This story is part of our LOUtoday neighborhood series. Know a neighborhood we should spotlight? Email us here.
You’ve likely driven through Harrods Creek — knowingly or unknowingly — on your way to Captain’s Quarters for an Ohio Riverside drink or to cross the Lewis and Clark Bridge into Indiana.
However, today, we’re not just passing through. We’re pulling the LOUtoday car over to take a closer look at this Louisville neighborhood located within the Glenview-Prospect neighborhood.
Harrods Creek is a small community roughly bordered by the Ohio River to the west and US 42 to the east. Its zip code is 40027 — which is contained within 40059 + Metro District 16 represented by Councilperson Scott Reed.
Now that we’ve had a quick look around, let’s learn more about Harrods Creek’s history, a few restaurants + a $3 million estate listing with a driveway designed by the Olmsted brothers.
History
- Harrods Creek became a neighborhood of Louisville in 2003 when the city merged with Jefferson County.
- In the 1700s, it was a popular overnight stop for river travelers wishing to avoid the down-river “swamp.”
- Captain’s Quarters contains a thick stone wall and a fireplace from the former Harrods Creek Tavern, an early stopping point for riverboats.
- Prominent and wealthy Louisvillians built estates on the hilltops on Wolf Pen Branch Road in the early 1800s
Eat
The Pine Room, 6325 River Rd.
This neighborhood restaurant is just 200 yards from the Ohio River and has everything from shrimp po’boys to bolognese pasta + craft cocktails and live piano music.
Harrods Creek Tavern, 6313 River Rd.
Formally known as Darkstar, this tavern is under new ownership and has been remodeled. Catch live music on Mondays + pub-style food seven days a week.
Cunningham’s Creekside, 6301 River Rd.
This restaurant is located on Harrods Creek and is famous for its American-style fare. It’s open for lunch + dinner.
Captain’s Quarters Riverside Grille, 5700 Captains Quarters Rd.
Captain’s Quarters is arguably the most popular spot along the river with a full menu ranging from pizzas to seafood favorites, several bars + plenty of seating indoors and outdoors.
For sale
If you’re looking to size up — and we really mean size up — then consider this nearly $3 million estate for sale at 5802 River Road. The restored, 116-year-old property is on the National Register of Historic Places. Here are a few features:
- The 10,000-sqft living space has five bedrooms and seven baths + a billiards lounge, formal dining room, and cathedral ceilings.
- Its mile long, tree-lined driveway was designed by the Olmsted brothers — who happened to complete the design the same time they completed New York’s Central Park.
- Outside the estate has a heated in-ground pool, private walking gardens, and stone terrace overlooking the Ohio River.
- 10+ acres of secluded woodland
Parks
Technically, Harrods Creek Park isn’t located in the Harrods Creek neighborhood, but it is situated on the same creek within Prospect, so we think it still counts.
The 105 acres of park offers four miles of hiking trails ranging from easy to moderate, fishing + canoe and kayak launch access. See images of the park here.
What to do
Nachand Canoe & Kayak, 7001 River Rd.
In the summer, rent a kayak or canoe for a half-day or full-day trip along Harrods Creek.