Situated along the mighty Ohio River, the cities of northern Kentucky share the spotlight with Cincinnati, offering a delightful variety of activities and attractions for visitors and locals alike.
The area has four stops along the Kentucky Faith Trail, a self-guided trail that leads visitors though 11 of state’s religious attractions, highlighting places, landscapes and architecture. In Williamstown, you’ll find Noah’s Ark brought to life at the Ark Encounter. The largest wood-framed timber structure in the world, the ark stands seven stories high and is 510 feet long. Besides the ark itself, the encounter includes a carousel, children’s zoo and playground, and dining. Camel rides and ziplining are also available.
In Petersburg, the Creation Museum is housed in a state-of-the-art 75,000-square-foot facility and features exhibits including a realistic Garden of Eden, a 4D special effects theater, a petting zoo and botanical gardens. Another stop on the Faith Trail is the Cathedral Basilica, a mini replica of the Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris. Groups of 10 or more can arrange for guided tours in the cathedral. Only a half mile away, the Mother of God Church has breathtaking stained-glass windows and beautifully painted artwork throughout the building.
“Here in northern Kentucky, we like to say that the South literally begins at our front door,” said Amanda Johannemann, director of destination marketing and communications for Meet NKY. “We welcome groups to enjoy small-town warmth and hospitality alongside the big city amenities and attractions that Cincinnati has to offer, just a bridge walk across the Ohio River.”
Newport Aquarium
Sharks, seahorses and “mermaids” (graceful ladies swimming in mermaid costumes), along with thousands of other aquatic creatures, are all on display at the Newport Aquarium, just across the river from Cincinnati. Named as one of USA Today’s 10 Best Aquariums, the facility will delight visitors of all ages with touch tanks, a shipwreck exhibit (complete with eels), a 60,000-gallon walk-through coral reef tunnel and the first-in-the-world Shark Bridge, where visitors can walk on a rope bridge just inches above a tank full of sharks.
Newport on the Levee
Following your visit to Newport Aquarium, stay and spend time at Newport on the Levee for shopping, entertainment and dining. The newly opened Galley on the Levee is a food hall experience featuring locally owned, thoughtfully curated restaurant concepts and a signature bar experience. It spills out into Bridgeview Box Park, a laid-back, outdoor shipping container park with riverfront and skyline views.
Behringer-Crawford Museum
Journey to the top of Covington’s Devou Park for a unique experience at the Behringer-Crawford Museum. Set among rolling hills with breathtaking views of the Ohio River, Cincinnati and Covington, the museum features exhibitions on natural history, American history and the region’s iconic railway system.
BB Riverboats
The Ohio River is the lifeblood of the region, and there’s no more enjoyable way to experience this mighty waterway than on a leisurely riverboat cruise. BB Riverboats has been plying the waters since 1979. Groups can enjoy delicious buffets featuring locally sourced specialties and savory Kentucky hot browns in ornate Victorian surroundings on the opulent Belle of Cincinnati. The riverboat has three climate-controlled decks, and an open-air upper viewing deck offering sweeping views of the Cincinnati and northern Kentucky skylines. Cruises run throughout the year rain or shine, are handicap accessible and welcome guests of all ages.
