Visit Cincy
Eric's Guide to Cincinnati
Over half of our wedding guests are from out-of-state, so please let me welcome you to my hometown of Cincinnati, Ohio! Nestled along the winding banks of the Ohio river, Cincinnati boasts a picturesque landscape that intertwines the charm of its riverfront heritage with an iconic skyline of historic skyscrapers and modern spires. From its early days as a bustling port and gateway to the West to its current status as a hub of arts, culture, and culinary excellence, the city has become affectionately known as the “Queen City.”
If you find yourself in Cincinnati for an extra day, or you are considering making the most of this Memorial Day Weekend trip, please consider the below list as my favorite places to explore in town. Cincinnati is rich with history, and I hope you get a chance to experience what this city has to offer!
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-Eric
The Cincinnati Museum Center (2-4 hours)
There is no building which encompasses the Art Deco Style of Cincinnati better than the Historic Union Terminal. Originally a major hub for passenger and freight trains, this building put Cincinnati on the map as the Gateway to the West. Today, the Union terminal hosts the Cincinnati Museum Center, a collection of several organizations under one roof:
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The Duke Energy Children's Museum: a fantastic science-based experience which rivals any children’s museum in the country. For kids under 12, this is an amazing space to explore.
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The Cincinnati History Museum: documenting the history and culture of Cincinnati, this wing hosts a myriad of model buildings and trains. Walk through a model cityscape of historic Cincinnati and learn about our city’s rich culture of innovation, determination, and amazing culinary experiences.
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The Natural History Museum: the host of several unique dinosaur skeletons within its Dinosaur Hall (including the only Torvosaurus skeleton publicly exhibited). It also includes a multi-level cave system to explore. Don't lick the stalagmites. Also in this wing is a model of a Giant Sloth, which Sarah thinks looks kind of like her dad, Ben.
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The Neil Armstrong Space Exploration Gallery: After the Korean war, Neil Armstrong earned his bachelors in aeronautical engineering at my Alma Mater, Purdue University. He later taught aerospace engineering at the University of Cincinnati. This exhibit includes several artifacts from the Apollo 11 Lunar mission and many interactive learning activities for children.
The Cincinnati Art Museum (2-4 hours)
One of the largest art museums in the Midwest, the Cincinnati Art Museum sits at the top of Mount Eden within Eden Park. The 67,000-piece collection spans nearly all cultures and eras, with exhibits dedicated to historic South Asia, the arts of the early Islamic world, and various Mediterranean collections. On display are works from the great European artists Picasso, Monet, Van Gogh, and Rubens. Artists from the Ohio Area are also displayed, including works from Frank Duveneck, Hiram Powers, And Robert S. Duncanson. Lastly, learn about Cincinnati’s history of pottery and the rivalry between ceramicists Mary Mclaughlin and Maria Storer. Located only a few minutes away from the Krohn Conservatory!
The Krohn Conservatory (1 hour)
The Irwin M Krohn Conservatory is a large greenhouse, originally built in 1933, which houses an indoor waterfall, an orchid room, a desert garden, a historic bonsai collection, and a seasonal butterfly show. Boasting the Art Deco style in which Cincinnati is known for, this attraction is nestled within the beautiful Eden Park, five minutes from the Cincinnati Art Museum.
The Cincinnati Zoo and Botanical Gardens (3-5 hours)
The Cincinnati Zoo and Botanical Gardens. Another world-class destination within Cincinnati. Founded in 1873, the zoo has made groundbreaking strides in conservation of Sumatran Rhinos, Asian Elephants, Gorillas, Orangutans, and Komodo Dragons. The zoo’s dense design means there are wonderful and well-maintained animal enclosures around every corner, making this a wonderful experience for kids and adults alike. Rest in Peace, Harambe!
Smale Riverside Park and the Moerlein Lager House (1-2 hours)
Looking for a dinner spot while experiencing downtown? Try the Moerlein Lager House. Christian Moerlein Brewing has been a cornerstone of Cincinnati’s history since prior to Prohibition. Opened by the German immigrant Christian Moerlein in 1853, the brand is tightly rooted in Cincinnati’s German history and is also credited as one of the pioneers of the craft beer movement.
Across from the Lager House is the Smale Riverside Park, complete with swinging benches overlooking the Ohio River and the John A. Roebling Suspension bridge. Watch the sunset with your significant other and soak in the views, or walk around and check out the Great American Ballpark (home of the Reds) and Paycor Stadium (Who Dey!).