Blake Walsh

15 Best Things to Do in Campbell County, KY

  • Published 2022/11/06

No matter your mood, Campbell County offers a little bit of everything when it comes to attractions.

It has thrilling destinations, lively entertainment, scenic sights, and more.

It got its name from John Campbell, a Revolutionary war soldier and legislator who greatly contributed to the region.

To this day, Campbell County has become a part of the Northern Kentucky metro community.

It’s well-known for its abundance of lush farmlands and beautiful scenery.

If you’re more into city vibes, there are also plenty of chic places within the county’s premises.

Here are the best things to do in Campbell County, Kentucky:

Meet Newport Aquarium’s Marine Animals

Exterior of Newport Aquarium

Rosamar / Shutterstock.com

Newport Aquarium offers endless sights of a dreamy ocean paradise with eye-catching marine animals.

Located in Newport, it features many creative ways to get up close and personal with adorable sea creatures.

They have tunnel aquariums, penguin viewings, and petting areas for stingrays and sharks.

There are also alligators and amphibians, fishes, and reptiles.

Shark tank in Newport Aquarium

Jeff Kubina from the milky way galaxy, CC BY-SA 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons

For kids, interactive exhibits are available, such as the shark bridge, octopus den, playground, and arts room.

They also have a wonderful assortment of stuffed toys, t-shirts, caps, and other novelty collectibles for souvenirs.

Newport Aquarium is also home to various restaurants and an onsite cafe in case you get hungry or thirsty.

Head to Levee Way for the full experience!

A shark in Newport Aquarium

Jeff Kubina from Columbia, Maryland, CC BY-SA 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Taste Award-Winning Wines in Stonebrook Winery

Stonebrook Winery takes pride in its reputation as the first-ever winery in Northern Kentucky.

Its vineyards date back to 2000, and the winery began to produce varieties of its tasty beverages in 2005.

The winery is small and family-owned, making it even more charming to tourists who prefer fewer crowds.

Their wine-tasting room was built on the grounds of an 1890 historic farmhouse.

This gives the premises an old-world allure, especially for fans of the simple rural lifestyle.

Though the place has been renovated, the owners tried to retain as much of the original structure and design to give it a unique touch.

Along Vineyard Lane, Stonebrook Winery offers an assortment of award-winning wines in Melbourne City.

They also make sure to use ingredients from either their own farm or local Kentucky producers.

Have a Thrilling Adventure at USS Nightmare

For thrill-seekers, USS Nightmare is a perfect attraction.

It’s a haunted house attraction in Newport along Riverboat Row.

With costumed actors, haunting sets, and spooky music, USS Nightmare takes you through a thrilling adventure.

There are three stories to choose from, each with a different tale, origin, and escape method.

Either way, you’ll be immersed in scripted scenes where you can learn about the terrifying events that took place inside the ship.

More than the jump scares, USS Nightmare aims to tell the haunting stories they prepared for brave travelers.

If the scare gets too much for you, you can always bow out of the journey earlier than others.

Face your fears in USS Nightmare!

Shop ‘til You Drop at the Crestview Hills Town Center

One of the best places to shop in Campbell County is the Crestview Hills Town Center along Town Center Boulevard of Crest View.

Whether you’re after shopping or dining, Crestview Hills Town Center can accommodate your needs.

With over 65 shops, this place offers a wide selection of shopping options.

They have some of the most popular brands, like Sephora, Trader Joe’s, Dillard’s, and more.

They also host events, including car shows, wellness days, and local farmer’s markets.

Meanwhile, you can also enjoy scenic sights of flowers, plants, and greenery in the area.

For your shopping needs, make sure to stop by this shopping center!

Ride a Horse at Misty Ridge Farm

Misty Ridge Farm offers interactive and learning adventures with the horses!

At Owl Creek Road, this place can teach you safe horseback riding.

There are lessons for all ages, so long as you contact the friendly staff.

They’ve been in business since 1990, making them one of the longest-standing farms around the area.

Other than lessons, Misty Ridge Farm also provides trail riding experiences on certain scheduled dates.

They’ll provide you with the horses and other necessary equipment.

They’ll also teach you how to properly groom the horse, just in case you’re curious.

Visit the humble city of Melbourne to find Misty Ridge Farm!

Explore the City in BB Riverboats

A BB Riverboat cruising the water

Rosamar / Shutterstock.com

Through BB Riverboats, you’ll be able to see the splendid sights of Newport City from the ocean.

The company on Riverboat Row in Newport dates back to 1979 and has become a popular way to explore the city.

The two founders, Ben Bernstein and Betty Blake, took a risk with a single-passenger boat for 400 people.

Now, BB Riverboats offer various packages from morning to evening.

View of a docked BB Riverboat

Rosamar / Shutterstock.com

You can join casual afternoon cruises, watch the sunset, or indulge in luxurious dinner cruises with the ship’s captain.

Some cruises also have live music and host special events during the holiday season.

It’s a popular experience that you must try at least once in your lifetime!

During the cruise, you’ll enjoy the captivating sights of Newport City’s buildings and structures and the beautiful Cincinnati River.

Play Games at Rotolo Bowling

Rotolo Bowling offers traditional bowling with a modern twist.

Along Levee Way Suite, this alley has more than just bowling in its arsenal.

It also doubles as a full-service bar and a restaurant offering classy Italian fare.

It also features other lively games for groups, such as billiards, life-sized checkers, and foosball.

Rotolo Bowling is perfect for those who want to play games and unwind with friends, family, or co-workers.

With food, drinks, and bowling, this place has all you need for a fun, casual game night.

It’s in the thriving city of Newport, so there are also plenty of places to stop over once you’re done with bowling.

Enjoy a night of fun with games at this cool hangout!

Try Your Luck at Newport Racing & Gaming

If you’re in the mood for a game of luck, visit Newport Racing & Gaming.

Located on Monmouth Street, this destination features many easy ways to participate in games with risky stakes.

They have slot machines like Wheel of Fortune, Pac-Man, Buffalo Chief, and 88 Fortune.

You can also place bets on horseback riding competitions!

The competitions are held in a cozy area with big-screen TVs and top-of-the-line technology.

It also has an on-site restaurant, Smiley’s Bar & Grille, to cater to hungry casino customers.

Drop by Newport City to discover this entertaining venue in Campbell County.

Enjoy the Beauty of Nature at Highland Garden Center

Vibrant flowers, lush greens, and other seasonal trinkets line up the shelves and surroundings of Highland Garden Center.

In the city of Highland Heights, this center is one of the best places to shop for blooming flowers and natural plants.

Their offerings vary according to the season, so you can always expect something new from Highland Garden Center.

They also sell small trees and shrubs which you can take home and grow at your own place.

Highland Garden Center has everything you need, whether you prefer indoor or outdoor decor.

As a family-owned business, it also offers affordable rates.

Highland Garden Center is located along Alexandria Pike.

Take a Picture of the World Peace Bell

Daytime view of the World Peace Bell

Absoblogginlutely at English Wikipedia, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons

The World Peace Bell is an international history icon.

It was part of France’s 50th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights before it was moved to Newport City.

The bell was rung several times to signify a united goal of attaining world peace.

There are about 20 of these bells around the world!

Visiting Newport can let you see one and learn about its important role in history.

It’s a simple destination that’s great for a quick stopover.

The huge bell is estimated to weigh 30,000 kilograms and features various engravings.

The World Peace Bell is a nice, casual pitstop along York Street.

See Beautiful Flowers at The Lavender Field

As its name suggests, The Lavender Field offers a breathtaking backdrop of beautiful flowers.

Located in California City in Kentucky, a mother-daughter duo runs these fields as a casual hobby farm.

It opens seasonally from the months of June to July, presenting a small but beautiful variety of dainty lavenders.

From short-stemmed Essence Purples and Munstead English Lavenders to long-stemmed French varieties, you’ll see different kinds of the purple herb.

The Lavender Field began with just a small patch of land, but it has now expanded to feature over 500 plants.

One of the most popular things to do here is to roam around the fields and pick up lavender plants.

You can also buy products infused with lavenders for culinary, decorative, and hygiene purposes.

At Smith Road, feast your eyes on the sight of a surreal purple vision.

Try Exotic Meats at Knotty Pine on the Bayou

Knotty Pine on the Bayou takes pride in being one of the highest-rated restaurants in Cold Springs.

This cozy venue has become a local favorite, despite being small and family-owned.

Their specialty lies in unique kinds of meat, including alligators and frogs, served in generous portions.

They also have the usual steaks, fish, and other seafood varieties.

Moreover, all the items on their menu are distinctly flavored in savory, Cajun-style goodness.

It’s a perfect stop for tasty meals in a simple, comfortable atmosphere.

Knotty Pine on the Bayou is a hidden gem for food enthusiasts within the county.

If you want to try exotic dishes, you can visit them along Licking Pine.

Enjoy Some Quiet Time at AJ Jolly Park

AJ Jolly Park lets guests enjoy serene nature views of Alexandria City.

At Race Track Road, this park features a scenic landscape of Northern Kentucky.

There are miles of diverse trails to explore and a beautiful lake for various kinds of water recreation.

You can also camp in some of their designated places.

Various events are held at AJ Jolly Park, from live concerts and festivals to community gatherings.

It’s a one-stop destination for both casual leisure and active fun.

No matter your age, there’s something for you to enjoy at AJ Jolly Park.

Go on a Ghost Tour in Bobby Mackey’s

Bobby Mackey’s is more than just your usual, old-fashioned nightclub.

At Licking Pike, this club is great for hanging out with smooth, country-style music and a warm ambiance.

The specialty of Bobby Mackey’s is the ghost tours, made possible by its historic appeal and spooky features.

During the tour, the guides share horror stories that happened within the location.

If that’s not your thing, you can always chill in the bar area and enjoy listening to classic, traditional music.

The club also offers delicious meals and tasty refreshments.

Located in Wilder City, Bobby Mackey’s is an interesting place for hanging out with friends.

Stroll along Purple People Bridge

Aerial view of Purple People Bridge

tokar / Shutterstock.com

In Newport City, Purple People Bride is an exclusive attraction for pedestrians.

It’s a historic landmark that conveniently connects people from one community to another.

You can safely walk along the pathway of this bridge and enjoy sweeping views of Lake Ohio from above.

The eye-catching purple color of the bridge also adds to its appeal.

Side view of Purple People Bridge

Anne Kitzman / Shutterstock.com

When it opened in 1872, it was first a railroad bridge designed to carry the heavy weight of trains and other vehicles.

Today, this sturdy bridge has become a pedestrian-friendly link between Northern Kentucky and Cincinnati.

You can discover this iconic bridge at Levee Way.

Entryway of Purple People Bridge

Rosamar / Shutterstock.com

Final Thoughts

You can find almost everything in Campbell County—from scenic parks and historical attractions to thrilling entertainment and casual hangouts, the list goes on and on.

Look no further if you’re searching for a diverse county with unique tourist spots.

Make the most of your vacation by trying out these best things to do in Campbell County, Kentucky.

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