If you're not from the city, you may not realize that Louisville is filled with such beautiful scenery. We're lucky to be able to drive 15 minutes to visit an amazing park rather than over an hour, as we have so many natural gems tucked away in every corner of the city. Read this list below whether you're from Louisville or just looking-- you may learn about a few hidden gems in Louisville, KY you couldn't imagine existing right here in the city.

1. Broad Run Park

Enjoy these beautiful yellow meadows hidden in Broad Run Park. Located in Southeast Louisville, this 600-acre park is filled with breathtaking flowers, trees, creeks, and hiking trails to access them.

Head to Broad Run Park in Louisville, KY for a peaceful nature getaway in this video from @WiRoadtrippers:

2. McNeely Lake Park

McNeely Lake is a great place to spend time with family and grill, fish, or just view the beautiful surrounding scenery. Watch a beautiful waterfall flow at McNeely Park and take a walk on the tranquil trails here.

3. Bernheim Forest

Take a walk through this 15,625-acre arboretum, forest, and nature preserve located in Clermont, Kentucky just outside of Louisville. The wildlife in the Bernheim Forest will remind you why Kentucky is such an amazing state to live in.

4. Iroquois Park

Enjoy this vista and skyline of Louisville in Iroquois Park at the overlook here. Hiking up to the overlook is a beautiful experience in itself as you are surrounded by tall, vibrant trees and other plants.

5. Fisherman's Park

Fisherman's Park is a beautiful, quiet place to relax and fish. These waters are home to rainbow trout, catfish, largemouth bass, and sunfish. It is one of many city, county, and state parks in Kentucky that offer a peaceful place to relax.

6. Falls of the Ohio State Park

The Falls of the Ohio have amazing fossil rock beds to view, which makes this place one of the coolest natural wonders around Louisville. The 386-million-year-old fossil beds are among the largest exposed Devonian fossil beds in the world.

Learn more about the Falls of the Ohio State Park in this video from Adventures with Roger:

7. Carrie Gaulbert Cox Park

The Carrie Gaulbert Cox Park provides some of the most beautiful views of the Ohio River. It's a great place to take a relaxing walk and watch the soothing water.

8. Louisville Mega Caverns

The Mega Cavern may not seem natural, but it's an interesting place to view Kentucky's limestone formations while having a fun time. Bring your friends and family to experience an exciting day with a trolley tour inside this awesome natural gem.

9. Cherokee Park

Hidden in Louisville, Cherokee Park is one of the closest parks to the city's center you can find to immerse yourself in nature. With many trails, open fields, picnic areas, and play and spray grounds, this park has it all.

10. Henry's Ark Zoo

Note: Unfortunately Henry's Ark has permanently closed, but the Louisville Zoo is always a fun place to meet and greet wild animals.

Meet incredible animals in this small zoo surrounded by Kentucky nature! Henry's Ark is a free zoo, and the perfect outdoor place to enjoy with your family. Donations are encouraged and vegetables should be packed to feed the animals.

11. Falling Rock Quarry

Falling Rock Quarry is a beautiful natural spot to relax and float around in during the summer. It's the cleanest natural body of water in Louisville to swim in, but requires you to bring a flotation device and a pay $35 entrance fee.

12. Big Rock Park

Big Rock Park's creek is a natural spot many people like to wade, swim, and dive in during the summer. It's a wonderful little park to have a picnic with the family.

Learn more about Big Rock Park in Cherokee Park near Louisville, KY and why we need help keep our parks clean in this video from Olmsted Parks Conservancy:

Have you visited all of these hidden gems in Louisville, KY, or were some a surprise to learn about? Let us know in the comments or on Facebook! If you liked this article about Louisville's nature, you'll love these incredible waterfalls found right here in the city.