Shelby Park

History and Background

Originally opened as a private amusement park in the 1890s, Shelby Park was officially dedicated as a public park on July 4, 1912. Over the years, it has evolved into a significant recreational area for the East Nashville community and beyond.

The park's history is reflected in some of its features, such as the cast-concrete water fountain shelter near the Lillian Avenue entrance, designed by Major Eugene Lewis, who headed the Nashville Parks and Recreation Department when the park was established. While many of the park's original architectural "follies" are no longer present, remnants of historical structures like the Cave Spring area can still be found.

Park Layout and Features

Spanning nearly 361 acres, Shelby Park offers a diverse landscape of bluffs, rolling hills, and floodplains, providing visitors with a variety of natural environments to explore. The park is located approximately three miles east of downtown Nashville, Tennessee, along the Cumberland River.

The park's centerpiece is Lake Sevier, surrounded by meandering drives and footpaths that largely follow the original 1919 design. Shelby Park features a mix of natural areas and developed recreational facilities.

Natural Areas

The park includes extensive wooded areas and open fields, allowing visitors to enjoy nature within the city limits. It also provides access to the Cumberland River, offering opportunities for fishing and scenic views of the waterway.

Connections and Extensions

Shelby Park is connected to the larger Shelby Bottoms Greenway and Natural Area, which extends the park's reach and provides additional recreational opportunities. This connection allows for extended hiking and biking experiences, linking the park to a broader network of Nashville's green spaces.