Owensboro is one of the best places in the state to experience fall in all its natural beauty. With more than 25 parks spread across the city and county, you’ve got tons of options for leaf-peeping. Or you can take a drive through some of these areas and explore the varieties of trees bursting with shades of yellow, orange, red and even purple leaves.
Experts say the best time to view fall foliage in western Kentucky starts in mid-to-late October and lasts through the beginning of November, so there’s plenty of time to plan a trip to see why Owensboro is one of the most beautiful places in the country.
World’s Largest Sassafras Tree
First off, you’ve got to start your fall foliage journey by checking out the largest known sassafras tree in the world! Located at 2100 Frederica Street, this tree measures over 100 feet tall and 21 feet in circumference. The average sassafras is only 30 to 50 feet tall, if that gives you an idea as to how big this tree is. Even better, sassafras trees boast some amazing colors during fall, with leaves turning bright yellow, orange, red and even pink.
Smothers Park
You not only get gorgeous waterfront views of the Ohio River, but there are trees sprinkled throughout the downtown park that create the perfect fall setting. This would be a great place to take pictures once the leaves start changing!
Ben Hawes Park
This 300-acre park contains a golf course, shelters, a playground and the famous Rudy Mine biking and hiking trails. Ben Hawes is also recognized for its abundant fall foliage. You can play a game of golf while being surrounded by thousands of color-changing trees, or you can hike the trails and explore the beauty of autumn beneath the canopy.
Western Kentucky Botanical Garden
You can take a beautiful stroll through one of the prettiest places in Owensboro any time of the year, but there’s just something special about taking in the plants, trees, flowers and gorgeous walkways during fall. The trees are changing color just as the fall flowers are in bloom!
St. Joseph Area/Highway 56
On the west end of Daviess County is one of the prettiest drives you’ll ever take. Once you’re on Highway 56 you’ll be mesmerized by the rolling hills and bounty of yellow, orange and red trees lining the roads. You can even stop at Preservation Station while you’re out there for a shopping trip!
Yellow Creek Park
Featuring a scenic park with walking trails, a lake, sports areas and a historical pioneer village with log cabins, Yellow Creek is just a super cool place to hang out in general. But for those who love the colors of fall, it’s got a huge variety of trees with some of the most vibrant color changes you’ll find anywhere in the country.
Legion Park
Located right in the heart of the city, Legion Park has 24 acres of some of the tallest and most beautiful trees in Owensboro. With a walking path that encircles the property and a brand new dog park to boot, visitors and locals alike can spot some of the city’s best-looking fall foliage at this beautiful location.
Griffith Avenue
Owensboro’s Griffith Avenue is a long street that runs through the middle of the city, and it’s filled with a variety of trees that turn shades of yellow, orange, red, pink and purple during fall. You can park on a side road or the main road and spend all day strolling through the area.
Rosehill-Elmwood Cemetery & Mausoleum
Elmwood is one of Owensboro’s many hidden gems, and the trees there are gorgeous year-round. Even better, the cemetery holds a ton of historical significance, so you can’t go wrong visiting Elmwood at any time of the year.