Mentor KentuckyATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Mentor, Kentucky.
1. Newport Aquarium
UNDERWATER ADVENTURE WORLD
Newport Aquarium is one of the top attractions in Northern Kentucky, offering visitors an immersive underwater experience. Visitors can explore numerous exhibits featuring thousands of aquatic creatures from around the world. The aquarium provides educational programs and interactive experiences that make it perfect for families and marine life enthusiasts.
2. New Riff Distillery
CRAFT BOURBON EXPERIENCE
New Riff Distillery stands as a highly-rated bourbon destination in Northern Kentucky with a 4.8 rating from visitors. The distillery offers tours that showcase the bourbon-making process from grain to bottle in the Kentucky tradition. Visitors can enjoy tastings of their craft spirits while learning about the art and science of distillation.
3. St. Mary's Cathedral Basilica of the Assumption
GOTHIC ARCHITECTURAL MARVEL
St. Mary's Cathedral Basilica of the Assumption is a breathtaking religious landmark in Northern Kentucky featuring stunning Gothic architecture. The cathedral showcases 82 stained glass windows, including one of the world's largest church stained glass windows. Visitors can admire the intricate stone carvings, beautiful murals, and peaceful atmosphere of this historic place of worship.
4. Ark Encounter
LIFE-SIZED BIBLICAL REPLICA
The Ark Encounter features a full-size Noah's Ark built to the exact dimensions specified in the Bible, standing seven stories high and 500 feet long. This impressive engineering monument allows visitors to explore three decks filled with world-class exhibits demonstrating how Noah might have built and maintained this massive structure. Beyond the Ark itself, visitors can enjoy the Ararat Ridge Zoo, ziplines, and a children's playground, making it a full-day family destination.
5. Mammoth Cave National Park
WORLD'S LONGEST CAVE SYSTEM
Mammoth Cave National Park contains the longest recorded cave system in the world, spanning over 360 miles of underground passages. Visitors can take guided tours through this UNESCO World Heritage Site, including underground boat rides and historical areas like where Jesse James once hid. Above ground, the park offers numerous outdoor activities including canoeing, fishing, horseback riding, and zipline tours.
6. Muhammad Ali Center
BOXING LEGEND'S LEGACY
The Muhammad Ali Center is a six-floor museum dedicated to the legendary boxing champion and Louisville native, showcasing his life both inside and outside the ring. Through interactive displays, interviews, graphics, and photos, the center illuminates Ali's character, career, and the six core principles that guided his life: respect, confidence, dedication, conviction, giving, and spirituality. Visitors can even try shadow boxing moves from Ali's famous fights, making this museum an inspiring and educational experience for all.
7. Louisville Slugger Museum & Factory
BASEBALL BAT HERITAGE
The Louisville Slugger Museum & Factory is an iconic Kentucky landmark dedicated to the famous baseball bat brand that has been part of American sports history for generations. Visitors can tour the working factory to see how the legendary bats are crafted and hold bats used by baseball legends. The museum is easily recognizable by the world's largest baseball bat leaning against its building, making it a must-visit destination for sports enthusiasts.
8. Kentucky Horse Park
EQUINE HERITAGE CELEBRATION
Kentucky Horse Park is a working horse farm and educational park dedicated to celebrating Kentucky's rich equestrian heritage. Visitors can watch horse shows, tour the International Museum of the Horse, and meet retired champion horses in the Hall of Champions. The park hosts numerous equestrian events throughout the year, including competitive horse shows and special exhibitions.
9. Big Four Bridge
HISTORIC PEDESTRIAN CROSSING
The Big Four Bridge is a former railroad bridge transformed into a pedestrian and cyclist crossing that connects Louisville, Kentucky to Jeffersonville, Indiana across the Ohio River. The nearly mile-long journey offers spectacular views of the Louisville skyline and the river, especially beautiful at sunset. Colorful LED lights illuminate the bridge at night, creating a popular spot for evening strolls and photography.
10. Ruth Hunt Candy Factory
SWEET KENTUCKY TRADITION
The Ruth Hunt Candy Factory is an iconic Kentucky attraction where visitors can tour the facilities and see how their famous candies are made. Best known for their Blue Monday candy bars and Bourbon Balls, this factory has been creating sweet Kentucky traditions since 1921. Visitors can sample delicious treats and purchase Kentucky-made candies directly from the source.
11. Ohio River Scenic Viewpoints
RIVERSIDE NATURAL BEAUTY
The Ohio River scenic viewpoints in Mentor offer visitors breathtaking vistas of Kentucky's northern waterways. Located in Campbell County, these viewing areas provide perfect spots for photography, bird watching, and enjoying peaceful river scenes. Visitors can witness river traffic, seasonal changes, and potentially spectacular sunsets over the water.
12. Campbell County Historical Society
LOCAL HERITAGE COLLECTION
The Campbell County Historical Society preserves and showcases the rich history of Northern Kentucky's Campbell County, including the Mentor area. Visitors can explore exhibits featuring artifacts, photographs, and documents that tell the story of the region's development from frontier days to modern times. The society offers special programs and research opportunities for those interested in local genealogy and historical events.
13. A.J. Jolly Park
OUTDOOR RECREATION HAVEN
A.J. Jolly Park offers over 1,000 acres of outdoor recreation space in Campbell County, featuring a 175-acre lake perfect for fishing, boating, and kayaking. The park includes hiking trails, campgrounds, picnic areas, and sports facilities that attract nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts throughout the year. Special events like the annual Dragon Boat Festival make this park a cultural and recreational center for the Northern Kentucky region.
14. Frederick's Landing
OHIO RIVER BOAT ACCESS
Frederick's Landing provides Northern Kentucky residents and visitors with a well-maintained boat ramp and access point to the Ohio River. Boating enthusiasts can easily launch their vessels for a day of water recreation, fishing, or river exploration. The facility includes parking areas, picnic spots, and riverside views that make it popular among locals and tourists alike.
15. Campbell County Public Library
KNOWLEDGE AND COMMUNITY HUB
The Campbell County Public Library serves as both a literary resource and community gathering space for residents and visitors in Northern Kentucky. Beyond its extensive book collection, the library hosts cultural events, educational programs, and exhibitions throughout the year. Visitors can enjoy the peaceful reading areas, access digital resources, and participate in community activities in this modern facility.