The park was donated to the city of Cincinnati in 1965 by Herbert Greer French, a prominent executive and photographer.
Herbert Greer French served as the vice president of The Procter & Gamble Company for many years.
The mansion on the property is a notable example of early 20th-century residential architecture in the Cincinnati area.
The park is home to a portion of the Cincinnati Observatory's legacy, as the land was once considered for scientific purposes due to its elevation.
It contains a mix of formal gardens near the mansion and unmanaged natural wilderness throughout the rest of the acreage.
French Park is a 275-acre municipal park located in Amberley Village, Cincinnati, characterized by its mix of rugged woodland and manicured grounds. The centerpiece is a Colonial Revival-style mansion built in 1910, originally the residence of Herbert Greer French. The park features an extensive network of nature trails that traverse diverse topography, including ravines and forested slopes. Its grounds are managed by Cincinnati Parks and serve as both a public recreational area and a venue for private events. The landscape design incorporates open meadows alongside mature hardwood forests, supporting a variety of local flora and fauna. The mansion is frequently utilized for indoor gatherings and weddings, set against the backdrop of the surrounding parkland.
The brick facade and stone terrace of the historic mansion overlooking the back lawn.
Wear sturdy, closed-toe footwear if you plan to hike the ravine trails, as they can be steep and muddy.
Check the official Cincinnati Parks event calendar before visiting, as the mansion and immediate grounds may be reserved for private functions.
Bring insect repellent during the summer months, as the dense forest canopy creates a humid, tick-prone environment.
Attempting to access the mansion interior during private events; visitors should stick to the exterior public grounds.
Stay on marked trails to protect native undergrowth; pack out all trash as there are limited bins on trails.
