Expansive riverfront park featuring interactive fountains, a large inclusive playground, spray park, memorials, and scenic swings overlooking the water.

How to Get There

From Evansville, IN (40.5 mi): Take US-41 S across the Ohio River, then merge onto Audubon Parkway E toward Owensboro. Exit onto Frederica Street, continue north, and follow signs to Veterans Blvd and the riverfront.

Overview

The Smothers Park in Owensboro, Kentucky, is a crown jewel of the city’s revitalized riverfront, offering a vibrant blend of recreation, relaxation, and remembrance. Anchored by the award-winning Lazy Dayz Playground—named the top playground in the world in 2015—the park features a trio of choreographed fountains, a cascading waterfall, and a fully accessible spray park. Visitors can enjoy riverfront swings, picnic areas, and a scenic overlook, all set against the backdrop of the Ohio River. The park also honors military service with the Colonel Charles E. Shelton Freedom Memorial and the Gold Star Families Memorial Monument.

Originally established in 1816 and renamed in 1963 after pioneer Bill Smeathers, Smothers Park underwent a major transformation as part of a multi-million dollar riverfront redevelopment project. Since its grand reopening in 2012, it has become a beloved destination for families, tourists, and locals alike. Seasonal events, free wellness classes, and giant lawn games add to the park’s appeal, making it a dynamic space for both play and reflection. Whether you're watching the fountains dance or relaxing in a riverside swing, Smothers Park offers a uniquely engaging experience for all ages.

This article uses material from the Wikipedia articles and official tourism pages for the Smothers Park, which are released under the Creative Commons Attribution-Share-Alike License 3.0