Top 5 Skateparks in Kentucky: Louisville, Lexington

Kentucky is a state in the Southeast United States whose northern border runs along the Ohio River. Nicknamed the “Bluegrass State after a species of grass found in many of its pastures, Kentucky only has about 4.5 million residents, ranking it the 26th most populous state in the nation. 

Despite ranking in the lower half of the 50 states in terms of population, a few of Kentucky’s cultural icons have allowed the state to keep an active presence in the collective American consciousness. The Kentucky Derby, KFC, bourbon, and Louisville slugger baseball bats are just a few iconic mainstays hailing from the Bluegrass state.

But what about Kentucky’s skateboarding scene?

Most of Kentucky’s skating hubs are centered around the state’s two largest cities, Louisville and Lexington, with several cultural outcroppings in Radcliff and Elizabethtown. While you might not pin Kentucky as a hotspot for avid skateboarders, the Louisville and Lexington metropolitan areas are home to some pretty sweet parks, including a nationally recognized skatepark and number of impassioned DIY projects. 

Whether you’re a homegrown Kentuckian looking for more spots to check out or you’ve got a trip coming up and need to fill out your itinerary with some action, we’ve got you covered. Keep on reading for our favorite Louisville and Lexington area skateparks, in no particular order. 

But first…skate gear!

Upon reading a list of skateparks you need to check out, it can be tempting to want to grab your skateboard and go, especially if you’re local. However, before every skate session (including the ones on vacation), it’s important to practice proper skateboarding safety. That includes wearing the right gear, such as a helmet that fits you properly. Pads and guards can also be helpful depending on your skill level or the type of skating you’re planning to do. 

Set the right example for other skaters and never skate without a helmet and protective gear, even if the park doesn’t enforce rules regarding protective gear!

David Armstrong Extreme Park

Location: 531 Franklin St, Louisville, Kentucky 40202

Cost: Free

Hours: Open 24 hours

Best for: All ages, bowl, vert

Formerly called the Louisville Extreme Park, the David Armstrong Extreme Park is a must-visit destination for locals and tourists alike. Open since 2002, the park gained national fame after the release of Tony Hawk’s Gigantic Skatepark Tour. Located in the Butchertown neighborhood, this 40,000 square foot concrete skatepark has something for everyone thanks to an awesome mix of street-style, balance, and vert obstacles. The park is open 24 hours a day and allows BMX riders and in-line skaters of all levels as well. David Armstrong Extreme Park boasts features such as a 24-foot full pipe, wooden vert ramp, a flat bank, multiple fun boxes, and endless lines. 

Riot Skatepark & Tiny Skate Shop (Indoor Skatepark)

Location: 2001 Production Dr, Louisville, Kentucky 40299

Cost : $10 per session

Hours: Subject to change, check their Instagram for most up to date hours

Best for: Vert, transition

Established in 2000, Riot Skatepark & Tiny Skate Shop is skater owned and operated indoor skatepark and shop. Located in the Louisville suburb of Jeffersontown, Riot offers a variety of additional services, including instructional classes and party rentals. A great spot for wall rides, this indoor skatepark offers a variety of wooden features including pyramids, fun boxes, a 6-foot mini ramp, a euro gap, and plenty of quarter pipes in assorted heights. All levels are welcome! Waivers are required. 

Berry Hill Park

Location: 3489 Buckhorn Dr, Lexington, Kentucky 40515

Cost: Free

Hours: Dawn to dusk

Best for: Bowls, street style, all skill levels

Approximately 80 miles east of the Greater Louisville area lies the Greater Lexington area, home to Berry Hill Skatepark. Located within the larger Berry Hill Park, this 18,000 square-foot outdoor facility aims to be a concrete paradise for skateboarders, bikers, and in-line skaters of all skill levels with obstacles ranging from beginner areas to advanced bowls. Paying homage to the area’s equestrian history, some unique architectural and design features include concrete stamped with horseshoes and metal rails featuring galloping thoroughbreds. Berry Hill Skatepark boasts features such as a flow bowl, snake run, and street style obstacles such as stairs and rails. 

Kirklevington Park Skatepark

Location: 396 Redding Rd, Lexington, Kentucky 40517

Cost: Free

Hours: Dawn to dusk

Best for: Street style

For those who prefer street style elements over other types of obstacles, the Kirklevington Park Skatepark is a must. Designed to complement other Lexington skateparks that emphasize ramps and bowls, this first of its kind facility welcomes both beginners and more advanced skaters. Though a bit smaller than other Lexington skating facilities, Kirklevington still manages to pack a punch with awesome features such as skateable benches, a jersey barrier, grinding rail, concrete boxes, and more. 

Woodland Skatepark

Location: 600 E High St, Lexington, Kentucky 40502

Cost: Free

Hours: Dawn to dusk

Best for: All skill levels

Rounding out our list is Lexington’s Woodland Skatepark, a 12,000 square-foot outdoor facility geared towards skaters of all skill levels. A skate-only location (meaning no bikes or scooters are allowed), it brings twenty-first century action into Lexington’s rich pastoral culture. Designed by the Triangle Foundation, the skatepark features a variety of obstacles including ramps, platforms, bowls, pipes, pyramids, and more. 

Whether you’re already local or plan to scope out the Louisville or Lexington areas in the near future, we hope this guide has helped you uncover some new skate spots to check out (or perhaps encouraged you to return to some of your old favorites)! Did we miss any must-visit destinations? Tag us in them on Instagram! And make sure you’re ready to hit these spots with a rad new deck, fresh trucks, or upgraded wheels.