presidents Grove
Heroes Grove
Pioneers Grove
Authors Grove

Each of these was planted in the late 1800s or early 1900s, and each has an appropriate small monument. This is a beautiful, semi-secluded place, away from the more crowded adjoining areas of Eden Park, and definitely worth seeking out.

Great views of the city and Ohio river, Khron Conservatory (lush & beautiful greenhouse), Cincinnati Art Museum, picnic areas, occasional free concerts, mirror lake, the Play House in the Park (theater), plus Mt. Adam's clubs, bars & restaurants.