Cincinnati Hidden Gems You Must Check Out

Written by Lilly Woodard

What do you think about when you hear Cincinnati? Everyone knows The Reds, The Bengals, and, of course, chili dogs. However, that’s only scratching the surface. At one point, Cincinnati claimed the title “The Queen of the West,” so it should be no surprise that this city has more than a few hidden gems strewn about. Below are just a few of the things you might have missed the last time you visited ‘Cincy.’

Credit: VisitCincy.com

American Sign Museum

This beautiful museum beckons you in with glowing neon nostalgia. Its archives date back to the 1800s and showcase signs made from almost any material you can imagine. While there is plenty of lighted advertising, some of the most interesting signs are from the turn of the century, which once advertised haberdashers, cobblers, and other bygone businesses in the area.

Learn more about The American Sign Museum

Spring Grove Cemetery & Arboretum

It may seem a bit morbid at first, but this 733-acre cemetery has served as a scenic haven in Cincinnati since 1845. Built during the cholera epidemic, the Cincinnati Horticulture Society had the idea to create a large, non-profit cemetery to house the dead and serve as a beautiful, peaceful park for the living. Landscape architect Adolph Staunch incorporated the area’s lush hillsides and planted trees from all over the world, installed footbridges, and winding paths for pedestrians to amble across. It would eventually feature 12 ponds, numerous chapels, and mausoleums and is now on the National Register of Historic Places.

Learn more about Spring Grove

Credit: Holly Beach – Thought and Sight

Rookwood Ice Cream Parlor

Rookwood Ice Cream Parlor, or the Rookwood Tea Room, located within the Union Terminal, has worn a lot of faces throughout the years. Originally a beautiful café and tea room within the terminal, it later served as headquarters for the USO during WWII. The name Rookwood comes from the pastel tiles that the ceramic company Rookwood provided. As railroad travel waned, the need for a terminal ebbed as well. Now, it is the location of the Cincinnati Museum. For almost 25 years, the parlor has served local favorite Graeter’s ice cream to hungry patrons with a delightful retro art deco style.

Learn more about The Rookwood Ice Cream Parlor

Credit: ConlonTT – Wikipedia Commons

Loveland Castle and Museum

While technically not in Cincinnati, this landmark is worth the trip because how many chances do you have to visit a castle in Ohio? Built by former WWI army medic and Boy Scout troop leader Harry Delos Andrews, this castle was constructed over the course of 50 years with handmade bricks and stones from the Little Miami River. It was modeled after European castles with towers, a dry moat, and a collection of period-appropriate weaponry. The grounds are available for picnics, overnights, and private parties.

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Cincinnati Yellow Lamps

These historic lights aren’t so much a destination as a scavenger hunt throughout the city. Found only in Cincinnati, these distinctive lamps, also known as Island Lights and Turtle Lamps, are strewn throughout the streets. Originally installed to alert drivers of raised islands on the roadways, they now serve as a guiding light for the history of this area. You can even get involved by taking photos for the Cincinnati Yellow Lamps Facebook Group, which has compiled a map of over 50 lamps throughout the city.

Learn more about The Cincinnati Yellow Lamps

Bellevue Hill Park

Bellevue Hill Park holds some of the best views in Cincinnati. Tucked away in Clifton Heights, you don’t want to overlook this unassuming park. Check out the pavilion dancing venue from 1955, featuring a bandstand and three pergolas to make you feel like you’re living it up, still 70 years later.

This park offers a playground and welcomes leashed dogs. Make sure to take a moment to appreciate the view of Downtown Cincinnati while you’re there!

Learn more about Bellevue Hill Park.

Credit: Analogue Kid – Wikipedia Commons

Cincinnati Observatory

Are you a history buff? Or are you looking for something a little different and educational? The Cincinnati Observatory is the thing for you! The main building was built in 1873, and the smaller building in 1904. With so much history among these walls, you can tour both buildings and the main telescopes. The Observatory holds tours on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Sundays, and they also offer a self-guided walking tour of the grounds afterward.

Learn more about The Cincinnati Observatory

The Ohio Book Store

Everyone knows Barnes and Noble and Books-a-Million, but did you know Cincinnati is home to a five-story bookstore? Whether you read one, ten, or one hundred books a year, The Ohio Book Store has something for everyone! With hundreds and thousands of books and magazines, it could take forever to explore, but you’ll find the perfect book for you. The books just keep going, and it’s easier than you think to get lost in a story.

The Ohio Book Store also offers bookbinding and repairs. That old, beat-up book from your childhood could be restored to its glory days.

Learn more about The Ohio Book Store

Credit: Flickr user 5chw4r7z

Lucky Cat Museum

Some places have doll museums, and Cincinnati has something similar. Less or more creepy than dolls, that’s up to you. The Lucky Cat Museum (or MEWseum) is home to over 2000 waving, lucky cats from Japan. They are by appointment, but that’s a small price to pay for all the luck you’ll be surrounded by. Who doesn’t like cats and luck?

Learn more about The Lucky Cat Museum

Map of Murals

While this hidden gem isn’t exactly a single place, it’s just as interesting and a fun way to spend some time in Cincinnati. Artworks Cincinnati is a “community-based public art providing career opportunities for artists of all ages” nonprofit. There are more than 200 murals to spot around Cincinnati by Artworks, and they have provided a map so you can visit them yourself! They also offer ticketed tours during the summer and fall, as well as private tours on an ongoing basis. Whatever way you choose to explore the murals of Cincinnati, it’s bound to be a fun way to expand your artistic appreciation!

Learn more about the Map of Murals