Skip to content

Top Navigation

Midwest Living Midwest Living
  • Travel
  • Food
  • Home
  • Garden
  • Holidays
  • Videos
  • current issue
  • Sweepstakes
  • Road Rally
  • About Us

Profile Menu

Your Account

Account

  • Join Now
  • Newsletters
  • Email Preferences
  • Manage Your Subscription this link opens in a new tab
  • Help
  • Logout

More

  • Win Your Dream Getaway!
  • Give a Gift Subscription
  • Magazine Issues
  • Destinations
Login
Subscribe
Pin FB

Explore Midwest Living

Midwest Living Midwest Living
  • Explore

    Explore

    • 7 Fresh Places to Eat, Drink, Play and Stay This Winter

      7 Fresh Places to Eat, Drink, Play and Stay This Winter

      Hot off the minds of Midwest travel writers: a fresh look at where to eat, drink, play and stay around the region. Read More
    • Meet Five Midwest Cake Creators (and Try Their Recipes)

      Meet Five Midwest Cake Creators (and Try Their Recipes)

      One has conquered the world of plant-based baking. Another runs a microbakery from her home. Two own businesses with their spouses. And the fifth is a James Beard finalist chef. The common thread? Absolutely delicious cakes. Read More
    • The No-Fail Relish Tray Recipe is Here

      The No-Fail Relish Tray Recipe is Here

      For many Midwesterners, holiday feasting kicks off with a relish tray. We dare not mess with an icon—at least, not too much. Read More
  • Travel

    Travel

    See All Travel
    Why Wisconsin Supper Clubs Just Keep Getting Better With Age

    Why Wisconsin Supper Clubs Just Keep Getting Better With Age

    At Wisconsin supper clubs, the steak is served rare and the traditions are well done. Like the brandy in an Old-Fashioned, these timeless institutions only get better with age.
    • Weekend Getaways
    • Family Travel
    • Around the Region
    • Beyond the Region
    • Illinois
    • Indiana
    • Iowa
    • Kansas
    • Michigan
    • Minnesota
    • Missouri
    • Nebraska
    • North Dakota
    • Ohio
    • South Dakota
    • Wisconsin
    • Free Travel Info
  • Food

    Food

    See All Food
    Tomatoey Parmesan Beans

    Tomatoey Parmesan Beans

    This sleeper hit of a weeknight dinner comes from Food Network star Molly Yeh's cookbook Home is Where the Eggs Are—and is basically a vehicle for Parmesan and garlic toast. No complaints! (The alternate version, with ham and cream, is excellent too.)
    • Comfort Foods
    • Desserts & Baking
    • Breakfast
    • Quick & Easy
    • Chicken
    • Soups & Stews
    • Midwest Favorites
    • Fruits & Vegetables
    • Fish
    • Grilling
  • Home

    Home

    See All Home
    Avid DIYers Transform a 1929 Chicago Home One Project at a Time

    Avid DIYers Transform a 1929 Chicago Home One Project at a Time

    With visions of dinner parties and game nights dancing in their heads, a Chicago couple renovated their historic (and first) home, one DIY project at a time.
    • Quick Decorating
    • Featured Homes
    • Organizing & Storage
    • Outdoor Living
    • Seasonal Decorating
    • Room Decorating
  • Garden

    Garden

    See All Garden
    How to Care for Flowering Houseplants

    How to Care for Flowering Houseplants

    Author Lisa Eldred Steinkopf shares how to make blooms last longer—and repeat.
    • Container Gardens
    • Flowers
    • Featured Gardens
    • Midwest Gardening Calendar
    • Garden Ideas & Inspiration
  • Holidays

    Holidays

    See All Holidays
    Unique Midwest Light Displays to See This Winter

    Unique Midwest Light Displays to See This Winter

    Buses, trains and very few automobiles—check out these out-of-the-ordinary holiday lights displays.
    • Easter
    • July 4th
    • Thanksgiving
    • Halloween
    • Christmas
    • Valentine's Day
  • Videos

    Videos

    See All Videos
    Chef Jorge Guzmán's Step-by-Step Guide to Making Tamales

    Chef Jorge Guzmán's Step-by-Step Guide to Making Tamales

    Tamales are a project, but many hands—even tiny ones—make lighter work.
    • Brighten Your Front Door with This Colorful Easter Egg Wreath
    • These DIY Orange Beeswax Candles Will Make Your Home Smell Amazing
    • Ring in the New Year with This Glam Star Garland
    • How to Make a Modern Fruit Cake Box
    • An Eye-Catching Oval Treat Box You Can Make
    • Make a Colorful Paper Raffia Wreath to Welcome Fall
    • How to Make a Dried Floral Arrangement
    • How to Make an Easy Pina Colada
    • How to Make an Amazing Pavlova
    • How to Make Pumpkin-Spice Icebox Cake
    • How to Make an All-Butter Pie Crust
    • DIY Pistachio Wheat Stalks for Fall Decorating
  • current issue

    current issue

    See All current issue
    About Us

    About Us

    • March/April 2022 Issue
    • January/February 2022 Issue
    • November/December 2021 Issue
    • September/October 2021 Issue
    • July/August 2021 Issue
    • May/June 2021 Issue
    • Summer 2022 Issue
    • Fall 2022 Issue
    • Winter 2022 Issue
  • Sweepstakes
  • Road Rally
  • About Us

Profile Menu

Subscribe this link opens in a new tab
Your Account

Account

  • Join Now
  • Newsletters
  • Email Preferences
  • Manage Your Subscription this link opens in a new tab
  • Help
  • Logout

More

  • Win Your Dream Getaway!
  • Give a Gift Subscription
  • Magazine Issues
  • Destinations
Login
Sweepstakes

Follow Us

  1. Midwest Living
  2. Things to Do
  3. 15 Top Attractions in Cincinnati

15 Top Attractions in Cincinnati

June 01, 2012
Skip gallery slides
Pin
More about Cincinnati
This historic city on the Ohio River offers top cultural institutions and a revitalized riverfront. Things to do in Cincinnati include the Cincinnati Zoo and Botanical Garden, Cincinnati Art Museum, National Underground Railroad Freedom Center and the Cincinnati Museum Center.
Start Slideshow

1 of 16

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

High points for the bluff city

High points for the bluff city
Credit: Photo Courtesy of CincinnatiUSA

Cincinnati sits in a curve of the Ohio River, the metro area spilling south into Kentucky. Though paddleboats and barges are no longer the city's lifeline, the river remains a focal point. Downtown, you'll find the Bengals' and Reds' new stadiums, as well as the National Underground Railroad Freedom Center, a powerful reminder that for escaping slaves, the river marked the entry to freedom.But many of Cincinnati's other big attractions, such as the art museum, zoo and Union Terminal, are scattered around the city (population: 333,350). That means you'll spend some time in your car, but don't worry. Cincinnati offers pretty urban neighborhoods. Once you've oriented yourself, put away the map and wander a bit.Cincinnati USA Regional Tourism Network

1 of 16

Advertisement
Advertisement

2 of 16

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

The Cincinnati Zoo and Botanical Garden

The Cincinnati Zoo and Botanical Garden

One of the country's prettiest zoos boasts 85 acres of flower-fringed exhibits. More than 500 animals live here, but it's the gorgeous landscaping -- especially during spring tulip season -- that makes the Cincinnati Zoo and Botanical Garden a pleasure for adults as well as children. (800) 944-4776; cincinnatizoo.org

2 of 16

3 of 16

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Cincinnati Art Museum

Cincinnati Art Museum

The Cincinnati Art Museum has a wing dedicated to the Queen City's rich artistic heritage, with more than 400 works including furniture, painting, sculpture, ceramics and pottery, most by artists born or trained in Cincinnati. Free. (877) 472-4226; cincinnatiartmuseum.org

3 of 16

Advertisement

4 of 16

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

National Underground Railroad Freedom Center

National Underground Railroad Freedom Center

Even from the outside, the National Underground Railroad Freedom Center is stirring. Its wavy architecture mirrors the Ohio River, which slaves crossed to enter the North. One of the most powerful of the center's state-of-the-art exhibits is a slave pen moved here from a Kentucky farm. (877) 648-4838; freedomcenter.org

4 of 16

5 of 16

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Sports stadiums

Sports stadiums
Credit: Photo Courtesy of CincinnatiUSA.com

The Great American Ball Park (left) is home of the Cincinnati Reds, baseball's first professional franchise. The riverfront stadium pays homage to old-time baseball shrines with the Reds Hall of Fame Museum that features player appearances and interactive exhibits. (513) 765-7000; cincinnati.reds.mlb.comThe NFL Bengals, meanwhile, play at the sleek Paul Brown Stadium; tours are available April through July. (513) 455-4800; bengals.com

5 of 16

6 of 16

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

60-Second Video: Cincinnati

Sports fans, history buffs, garden-lovers and foodies all flock to the Queen City to explore destinations such as the Cincinnati Zoo and Botanical Garden, Union Terminal, the Freedom Center, Eden Park, and the Cincinnati Reds Hall of Fame and Museum.

6 of 16

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

7 of 16

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Cincinnati Observatory

Cincinnati Observatory
Credit: Photo Courtesy of the Cincinnati Observatory

Peer through telescopes and take a historical tour of the Cincinnati Observatory on the hills of Mount Lookout. Check the calendar for special events throughout the year; stargaze on most Thursdays and Fridays. (513) 321-5186; cincinnatiobservatory.org

7 of 16

8 of 16

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Cincinnati Museum Center

Cincinnati Museum Center

The striking 1933 Union Terminal houses history, science and children's museums. Costumed interpreters help visitors make a connection with the past at the Cincinnati History Museum; kids can explore areas such as the Energy Zone, Little Sprouts Farm and Kid's Town at Duke Energy Children's Museum; and you can step back 19,000 years into the Ice Age of the Ohio Valley at the Museum of Natural History and Science. (513) 287-7000; cincymuseum.org

8 of 16

9 of 16

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Contemporary Arts Center

Contemporary Arts Center
Credit: Photo Courtesy of CincinnatiUSA

This acclaimed Contemporary Arts Center downtown explores the art world's leading edge with temporary exhibits and an interactive UnMuseum for kids, which introduces the young audience to contemporary art. (513) 345-8400; contemporaryartscenter.org

9 of 16

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

10 of 16

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Kings Island

Kings Island
Credit: Photo Courtesy of CincinnatiUSA

Just north of Cincinnati on Interstate-71, this gigantic amusement park claims a landmark Eiffel Tower replica. Fun recent additions to Kings Island include Diamondback, a 230-foot-tall, 80-mph coaster with 10 vertical drops; and Planet Snoopy, with Peanuts-theme rides. (513) 754-5700; visitkingsisland.com

10 of 16

11 of 16

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Purple People Bridge

Purple People Bridge
Credit: Photo Courtesy of CincinnatiUSA

Walk across this pedestrian bridge to Newport, Kentucky, where a splashy indoor-outdoor entertainment complex called Newport on the Levee includes the top-notch Newport Aquarium. (866) 538-3359; purplepeoplebridge.com

11 of 16

12 of 16

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Taft Museum of Art

Taft Museum of Art
Credit: Photo Courtesy of CincinnatiUSA

A renovated 1820s mansion holds some 700 works from a once-private collection. The Taft Museum of Art's home is a National Historic Landmark. Take one of several self-guided family tours, pick up an audio guide, or join a docent-led group tour. (513) 241-0343; taftmuseum.orgTaft Museum of Art

12 of 16

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

13 of 16

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Findlay Market

Findlay Market
Credit: Photo Courtesy of CincinnatiUSA

In this bustling public market built in the mid-19th century, browsers find crafts and fresh produce from April to November. About two dozen indoor merchants sell year-round. Findlay Market is in Over-the-Rhine, a historic downtown neighborhood. (513) 665-4839; findlaymarket.org

13 of 16

14 of 16

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Hyde Park Square

Hyde Park Square

The upscale shopping and dining center on the 1896 Hyde Park Square (7 miles northeast of downtown) includes large homes, unique shops and creative restaurants offering French pastries, crab cakes and create-your-own pizzas. hydeparksquare.org

14 of 16

15 of 16

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Entertrainment Junction

Entertrainment Junction
Credit: Photo Courtesy of Entertrainment Junction

Trainiacs will flip for the 25,000 square feet of indoor, highly detailed model train displays at Entertrainment Junction. Kids can head for an interactive children's area to climb play structures, run trains or ride a miniature train. In West Chester, about 30 minutes north of downtown Cincinnati. (877) 898-4656; entertrainmentjunction.com

15 of 16

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

16 of 16

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

More about Cincinnati

More about Cincinnati

Find more information about Cincinnati in one of these stories: Two-Day Cincinnati ItineraryTop 10 Things to Do on a Budget in CincinnatiTop 10 Things for Active Travelers to Do in CincinnatiTop 10 Things to Do with Kids in Cincinnati

16 of 16

Replay gallery

Share the Gallery

Pinterest Facebook

Up Next

    Share the Gallery

    Pinterest Facebook
    Trending Videos
    Advertisement
    Skip slide summaries

    Everything in This Slideshow

    Advertisement

    View All

    1 of 16 High points for the bluff city
    2 of 16 The Cincinnati Zoo and Botanical Garden
    3 of 16 Cincinnati Art Museum
    4 of 16 National Underground Railroad Freedom Center
    5 of 16 Sports stadiums
    6 of 16 60-Second Video: Cincinnati
    7 of 16 Cincinnati Observatory
    8 of 16 Cincinnati Museum Center
    9 of 16 Contemporary Arts Center
    10 of 16 Kings Island
    11 of 16 Purple People Bridge
    12 of 16 Taft Museum of Art
    13 of 16 Findlay Market
    14 of 16 Hyde Park Square
    15 of 16 Entertrainment Junction
    16 of 16 More about Cincinnati

    Share & More

    Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message
    Midwest Living

    Magazines & More

    Learn More

    • Contact Us
    • Help
    • Free Newsletters this link opens in a new tab
    • Subscribe this link opens in a new tab
    • Customer Service this link opens in a new tab
    • Renew this link opens in a new tab
    • Advertise this link opens in a new tab
    • Content Licensing this link opens in a new tab
    • Affiliate Program
    • Free Travel Info this link opens in a new tab
    • Special Promotions this link opens in a new tab
    • Sweepstakes this link opens in a new tab
    • Video
    • Home Advisor this link opens in a new tab
    • Accolades this link opens in a new tab

    Connect

    Subscribe to Our Newsletter
    Sign Up
    MeredithMidwest Living is part of the Meredith Home Group. © Copyright 2023 Meredith Corporation. All Rights Reserved. Privacy Policythis link opens in a new tab Terms of Servicethis link opens in a new tab Ad Choicesthis link opens in a new tab California Do Not Sellthis link opens a modal window Web Accessibilitythis link opens in a new tab
    © Copyright Midwest Living. All rights reserved. Printed from https://www.midwestliving.com

    Sign in

    View image

    15 Top Attractions in Cincinnati
    this link is to an external site that may or may not meet accessibility guidelines.