Historic Sites
The Queen City is steeped in tradition and history (she got the name "Queen City of the West" due to the active commerce on the Ohio River). There is so much to do, see and learn about that it gets to be a bit overwhelming. But, if you do things in small increments then you and your family will be able to really appreciate all the tri-state area has to offer. There are still so many places that we haven't been able to get to but we'll continue to experience new places and venues in hopes that we can become better ambassadors for Cincinnati! Please email MasonMetu with any historic sites that should be included on this list. Some of the museums on our museum page also double as historic sites.
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Mason Historical Society
207 W. Church St., Mason, Ohio 45040 - (513) 398-6950
Located in downtown Mason, this 1890s historic home is filled with local treasures and artifacts. It was owned by a local resident and antique lover who bequeathed her home to the Mason Historical Society. Admission is FREE but donations are welcomed.
Bett's House
416 Clark St., Cincinnati, Ohio 45203 - (513) 651-0734
Betts House (1804) - We've visited the Bett's House a few times and have enjoyed their Family Fun Saturdays. It's the oldest brick house in Ohio and the oldest residential structure in the Downtown Cincinnati area. Small admission fee to visit.
Cincinnati Museum Center
1301 Western Ave, Cincinnati, OH 45203 - (513) 287-7043.
Union Terminal is historic to Cincinnati. It operated as the train hub for Cincinnati (still functional today). The Museum of Natural History and the Cincinnati History Museum are wonderful resources for the history buff. Some parts of Cincinnati Museum Center are currently undergoing rennovations, visit their website to see what exhibits are open.
Cincinnati Obsevatory
3489 Observatory Place, Mt. Lookout - (513) 321-5186
This is the "Birthplace of American Astronomy". The Observatory is home to the world's oldest telescope and is still being used today. There are two historic landmark buildings onsite. The Observatory is open to the public for nighttime viewing during their Astronomy Thursdays and Fridays (reservations recommended). In addition to star gazing, they offer astronomy lectures and other events. Check their website for details but on some Sundays, they have free historical tours of the observatory buildings. After you visit the Observatory, you are so close to Ault Park so make sure you save time for a stroll around this beautiful park.
Dinsmore Homestead
KY Highway 18, 5656 Burlingtone Pike, Burlington, KY 41005 - (859) 586-6117
This rural farmhouse was built in 1842 and is located in Boone County, KY. Visitors learn what life was like in the 19th & early 20th centuries. There are also hiking trails for the nature lover. Admission charged.
Findlay Markety
118 W. Elder St., Cincinnati, Ohio 45202
Findlay Market is where history and modern times merge. The Historic Market House opened in 1855 and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. It is open all year and houses many local vendors selling meats, cheeses, fresh seafood, bakery items, and so much more. Take a walk around the outside of the market and you will find manly other vendors including local farms where you can purchase the freshest of produce as well as unique crafts and so much more. Findlay Market is "Ohio's oldest continuously operated public market" (from Findlay Market website).
Fire Museum of Greater Cincinnati
315 West Court St. Cincinnati, Ohio 45202 - (513) 621-5553
We've been to this great museum detailing the history of our firefighters in Cincinnati. The 1907 building is on the National Register of firehouses. Admission charged. Also listed in our Museum section.
Glendale Heritage Preservation Museum
44 Village Square, Glendale, Ohio 45246 - (513) 771-8722
Glendale Heritage Preservation Museum is located in the Cincinnati, Hamilton, & Dayton Railroad Depot that was built in 1880 (replacing the original 1854 building that burned down). After visiting the museum, take a walk through the historic town of Glendale and take a steb back in time as you see some beautiful Victorian homes.
Harriet Beecher Stowe House
2950 Gilbert Ave., Cincinnati, Ohio 45206 - (513) 751-0651
See where the author of "Uncle Tom's Cabin" lived for 20 years. It's a Victorian syle home (1833) located in Walnut Hills and is listed on the National Underground Railroad Freedom Site National Register of Historic Places.
Heitage Village Museum
11450 Lebanon Rd., Sharon Woods Park, Sharonville, Ohio 45241 - (513) 563-9484
Located in the Hamilton County Park system at Sharon Woods, this is really a wonderful place to visit. You'll get to see many historic homes that have been transplanted here to show you what a 19th century small town looked like as well as to see how the people lived in the 1800s. Stop by the Kemper Log Cabin (1804), the Gatch Barn (1812), Somerset Presbyterian Church (1829), Hayner House (1852),and the Chester Park Railroad Station (1872). Throughout the year, the Village has many ongoing events.
Hillforest Mansion
213 Fifth St., Aurora, IN - (812) 926-0087
Located in the quaint river town of Aurora, IN, you'll find this National Historic Landmark (Italian Renaissance inspired home, 1855). If you visit, take some time to shop, eat at a local restaurant and enjoy the beautiful views of the Ohio River. Admission charged.
Cincinnati Preservation Association - If you'd like to help the CPA you can become a member and you'll receive the CPA newsletter as well as invitations to special events, discounted admission to CPA events, and the knowledge that you are helping to preserve Greater Cincinnati's historic homes and sites for future generations. The CPA is a private,non-profit membership organization.