My Favorite Park in Kentucky Is a Little-Known Paradise for Archery

I am a huge fan of E.P. "Tom" Sawyer State Park in Louisville, Kentucky, a 554-acre haven for nature and recreation lovers. The park offers so many opportunities for fitness, relaxation, and fun. It has a beautiful swimming pool and splash park, open to the public every day during the summer. There are also several hiking trails, a dog park, a community garden, picnic shelters, a playground, orienteering, soccer fields, a BMX track, badminton, basketball, pickleball, and tennis courts, and much more. Can you see why I love E.P. "Tom Sawyer" State Park? There's something for everyone! One little-known aspect of the park is that it's a paradise for archery.

The E.P. "Tom" Sawyer State Park Archery Range is an ample green space in the middle of the park, near some of its soccer fields and picnic areas. It is easily accessed from Tom Sawyer Drive, and several parking spots are directly in front of the archery range, which is open and free to the public.

The archery range has about eight targets, ranging from 10 to 60 yards away from the shooting line, marked by a gravel path. Each target is encased in a wooden structure, marked with the target's distance. There is plenty of room for several people to spread out along the gravel path. Nearby is a picnic table and trash cans, making it a comfortable place to hang out for a while. 

Near the gravel shooting line is a post of archery range rules. Archers should use only field tip arrows and must shoot within their lane. Broadhead arrows and crossbows damage the targets and aren't allowed. Additionally, all archers must finish shooting before anyone can retrieve their arrows. 

The park offers several types of lessons taught by instructors certified by the National Archery in the Schools Program (NASP), which those interested can arrange by contacting the E.P. "Tom" Sawyer Park Recreation Department. Group lessons are available for scout troops, organizations, and businesses. Individuals can also sign up for lessons in the spring and fall seasons.

Even if archery isn't your jam, consider checking out the other excellent facilities at E.P. "Tom" Sawyer State Park. The park opened in 1974, recently celebrating its 50th milestone anniversary. It was named in recognition of Erbon Powers "Tom" Sawyer, a Jefferson County Judge killed in a car collision in the late 1960s. His daughter is the renowned journalist Diane Sawyer. 

E.P. Tom Sawyer State Park is one of the best state parks in Kentucky, but don't let it be the only one you visit. Other incredible parks include Cumberland Falls State Park, My Old Kentucky Home State Park, and Dale Hollow Lake State Park. Whether you want to explore a cave, spend a day on the water, or learn about Kentucky state history, you can find what you're looking for at a Kentucky state park.

If you're interested in an adventure suitable for all ages this summer, consider taking Only In Your State's family-friendly road trip through Kentucky. The two-day road trip includes stops at the Louisville Slugger Museum, Bernheim Arboretum and Research Forest, My Old Kentucky Dinner Train, E.P. "Tom" Sawyer State Park, and Big Bone Lick State Historic Site. Before you hit the road, check out our road trip essentials packing list.