Things to Do in Cincinnati

This beautiful zoo is the second oldest zoo and gardens in the US and the Reptile Building of this place is considered to be the oldest in the whole of the country. It was built in the year 1875 which was even before the whole campus was set up properly. It has at present become the most popular tourist attraction in the city.

Many years ago, the local people as well as the government came up to one decision that a place to protect and breed animals was needed immediately and so was built this huge zoo and gardens in the heart of the city. It was initially only for domestic animals like cows. Later on the whole project was expanded and gorgeous wild animals were added to the zoo. Among the animals that are breed here are California Sea Lions, Cheetahs, Sumatran Rhinoceros, Malayan tigers, lowland gorillas, pottos, Masai Giraffes, etc. the zoo has also set new records by conserving the oldest alligator as well as one of the oldest lions in the whole world.

Apart from the zoo they also have a lovely botanical garden where there is a fantastic collection of herbal plants and colorful small flowers. This is just a perfect place to spend an afternoon or evening is immense peace amidst lush greenery. The cool breeze from the many trees and the shade of them makes everything very soothing for the mind and body. Apart from that, the National Heritage of the state is up for a lot more development and efforts are on in full swing to make it one of the best zoos of the world.  

This is a Las Vegas style gaming establishment that was opened recently in the year 2013. It is opened in place of the ‘Broadway Commons’ and happens to be one of the largest establishments of the city in the Downtown area. This is also the third such establishment to become successful in the same year by a majority in people’s opinion.

The casino offers world class gaming and dining experience to all its visitors. This two storey building is very well equipped by 85 table games, a 31- World Series of poker games and as many as 2000 slot machines. This casino is a joint effort of Caesar’s Entertainment and Dan Gilbert’s Rock Gaming. this is not only a perfect way to spend a holiday evening but it will also turn out to be one of your best casino experiences.

This is a baseball stadium and also the home to the Cincinnati Reds. This stadium was opened in the place of the former Riverfront Field that was earlier on the home field of the Reds. The name comes from the name of The Great American Insurance Company. It is because they bought majority of the patents of this stadium after it was built and also the naming rights of it. This museum has since its establishment hosted a number of significant tournaments.

There is not just a field in here and as you come in here it is not just for a game. You are in for a lot more surprises such as the interesting features of the stadium. There is of course a world class stand and stack to hold audiences and lounges to give them a more personalized treatment. Apart from this there is a ‘hit me’ at one side of the field. If a player hits on this at any time during a game, a random person from the stands will have an opportunity to win a Toyota Tundra Pick Up truck. There is also a beautiful museum which houses a large collection of trophies and memories of the home team and stands witness to all their achievements. Last but not the least, the baseball spirit in here is what tops all else. 

Formerly known as the Cincinnati Union Terminal, this was a beautiful railroad station originally. After the decline in the rail transport trend, this was turned into an important landmark housing a number of libraries, museums, theatres, etc. At present, it is the location of the very famous museum that also puts up travelling exhibitions.

The fantastic Art Deco style architecture and design is what still remains intact. The very uncommon half dome style tunnel design is still interesting to all tourists. The best part about this vintage design is the addition of murals that was also done quite a number of years ago but still stands successful in keeping up with its charm. The murals include those of piano making, radio broadcasting, roof manufacture, tanning, airplane and parts manufacture, ink making, laundry machinery manufacture, meat packing, drug and chemical processing, printing and publishing, foundry products operation, sheet steel making, soap making, etc. these were all added by the respective industries and developed by German American artist Winold Reiss who transformed all these into mosaic plates that still adorn the walls of the building. This place is thus one important part of the very urban state of Ohio. 

This is one of the oldest museums in the US and also probably the first purpose built museum in the Midwest. The museum was built in the year 1881 and has been developing and redeveloping since then to keep up with its standard throughout these 100 years and even more. There was a lot of debate initially on where the museum was to be built but at last the current location was chosen by the highest contributor and thus we can see the beautiful museum in such a beautiful location now.

This museum was built in a typical Roman Revival architectural style and later many modifications were made but the authenticity is kept intact. The Cincinnati Wing was later on added to showcase the works of only the present and past workers and artists of the city. This native collection includes the Odoardo Fantacchiotti angels that form the most remarkable pieces here.

The collection in the other parts apart from the 15 local galleries includes the works of many renowned artists from all over the world. You will be amazed to know that the museum authorities spend over a few million bucks just to put up regular exhibitions throughout the year. This is considered as a cultural heritage of the city and it deservingly is one!

This museum is not just an important part of the cultural heritage but is also a very important part of the social heritage of the city. It is basically a museum that depicts and focuses on the history of Underground Railroad but is also responsible in the social development of the city as well as the country. This museum was built for a second purpose of raising awareness of freedom, tolerance and liberty within the minds and hearts of all the citizens.

This was also the prime motive behind the establishment of this lovely museum after 10 long years of planning and arrangements. The museum is beautiful inside out and the main ingredient is the honest attitude behind its establishment. Among many of the exhibits in here, the main attraction is the 2 storey slave pen house. This is also the only surviving in this category. This museum was directly transported from Kentucky and built again inside the museum. This is to show people how a slave jail used to be in earlier times. These were such where the slaves were imprisoned before being taken to be auctioned.

The other exhibits in here include large models, murals, figures and most importantly theatres and big screens where old movies and videos are featured. These are all moral displays that have a message to give to the audience at the end. Such initiatives like the museum have always been appreciated by the good people of the city and this has today made it a tourist hotspot.

This is the most important town square of the city. The place is probably the busiest out of all as it is the center of all activities of everyone. The place is filled with shops, restaurants, offices, clubs and much more. Initially before this place was set up in this way, there was first an Indian mound and later a butcher’s market that was replaced to form this.

The name is so given due to the presence of the beautiful fountain that has been dedicated to David Tyler. The fountain is the main attraction here as well as an important landmark of the city. This is called The Genius of water. It looks like Jesus spreading his arms if we look the other way round. The fountain is completely coated with bronze imported from Munich and is still as attractive as it was earlier on. 

The Irwin M. Krohn Conservatory was formerly known as the Eden Park Greenhouse. A beautiful park in an equally beautiful location, this conservatory was built by putting together a number of greenhouses.

This conservatory is built is an Art deco style in the form of a Gothic arch and was established in the year 1933. The beauty of this park is simply beyond words. It is like nature in between 4 walls. The museum suffered heavy damages after a hailstorm struck the city in 1966 and all the wood work that is visible now are the results of the extensive renovation done after the natural calamity took place.

The collection of garden include-

• Bonsai Collection: This includes bonsai contributed by the individuals of the city as well the personal collection of the conservatory.
• Desert garden: This part includes beautiful succulents and cacti such as agaves, aloes, crassulas, yuccas, etc.
• Floral display: This part is where many flower exhibitions take place given the fact that there are a number of colorful fruit trees and also exotic flower plantations.
• Orchid display: As the name suggests this place is the treasure trove of a variety of orchids.
• Palm House: This is probably the best part of the whole area with the palm trees of various shapes and sizes and most importantly the beautiful artificial waterfall.
• Tropical House: This stores the variety of tropical and terrestrial fruit and flowering plants.

This historic cemetery and arboretum has been designated as ‘A National Historic Landmark’, mainly because of its enchanting beauty and eventful history. This is a non- profit cemetery that was established in the year 1844. It was a joint planning and initiative of the members of the Cincinnati Horticultural Society.

The name ‘Spring Grove’ is given due to the presence of so many beautiful flowers planted in here and also because of the evergreen trees that it always seems to be spring here. The name is also justified by the presence of the lake and the lovely birds that come here. The look and design of this cemetery and arboretum was inspired from a number of contemporary old cemeteries of Paris and other countries. The design was thus prepared by the very talented Howard Daniels and the work begun to present this very beautiful place to the whole world.

The lands and gardens were later beautified by a renowned architect called Adolph Strauch and his tremendous job was such that the place is still one of the most beautiful in the city. As mentioned the history has been eventful since the burial of many well known people have been done over here. The famous and great men include Jacob Ammen (a Civil war General), Jacob Burnet (US Senator), Bernard Kroger (founder of Kroger Supermarket), etc.

This beautiful bridge listed in the Register of Historic Places, is the longest suspension bridge in the whole world. The bridge is built over the Ohio River between Cincinnati, Ohio and Covington, Kentucky. This is the best way to get to the very important places in the city such as the American Ball Park, Paul Brown Stadium, etc. The place on the footbridge on the end of the bridge where you will find a number of shops, restaurants and nice buildings is known as the Roebling Point.

The need for the bridge was felt about two centuries ago in the mid- 19th century, when trade and commerce between these two places were almost becoming stagnant for the lack of proper transportation facilities. The people also realized that steamboats and such water transport means were not at all enough or suitable to ensure the flourishing of trade and commerce here. This was when French Engineers were appointed by the state to carry on the work of this historic suspension bridge. Out of these engineers, one was John A. Roebling who played a vital part in supervising the team and thus the name was given to honor him.

The construction was made in the form of very smart designing and modern styles. The pillars and the rough cut designs still look unusual for that time. The pillar tops are all done with sandstone and this also gives it a better look. The sight of the bridge lit up brightly during the evening is just mind blowing. 

This is a very different kind of a museum that is usually not seen in many other places. The museum now was once the workshop of Tod Swormstedt. The museum also a good collection of equipments used in the design and manufacture of these signs.

They also have a journal of this museum known as ‘Signs of the Times’ and the rights are still owned by the Swormstedt family. The first editor of this journal was the father of Tod Swormstedt. The displays in here all range from the beginning of the 1900 to around 1970. The museum was founded as a non- profit organization and is still one.

The collection of the museum includes more than 200 signs and many more displays on the catalog. The most attractive among these are the gold leaf patterns that are examples of Sputnic art. There is also a rotating windmill motif from an early donut shop, Las Vegas show cards and signs of many other famous shops and companies. Your visit to the city can never be completed without a visit to this museum.

This is an urban park located in the area of the Mt. Adams and the Walnut Hill of the city. this place covers a large area and encompasses many of the important attractions of the city including the Cincinnati Art Museum, Krohn Conservatory, etc. This is another showcase of the talent of the very famous landscape architect Adolph Strauch. The most important work of this man is the Spring Grove Cemetery built in the same city.

As you reach the park you will come across the very beautiful natural entrance known as the Elsinore Arch that was built in 1883. On one side a flight of old wooden steps lead to the art Museum and the other side leads to the Krohn Conservatory. The most remarkable area inside this park is the twin bridge area that is the land where there was a quarry initially.

According to sources, this was earlier a piece of barren land that was bought by a rich merchant named Nicholas Longworth who made it his vineyard and named it ‘The Garden of Eden’ referring to the Bible. This name was later kept as it is and the garden was beautified continuously to what we see today. The groves of buckeye trees that is also the national plant of Ohio looks very colorful. Other than these, the lovely gardens, shady benches and the walkways all make this place irresistible. 

The museum is an important part of the very famous American Ball Park that is the home of the Cincinnati Reds Baseball team. This museum is an honor of the players past and present of the team. The main purpose of the museum is to conserve the proud memories of the achievements and events of the team.

The museum collection includes trophies, medals, certificates, various sports equipment and even statues. Apart from these you will also be able to see a number of certificates and photographs that are many years old. This is especially very attractive for sports enthusiasts who want to gain more knowledge about world sports.  

This is the largest and the only indoor water park in the city. 5the specialty of the park is not just the water rides but the artificial temperature adjustment done. The all year round temperature is made high over here for you to enjoy the cool water splashing everywhere even more.

The name is given as water resort as this is not just a park but you can even stay here for long or just a night- whatever suits you. The two storey water rides, colorful waves and amazing facilities in such a location is hardly found anywhere else. This is definitely the ultimate holiday experience that you will thoroughly enjoy.  The Keywest Grab & Co. and the Wet Rooster Bar make the dining experience memorable.  

This is an American Sports Stadium that is also home to the Cincinnati Bengals, the National Football Team of the league. The nickname of this stadium is ‘the jungle’. The reason for this is firstly the name of the home team and the send reason is the song from Guns n Roses that says ‘Welcome to The Jungle’.

The stadium was opened in the year 2000 and was a complete bluegrass stadium at that time. The maintenance became such a problem that it was rated as one of the top worst stadiums of the league. To overcome this problem the authorities took all efforts and turned it into such an arena that was rated among the best 150 buildings of America. It was also the first stadium to be honored with the AIA Award.

The stadium is not just covering a large area but also encompasses all the administrative offices of the home team. The practice areas and the other campuses are also inside this stadium. The other facilities including the visitors arena, lounge, cafeteria and all other places are also done in the best possible way to satisfy audiences.