The city of Cincinnati lies in a wide basin on the north bank of the Ohio River, surrounded by hills. In the past its beautiful situation earned it the styles of the "Pearl of the West" and the "Queen City". It is now a busy industrial city, with the headquarters of several large firms, and the seat of a university. It has a wide range of cultural and recreational facilities.
History The first white settlers established themselves here in 1788, to be followed a few years later by the United States Army. The town was given its name by a group of revolutionary admirers of the Roman general Cincinnatus.
Its excellent situation on the navigable Ohio River promoted its further development, and for many years it was the dominant center of the Middle West. The coming of the railway reduced the importance of the river and of the town, but it soon recovered from this setback. By 1869 it could boast the first professional baseball team in the world, the Cincinnati Reds. Until the First World War the city's life showed the influence of its many German immigrants, and it still holds annually a large Oktoberfest on the Munich model. In the Second World War Cincinnati was one of the United States' largest manufacturer of arms. William Howard Taft (1858-1930), the 27th President of the United States, was born here.
Since 1995 Aronoff Center for Design & Art has been located in a state of the art facility created by architect Cesar Pelli. The building has three main preformance spaces; Procter & Gamble Hall, Jarson-Kaplan Theater and Fifth Third Bank Theater. The Lobby area is also a beautiful space designed to hold receptions and dinners.
In addition there are also spaces for exhibitions and rehearsals.
Address: Aronoff Center for the Arts, 650 Walnut Street, Cincinnati, OH 45202, United States
Phone: 1 (513) 721-3344, Fax: 1 (513) 977-4150
The Cincinnati Zoo and Botanical Gardens are famed for their white Bengal tigers and gorillas. Here too there is one of the largest insectariums in the world.
The Cincinnati Zoo is particularly well known as a favorite with children and offers a range of educational programs for the both children and adults.
Lemurs at the Cincinnati Zoo and Botanical Gardens.
The round roof of the Reptile House at the Cincinnati Zoo and Botanical Gardens.
Hours:
9am-5pm
Always closed on: Christmas - Christian (December 25)
The focal point of the Cincinnati city center, with its modern tower blocks, is Fountain Square. At the heart of Fountain square is the Tylor Davidson Fountain (cast in Munich in 1871). Also of interest in this area is the Contemporary Arts Center at 115 East 5th Street, which offers temporary exhibitions of contemporary art.
The Irwin M. Krohn Conservatory in Cincinnati is a plant lover's paradise. Here visitors will find over 3,500 plant species from all corners of the globe. There are three houses within the conservatory; the Palm, Tropical Desert, and Orchid Houses. The Irwin M. Krohn Conservatory was built in 1933 and is managed by the City of Cincinnati Parks Department.
A waterfalls at the Irwin M. Krohn Conservatory in Cincinnati.
The statue of Abraham Lincoln in Cincinnati was created by George Grey Barnard in 1917. It is regarded as Barnard's best work but was controversial at the time for its representation. Barnard had hoped to portray a less conventional image and show Lincoln more as a man of the people and consequently the statue revealed Lincoln in a slouched stance wearing common, if not shabby, clothes.
The American Classical Music Hall of Fame and Museum in Cincinnati is located on West Fourth Street, although some of the collection has been moved to the Cincinnati Memorial Hall. Renovations have been an ongoing concern for the American Classical Music Hall of Fame. Call ahead to find out the most current status of the museum's collection.
Address: American Classical Music Hall of Fame and Museum, 1225 Elm Street, Cincinnati, OH 45202-3602, United States
Phone: 1 (513) 621-3263, Fax: 1 (513) 621-9333
Betts House, built in 1804, is known for being the oldest surviving brick building in its original location in Cincinnati and all of Ohio. The building is now the Betts Research Center which focuses on building materials and methods. The house underwent extensive renovations in the late 1980s and is an important part of the Cincinnati's heritage.
Hours:
11am-2pm; Closed: Sun, Mon, Fri
Always closed on: New Year's Day (January 1), Memorial Day - USA (last Monday, May ), American Independance Day (July 4), Labor Day - USA (1st Monday, September), Thanksgiving - USA (4th Thursday, November ), Christmas - Christian (December 25)
Carew Tower is Cincinnati's tallest building. It contains offices, shopping and hotel rooms. On the 49th floor is the Carew Tower Observatory where visitors are treated to fine views over Cincinnati. On weekends the observatory is open in the evening allowing for a night view over the city and a spectacular view of the city lights.
In Eden Park is the Cincinnati Art Museum, with works of art (sculpture, ceramics, pictures) from the great civilizations of five millennia.
The Cincinnati Art Museum displays a permanent collection along with temporary national and international exhibitions. Highlights of the collection include American and European painting and sculpture, Far East and African art, Decorative Arts, textiles, photographs and more.
Hours:
11am-5pm; Wed:11am-9pm; Closed: Mon
Always closed on: Thanksgiving - USA (4th Thursday, November ), Christmas - Christian (December 25)
Disability Access: Full facilities for persons with disabilities.
Facilities: Gift shop, Restaurant or food service, Wheelchair loan or rental
The Cincinnati Fire Museum displays firefighting artifacts and pays tribute to firefighters. Among the items on display is Cincinnati's oldest surviving fire engine and a 1808 fire drum. The museum also emphasizes safety and serves to educate the public on fire safety.
The Cincinnati Fire Museum is located in a 1907 building listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
The Cincinnati Nature Center manages the Long Branch Farm located in Goshan and Rowe Woods in Milford. Combined, there are over 1,600 acres of natural area. The award-winning trails wind through the region's natural habitats of Eastern deciduous forest, fields, streams and ponds. Visitors will enjoy a self-guided hike, bird walk, seasonal nature program two locations to hike and explore.
Address: Cincinnati Nature Center, 4949 Tealtown Road, Milford, OH 45150-9752, United States
Phone: 1 (513) 831-1711, Fax: 1 (513) 831-8052
Hours:
Sunrise-Sunset
Tips: Rowe Visitor Center is open 9 a.m.-5 p.m.
Long Branch Farm & Trails creekside trails are open to members only from 9 a.m.-5 p.m.
If you are a die-hard baseball fan, be sure to visit the Cincinnati Reds Hall of Fame and Museum. Here you will find all kinds of memorabilia related not just to the club but also to baseball in general. Team jerseys, bats, balls, and all manner of baseball stuff is on display complete with explanations.
Hours:
November 1 to February 28: 10am-5pm; Closed: Sun
Tips: Closed to the public when the Cincinnati Bengals play home games.
Not to be confused with the Coney Island on the Eastern Seaboard, this version of Coney Island is located in Cincinnati. Here visitors will find over 50 rides for all ages and a giant pool. In addition to the rides the park also hosts live shows. Coney Island is easy to find just off Interstate 275 at Kellogg Avenue.
The Contemporary Arts Center in Cleveland features changing exhibits of painting, sculpture, photograph, architecture, performing arts, and other media. The Center does not have a permanent collection and is focused on showcasing the most current artists. Check with the Contemporary Arts Center before visiting to find out about current exhibitions.
Address: Lois & Richard Rosenthal Center for Contemporary Art, 44 East Sixth Street, Cincinnati, OH 45202, United States
Phone: 1 (513) 345-8400, Fax: 1 (513) 721-7418
Eden Park lies northeast of downtown Cincinnati. Its Krohn Conservatory is one of the largest public greenhouses in the United States.
The grounds of Eden Park cover 186.29 acres and includes the Cincinnati Art Museum, Cincinnati Art Academy, Playhouse in the Park, Murray Seasongood Pavilion, and the Irwin M. Krohn Conservatory.
The Harriet Beecher Stowe House in Cincinnati is a well preserved home that provides a glimpse into the life and times of Harriet Beecher Stowe. The 17-room home is small by neighborhood standards. The home was built in the early 1870s and features displays and information about the owner. It is decorated in the styles of the late 19th Century.
The Hauck House Museum in Cincinnati is an Italianate style home with a stone carved facade. The interior boasts many unique details with painted ceilings and extensive woodwork throughout. The home has been restored and is furnished in period and is meant to show daily life in the late 1800s. Keep in mind that this area was once known as "Millionaire's Row" and consequently is an example of an upper class lifestyle.
The Hebrew Union College-Jewish Institute of Religion in Cincinnati offers a wide variety of courses of study including Rabbinical Studies, Cantorial Studies, Jewish Education Studies, Jewish Communal Service Studies, Graduate & Undergraduate Studies, and Continuing Education Programs.
Address: Hebrew Union College-Jewish Institute of Religion, 3101 Clifton Avenue, Cincinnati, OH 45220, United States
Phone: 1 (513) 221-1875, Fax: 1 (513) 221-1847
The Hillel Jewish Student Center in Cincinnati is the focal point for the younger members of Cincinnati's Jewish community. The Hillel Jewish Student Center has an active social and community calendar to help those involved meet their needs and the needs of the community as a whole.
Address: Hillel Jewish Student Center, Rose Warner House 2615 Clifton Avenue, Cincinnati, OH 45220, United States
Phone: 1 (513) 221-6728, Fax: 1 (513) 221-7134
The John Roebling Bridge is one of Cincinnati's most endearing landmarks. This suspension bridge was built in 1866 and links Cincinnati to Covington, KY. The bridge span is 357 m / 1057 ft long and carries both vehicular and pedestrian traffic. The John Roebling Bridge is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
The Mount Airy Forest is a natural area located only 10 minutes from downtown Cincinnati. It is the city's largest park and has a large number of amenities for day-trippers. These include 23 picnic sites and three forest lodges. The forest is home to over 5,000 different types of plants representing 1,600 species. If you are lucky you may see a white tailed deer or a rare and endangered salamander.
The Peter in Chains Cathedral in Cincinnati is the home of the Archdiocese for the city. The original was once considered one of the finest examples of Neo Classical architecture in the United States. The current building was completed in 1957. Peter in Chains Cathedral has an active parish with a busy community outreach program. Visitors are always welcome to stop in at any time.
Address: St. Peter in Chains Cathedral, 325 West Eighth Street, Cincinnati, OH 45202, United States
Phone: 1 (513) 421-5354, Fax: 1 (513) 241-9517
The world-renowned Taft Museum of Art is located in Cincinnati. The building that houses the museum is of particular note. It was built in 1820 in the Palladian style and is a called the Baum-Longworth-Taft House. It is listed as a National Historic Landmark. Inside, the Taft Museum has a collection of paintings from Old Masters, European Decorative Arts, along with sculptures and furniture among many others.
Hours:
11am-5pm; Closed: Mon, Tue
Always closed on: New Year's Day (January 1), American Independance Day (July 4), Thanksgiving - USA (4th Thursday, November ), Christmas - Christian (December 25)
Tips: Free admission for everyone on Sundays.
Discount: Sunday
Disability Access: Full facilities for persons with disabilities.
Facilities: Gift shop, Restaurant or food service, Wheelchair loan or rental
The venerable old William Howard Taft House in Cincinnati, in which William Howard Taft (1857-1930), 27th President of the United States, was born is open to visitors. There is also a museum in his honor at 316 Pike Street.
The house is now part of the William Howard Taft National Historic Site.
The William Howard Taft House and historic site in Cincinnati.
Address: William Howard Taft National Historic Site, 2038 Auburn Avenue, Cincinnati, OH 45219, United States
Phone: 1 (513) 684-3262, Fax: 1 (513) 684-3627
Hours:
8am-4pm
Always closed on: New Year's Day (January 1), Thanksgiving - USA (4th Thursday, November ), Christmas - Christian (December 25)
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Museum Center
Cincinnati Zoo and Botanical Gardens, Cincinnati
Fountain Square, Cincinnati
Eden Park, Cincinnati
John Roebling Bridge, Cincinnati
John Roebling Bridge, Cincinnati
Eden Park, Cincinnati
Eden Park, Cincinnati
