Your Next Adventure: The Ohio River Scenic Byway

Dec. 7 2018

Turn your next Cincinnati trip into an adventure on the Ohio River Scenic Byway! Why take a major highway into the city when you can discover the beautiful views, lush landscapes, and charming towns sprinkled along the Ohio River Scenic Byway?

Turn your next Cincinnati trip into an adventure on the Ohio River Scenic Byway! Why take a major highway into the city when you can discover the beautiful views, lush landscapes, and charming towns sprinkled along the Ohio River Scenic Byway? Stretching across the entire southern border of Ohio, this breath-taking route including HWY 52 covers over 450 miles of gorgeous water front scenes and historical sites that you’ll remember for years to come.

Make your way along the winding river road and start your journey in Portsmouth, OH. Here you will be greeted by century-old buildings, charming antique shops, museums, restaurants and a local brewery. The Southern Ohio Museum, also located in Portsmouth, has two permanent installations and over 10,000 prehistoric artifacts. 

As you continue towards the Queen City, you will make your way through Freedom’s Landing. This region in Southwest Ohio is home to many historic Underground Railroad sites and stations. Stop by the John Rankin House, the site that inspired Eliza’s frozen river crossing in Uncle Tom’s Cabin, to step back in time and into one the most used Underground Railroad stations in Ohio. 

To learn more about the Underground Railroad, explore the Clermont County Freedom Trail. With over 30 sites, you will learn about many of the major contributors to the Underground Railroad movement. Clermont County boasts 19 NPS Network to Freedom sites and currently leads the nation in such recognition.

Make your next stop at Chilo Lock 34 Park, a former US Army Corps of Engineers lock and dam. Navigate 3 floors of exhibits and interactive displays at the Chilo Lock 34 Visitor Center and Museum then enjoy a meal near the 1.5-acre wetland and Crooked Run Nature Preserve in one of the park’s two picnic shelters. Entertain any little ones with the steamboat-themed playground! 

The birthplace of US President Ulysses S. Grant can be found in Pt. Pleasant. See how the Grant family established themselves in southern Ohio in the early 19th century and hear the fascinating story of the house and how it traveled across the country by train later in the 19th century. Visit the nearby Grant Park for awe-inspiring river views! 

Settle down for the evening in the quaint Village of New Richmond. Enjoy adorable antique stores, riverfront scenes, and inviting cafés or step inside the World’s Only Cardboard Boat Museum. Stay in Susana’s Guest House or the Vornholt House to complete your trip all while avoiding a cookie cutter experience. 

Next, make your way to the largest city on the scenic byway, Cincinnati. Experience the many inspiring views and opportunities to please anyone in your traveling party. Complete the city’s Byway experience by visiting the National Underground Railroad Freedom Center in the heart of Cincinnati. Visit www.cincinnatiusa.com to find the best places to visit in the city! 

Looking to extend your Ohio River Adventure? Visit ohioriverscenicbyway.org to learn more about the Ohio Rover Scenic Byway. 

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