Your river cruise into the tributaries of the Mississippi River will usually bring you to Cincinnati, Ohio, a city with a fascinating combination of history, culture, architecture, sports and beautiful riverfront scenery. Sitting along the Ohio River, Cincinnati has long been an important transportation and commercial center, and today it offers cruise visitors plenty of opportunities to explore its unique character.
Whether you have only a few hours in port or an entire day to explore, Cincinnati has something for almost every kind of traveler.
One of the most important attractions in the city is the National Underground Railroad Freedom Center. Located along the riverfront, the museum tells the story of the Underground Railroad and the courageous people who sought freedom from slavery. Exhibits explore slavery in America, the abolitionist movement, the Underground Railroad and the continuing struggle for freedom and equality. Its location is particularly meaningful because the Ohio River once represented a boundary between slave states and free territory.
For visitors interested in American history, this is an especially worthwhile stop. Allow yourself enough time to explore the exhibits rather than simply rushing through the museum.
Flowers, Butterflies and Beautiful Gardens
If you prefer nature and gardens, make your way to the Krohn Conservatory. This beautiful Art Deco-style greenhouse in Eden Park is home to an impressive collection of tropical and exotic plants. Walking through the conservatory can feel like stepping into another world, particularly during the colder months when Cincinnati’s outdoor landscape may be dormant.
One of the most popular events at the conservatory is its annual butterfly exhibition, when thousands of colorful butterflies fill the tropical environment. It is a wonderful experience for families, photographers and anyone who enjoys flowers and wildlife.
Another excellent choice is the Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden, one of the oldest zoos in the United States. Founded in 1875, the zoo combines animal exhibits with extensive gardens and plant collections. You can see animals from around the world while also enjoying beautifully landscaped areas throughout the property.
The botanical gardens are an attraction in their own right. If you enjoy gardens, flowers and unusual plants, plan to spend some time simply walking the grounds rather than treating the zoo as nothing more than a collection of animal exhibits.
Play Ball in Cincinnati
If you are visiting during baseball season and your cruise schedule allows enough time, you may want to see a Cincinnati Reds game at Great American Ball Park.
Baseball has a particularly deep history in Cincinnati, and the Reds are one of professional baseball’s oldest franchises. The ballpark sits directly along the Ohio River, providing wonderful views of both the river and the Kentucky shoreline.
Even if you aren’t a serious baseball fan, attending a game can be a fun way to experience Cincinnati the way local residents do. Grab a hot dog, find your seat and enjoy an afternoon or evening of America’s favorite pastime.
If the Reds aren’t playing while you are in town, you can still visit the area around the ballpark and explore Cincinnati’s riverfront.
Discover Cincinnati’s Historic Side
History lovers have plenty more to discover in Cincinnati. The Cincinnati Observatory has an important place in American astronomy and is often described as the oldest professional observatory in the United States. Located on Mount Adams, it offers visitors an opportunity to learn about the history of astronomy while enjoying views of the surrounding area.
The Taft Museum of Art is another excellent stop. Housed in a historic mansion, the museum contains an impressive collection of European and American artwork. The setting itself is part of the attraction, giving visitors the opportunity to combine art, architecture and history in one visit.
After touring the museum, take some time to relax outdoors. The museum’s garden provides a pleasant place to slow down and enjoy some quiet time after a busy day of sightseeing.
Cross the Ohio River
One of Cincinnati’s most recognizable landmarks is the John A. Roebling Suspension Bridge. Completed in 1867, the bridge connects Cincinnati with Covington, Kentucky, across the Ohio River.
The bridge is especially impressive when viewed from the Cincinnati riverfront. Its distinctive suspension cables and stone towers make it an excellent subject for photographs.
If your schedule permits, consider walking across the bridge into Kentucky. It is a simple way to experience two states during the same port visit, and you’ll get a different perspective of Cincinnati and the Ohio River from the Kentucky side.
The riverfront itself is also worth exploring. Parks, restaurants, entertainment venues and walking paths make this a pleasant place to spend some time before returning to your ship.
Explore the City’s Neighborhoods
Cincinnati is more than its major attractions. If you have enough time, exploring one of the city’s historic neighborhoods can give you a better sense of what makes the city unique.
Over-the-Rhine is one of Cincinnati’s best-known neighborhoods, with historic buildings, restaurants, shops and entertainment venues. The neighborhood’s impressive nineteenth-century architecture provides a glimpse into Cincinnati’s German heritage and industrial past.
For a more relaxed experience, you can simply stroll through the downtown area and along the riverfront. Cincinnati is a city where walking can be particularly rewarding because many attractions are surrounded by interesting buildings, public spaces and historic landmarks.
Food and Entertainment
After all that sightseeing, you’ll probably be ready for something to eat. Cincinnati has a food culture of its own, and visitors should consider trying Cincinnati-style chili. Served over spaghetti and topped with cheese, it is very different from the chili you may be accustomed to eating elsewhere.
The city also has a strong brewing tradition, particularly in the historic Over-the-Rhine neighborhood. Cincinnati’s German heritage helped establish a major brewing industry, and today the area offers numerous places to enjoy local food and beverages.
If you are looking for nightlife and entertainment, the Horseshoe Casino offers restaurants, drinks and gaming. For cruise passengers, however, be sure to keep an eye on the time. A day in port can disappear surprisingly quickly, and you don’t want an entertaining evening to become a stressful race back to your ship.
Making the Most of Your Cincinnati Visit
The biggest challenge in Cincinnati may be deciding what to leave out. History enthusiasts can spend hours at the National Underground Railroad Freedom Center and the city’s historic attractions. Garden lovers have the Krohn Conservatory and Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden. Sports fans can head to Great American Ball Park, while art lovers can explore the Taft Museum of Art.
If this is your first visit, a combination of the riverfront, a major historical attraction and one of the city’s gardens or museums can give you a good introduction to Cincinnati without trying to see everything in a single day.
Cincinnati is also one of those cities where the journey itself is part of the experience. Arriving by river gives you a wonderful perspective that visitors arriving by highway or airplane simply don’t get. As your cruise approaches the city, take some time to look at the riverfront, bridges and skyline.
However you choose to spend your time, Cincinnati is a fascinating stop on a river cruise. Its history, gardens, sports, museums, food and Ohio River setting provide enough variety to make almost any shore excursion memorable. Take the time to explore, and you’ll likely discover that Cincinnati is much more than simply another stop along the river.
