A condensed version was originally published in the Miniature Gazette, May/June 2025, pages 14–15. The version below contains live links for your convenience.

Pursuing Pleasurable Pastimes in Cincinnati

We’ve learned about Cincinnati’s history, museums near and far, and local cuisine. One might wonder, “What’s left to write about?” No worries… We’ve saved the best for last. These are a variety of just-for-fun activities to consider adding to your agenda when you plan your trip to or from our convention. Note that this series of articles is now available online with clickable links from our club’s website at <cincy-miniatures.org/index.php/events-2/2025-name-national-convention>.

✑  Mileage estimates, shown between tilde characters, are distances from the Westin-Cincinnati, our official convention hotel, located at 21 East Fifth Street, Cincinnati, OH 45202.

Appreciating Animals

Along with typical park facilities, Big Bone Lick State Historic Site in Union, Kentucky, has Pleistocene megafauna fossils, active salt springs, and—can you believe it—a live herd of bison! Open year-round. ~25 mi~ 3380 Beaver Road, Union, KY 41091 <parks.ky.gov/parks/find-a-park/big-bone-lick-state-historic-site-7807>

✑  An online directory lists all Kentucky parks and compares their features: <mp.mydigitalpublication.com/publication/?m=71550&i=816891&p=1&ver=html5>. Here’s an equivalent for Ohio parks: <dam.assets.ohio.gov/image/upload/odnr/parks/Ohio-State-Parks-Brochure.pdf>.

The Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden is the second-oldest zoo in the country and one of the best, internationally known for its research and conservation projects, birthing programs for endangered species, and propagation of endangered plants. A number of behind-the-scenes tours and interactive encounters are offered, some of which are seasonal. Open daily. ~3.7 mi~ 3400 Vine Street, Cincinnati, OH 45220 <cincinnatizoo.org>

Newport Aquarium invites you to “SEA” thousands of the world’s most exotic aquatic creatures… walk through underwater tunnels… cross inches above a tank full of sharks on a rope bridge… and even pet sharks and stingrays! They offer behind-the-scenes tours (the Penguin Encounter is great!) and host many special events. Mostly handicap accessible. Open daily. ~2 mi~ 1 Aquarium Way, Newport, KY 41071 <newportaquarium.com>

With more than 2,500 acres, Winton Woods has something for everyone—from Parky’s Farm where you’ll find barnyard animals, playgrounds, demonstration gardens, and orchards, to assorted activities such as boating, camping, fishing, golfing, hiking, and horseback riding. Open daily. ~13 mi~ 10073 Daly Road, Cincinnati, OH 45231 <greatparks.org/parks/winton-woods>

Wolf Creek Habitat and Rescue rescues wild wolves and offers encounters, as well as tent camping and cabin rentals. Admission is free to observe from an 80-ft observation deck. Encounters require a fee. Open Sat and Sun only. ~46 mi~ 14099 Wolf Creek Road, Brookville, IN 47012 <wolfcreekhabitat.org>

Entertaining Extras

Are you ready for old-fashioned cruising on the Ohio River? BB Riverboats provides sightseeing, dinner, and specialty cruises, all in comfortable surroundings on their sternwheeler riverboats. Headquartered in Newport, Kentucky, they sail daily, rain or shine. Free parking. Be sure to arrive early—the boat won’t wait! ~1.4 mi~ 101 Riverboat Row, Newport, KY 41071 <bbriverboats.com>

✑  Honoring America’s 250th birthday, “America’s River Roots” will take place in Cincinnati October 9–12, 2025. Celebrating river-oriented music, cuisine, and culture, twelve riverboats will be here, including our own from Ohio and Kentucky.

Or how about cruising the rails on the Cincinnati Dinner Train? Watch the scenery slide by while sipping cocktails and being served a fine, four-course meal in an elegant, retro 1940s dining rail car. The train only runs Saturdays, March through December. Advance registration required. Free parking. ~8 mi~ 2172 East Seymour Avenue, Cincinnati, OH 45237 <cincinnatidinnertrain.com>

For more than 50 years, Kings Island has been known for the best amusement park rides and live entertainment in the Midwest. It boasts over 100 rides, shows, and attractions, including legendary roller coasters Diamondback, Orion, and The Beast. Summer admission includes access to Soak City Water Park. Primarily open mid-May through mid-August, plus additional weekends for special events. If you’re continuing your stay, hotels closer to Mason, Ohio, offer package deals. ~24 mi~ 6300 Kings Island Drive, Kings Island, OH 45034 <visitkingsisland.com>

Seeing the Sights

The following riverfront locations are free and open daily.

See amazing panoramic views when you walk across the historic 1867 John A. Roebling Suspension Bridge into Kentucky. (The Westin is about four blocks directly north of this bridge.) QR Code plaques installed along the walkway provide a virtual tour. ~0.6 mi~ <roeblingbridge.org/Home/PgrID/1382/PageID/2>

From the Ohio River Trail one can observe multiple landmarks in Downtown Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky. It runs through Smale Riverfront Park (see more about the park below).

Today the Purple People Bridge (just to the right off the map) is a pedestrian-only bridge stretching a half-mile across the Ohio River between Cincinnati and Newport. Back in 1872 it was the first railroad bridge to span the Ohio River here. ~1 mi~ 700 East Pete Rose Way, Cincinnati, OH 45202 <purplepeoplebridge.com>

Spanning 45 acres from Paycor Stadium to Great American Ball Park, Smale Riverfront Park features multiple water play areas, giant swings, an interactive foot piano, and Carol Ann’s Carousel. Free and open daily, 6 am to 10 pm. ~0.5 mi walk~ 166 W. Merhing Way Cincinnati, OH 45202 <cincinnati-oh.gov/cincyparks/visit-a-park/find-a-parkfacility/smale-riverfront-park>

Sipping, Supping, & Shopping

Newport on the Levee is a mixed-use, walkable, and family-friendly entertainment hub—home to a collection of unique retailers and restaurants, a 20-screen theater, the Newport Aquarium, and more. See their website directory for links to dining, retail, and entertainment venues: <newportonthelevee.com/directory> ~1.6 mi~ One Levee Way, Newport, KY 41071 <newportonthelevee.com>

North of the eastern end of Smale Riverfront Park, The Banks boasts an assortment of entertainment venues, restaurants, and shops, along with spectacular views. You can take the free streetcar to get there. Most restaurants are open daily until 2 am. ~0.3 mi walk~ Freedom Way, Cincinnati, OH 45202 <thebankscincy.com> PLAY: <thebankscincy.com/play> SHOP & DINE: <thebankscincy.com/shop-dine>

Spectating Sports

The Cincinnati Bengals NFL football team plays at the outdoor Paycor Stadium (formerly Paul Brown Stadium). Pre-season games may be scheduled during your time here in August. ~0.5 mi~ 1 Paycor Stadium, Cincinnati, OH 45202 <bengals.com>

The Cincinnati Reds were the first professional baseball team in the country. They play at the Great American Ball Park, which is adjacent to the Reds Hall of Fame and Museum. Several home games are scheduled in August. ~0.5 mi~ 100 Joe Nuxhall Way, Cincinnati, OH 45202 <mlb.com/reds>.

The FC Cincinnati (Football Club Cincinnati) professional soccer team plays at TQL Stadium, one of the largest soccer-specific facilities in Major League Soccer. Their season runs the end of February through mid-October. ~1.4 mi~ 1501 Central Parkway, Cincinnati, Ohio 45214 <fccincinnati.com>

I do hope you’ll be able to explore some of these unique-to-Cincinnati experiences. Next time we’ll get back to basics with traveling here and finding your way around our Queen City.

PHOTO CREDITS:
“Belle of Cincinnati” Riverboat from <en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Belle_of_Cincinnati_2008.jpg>
Map from <visitcincy.com/listing/smale-riverfront-park/5509>
Cincinnati Skyline from <purplepeoplebridge.com> 

Contact: Ingrid Farnam-Koblish,
The Miniature Society of Cincinnati,
cincyminis@gmail.com.                    ◆