Find History & Culture in Cincinnati & Northern Kentucky

BB Riverboats

South > Riverfront

Inspired by Cincinnati’s endearing bond to the river, BB Riverboats’ founder, Ben Bernstein, along with close friend and industry pioneer, Betty Blake, sought to provide a... Read more

Inspired by Cincinnati’s endearing bond to the river, BB Riverboats’ founder, Ben Bernstein, along with close friend and industry pioneer, Betty Blake, sought to provide a new opportunity—one centered on adventure, beauty, and discovery. They envisioned a journey where lasting memories would be created by the undeniable romance... Read More

John Parker House

East

John Parker was a slave who had a desire for freedom which he eventually earned by paying his master for his freedom in 1845. John Parker came to Cincinnati and moved into... Read more

John Parker was a slave who had a desire for freedom which he eventually earned by paying his master for his freedom in 1845. John Parker came to Cincinnati and moved into a house near the Ohio River shore in Ripley, Ohio. He helped hundreds of slaves escape to freedom through the Underground Railroad. John Parker House... Read More

Big Bone Lick State Historic Site

South > Southwest

Big Bone Lick is a unique state park where the prehistoric past is enshrined, containing the remains of some of America’s early animal inhabitants.  Once covered with... Read more

Big Bone Lick is a unique state park where the prehistoric past is enshrined, containing the remains of some of America’s early animal inhabitants.  Once covered with swamps, the land that makes up Big Bone Lick had a combination of minerals and water that animals found difficult to resist.     For centuries great beasts of the... Read More

Behringer-Crawford Museum

South > Riverfront

From the ridiculous (BCM’s infamous two-headed calf) to the sublime (our fascinating collections), this family-friendly museum celebrates the unique arts, heritage and... Read more

From the ridiculous (BCM’s infamous two-headed calf) to the sublime (our fascinating collections), this family-friendly museum celebrates the unique arts, heritage and culture of Northern Kentucky as part of the Ohio Valley. Examine a mammoth fossil, take a ride through time with the beautifully restored 1892 streetcar “... Read More

The All-American Food Tour in Pendleton

Downtown

Get off the beaten path in Over-the-Rhine and explore the adjoining neighborhood of Pendleton. Discover a side of Over-the-Rhine where long-time residents and artists co-... Read more

Get off the beaten path in Over-the-Rhine and explore the adjoining neighborhood of Pendleton. Discover a side of Over-the-Rhine where long-time residents and artists co-exist with emerging eateries and entertainment venues. Your $65 ticket includes enough food for lunch, one craft cocktail sample, and one locally brewed craft... Read More

Bracken County Historical Society

South > Southeast

Founded in 1993, the BCHS encourages the preservation of historical resources in Bracken County and the surrounding areas. The BCHS has its offices and museum in the old... Read more

Founded in 1993, the BCHS encourages the preservation of historical resources in Bracken County and the surrounding areas. The BCHS has its offices and museum in the old Bracken County jail located in Brooksville, adjacent to the Bracken County Court House. Here, records can be found dating back to the late 1700's. Genealogical... Read More

Tri-State Warbird Museum

East

A historic aviation museum dedicated to remembering those who fought for our freedom, and honoring those who made the ultimate sacrifice. The Museum is a 20,000 square... Read more

A historic aviation museum dedicated to remembering those who fought for our freedom, and honoring those who made the ultimate sacrifice. The Museum is a 20,000 square foot state-of-the-art facility which provides: An inviting atmosphere to facilitate the restoration and preservation of the aircraft, while maximizing the Museum... Read More

Cincinnati Scavenger Hunt: True America

Downtown

After the American Revolution, one of Ohio's greatest cities was born. On this fun-filled Cincinnati scavenger hunt, we make a loop around the Central Business District in... Read more

After the American Revolution, one of Ohio's greatest cities was born. On this fun-filled Cincinnati scavenger hunt, we make a loop around the Central Business District in search of storied buildings, epic sculptures and great green spaces. How do you make a fountain square? Which U.S. president hangs out in Lytle Park? Find... Read More

Cincinnati Food Tours

Downtown

Whether you are looking for something sweet, savory, or to sip on, Cincinnati Food Tours has a tour just for you and your taste buds. Eat your way through numerous... Read more

Whether you are looking for something sweet, savory, or to sip on, Cincinnati Food Tours has a tour just for you and your taste buds. Eat your way through numerous Cincinnati neighborhoods with special stops along the way. Learn about the city's culture and more as you sample local fare and drinks.  Pick from any of the... Read More

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. 

Museum of Natural History & Science

Downtown

Be transported back to the Jurassic Period with the new Dinosaur Hall at Cincinnati Museum Center at Union Terminal. This is the first gallery to reopen after the... Read more

Be transported back to the Jurassic Period with the new Dinosaur Hall at Cincinnati Museum Center at Union Terminal. This is the first gallery to reopen after the Union Terminal restoration. The 7,000-square-foot gallery features six massive dinosaur specimens ranging from the Jurassic Period to the Cretaceous Period, including... Read More

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

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

Newport is Haunted

South > Riverfront

Enjoy a spooky good time exploring the streets of Newport where cloaked guides will lead you by lantern-light and enthrall you with tales of murder, suicide and even... Read more

Enjoy a spooky good time exploring the streets of Newport where cloaked guides will lead you by lantern-light and enthrall you with tales of murder, suicide and even decapitation. Learn the horrifying origin of Bobby Mackey’s wicked haunting and discover the details around several of Newport’s vicious and unsolved crimes.... Read More

Dearborn County Historical Society

West

Located in the historic Vance-Tousey House in downtown Lawrenceburg, the Dearborn County Historical Society offers a variety of services for visitors interested in the... Read more

Located in the historic Vance-Tousey House in downtown Lawrenceburg, the Dearborn County Historical Society offers a variety of services for visitors interested in the county's rich history, including genealogical research assistance, a restored log cabin and programs and special events on occasion.

Cincinnati Streetcar Food Tour by Riverside Food Tours

Downtown

Cincinnati is rated one of the top 10 cities in the whole country to see and have we got the tour for you!  Whether you have lived here all your life or just... Read more

Cincinnati is rated one of the top 10 cities in the whole country to see and have we got the tour for you!  Whether you have lived here all your life or just visiting, the new streetcar is the way to see it all.  Receive the VIP treatment on this 3 hour tour, as we dine at 5-6 unique restaurants, sample craft beer, and... Read More

Neusole Glassworks

North

Neusole Glassworks is a non-profit organization that offers a variety of courses to teach all ages and skill levels the art of glass. Whether you want to create glass art... Read more

Neusole Glassworks is a non-profit organization that offers a variety of courses to teach all ages and skill levels the art of glass. Whether you want to create glass art for a living or just want to make a small piece to see what it's like to handle this exciting molten material - Neusole Glassworks has a class for you! Take a... Read More

Lebanon Mason Monroe Railroad

North

The LM&M takes you back in time on its 1930s train. Ride in closed cars or the open gondola car through scenic Warren County, as the conductor shares railway history... Read more

The LM&M takes you back in time on its 1930s train. Ride in closed cars or the open gondola car through scenic Warren County, as the conductor shares railway history and lore. The LM&M's specialty rides are a treat for all ages. Kids love the Magic Train, Clifford's Big Red Train Ride, A Day Out with Thomas and others.... Read More

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

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

German Heritage Museum

North

The German Heritage Museum serves as the focal point in presenting and displaying German-American culture. This museum is the first of its kind in the region, and a... Read more

The German Heritage Museum serves as the focal point in presenting and displaying German-American culture. This museum is the first of its kind in the region, and a testament to the many contributions German immigrants and their descendants have made toward the building of the Ohio Valley and America. The museum focuses... Read More

Waldschmidt Homestead Historical Site

East

The Waldschmidt Homestead is a fully-restored 1804 home on its original site. Built by Christian Waldschmidt, a Revolutionary War veteran, the homestead was settled as... Read more

The Waldschmidt Homestead is a fully-restored 1804 home on its original site. Built by Christian Waldschmidt, a Revolutionary War veteran, the homestead was settled as part of the Ohio frontier’s New Germany community (now Camp Dennison). Camp Dennison was the site of the Union army’s largest training installation. The property... Read More

The 1811 Augusta Jail

South > Southeast

The 1811 Augusta Jail is the oldest jail in the state of Kentucky on its original foundation. The 1st floor, the prisoner's quarters, have been restored and is open to the... Read more

The 1811 Augusta Jail is the oldest jail in the state of Kentucky on its original foundation. The 1st floor, the prisoner's quarters, have been restored and is open to the public. The second story, the jailer's living quarters, is currently being renovated and will be open soon. One may take a self-guided tour of the dungeon... Read More

Cincinnati Observatory

Uptown

Situated atop the rolling hillsides of Mt.Lookout, the Observatory is home to the world's oldest telescope still in use nightly by the general public. Two handsome... Read more

Situated atop the rolling hillsides of Mt.Lookout, the Observatory is home to the world's oldest telescope still in use nightly by the general public. Two handsome National Historic Landmark buildings; one designed in 1873 by Samuel Hannaford, complement the institution's park-like setting.

Cincinnati History Museum

Downtown

The Public Landing is the first phase of permanent exhibits to reopen in The Cincinnati History Museum (part of Cincinnati Museum Center at Union Terminal) following the... Read more

The Public Landing is the first phase of permanent exhibits to reopen in The Cincinnati History Museum (part of Cincinnati Museum Center at Union Terminal) following the remarkable restoration work done to Union Terminal. The immersive experience transports visitors back in time to the mid-19th century, to the creak of paddle... Read More

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

American Classical Music Walk Of Fame

Downtown

The American Classical Music Walk of Fame in Washington Park, a project of the American Classical Music Hall of Fame, is the only project in existence that combines... Read more

The American Classical Music Walk of Fame in Washington Park, a project of the American Classical Music Hall of Fame, is the only project in existence that combines classical music, mobile technology, public spaces, and a dancing fountain.  An interactive classical music application that is integrated into a major urban park... Read More

Madison Avenue Tour

South > Riverfront

Discover why people Lov the Cov!  Treat yourself to a VIP experience every Sunday morning as you taste our way through the heart of this historic city, beginning... Read more

Discover why people Lov the Cov!  Treat yourself to a VIP experience every Sunday morning as you taste our way through the heart of this historic city, beginning at the chic boutique Hotel Covington.  On this 3 hour culinary experience, you'll not only taste delicious food from local family owned restaurants, you will visit... Read More

Campbell County Log Cabin Museum

South > Southeast

This museum is a privately built and owned non-profit museum. The mission of this museum is "to educate today's generation about yesterday's rural Campbell County; 1845... Read more

This museum is a privately built and owned non-profit museum. The mission of this museum is "to educate today's generation about yesterday's rural Campbell County; 1845 through about 1965." The museum consists of two re-constructed log cabins, which were built before the Civil War. From 1982 to 1996, both cabins were rebuilt by... Read More

Women's History in Over the Rhine

Downtown

Do you know the stories of the women of Over-the-Rhine? This tour explores women’s lives and work in Over-the-Rhine, from German-speaking immigrants in the mid-1800s up to... Read more

Do you know the stories of the women of Over-the-Rhine? This tour explores women’s lives and work in Over-the-Rhine, from German-speaking immigrants in the mid-1800s up to African American women who moved to Over-the-Rhine in the 1960s. It explores topics important to women's history—work for women, childbirth and motherhood,... Read More

Backstage and Beyond: Indoor Building Tour of Cincinnati Music Hall

Downtown

The Friends of Music Hall presents a 60 min indoor building tour of a world-class historical landmark that goes backstage and beyond with a trip through a variety of... Read more

The Friends of Music Hall presents a 60 min indoor building tour of a world-class historical landmark that goes backstage and beyond with a trip through a variety of private and public spaces and Cincinnati history. The tour speaks to guests of a wide range in ages and interests. If you have a particular interest in history,... Read More

Anderson Ferry

South > Southwest

The Anderson Ferry has been in continuous operation since 1817 has three Ferries, Boone 7, Little Boone and Deborah A. It is located about 8 miles west of downtown... Read more

The Anderson Ferry has been in continuous operation since 1817 has three Ferries, Boone 7, Little Boone and Deborah A. It is located about 8 miles west of downtown Cincinnati, providing the only automobile crossing between the I-71/75 Brent Spence Bridge and the I-275 West Bridge. The ferry has been in operation so long that a... Read More

Black Lives Matter Cincinnati Mural

Downtown

This vibrant new street mural created by 17 local artists and a team of helpers was ceremoniously unveiled on Juneteenth 2020. The privately funded mural spans an entire... Read more

This vibrant new street mural created by 17 local artists and a team of helpers was ceremoniously unveiled on Juneteenth 2020. The privately funded mural spans an entire block of Plum St. directly in front of Cincinnati City Hall. Click here to read more about each of the 17 lead artists and the meaning behind each of their... Read More

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

Railway Museum of Greater Cincinnati

South

Volunteer-run and aimed at preserving the railway artifacts of the region, the  Railway Museum of Greater Cincinnati maintains over 80 units of railroad equipment and... Read more

Volunteer-run and aimed at preserving the railway artifacts of the region, the  Railway Museum of Greater Cincinnati maintains over 80 units of railroad equipment and acquires several new pieces each year to their home in the Latonia Rail Yard. Visitors are welcome to explore the museum on a self-guided tour every Saturday.... Read More

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

Beer Makin' & Drinkin' Tour

Downtown

Starting at the Trail Tour Center located at the Moerlein Malthouse Tap Room, this 45 minute walks along the Brewing Heritage Trail and tells some of Cincinnati’s best... Read more

Starting at the Trail Tour Center located at the Moerlein Malthouse Tap Room, this 45 minute walks along the Brewing Heritage Trail and tells some of Cincinnati’s best drinking stories while also showing how beer used to be made with a visit to pre-Prohibition lagering cellars deep under a historic brewery. At the end of your... Read More

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

John 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

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

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.

Spring Grove Cemetery and Arboretum

Uptown

Spring Grove Cemetery and Arboretum, a National Historic Landmark, was chartered in 1845 and is the second largest cemetery in the United States, and the most beautiful... Read more

Spring Grove Cemetery and Arboretum, a National Historic Landmark, was chartered in 1845 and is the second largest cemetery in the United States, and the most beautiful according to thousands of visitors every year. Its 733 acres offer the public a magnificent arboretum, open air museum and tranquil sanctuary just minutes away... Read More

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

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

Cincinnati History Tour

Downtown

Come along with Tour Guide, Actor, and Author Roy Heizer on this two and a half hour tour as we explore the history of Cincinnati. From the glaciers that formed our seven... Read more

Come along with Tour Guide, Actor, and Author Roy Heizer on this two and a half hour tour as we explore the history of Cincinnati. From the glaciers that formed our seven hills to the modern day; learn about the events, industry, traditions, and people that made Cincinnati the Queen City!   Tour Guide Roy Heizer will take you... Read More

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.

Tenement Life South of Liberty

Downtown

Have you ever wondered what changed when Cincinnatians stepped over the canal and into Over-the-Rhine? Our South of Liberty tour weaves visitors through the stories of... Read more

Have you ever wondered what changed when Cincinnatians stepped over the canal and into Over-the-Rhine? Our South of Liberty tour weaves visitors through the stories of Over-the-Rhine's earliest residents between the Miami-Ohio Canal (now Central Parkway) and Liberty Street. Starting in the early 1800s with stories of German... Read More

Cincinnati Craft Brewery 3-Stop Hop

This is a three-brewery tour and tasting experience. You get behind-the-scenes tours, history, trivia, prizes, and of course, fun! You will get plenty of beer, a giant... Read more

This is a three-brewery tour and tasting experience. You get behind-the-scenes tours, history, trivia, prizes, and of course, fun! You will get plenty of beer, a giant pretzel, tours of the breweries, a souvenir glass and education on how Cincinnati got to this point, dating all the way back to 1812. Presented by Cincy Brew Bus

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

Harriet Beecher Stowe House

Uptown

Tour the Cincinnati home where Harriet Beecher Stowe lived during the formative years that led her to write the best-selling novel Uncle Tom’s Cabin. Learn about the... Read more

Tour the Cincinnati home where Harriet Beecher Stowe lived during the formative years that led her to write the best-selling novel Uncle Tom’s Cabin. Learn about the author, the Beecher and Stowe families, the Underground Railroad, women’s rights movement of the 1830s–1860s, and the site as an African American boarding house... Read More