Eden Park, Cincinnati

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Eden Park, containing over 186 acres, is one of the loveliest, most peaceful parks in Cincinnati and is located just around the corner from Mt. Adams and is the setting for:
Cincinnati Art Museum (CAM)
Cincinnati Art Academy
Playhouse in the Park
Murray Seasongood Pavilion
Irwin M. Krohn Conservatory.

During the spring & summer, Mirror Lake is a great place to bring the kids to play, stroll around the fountain, walk the dog, read, enjoy the sun, sail boats, climbs rocks (see 5th photo) and people watch. When Mirror Lake is drained of its water in autumn, sometimes you'll find skaters on their boards practicing their moves.

After a day of playing & hanging around, go up the slope to Playhouse in the Park to watch a local production of one of Shakespeare's plays.

There are also trails to hike, roads to bike or skate on. In another area is a place to rock climb (please see photos).

From certain vantage points of the park you can escape the hustle & bustle of Serpentine Wall to get a glimpse the WEBN Labor Day fireworks!

Early mornings, you'll find this area is a popular place for joggers and during the fall, when the water has been let out of the fountain, you'll find the local skaters practicing in its shallow depths.

Another famous spot for Cincinnati hauntings, a female spectre has been seen hovering near the gazebo (see picture) startling early morning joggers.

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 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.

This large city park is host for the Cincinatti art museum and also has great views overlooking the city