State Parks, horse parks, waterfalls, lakes, casinos, Universities, gardens and museums are day trips from Cincinnati.
Indiana is Ohio's neighbor to the West and has cashed in on visitors from Cincinnati by allowing gambling. About one hour down the Ohio River, near the Markland Dam, sits the 38,000 square foot riverboat casino, Belterra. This luxurious resort has an upscale dining room, spa amenities, and a championship golf course. Argosy Casino is a closer gambling option only 20 minutes from Cincinnati. Argosy is another large complex with a hotel, casino, and multiple restaurants and is just over the state border in Lawrenceburg, Indiana.
Driving 80 miles south from Cincinnati to Lexington you pass the rolling hills of horse country and you can see how Kentucky earned the blue grass state nickname. Many Lexington attractions center on thoroughbreds. Visitors can tour a working training facility, The Thoroughbred Center, or Thoroughbred Park with statues dedicated to the industry. Lexington Horse Park is a 1,032 acre working horse farm where you can observe more than 40 various horse breeds. The International Museum of the Horse is located on the property and the park can be toured by a horse-drawn carriage. Keeneland Race Course is a national historic landmark with old stone fences in a peaceful setting. You can tour year-round and live thoroughbred racing takes place from April to October.
Aside from horses, culture can also be found throughout Lexington. University of Kentucky and Transylvania University both have downtown campuses to explore on foot. The Children's Museum and History Museum are good indoor activities. The local winery, Equus Run Vineyards has a tasting room downtown inside Victorian Square. Just 12 miles from Lexington you can also visit their grounds and walk and picnic in their vineyard.
You do not have to cross state lines to enjoy day trips around Cincinnati. There are plenty of fun attractions within Ohio. In Mason, Ohio, about 20 minutes north of downtown, you can ride world famous wooden roller coasters surrounded by trees. Paramount's Kings Island is an amusement park with thrill rides, kid's rides, a water park, amphitheater and more than enough entertainment to fill your day and empty your wallet.
Hueston Woods is in College Corner, Ohio and due to its old growth forest is deemed a National Natural Landmark. It surrounds Acton Lake and there is a 1,500 foot swimming beach; a haven in landlocked Ohio. There are many ways to enjoy this 3,000 acre state park including swimming, horseback riding, hiking, or attending a nature program. Hueston Woods is about an hour's drive Northwest of Cincinnati just north of Oxford, Ohio home of Miami University. The university was named for the Miami Indian Tribe that once inhabited that area and has been a picturesque college campus since 1809.
Also north of Cincinnati is the United States Air Force Museum, the oldest and largest aviation museum in the entire world. There is a Memorial Park next to the museum and hundreds of exhibits, chronological displays, and an IMAX theatre. Wright-Patterson Air Force Base is definitely worth the day trip to Dayton, one hour directly north of Cincinnati.
Hocking Hills, part of the Wayne National Forest, is about 160 miles Northeast of Cincinnati. This region has nine state parks and four nature preserves. To head off the beaten path, explore the area in a leisurely canoe ride down the Hocking River. Hike down paths to towering waterfalls and dense forests or caves such as Old Man's Cave and Ash Cave. Its state park facilities and natural setting allow activities such as horseback riding, rappelling, fishing, and bird watching to all be experienced in just one day. Driving back to Cincinnati from a day of outdoor fun you can easily stop in Columbus for dinner.
Columbus is Ohio's state capital and merits a day trip of its own. It is home to The Ohio State University with a large campus, sports teams, and a well-attended arts center. The Franklin Park Conservatory and Botanical Garden displays worldwide varieties of plants and flowers. Even more gorgeous flowers can be found at the Whetstone Park of Roses with over 11,000 rose bushes. The Ohio Historical Center, Center of Science and Industry, and Columbus Zoo are other interesting cultural attractions. To enjoy some dining and shopping, explore the beautifully restored 19th century German Village.
Nature or culture, hiking or gambling, Cincinnati is less than three hours from Chicago, Columbus, Indianapolis, Louisville, Lexington, and Cleveland. There are plenty of fun state parks and recreation areas, universities and museums, forests and horse parks within an easy day trip from Cincinnati.
