Reservable Parks & Facilities

Worthington Parks

Playgrounds, swing sets, beaches, grills, shelters, and more—the City of Worthington Parks system has much to offer you and your family. Enjoy a family picnic at one of the many parks with shelters, spend time at a beach on Lake Okabena, attend a City band concert on a summer evening, or let kids explore updated playground equipment.

Many parks are located near the lake. A drive around Lake Okabena showcases ten of the more than twenty city parks available. Parks are also located throughout the community—many neighborhoods are within a short walk or bike ride of a park.

All city parks are operated by the City of Worthington Public Works Department. If you have questions about any city parks, please call (507) 666-5028.

Shelter rentals

Many parks have shelters available for public use. “Roof-only” shelters are available on a first-come, first-served basis. Centennial Park and Chautauqua Park offer enclosed shelters with water and electricity.

To reserve an enclosed shelter

Reservation fee: $40–$85 per day
Centennial and Chautauqua: $75 key deposit + $75 damage deposit (refundable)
Slater, Ludlow, Ehlers, and Sunset: $75 damage deposit (refundable)
Make a reservation: Call (507) 666-5010

Campground

Olson Park is Worthington’s premier campground, with reservations available January 2 through September 15. View the campground profile for details, photos, a map of campsites, and rates.

To reserve a campsite, call (507) 329-0760.

Olson Park and Campground

Olson Park Campground offers a quiet, friendly camping atmosphere.

Sunset Park

The actual Sunset Park area, approximately 1.0 acre, is located on the Lake shore. This area was donated by industrialist E.O. Olson and his wife Bella G. Olson in 1945 and designated as Sunset Park in the deed. The area across the road from the lake (approx. 5.7 acres) is part of the Olson Park property, but has been only referred to as part of Sunset Park.

Ludlow (Shelter and Pavillion)

The park is named in honor of Horace J. Ludlow, who purchased the Hoffman homestead in 1875 and developed the Okabena apple.

Ehlers Park

Park property was obtained in 1916, from G.W. Patterson and his wife Mary E. Patterson, along with the Ludlow Park property, and other adjacent lake shore frontage property, for a total of $1,050.00. The Ehlers Park was originally named Sunrise park, and then renamed for long time Park Superintendent, A.J. Ehers.