Covington KentuckyATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Covington, Kentucky.
1. St. Mary's Cathedral Basilica of the Assumption
GOTHIC ARCHITECTURAL MARVEL
St. Mary's Cathedral Basilica of the Assumption is a stunning Gothic-style cathedral in Covington that features 82 stained glass windows and intricate stone carvings. Visitors can admire the cathedral's magnificent architecture, including its gargoyles and flying buttresses inspired by Notre Dame in Paris. The interior boasts beautiful mosaics, a hand-carved altar, and one of the largest stained glass windows in the world, making it a must-see attraction for architecture enthusiasts and history buffs.
2. MainStrasse Village
HISTORIC GERMAN DISTRICT
MainStrasse Village is a charming historic district in Covington listed on the National Register of Historic Places, known for its dense collection of 19th century architecture. The village features German American details like the Goose Girl Fountain and the Carroll Chimes Bell Tower with a working glockenspiel that performs mechanical puppet shows of the Pied Piper several times daily. Visitors can enjoy unique shops, restaurants, and bars while experiencing one of Covington's most popular neighborhoods just blocks from the riverfront hotels.
3. Goebel Park
CLOCK TOWER AND RECREATION
Goebel Park in Mainstrasse Village is famous for its iconic German-style Carroll Chimes Clock Tower featuring an hourly mechanical puppet show. The park offers walking trails that connect to Kenny Shields Park, creating a pleasant urban outdoor experience in the heart of historic Covington. Visitors can enjoy the park's green spaces before stopping at nearby local favorite Larry's dive bar and grill for refreshments.
4. Devou Park
SCENIC VIEWS AND RECREATION
Devou Park spans 700 acres on the west side of Covington and offers some of the best panoramic views of the Cincinnati skyline. The park features rolling greens for golf enthusiasts, scenic nature trails for hikers, and plenty of open spaces for picnics and outdoor activities. Nature lovers and photographers will appreciate the spectacular vistas of the Ohio River and Cincinnati's urban landscape from this beloved local green space.
5. Behringer-Crawford Museum
REGIONAL HISTORY AND CULTURE
The Behringer-Crawford Museum, located in Devou Park, showcases the rich cultural and natural history of Northern Kentucky through engaging exhibits and artifacts. Families will particularly enjoy the museum's impressive collection of model trains and detailed dioramas that bring the region's past to life. The museum offers educational programs and rotating exhibits that highlight different aspects of local heritage, making it an ideal destination for history enthusiasts of all ages.
6. Roebling Bridge
HISTORIC SUSPENSION BRIDGE
The iconic Roebling Bridge connects Covington to Cincinnati across the Ohio River and was designed by John A. Roebling, who later created the Brooklyn Bridge. This historic suspension bridge, with its distinctive blue color and Gothic arches, offers pedestrian walkways with spectacular views of both riverfronts. Walking across this engineering marvel provides visitors with a unique perspective of the region's geography and a tangible connection to America's industrial heritage.
7. Mainstrasse Village Food Tour
CULINARY AND CULTURAL EXPERIENCE
The Mainstrasse Village Food Tour takes visitors on a delicious journey through Covington's historic German district, sampling local cuisine and beverages. Participants learn about the neighborhood's rich cultural heritage while enjoying specialties from various restaurants and food establishments. The tour combines culinary delights with historical insights, making it a perfect activity for food enthusiasts looking to experience Covington's gastronomic scene.
8. Ghosts of Covington Haunted History Tour
SPOOKY HISTORICAL EXPLORATION
The Ghosts of Covington Haunted History Tour offers visitors a spine-tingling exploration of the city's supernatural past through storytelling and historical facts. Guides lead participants through Covington's historic districts, recounting tales of mysterious happenings, tragic events, and reported hauntings. The evening walking tour provides a unique perspective on the city's heritage, blending entertainment with genuine historical research about Covington's most notorious locations.
9. Creative House of Art and Design
ARTISTIC HUB AND GALLERY
The Creative House of Art and Design in Mainstrasse Village serves as a multifaceted haven for art lovers and creators alike. This unique shop features laser-cut art and jewelry, sells art supplies, and houses a gallery showcasing works by local artists. Visitors can browse the artistic offerings while enjoying craft beers or cocktails from the in-house bar, and even relax on the charming back patio during pleasant weather.
10. Haile Dark Aesthetic
UNIQUE GOTHIC CURIOSITIES
Haile Dark Aesthetic is one of Covington's most distinctive shops, specializing in macabre and alternative merchandise including skulls, taxidermy, and vintage vinyl records. This Mainstrasse Village establishment attracts those with gothic sensibilities and collectors of unusual artifacts and oddities. The shop's atmospheric interior creates an immersive shopping experience for visitors seeking something beyond conventional souvenirs and gifts.
11. Newport Aquarium
UNDERWATER MARINE ADVENTURE
The Newport Aquarium, located just minutes from Covington in neighboring Newport, offers an immersive underwater experience with thousands of aquatic creatures from around the world. Visitors can walk through acrylic tunnels surrounded by sharks, touch stingrays, and observe rare species like white alligators in thoughtfully designed habitats. The aquarium's interactive exhibits and educational presentations make marine science accessible and entertaining for guests of all ages.
12. Kings Island
THRILLING AMUSEMENT PARK
Kings Island is a premier amusement park located near Covington that features world-class roller coasters, family rides, and a water park for summer fun. The park's iconic Eiffel Tower replica stands at the center of the grounds, providing spectacular views of the entire 364-acre entertainment complex. Thrill-seekers can experience record-breaking coasters like The Beast and Orion, while families with younger children can enjoy the award-winning Planet Snoopy kids' area.
13. Great American Ball Park
CINCINNATI REDS STADIUM
Great American Ball Park, home of the Cincinnati Reds baseball team, sits along the Ohio River just across from Covington with stunning views of the Kentucky shoreline. The stadium combines modern amenities with nostalgic tributes to America's oldest professional baseball franchise, including the Cincinnati Reds Hall of Fame and Museum. Visitors can take guided tours of the facility, enjoy the riverside setting, and experience the electric atmosphere of a Major League Baseball game during the season.
14. Paycor Stadium
BENGALS NFL VENUE
Paycor Stadium (formerly Paul Brown Stadium) is the home field of the Cincinnati Bengals NFL team and an imposing fixture on the Cincinnati riverfront visible from Covington. The modernist stadium features distinctive architecture with its cantilevered roofs designed to resemble the motion of a running tiger. Football fans can attend games during the NFL season or take behind-the-scenes tours to explore the locker rooms, press box, and field that have hosted numerous memorable sporting events.
15. Cincinnati Zoo and Botanical Garden
HISTORIC ANIMAL CONSERVATION
The Cincinnati Zoo and Botanical Garden, one of the oldest zoos in America, is a short drive from Covington and houses over 500 animal species and 3,000 plant varieties in naturalistic habitats. Visitors can observe rare and endangered animals including the famous hippo Fiona, who became an internet sensation after her premature birth and against-all-odds survival. The zoo's conservation efforts, seasonal events like Festival of Lights, and beautifully maintained gardens make it a year-round destination for nature lovers and families.