Molly Stark Park

Molly Stark Park

Located in Louisville, Molly Stark Park sits on the grounds of the former Molly Stark Sanatorium. Primarily designed to treat tuberculosis patients, the sanitorium opened its doors in 1929. At the time, tuberculosis was one of the leading causes of death in the United States, and patients were often kept isolated due to the highly contagious nature of the disease. Tuberculosis patients were treated at Molly Stark until the 1970’s and the facility remained in use in various capacities, including as a mental health facility and alcohol and drug rehabilitation center, until 1995. Because of the site’s tragic past, it remains a popular site for ghost hunters and legends of the facility being haunted by former patients persist to this day.

Located in Louisville, Molly Stark Park sits on the grounds of the former Molly Stark Sanatorium. Primarily designed to treat tuberculosis patients, the sanitorium opened its doors in 1929. At the time, tuberculosis was one of the leading causes of death in the United States, and patients were often kept isolated due to the highly contagious nature of the disease. Tuberculosis patients were treated at Molly Stark until the 1970’s and the facility remained in use in various capacities, including as a mental health facility and alcohol and drug rehabilitation center, until 1995. Because of the site’s tragic past, it remains a popular site for ghost hunters and legends of the facility being haunted by former patients persist to this day.

While the sanitorium structure is closed to the public for safety reasons, the grounds have been renovated into a park offering a variety of trails and gardens. Popular activities include wildflower and wildlife viewing as well as taking advantage of the many picnic areas. Another highlight is the Celebration Garden, which features with three dedicated native plant and flower gardens. Tours of the park are available outside of the winter months. Registration and dates are available at https://starkparks.com/tours/.