Otto Armleder Memorial Park

A Natural Oasis in Cincinnati

Next to the Little Miami River, Otto Armleder Memorial Park spans a generous 305 acres of diverse landscapes right in Cincinnati. This collaborative project between the Cincinnati Park Board, Recreation Commission, and Great Parks of Hamilton County offers prairies, wetlands, forests, and waterways where urban life fades into the background.

Just a heads-up: since the park sits in the Little Miami River's floodplain, Mother Nature occasionally reclaims the space when the Ohio River rises. When this happens, the park temporarily closes until the waters recede.

Hit the Trails

The heart of Armleder is its 1.9-mile paved loop trail that winds through the property - great for a morning jog, afternoon bike ride, or casual evening stroll. If you're looking to extend your adventure, hop onto the 1.1-mile connector trail that links up with the 5-mile Lunken Airfield loop.

As you make your way through the trails, you'll be surrounded by fields bursting with native grasses and wildflowers. It's absolutely beautiful, but you might want to bring a hat - the paths offer little shade on sunny days.

Puppy Paradise

Dog owners will appreciate what's available here. The dog park features four distinct areas: two rotating sections for larger dogs (allowing for maintenance while always keeping one open), a dedicated space for smaller breeds, and a separate area across the street for pups who prefer a less social experience.

Your four-legged friends can use canine showers, drinking fountains designed for pets, and water spigots with bowls throughout. The spacious grounds give dogs plenty of room to run, play, and make new friends, making it a popular spot for dog owners in Cincinnati.

Recreation for Everyone

Sports enthusiasts will appreciate the well-maintained soccer fields that host everything from casual weekend games to organized tournaments. The flat, green fields are particularly popular for Ultimate Frisbee competitions.

For families, there's a welcoming playground where kids can burn off energy. When it's time to refuel, head to one of the picnic areas with tables or reserve one of the shelter houses located in two different spots throughout the park.

Water Adventures

The Little Miami River isn't just for looking at - it's for enjoying! The park features a convenient canoe/kayak launch, making Armleder an ideal starting or ending point for river adventures. On warm days, you might spot locals anchoring floats in the calmer sections of the river for a relaxing afternoon on the water.

There's also a small pond within the park that adds to the serene water features and provides another spot for wildlife watching.

Wild Encounters

The rich floodplain soil creates an excellent environment for both plants and animals to thrive. Birders, bring your binoculars - Armleder is known for exceptional birding opportunities with regular sightings of herons, cranes, kingfishers, hawks, falcons, and diverse waterfowl species.

Keep your eyes peeled for deer, turtles, salamanders, and if you're lucky, you might even spot a beaver. Conservation efforts have included installing bluebird boxes and osprey nesting platforms to support local wildlife.

The native plant displays are impressive too, with milkweed and Joe Pye weed creating a haven for butterflies and other pollinators throughout the growing season.

A Unique Perspective

One unexpected feature that adds character to Armleder is its proximity to Lunken Airport. As you walk the trails or relax in the fields, you'll occasionally see small aircraft taking off and landing nearby - a fascinating sight that especially captivates younger visitors.

What's remarkable about Armleder is how it manages to feel remote and peaceful despite being within Cincinnati's city limits. It's a genuine escape without the long drive.

Before You Visit

You'll come across plenty of parking across the grounds, but spaces can fill up quickly during weekends and special events. Restroom facilities include permanent structures and portable toilets stationed around the park.

A little insider tip: the permanent restrooms sometimes run low on supplies, so tossing some hand sanitizer and tissues in your bag isn't a bad idea. If you prefer quieter visits, try to avoid Sunday afternoons when the park tends to be at its busiest - especially when the weather's nice.