Blake Walsh

15 Best Things to Do in Hamilton County, OH

  • Published 2023/04/15

The wonders of Hamilton County reside along the southwestern corners of Ohio.

Established in 1790, the county was named after the first US Secretary of the Treasury, Mr. Alexander Hamilton.

While the initial county had about 2000 inhabitants, its borders have expanded to include Michigan’s lower peninsula.

At the same time, they created smaller communities in Hamilton County.

Still, there’s a plethora of tourist attractions to suit all kinds of tastes and preferences!

The county has lush gardens, parks, historical museums, and recreational facilities.

You can have various experiences with each distinct destination!

Here’s a list of the best things to do in Hamilton County, Ohio.

Meet the Animals at Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden

A peacock at Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden

Gaston Piccinetti / Shutterstock.com

With its opening in 1875, the Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden is one of the oldest zoos in the United States.

While they started with a handful of animals, they’ve now managed to amass more than 500 species and 3000 plants.

Many reptiles, mammals, amphibians, birds, and other creatures live in the zoo.

You can also discover beautiful flowers, lush plantations, and rare plants at Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden.

Elephant house at Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden

Joe D. Good, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

For those traveling with children, you can take them to bonus rides like the Carousel and Safari Train.

With so many attractions, exploring this place completely might take an entire day.

Indeed, it’s a vibrant destination within the famous city of Cincinnati.

You can find it along the lengths of Vine Street, so add this place to your list!

Signage of Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden

Mind meal at en.wikipedia, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Revisit the 19th Century at Heritage Village Museum

Heritage Village Museum is an attraction filled with historic buildings from various points of the 19th century.

The buildings were taken from places in Ohio and Kentucky to preserve their valuable charms.

Some were made as accurate replicas of authentic homes and establishments from the past.

A walk within Heritage Village Museum can feel like a trip back into the old days!

You can book guided tours, enter some homes, or self-examine the village.

Even if they opened in 2000, their combined history could be traced back more than 200 years ago!

This attraction offers distinct architectural styles, time-old traditions, costumes, and a glimpse of historic charm.

The museum is in Sharonville along Lebanon Road.

Admire Local Artworks at the Barn

Within the cozy village of Mariemont, there lies a cultural hub for the arts named “The Barn.”

This place has hosted art-related workshops, cultural classes, creative exhibitions, and live performances.

It’s been dedicated to fostering art appreciation within the community since its official incorporation in 2007.

It’s also a unique collaboration among the women of Mariemont, showcasing their skills to other regions.

Whether you’d like to craft your creations or admire the gallery’s art pieces, the Barn opens its doors to everyone.

It provides public access to paintings, sculptures, photos, and other mediums.

From an old, rugged building to a bright facility for the arts, the Barn has impressively come a long way.

Check out the Barn at Cambridge Avenue!

Enter a Real-Life Castle at Loveland Castle Museum

Exterior of the Loveland Castle Museum

Stephanie A Sellers / Shutterstock.com

Loveland Castle Museum gives you a glimpse of the Medieval Period with a one-of-a-kind, authentic charm.

This true-to-life castle was built a thousand years ago when the Roman Empire reached the British Isles.

Once inside, you’ll see various original artifacts, weapons, armor, and religious items.

You’ll also explore the castle’s unique architectural style, traditions, and culture.

Gardens have also been built around the premises as an additional explorable area.

While they don’t offer guided tours, you can see the entire building freely.

Located in Loveland, this famous castle is its pride and joy!

Discover this historic masterpiece at Shore Drive.

Book a Tasting Session in Meier’s Wine Cellars Inc.

For over 100 years, Meier’s Wine Cellars Inc. has become a sought-out establishment within Silverton.

They started with grape juice, branching out to different products after receiving positive reviews.

It has since produced a notable collection of diverse award-winning wines!

You’ll have plenty to taste, from table and dessert wines to sparkling wines and specialty beverages.

You can try them on-site and pair them with tasty cheese plates and other small, bite-sized snacks.

Otherwise, you can buy them as groceries and bring them home to your family and friends as souvenirs.

They have always aimed to produce high-quality wines from American-grown fruits and grapes.

Meier’s Wine Cellars Inc. can be located along Plainfield Road.

Ride a Horse in Winton Woods

With about 2555 acres of explorable land, getting lost in Winton Woods would be easy.

This far-reaching park is conveniently nestled along the rolling hills of the cozy village of Greenhills.

It offers many recreational opportunities, from leisure explorations to active outdoor adventures.

You can fish, ride horses, camp in the woods, or picnic on the plains.

Winton Woods is the perfect attraction for nature enthusiasts, providing miles of trails and modern facilities.

At Winton Road, there’s also an 18-hole disc golf course for additional recreation!

Various animals also consider Winton Woods their home so that you might catch a glimpse of rabbits, squirrels, and the like.

Winton Woods is one of its most well-known tourist destinations in a small village like Greenhills.

Explore the Local Scene at Findlay Market

A cafe at Findlay Market

aceshot1 / Shutterstock.com

Findlay Market is Cincinnati’s version of a thriving, locally-centered shopping destination.

At Race Street, the market is home to dozens of merchants providing specialty products like groceries, flowers, and more.

It’s the only municipal market that thrived decades after many others were shut down.

It was listed in the National Register of Historic Places in 1972.

Fresh produce at Findlay Market

Martin Castrogiovanni / Shutterstock.com

Visit Findlay Market to enjoy the charm of Cincinnati’s local setting.

More than a million customers visit the premises, marking it as one of the city’s most cherished attractions.

They’ll book street performers and homegrown musicians on weekends to foster a livelier atmosphere.

Unsurprisingly, Findlay Market still thrives in today’s modern age!

Shoppers at Findlay Market

BLAZE Pro / Shutterstock.com

Cool Off at Coney Island Park

Beat the summer heat with Coney Island Park’s superb facilities.

At Kellogg Avenue, this splendid water park came a long way from its first establishment in 1886.

From inflatable floaties and diverse pools to thrilling slides, Coney Island Park has the potential for fun adventures.

Their facilities also include more than 70 variants of interactive water play stations both for adults and children!

These have made Coney Island Park a worthwhile attraction for families, no matter your age and skills.

They also host seasonal events with hot air balloons, inflatable slides, and other lively community gatherings.

If you’re ever visiting Hamilton County in hot weather, remember Coney Island Park!

It’s housed in the bustling city of Cincinnati.

Reach the Top of Shawnee Lookout

Shawnee Lookout is another famous park in Hamilton County.

What distinguishes it from other parks in the county is its unique, intimidating hilltop location.

Spanning over 2000 acres, Shawnee Lookout presents beautiful river valley views from a high vantage point.

The park’s also known as the home of historic buildings and archaeological earthworks like the Springhouse School.

A hike into the woods showcases the beauty of nature’s wonders, from lush trees and plants to various animal wildlife.

Shawnee Lookout is a one-of-a-kind park!

It’s settled in the small village of North Bend within the premises of Lawrenceburg Road.

See Stunning Views at Summit Park

Aerial view of Summit Park

Blue Ash Communications, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Summit Park is praised for its vast collection of year-round activities stemming from its various facilities.

This park is home to an Observation Deck, allowing travelers a bird’s eye view of stunning natural vistas.

If you’re brave enough, they offer zipline opportunities perfect for thrill-seekers.

Catching fish from the pond is another popular activity for warmer seasons!

During winter, guests can take on exciting seasonal ventures such as ice skating and ice sledding.

Finally, you can end your exploration of Summit Park with a feast at one of their on-site restaurants.

The city of Blue Ash takes pride in this bright local park, nestled along Glendale Millford Road.

For all-around recreational ventures, check out this beautiful park!

Paddle the Whitewater River with Green Acres Kayak Rental

At Suspension Bridge Road, Green Acres Kayak Rental can connect you with the cool streams of the Whitewater River.

With thousands of kayaks available, they can accommodate almost everyone speedily.

Green Acres Kayak Rental makes the experience convenient for customers since they’ll handle everything.

You’ll have to catch the bus to reach the starting point, fall in line, and paddle across the river with your kayaks.

Depending on your preference, you can take short three-mile, average five-mile, or lengthy eight-mile trips.

Either way, you’re sure to see a glimpse of the Whitewater River and its beautiful surroundings.

It’s the perfect activity for the summer season!

Located in Harrison, you shouldn’t miss out on Green Acres Kayak Rental.

Explore Kenwood Towne Centre

Far view of Kenwood Towne Centre

Ed!(talk)(Hall of Fame), CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Kenwood Towne Centre is a picturesque haven for shopping enthusiasts!

It lies along the corner of Montgomery Road in Kenwood, a census-designated area known for its retail properties.

Since its opening in 1959, this establishment has attracted many tourists and residents.

They’re well-known for having a balanced variety of shops, restaurants, and services to cater to your needs.

The architecture oozes class and elegance with an enclosed style while providing a cozy atmosphere.

It’s home to more than 180 unique retailers, so there are plenty of new sights to see and explore.

Kenwood Towne Centre is one of the top malls in Hamilton County, so check it out!

Book a Guided Tour of Mt Healthy Historical Society

While you roam Hamilton County, learn about its history at Mt. Healthy Historical Society.

Established in 1962, this museum was built through the collaborative efforts of the local community.

They raised funds and donated some to facilitate a museum that preserved their culture and past.

Today, this venue also serves as a living historical resource for anyone who wants to learn about the city of Mt. Healthy.

Browse artifacts, photographs, documents, and other items related to the city’s origins.

They also provide guided tours, so long as you book appointments in advance.

While the museum may not be the largest, it’s filled with charm and friendly volunteers willing to chat with strangers.

Drop by McMakin Avenue!

Taste Distinct Flavors in Ferrari’s Little Italy & Bakery

Grab a small piece of Italy at Ferrari’s Little Italy & Bakery in Madeira.

This charming venue highlights authentic Italian cuisine amid a cozy atmosphere.

They’ve been in business for more than 25 years, which is a testament to their tasty recipes and wholesome vibes.

From freshly baked pastries and bread to savory meats and sandwiches, Ferrari’s Little Italy & Bakery offers a balanced menu.

They’re also known as a family-friendly restaurant because of their generous portions.

The place embraces the Italian theme, with a gorgeous mural and waterfall on the outdoor patio.

There’s something for everyone here, from casual dining to private gatherings.

This place can provide a much-need pitstop as you travel within the county.

Catch a Performance at Cincinnati Music Hall

Exterior of the Cincinnati Music Hall

Cory Woodruff / Shutterstock.com

Cincinnati Music Hall has hosted its fair share of ballets, musicals, orchestral performances, etc.

This place is best for travelers who enjoy refined shows and elegant ambiance.

Cincinnati Music Hall caters to diverse audiences, from children’s shows to dramas and musicals.

The building is praised for its eye-catching architecture, having been recognized as a National Historic Landmark.

Facade of the Cincinnati Music Hall

Eric Glenn / Shutterstock.com

Cincinnati Music Hall follows the Venetian Gothic style, presenting stunning indoor and outdoor decor views.

Enter the hall and see a mix of modern and traditional luxury from various restoration efforts.

Indeed, this venue is one of Cincinnati’s most popular destinations for entertainment.

You can search for it along the lengths of Elm Street.

Interior of the Cincinnati Music Hall

Cory Woodruff / Shutterstock.com

Final Thoughts

Hamilton County shines with diverse attractions and astonishing centers for recreational opportunities.

It’s got places for leisure, active adventures, vibrant shopping, and outdoor explorations!

Discover the best things to do in Hamilton County, Ohio.

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