Cleves OhioATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Cleves, Ohio.
1. Harrison-Symmes Memorial Foundation Museum
LOCAL HISTORY PRESERVED
The Harrison-Symmes Museum preserves the rich historical heritage of the Cleves area, with exhibits focusing on local pioneers and development. Visitors can explore artifacts and displays that tell the story of the Cincinnati-Whitewater Canal built in the 1830s and 40s. The museum operates by appointment only, allowing for personalized tours of this important local cultural institution.
2. Mitchell Memorial Forest
OUTDOOR RECREATION HAVEN
Mitchell Memorial Forest offers visitors expansive natural spaces for hiking, picnicking, and outdoor recreation in a serene woodland setting. The park features trails that wind through mature forests, providing opportunities for nature observation and photography. Outdoor enthusiasts particularly enjoy the park's mountain biking trails, which are considered among the best in the Cincinnati area.
3. Little Fenway Park
MINIATURE BASEBALL EXPERIENCE
Little Fenway Park provides a scaled-down version of the famous Boston landmark for youth baseball games and community events. The park features charming details that mimic the original Fenway Park, creating a unique playing experience for young athletes. Families gather here throughout baseball season to enjoy America's pastime in a specially designed community space.
4. Miami Township West Community Park
FAMILY-FRIENDLY RECREATION AREA
Miami Township West Community Park serves as a central gathering place for residents with playgrounds, sports facilities, and picnic areas. The park offers multiple athletic fields for organized sports as well as casual recreation throughout the year. Seasonal community events are frequently held here, making it a social hub for Cleves residents.
5. Creation Museum
BIBLICAL HISTORY EXHIBIT
The Creation Museum presents exhibits interpreting natural history from a biblical perspective, located just a short drive from Cleves. The museum features life-sized dinosaur models, botanical gardens, and interactive displays spanning 75,000 square feet. Visitors can explore the planetarium, petting zoo, and themed gardens that complement the main exhibition spaces.
6. Edgewater Sports Park
DRAG RACING DESTINATION
Edgewater Sports Park thrills motorsports enthusiasts with its quarter-mile drag strip hosting regular racing events throughout the season. The facility welcomes both serious competitors and weekend racers looking to test their vehicles in a controlled environment. Spectators can enjoy the excitement from designated viewing areas as cars reach impressive speeds down the straightaway.
7. Miamiview Golf Course
SCENIC FAIRWAYS EXPERIENCE
Miamiview Golf Course offers golfers a pleasant playing experience with well-maintained fairways and greens in a picturesque setting. The course layout provides an appropriate challenge for players of various skill levels, with strategic hazards and elevation changes. Golfers appreciate the reasonable rates and relaxed atmosphere that make this a popular local destination for a round of golf.
8. Simmonds Family Dog Park
CANINE RECREATION AREA
Simmonds Family Dog Park provides a dedicated space for dogs to exercise and socialize off-leash in a safe, enclosed environment. The park features separate areas for large and small dogs, ensuring comfortable play for all canine visitors. Pet owners appreciate the community atmosphere where they can connect while their four-legged companions enjoy freedom and exercise.
9. Fernbank Park
RIVERSIDE NATURAL ESCAPE
Fernbank Park stretches along the Ohio River just east of Cleves, offering scenic views and riverside trails for walking and cycling. The park's 65 acres include playgrounds, picnic shelters, and fishing access points that make it ideal for family outings. Nature enthusiasts enjoy observing local wildlife, particularly the birds that frequent the park's varied habitats.
10. The Dent Schoolhouse
HAUNTED ATTRACTION EXPERIENCE
The Dent Schoolhouse transforms into one of the region's premier haunted attractions each fall, drawing thrill-seekers from across the Cincinnati area. The historic schoolhouse building provides an authentically creepy backdrop for elaborate haunted scenarios created by professional designers. Visitors brave enough to enter encounter detailed sets, professional actors, and special effects that create a memorable frightening experience.
11. Green Acres Kayak Rental
RIVER ADVENTURE PROVIDER
Green Acres Kayak Rental offers equipment and guidance for exploring the waterways near Cleves, with options for paddlers of all experience levels. Visitors can navigate the Great Miami River and Whitewater River while enjoying scenic natural landscapes from a unique perspective. The rental service provides transportation to and from launch points, making river adventures accessible to tourists and locals alike.
12. Nick's American Cafe
LOCAL DINING TRADITION
Nick's American Cafe serves hearty, homestyle meals in a casual, welcoming atmosphere that has made it a Cleves institution. The menu features classic American comfort food prepared with quality ingredients and generous portions. Locals frequent this establishment for its friendly service and consistent food quality that keeps diners returning for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
13. Cincinnati-Whitewater Canal Restoration
HISTORICAL WATERWAY PROJECT
The Cincinnati-Whitewater Canal Restoration project preserves and highlights an important piece of 19th-century transportation infrastructure that once connected Cleves to regional commerce. Visitors can learn about the engineering challenges overcome during the canal's original construction in the 1830s and 1840s. The ongoing restoration efforts provide educational opportunities about this significant historical waterway that shaped local development.
14. Hollywood Casino & Hotel Lawrenceburg
ENTERTAINMENT AND GAMING COMPLEX
Hollywood Casino & Hotel Lawrenceburg offers visitors an extensive gaming floor with slot machines, table games, and poker rooms just a short drive from Cleves. The complex includes multiple dining options ranging from casual eateries to upscale restaurants serving various cuisines. Entertainment seekers can extend their visit by staying at the attached hotel that provides comfortable accommodations and amenities.
15. Cleves Drive Inn
NOSTALGIC ROADSIDE EATERY
Cleves Drive Inn captures the charm of classic American roadside dining with its casual atmosphere and comfort food menu favorites. Patrons enjoy burgers, ice cream, and other traditional drive-in fare served with a side of nostalgia. The establishment has become a community gathering spot where locals and visitors alike can experience a slice of Americana dining culture.