History & Culture
Find History & Culture in Cincinnati & Northern Kentucky
The Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky region is steeped in a rich history and legacy. Experience our German heritage, marvel at the Art Deco architecture throughout the area, and delve below city streets to relive the history of our unique river region. Take a guided tour or explore on your own and learn about Cincinnati’s brewing heritage, the region’s strong role in baseball history, or taste samples from popular restaurants in revitalized neighborhoods.
Featured
American Sign Museum
Uptown
American Sign Museum
Uptown
Take a walk down Memory Lane. The American Sign Museum takes you through a half century of sign history, beginning with the fancy goldleaf glass signs of the early 1900s,... Read more
Take a walk down Memory Lane. The American Sign Museum takes you through a half century of sign history, beginning with the fancy goldleaf glass signs of the early 1900s, through the pre-neon era of lightbulb signs, to neon's heydey in the 1930s-1940s, and on into the plastic era of the funky '50s. Guided tours are offered and... Read More
Queen City Underground & Ultimate Underground Tours
Downtown
Queen City Underground & Ultimate Underground Tours
Downtown
Learn about Cincinnati’s hidden history on one of the Top Five Underground Tours in the U.S. (National Geographic, 2012). Enjoy a stroll through Over-the-Rhine, home to... Read more
Learn about Cincinnati’s hidden history on one of the Top Five Underground Tours in the U.S. (National Geographic, 2012). Enjoy a stroll through Over-the-Rhine, home to America’s largest set of historical landmarks. Visit buildings in the Gateway District that were home to over 130 saloons, bars and beer gardens, and theaters... Read More
National Underground Railroad Freedom Center
Downtown
National Underground Railroad Freedom Center
Downtown
The National Underground Railroad Freedom Center stands as a monument to freedom bringing to life the importance - and relevance - of struggles for freedom around the... Read more
The National Underground Railroad Freedom Center stands as a monument to freedom bringing to life the importance - and relevance - of struggles for freedom around the world, throughout history and today. The structure, specificially situated for the location's historical significance, is made up of three buildings that... Read More
Queen City is Haunted Tour
Downtown
Queen City is Haunted Tour
Downtown
Discover stories of grisly murders, ghastly deaths and other disturbing tales buried deep within Cincinnati’s storied past. Linger in the halls of an archaic building... Read more
Discover stories of grisly murders, ghastly deaths and other disturbing tales buried deep within Cincinnati’s storied past. Linger in the halls of an archaic building teeming with paranormal activity and walk around the grounds where human remains have recently been unearthed. Our guides will enthrall you with the heinous... Read More
American Legacy Tours
Downtown
American Legacy Tours
Downtown
Explore the unique history and landmarks of Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky with a variety of guided walking tours. Tours include: Queen City Underground &... Read more
Explore the unique history and landmarks of Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky with a variety of guided walking tours. Tours include: Queen City Underground & Ultimate Underground Tours Newport Gangster Tour Bourbon and Spirits Distillery Tour Under the Market & Ultimate Under the Market Tours Barons Brew Bus 1919:... Read More
Spirit of Christmas
Downtown
Spirit of Christmas
Downtown
Wind through the Gateway Quarter, where you will visit churches of local and national significance. Share in history and traditions of the area. Visit St. Francis Seraph... Read more
Wind through the Gateway Quarter, where you will visit churches of local and national significance. Share in history and traditions of the area. Visit St. Francis Seraph Church, where patrons can view numerous nativity scenes from around the world, and a highly detailed Charles Dickens Village. St. Francis also hosts a full... Read More
Kenton County Public Library - Covington
South > Riverfront
Kenton County Public Library - Covington
South > Riverfront
The Covington branch is on the corner of 5th and Scott in downtown Covington. Free parking is provided. Library computers include Microsoft Office, Internet access and... Read more
The Covington branch is on the corner of 5th and Scott in downtown Covington. Free parking is provided. Library computers include Microsoft Office, Internet access and black & white or color printing. You will need a Library card to access the computers. Copy machines are available for color or black & white copying.... Read More
Fort Ancient State Memorial
North
Fort Ancient State Memorial
North
The site includes 18,000 feet of earthen walls built 2,000 years ago by American Indians and a museum. Fort Ancient offers exploration and learning both indoors and out.... Read more
The site includes 18,000 feet of earthen walls built 2,000 years ago by American Indians and a museum. Fort Ancient offers exploration and learning both indoors and out. At the Fort Ancient Museum, visitors can look back at the three major technological themes of American Indian culture.
Cardboard Boat Museum
East
Cardboard Boat Museum
East
The Cardboard Boat Museum exists because of the annual Cardboard Boat Race on the Ohio River in New Richmond. The race draws thousands of spectators and well over 50 boats... Read more
The Cardboard Boat Museum exists because of the annual Cardboard Boat Race on the Ohio River in New Richmond. The race draws thousands of spectators and well over 50 boats each year. The Museum is located inside of an old gas station and features a wide variety of boats.
Riverside Drive Statue Tour
South > Riverfront
Riverside Drive Statue Tour
South > Riverfront
Located in Covington’s Historic Licking Riverside Neighborhood, the tour is comprised of seven life-like bronze statues of historical figures. Chief Little Turtle led a... Read more
Located in Covington’s Historic Licking Riverside Neighborhood, the tour is comprised of seven life-like bronze statues of historical figures. Chief Little Turtle led a confederation of Miami, Delaware, and Shawnee. Simon Kenton was an early explorer. John James Audubon spent time here drawing and painting. Brought to America... Read More
Cincinnati Urban Adventures: The Nati in a Nutshell Tour
Downtown
Cincinnati Urban Adventures: The Nati in a Nutshell Tour
Downtown
We’re cramming all of Cincinnati into one big adventure! Explore the city’s natural riverfront beauty and amazing architecture while learning about its rich and diverse... Read more
We’re cramming all of Cincinnati into one big adventure! Explore the city’s natural riverfront beauty and amazing architecture while learning about its rich and diverse history. Throw in a streetcar ride, a visit to the local farmers’ market, views from way up high, and a few of Cincinnati’s favorite foods, and you’ll be ready... Read More
Vent Haven Museum
South > Southwest
Vent Haven Museum
South > Southwest
Vent Haven Museum is the world's only museum of ventriloquial figures and memorabilia. The museum is in Fort Mitchell, Kentucky, just 5 miles south of Cincinnati, Ohio.
Vent Haven Museum is the world's only museum of ventriloquial figures and memorabilia. The museum is in Fort Mitchell, Kentucky, just 5 miles south of Cincinnati, Ohio.
Harmon Museum
North
Harmon Museum
North
Housed in a 28,000-square-foot brick building, the Harmon Museum contains artifacts from prehistoric eras to the 1830s and mid-20th century periods. It holds more than 30... Read more
Housed in a 28,000-square-foot brick building, the Harmon Museum contains artifacts from prehistoric eras to the 1830s and mid-20th century periods. It holds more than 30 exhibits on three floor levels displaying thousands of items that will interest both young and old alike.
Covington Central Business District Tour
South > Riverfront
Covington Central Business District Tour
South > Riverfront
From art galleries to hand-crafted signage to murals to statues new and old, take a closer look at all the public art on display throughout Covington’s vibrant Central... Read more
From art galleries to hand-crafted signage to murals to statues new and old, take a closer look at all the public art on display throughout Covington’s vibrant Central Business District. Visit website to plan your self-guided walking tour.
U.S. Grant Schoolhouse
East
U.S. Grant Schoolhouse
East
Tour the schoolhouse of our 18th president, Ulysses S. Grant.
Tour the schoolhouse of our 18th president, Ulysses S. Grant.
U.S. Grant Birthplace Historic Site
East
U.S. Grant Birthplace Historic Site
East
Tour the birthplace of our 18th President, Ulysses S. Grant.
Tour the birthplace of our 18th President, Ulysses S. Grant.
Alverta Green Museum
North
Alverta Green Museum
North
The Mason Historical Society's Alverta Green Museum is in a quaint Victorian home displaying antiques, photographs, documents and artifacts which detail the history and... Read more
The Mason Historical Society's Alverta Green Museum is in a quaint Victorian home displaying antiques, photographs, documents and artifacts which detail the history and heritage of the city of Mason, Ohio. Free educational tours for families, adults, and children are led by volunteers and may be reserved for students, scouts,... Read More
Cycling Backroads: Spring Grove Cemetery and Arboretum Tour
Uptown
Cycling Backroads: Spring Grove Cemetery and Arboretum Tour
Uptown
The leisurely ride features multiple lakes, state champion trees, hundreds of plant species and panoramic views within the park-like setting of this National Historic... Read more
The leisurely ride features multiple lakes, state champion trees, hundreds of plant species and panoramic views within the park-like setting of this National Historic Landmark. From the mid-1840s this site, with its uniquely crafted mausoleums and art inspired monuments, has been the resting place for military personnel,... Read More
Cycling Backroads: Over-the-Rhine Tour
Downtown
Cycling Backroads: Over-the-Rhine Tour
Downtown
This guided cycling adventure highlights historic buildings, restored homes, artist inspired murals, eclectic shops, cafes, restaurants, and theaters while broadening your... Read more
This guided cycling adventure highlights historic buildings, restored homes, artist inspired murals, eclectic shops, cafes, restaurants, and theaters while broadening your knowledge and appreciation of the heritage and culture that make this urban neighborhood a popular destination to visit and reside. Bike rental is available... Read More
Kenton County Public Library – Erlanger
South > Southwest
Kenton County Public Library – Erlanger
South > Southwest
The Erlanger location opened in October 2002. It has 34,300 square feet, features 15 station computer lab, meeting room to accommodate 200, children’s area, reading... Read more
The Erlanger location opened in October 2002. It has 34,300 square feet, features 15 station computer lab, meeting room to accommodate 200, children’s area, reading garden, outdoor council ring, and drive-through window. It is the busiest library in Kentucky. Library computers include Microsoft Office, Internet access and... Read More
U.S. Grant Boyhood Home
East
U.S. Grant Boyhood Home
East
Built in 1823 by Jesse and Hannah Grant, additions to the home were made in 1825 and 1828, and many more times after it was sold in 1840's. Slated for demolition in the... Read more
Built in 1823 by Jesse and Hannah Grant, additions to the home were made in 1825 and 1828, and many more times after it was sold in 1840's. Slated for demolition in the early 1980's, the property was saved by John and Judy Ruthven. Designated a National Historic Landmark, it was opened for visitors in 1982. Today, after... Read More
Riverside Food Tours: Madison Avenue Tour
South > Riverfront
Riverside Food Tours: Madison Avenue Tour
South > Riverfront
Discover why people Lov the Cov! Treat yourself to a VIP experience every Sunday morning as we taste our way through the heart of this historic city, beginning at... Read more
Discover why people Lov the Cov! Treat yourself to a VIP experience every Sunday morning as we taste our way through the heart of this historic city, beginning at the chic boutique Hotel Covington. On our 3 hour culinary experience, we not only taste delicious food featuring global cuisine and "down home" Kentucky favorites... Read More
Islamic Center of Greater Cincinnati
North
Islamic Center of Greater Cincinnati
North
Since opening November 9, 1995, Islamic Center of Greater Cincinnati has come to be known as an organization built on strong interfaith relations, cross-cultural... Read more
Since opening November 9, 1995, Islamic Center of Greater Cincinnati has come to be known as an organization built on strong interfaith relations, cross-cultural understanding, and service to one and all. Greater Cincinnati Muslims of all ethnicities and backgrounds gather here to pray, socialize and learn. The larger community... Read More
Riverside Food Tours: Mainstrasse Village Tour
South > Riverfront
Riverside Food Tours: Mainstrasse Village Tour
South > Riverfront
If you like dining at locally owned restaurants while strolling through a charming German Village, our Mainstrasse Village Tour is made for you! Take a leisurely... Read more
If you like dining at locally owned restaurants while strolling through a charming German Village, our Mainstrasse Village Tour is made for you! Take a leisurely stroll as we explore a 100 foot tall clock tower, see an authentic Glockenspiel, watch the train chug overhead and feel the mist from the Goose Girl fountain. Relax... Read More
Glendower Historic Mansion
North
Glendower Historic Mansion
North
Located on a hill overlooking downtown Lebanon, Glendower is one of the finest examples of residential Greek Revival architecture found in Ohio. This historic mansion... Read more
Located on a hill overlooking downtown Lebanon, Glendower is one of the finest examples of residential Greek Revival architecture found in Ohio. This historic mansion was erected in 1845 and was given the name “Glendower” by its original owner, John Milton Williams, to honor the Welsh prince and hero Owen Glendower. The house... Read More
Under the Market Tour
Downtown
Under the Market Tour
Downtown
Go underground to explore the newly rediscovered Linck brewery tunnels. Visit the site were Johhny Cash filmed a movie. Plus, you'll visit the site of one of Cincinnati’s... Read more
Go underground to explore the newly rediscovered Linck brewery tunnels. Visit the site were Johhny Cash filmed a movie. Plus, you'll visit the site of one of Cincinnati’s most important inclines and learn about Cincinnati’s connection to famed McGuffey Readers. The tour ends inside one of the last remaining structures from the... Read More
Cincinnati Food Tours: The Original Findlay Market Tour
Downtown
Cincinnati Food Tours: The Original Findlay Market Tour
Downtown
Experience a culinary trip around the world during this 90-minute guided tour of Cincinnati’s historic Findlay Market which stops at five specialty merchants... Read more
Experience a culinary trip around the world during this 90-minute guided tour of Cincinnati’s historic Findlay Market which stops at five specialty merchants where you'll meet the merchants, learn their history and products, and sample sips or small bites. Optional $5 add-on completes your tour with wine tasting at Market Wines... Read More
Covington Historic Walking Tour
South > Riverfront
Covington Historic Walking Tour
South > Riverfront
Join Kenton County Public Library's Local History staff for the FREE Covington in 1915 historical walking tour to learn about Covington, Ky, 100 years ago. Walk is roughly... Read more
Join Kenton County Public Library's Local History staff for the FREE Covington in 1915 historical walking tour to learn about Covington, Ky, 100 years ago. Walk is roughly one mile in length and travels through neighborhoods surrounding Covington Library. Program is weather dependent.
William Henry Harrison Tomb Historic Site
West
William Henry Harrison Tomb Historic Site
West
Visit the tomb of our 9th president, William Henry Harrison.
Visit the tomb of our 9th president, William Henry Harrison.
Cincinnati Reds Hall of Fame and Museum
Downtown
Cincinnati Reds Hall of Fame and Museum
Downtown
The Reds Hall of Fame, which opened in 2004, is an interactive, historical museum dedicated to recognizing and celebrating Cincinnati Reds baseball.
The Reds Hall of Fame, which opened in 2004, is an interactive, historical museum dedicated to recognizing and celebrating Cincinnati Reds baseball.
Caesar's Creek Pioneer Village
North
Caesar's Creek Pioneer Village
North
Gain a new understandingof early life on the Ohio Frontier with a walk through original Quaker buildings from the 1700s and early 1800s. Visitors of all ages are invited... Read more
Gain a new understandingof early life on the Ohio Frontier with a walk through original Quaker buildings from the 1700s and early 1800s. Visitors of all ages are invited to participate in interactive and educational activities like Maple Sugar Camp, Harvest Festival, Civil War Encampment, and more!
The Betts House
Downtown
The Betts House
Downtown
Built in 1804, the Betts House, Ohio's oldest brick house, is located in the Betts-Longworth Historic District near downtown Cincinnati. The Betts House offers... Read more
Built in 1804, the Betts House, Ohio's oldest brick house, is located in the Betts-Longworth Historic District near downtown Cincinnati. The Betts House offers exhibits and public programs on architecture, historic preservation, and building technologies. Tours of the house showcase its history and construction. An ongoing... Read More
Scotts Ballpark Tours at Great American Ball Park
Downtown
Scotts Ballpark Tours at Great American Ball Park
Downtown
Offers visitors a chance to sit in a Major League dugout, walk on the warning track directly behind home plate and visit the expansive Great American Ball Park Press Box.... Read more
Offers visitors a chance to sit in a Major League dugout, walk on the warning track directly behind home plate and visit the expansive Great American Ball Park Press Box. Tour stops also include the ballpark's unique Club spaces including the Diamond Club, FSOhio Champions Club and the Riverfront Club. Throughout the guided... Read More
Cincinnati Urban Adventures: Porkopolis BBQ & Brew
Downtown
Cincinnati Urban Adventures: Porkopolis BBQ & Brew
Downtown
Did you know Cincinnati was once called the Beer Capital of the World and it was also one of the top pork-processings centers in the country? Well, now you do, and we're... Read more
Did you know Cincinnati was once called the Beer Capital of the World and it was also one of the top pork-processings centers in the country? Well, now you do, and we're going to show off these two claims to fame with plenty of brews and a pork-tastic BBQ picnic! Between the food and the libations, you'll listen to stories of... Read More
Cincinnati Skirball Museum
Uptown
Cincinnati Skirball Museum
Uptown
The Skirball Museum in Cincinnati has a long history as one of the oldest repositories of Jewish cultural artifacts in America. The first stage in the museum's development... Read more
The Skirball Museum in Cincinnati has a long history as one of the oldest repositories of Jewish cultural artifacts in America. The first stage in the museum's development lasted for nearly a century, beginning when Hebrew Union College (HUC) opened in Cincinnati, Ohio in 1875 and over time began accepting donations of Judaic... Read More
Cincinnati Museum Center at Union Terminal
Downtown
Cincinnati Museum Center at Union Terminal
Downtown
Cincinnati Museum Center at Union Terminal is home to the Cincinnati History Museum, Duke Energy Children's Museum, Museum of Natural History & Science, and ... Read more
Cincinnati Museum Center at Union Terminal is home to the Cincinnati History Museum, Duke Energy Children's Museum, Museum of Natural History & Science, and Robert D. Lindner Family OMNIMAX Theater. Originally opened in 1933 as the Union Terminal train station, the building is a national historic landmark and was renovated... Read More
Fort Thomas Military and Community Museum
South > Southwest
Fort Thomas Military and Community Museum
South > Southwest
The Ft. Thomas Community Museum's mission is to preserve, interpret and celebrate the cultural significance of our city; and to educate the public on the importance of our... Read more
The Ft. Thomas Community Museum's mission is to preserve, interpret and celebrate the cultural significance of our city; and to educate the public on the importance of our community's heritage. Fort Thomas was an induction center during WWI and WWII and over 80,000 were signed up for military duty on this very site. Dozens of... Read More
Mercantile Library
Downtown
Mercantile Library
Downtown
Everyone is welcome to visit the Mercantile Library, which has an express elevator to the Library on the 11th floor of the Mercantile Building. Most programs are open to... Read more
Everyone is welcome to visit the Mercantile Library, which has an express elevator to the Library on the 11th floor of the Mercantile Building. Most programs are open to the public, but use of the collection is for members. The book collection is general, including popular fiction and non-fiction, in print, ebook, and audio... Read More
Cincinnati History Museum
Downtown
Cincinnati History Museum
Downtown
Learn about Cincinnati’s past and early life in Ohio in the Cincinnati History Museum part of Cincinnati Museum Center at Union Terminal. Explore a recreation of the... Read more
Learn about Cincinnati’s past and early life in Ohio in the Cincinnati History Museum part of Cincinnati Museum Center at Union Terminal. Explore a recreation of the Cincinnati Public Landing of the late 1850s where you can step aboard a replica of the 94-foot side-wheel steamboat, the Queen of the West! Learn about Cincinnati... Read More
Ohio County Historical Museum
West
Ohio County Historical Museum
West
Established in 1968, the Ohio County Historical Society opened the Rising Sun History Museum in 1972. Housed in a 19th century plow factory, most of the contents have been... Read more
Established in 1968, the Ohio County Historical Society opened the Rising Sun History Museum in 1972. Housed in a 19th century plow factory, most of the contents have been donated by Ohio County residents, their families, and friends. Displays focus on the 1800′s and early 20th century life and events. Included in the displays... Read More
William Howard Taft National Historic Site
Uptown
William Howard Taft National Historic Site
Uptown
The William Howard Taft National Historic Site commemorates the only man to serve as President and Chief Justice of the United States. The house that Taft was born in has... Read more
The William Howard Taft National Historic Site commemorates the only man to serve as President and Chief Justice of the United States. The house that Taft was born in has been restored to its original appearance. A visit to the site includes a tour of the restored birthplace and four period rooms that reflect the family life... Read More
Harriet Beecher Stowe House
Uptown
Harriet Beecher Stowe House
Uptown
The Harriet Beecher Stowe House is operated as an historical and cultural site, focusing on Harriet Beecher Stowe, author of Uncle Tom's Cabin. The site also includes a... Read more
The Harriet Beecher Stowe House is operated as an historical and cultural site, focusing on Harriet Beecher Stowe, author of Uncle Tom's Cabin. The site also includes a look into the family, friends, and colleagues of the Beecher-Stowe family, Lane Seminary, and the abolitionist, womens rights and Underground Railroad movements... Read More
Findlay Market
Downtown
Findlay Market
Downtown
Findlay Market is Ohio's oldest continuously operated public market and one of Cincinnati's most cherished institutions. The Market is located just blocks from downtown in... Read more
Findlay Market is Ohio's oldest continuously operated public market and one of Cincinnati's most cherished institutions. The Market is located just blocks from downtown in Over-the-Rhine, a dense historic neighborhood rich in 19th century architecture. Open Tuesday through Sunday, Findlay Market is open year-around with three... Read More
Miller-Leuser Log House
East
Miller-Leuser Log House
East
Tour this 1796 historic log house furnished with 18th and 19th century antiques, the barn, outhouse and corn crib. Oldest log cabin in Hamilton County remaining on its... Read more
Tour this 1796 historic log house furnished with 18th and 19th century antiques, the barn, outhouse and corn crib. Oldest log cabin in Hamilton County remaining on its original site. Members of historical society will answer any questions. Appointments available. Closed November-May.
Gorman Heritage Farm
North
Gorman Heritage Farm
North
Gorman Heritage Farm is a nonprofit 122-acre educational farm teaching kids (and adults!) about the sources of our food, healthy food choices and why farming is... Read more
Gorman Heritage Farm is a nonprofit 122-acre educational farm teaching kids (and adults!) about the sources of our food, healthy food choices and why farming is important. Visit the Farm to explore the many gardens, meet the farm animals, walk over. 5 miles of trails, discover the flavor of local foods in our Farm Shop, play... Read More
Hillforest Mansion
West
Hillforest Mansion
West
Hillforest, overlooking the Ohio River, was the home of industrialist and financier Thomas Gaff and his family between 1855 and 1891. Shipping and riverboats were... Read more
Hillforest, overlooking the Ohio River, was the home of industrialist and financier Thomas Gaff and his family between 1855 and 1891. Shipping and riverboats were significant elements of the Gaff business and are reflected in the architecture of the home. Note the third floor belvedere resembling a pilot house. The style is... Read More
Museum at the Friends Home
North
Museum at the Friends Home
North
Discover the history of early Quaker culture at the Friends Home Museum in Waynesville, Ohio's Quaker historical District. Originally constructed as a boarding house in... Read more
Discover the history of early Quaker culture at the Friends Home Museum in Waynesville, Ohio's Quaker historical District. Originally constructed as a boarding house in 1905, the Friends Home Museum features twenty-two rooms of exhibits, each highlighting a unique aspect of early Quaker life. Listed on the National Register of... Read More
Loveland Castle
East
Loveland Castle
East
There are so many things to do and places to explore when you visit Chateau Laroche. From a quiet walk down the pathways of the gardens exploring the various plants and... Read more
There are so many things to do and places to explore when you visit Chateau Laroche. From a quiet walk down the pathways of the gardens exploring the various plants and flowers to a family picnic by the river to admiring the collection of period weaponry on display. Harry Andrews built the stone castle in the 1920s on the bank... Read More
Rankin House
East
Rankin House
East
Revered John Rankin preached for several years in Kentucky but decided to move his family across the Ohio River to the free state of Ohio. In 1825, he built the house on... Read more
Revered John Rankin preached for several years in Kentucky but decided to move his family across the Ohio River to the free state of Ohio. In 1825, he built the house on Liberty Hill with its proximity to the river and its owner's hatred of slavery, the Rankin home became a stopping point for slaves. Around 2,000 escaped slaves... Read More
Public Library of Cincinnati & Hamilton County Main Library
Downtown
Public Library of Cincinnati & Hamilton County Main Library
Downtown
The Main Library serves as the hub of the entire Library system as well as the “neighborhood library” for thousands of downtown workers and residents. With one of the... Read more
The Main Library serves as the hub of the entire Library system as well as the “neighborhood library” for thousands of downtown workers and residents. With one of the finest collections of materials among public libraries in the U.S., the Main Library attracts more than one million users annually. In addition to the standard... Read More
