Kemper Park occupies 89 acres of land along the Thomas Jefferson Parkway. The park is designed for passive recreational use, such as walking, jogging, biking, and bird watching. Its main features are:
- the Saunders-Monticello Trail and other, rustic hiking trails in the woods and to Secluded Farm
- a two-acre pond planted with native wetland species
- the Carter Overlook with views of Charlottesville and the Blue Ridge Mountains
- an Arboretum of native trees and shrubs that include special 'outdoor rooms'
- the Palmer Woodland Theater
A 12-car parking area serves the park and is highlighted by a decorative stone seat-wall and a formal planting of Ironwood trees. Dogs are welcome in Kemper Park, but only on a leash. They are not allowed past the pond on the Saunders-Monticello Trail. The park is open every day, from sunrise until sunset.
A plaque at the entrance to the park reads:
Kemper ParkDedicated November, 1996, by The Thomas Jefferson Memorial Foundation in grateful recognition of Mr. And Mrs. R. Crosby Kemper and The Crosby Kemper Foundations of Kansas City, Missouri, whose generous support and grand vision made possible the dream of a Thomas Jefferson Parkway for the benefit and enjoyment of all visitors to Monticello