17 Fun & Unique Day Trips from Cincinnati

I’m a Cincinnati local here to guide you to the best day trips from Cincinnati! 

This post includes outdoor experiences, historic sites, travel-worthy cities, and much more. It’s the perfect guide to help you explore the region after you’ve experienced Cincinnati’s top attractions.

Cincinnati’s central location makes it easy to reach destinations in Ohio as well as in Indiana and Kentucky. Read on to discover popular day trip destinations, but also some hidden gems and personal recommendations you won’t want to miss!

17 Best Cincinnati Day Trips

Kentucky Horse Park

A horse farm and theme park in Kentucky that will teach you about equestrian life.

🗺️ Distance from Cincinnati: 70 to 90 minutes | 📍 Google Maps | Kentucky Horse Park Website | 👉 Half-Day Thoroughbred Horse Farm Tour

You need to visit the Kentucky Horse Park in Lexington, KY if you love horses. Drive just a little over an hour south to get there, crossing the Ohio River along the way.

Here, you’ll find a 260-acre campground and a theme park. There are also horseback riding trails where you can go on a guided horseback tour and learn some interesting history. 

While you’re here, you can also check out the International Museum of the Horse. This is a place to learn about the relationship between humans and these majestic animals.

Children’s Museum of Indianapolis

The biggest children’s museum in the world is in Indianapolis, Indiana!

🗺️ Distance from Cincinnati: 1 hour 45 minutes to 2 hours 15 minutes | 📍 Google Maps | Children’s Museum of Indianapolis Website

Head to the Children’s Museum of Indianapolis in Indiana if you’re traveling with the whole family. This is the biggest museum for children in the world! There are five floors of pure wonder in this museum that will be memorable for people of all ages. It’s one of the absolute best things to do in Indy.

Enjoy several fascinating, interactive exhibits. One is the International Space Station exhibit, where you can gain some insight into the life of an astronaut. This museum also covers other areas of science, along with culture, history, and so much more. 

By the way, if you want to extend your day trip, see Kelsey’s guide to where to stay in Indy.

👉 Pro Tip: Another great Indianapolis museum is the Indianapolis Motor Speedway Museum, adjacent to the home of the Indy 500.

Hocking Hills State Park

This stunning site in Southeast Ohio lies at the base of the Appalachian Mountains and is rich in natural wonder.

🗺️ Distance from Cincinnati: 2 hours 15 minutes to 2 hours 30 minutes | 📍 Google Maps | Hocking Hills State Park Website

Hocking Hills State Park is roughly two hours away near the town of Logan, OH. The drive is worth it, though, as this is one of the best day trips you could take from Cincinnati. It’s also one of the best places to visit in Ohio.

There are seven hiking areas in Hocking Hills State Park, so make sure to pack your hiking essentials. One of the most popular trails is Old Man’s Cave.

You can also visit many breathtaking waterfalls. Big Spring Hollow Falls is the area’s tallest, cascading more than 100 feet. There’s also the Ash Cave waterfall that you can see from all angles along the Ash Cave trail!

National Museum of the United States Air Force

The largest and oldest aviation museum in the world is in Dayton, Ohio, and full of exhibits on American military history.

🗺️ Distance from Cincinnati: 1 hour to 1 hour 15 minutes | 📍 Google Maps | National Museum of the United States Air Force Website

The National Museum of the United States Air Force is located in Dayton, OH, just an hour north of downtown Cincinnati. It’s the largest military aviation museum in the world. It’s open every day of the year, and even free to the public!

You can browse all of the iconic planes that were part of US military history. You can see all sorts of amazing artifacts, view planes from World War II, and learn all about the Wright Brothers.

If you come on the right day, you may also be able to see an air show! See the museum’s calendar for special events. 

Pyramid Hill Sculpture Park & Museum

An outdoor art collection for everyone to enjoy, just north of Cincinnati.

🗺️ Distance from Cincinnati: 30 to 45 minutes | 📍 Google Maps | Pyramid Hill Sculpture Park Website

Pyramid Hill Sculpture Park & Museum is just a short drive from Cincinnati. This 300-acre space is open and free to the public. It’s the perfect day trip for art lovers and outdoor enthusiasts.

You can see over 80 sculptures here. These include ancient sculptures and work from current local and international artists. 

Pyramid Hill Sculpture Park & Museum is also home to several special events, including children’s programs in the summer. It’s decorated with all sorts of sparkling lights during the holidays.

John Bryan State Park

An outdoor haven in Yellow Springs, Ohio, famed for its scenic waterfalls.

🗺️ Distance from Cincinnati: 60 to 90 minutes | 📍 Google Maps | John Bryan State Park Website

John Bryan State Park is located in Yellow Springs in Southwest Ohio. This park is full of activities for any outdoorsy type. You can paddle along the gentle Little Miami River, go mountain biking, or take a quiet hike.

There are so many things to do in Yellow Springs. In addition to the John Bryan State Park, you can go to Glen Helen Nature Preserve, home to amazing waterfalls and yellow springs. After a day of exploring, stop by Young’s Jersey Dairy for homemade ice cream!

Carillon Historical Park

This Dayton, Ohio park gives a detailed look into the lives of early Ohioans.

🗺️ Distance from Cincinnati: 50 to 65 minutes | 📍 Google Maps | Carillon Historical Park Website

Carillon Historical Park, located in Dayton, is an important historic property. The Early Settlement Area will allow you to explore a simulation of past Ohioans’ lives.  

There’s a one-room schoolhouse, as well as multiple-family homes. The main house was built in 1940, while other historic buildings in this park were built in the 1700s and 1800s. 

You can also see live demonstrations of a letterpress print and other historic tools if you’re interested in how people lived in these eras. You can also observe multiple historic appliances and vehicles. Examples are an original Wright Flyer, 1912 Cadillac, and Liberty aircraft engine.

Louisville

The largest city in Kentucky, full of sights and experiences.

🗺️ Distance from Cincinnati: 1 hour 45 minutes to 2 hours | 📍 Google Maps | City of Louisville Website

Louisville is one of the best day trips from Cincinnati! Head southwest along the Ohio River to reach Louisville, which is the largest city in Kentucky.

You’ll find so much to do once you get to Louisville. Horse racing enthusiasts can go to the Kentucky Derby Museum, which is adjacent to the Kentucky Derby race course. Exhibits include photographs, sculptures, paintings, trophies, and souvenirs from the Derby.

You can also check out the Louisville Slugger Museum and see the largest baseball bat in the world. Enjoy other historical attractions, cultural sights, the Urban Bourbon Trail, and so much more. 

Big Bone Lick State Park

See present-day animal life and learn about species from the ancient past at this Northern Kentucky park.

🗺️ Distance from Cincinnati: 30 to 40 minutes | 📍 Google Maps | Big Bone Lick State Park Website

A visit to Big Bone Lick State Park gives you the chance to see roaming bison. You can also see the remains of ancient animal life like mammoths, making this a very important natural history site. It’s located in Union, which is in Northern Kentucky.

this day trip offers plenty to do with its engaging museum exhibits, plus camping and hiking opportunities.

Ohio Caverns

Head two miles underground to see Ohio’s stunning rock formations.

🗺️ Distance from Cincinnati: 1 hour 45 minutes to 2 hours | 📍 Google Maps | Ohio Caverns Website

Head over to Ohio Caverns if you enjoy experiencing natural wonders. You’ll be stunned at the sheer size of these caverns, as well as the multitude of colors and stalagmite formations.

You can go a full two miles into the ground, exploring massive, deep caves if you take a guided tour. The Natural Wonder Tour is particularly worthwhile because you can see the Crystal King, the largest stalactite in the state. 

Additionally, there’s a gift shop where you can buy souvenirs, such as fossils, to commemorate your day trip.

Red River Gorge Geological Area

These rock formations in the middle of an isolated forest feel like another world.

🗺️ Distance from Cincinnati: 2 hours to 2 hours 30 minutes | 📍 Google Maps | Red River Gorge Website

Red River Gorge is located in Stanton, Kentucky, and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. It is a fascinating nature preserve with ancient rock formations that are millions of years old. 

This area is situated within the vast Daniel Boone National Forest and provides a great escape from city life. You can go ziplining, canoeing, or rafting in the forest. You can also explore the natural bridge and hiking trails within the gorge, which are part of the site’s rich history.

Elk Creek Vineyards

A lovely Kentucky vineyard that allows guests to taste several local wines.

🗺️ Distance from Cincinnati: 1 hour to 1 hour and 15 minutes | 📍 Google Maps | Elk Creek Vineyards Website

Kentucky is more notorious for bourbon than wine, but the Elk Creek Vineyards is an excellent day trip destination. Located in Owenton, this winery offers tours and tasting packages.

If you are a wine connoisseur, you’ll be right at home here. There are both classic wines and inventive fruit wines. 

You can also enjoy various special events that sometimes include live music. As if this isn’t enough, this winery also offers bed and breakfast options, cooking classes, and an art gallery.

Franklin Park Conservatory and Botanical Gardens

A green refuge with colorful glass sculptures in Columbus, Ohio.

🗺️ Distance from Cincinnati: 1 hour 40 minutes to 2 hours | 📍 Google Maps | Franklin Park Conservatory Website

Visiting the Franklin Park Conservatory and Botanical Gardens makes for a great day trip from the Queen City. It’s one of the top things to do in Columbus. Here, guests can admire more than 400 plant species from all over the world.

To make the area even more incredible, there are colorful Dale Chihuly glass sculptures surrounding the plants. In 1974, this landmark was listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

Hoosier National Forest

A quiet, peaceful forest in Southern Indiana where you can camp under the stars.

🗺️ Distance from Cincinnati: 2 hours 30 minutes to 3 hours | 📍 Google Maps | Hoosier National Forest Website

Located in Southern Indiana, Hoosier National Forest is a 204,000-acre forest that’s considered one of the state’s best natural areas. It makes for a great day trip, as you can enjoy the rolling hills and backcountry trails. You can even choose to camp out overnight by one of the pristine lakes.

Boonshoft Museum of Discovery

This family-friendly Dayton, Ohio museum features interactive exhibits about nature and ancient and modern cultures.

🗺️ Distance from Cincinnati: 55 to 70 minutes | 📍 Google Maps | Boonshoft Museum of Discovery Website

The Boonshoft Museum of Discovery is an amazing family-friendly museum in Dayton, Ohio. The Boonshoft Museum has been amassing its collection since 1893. There are about 1.8 million artifacts on display. These include fossils, Native American relics, and Dayton meteorite fragments, among many others. Many exhibits are interactive and dedicated to children.

👉 Pro Tip: If you have time, check out the Dayton Art Institute while you’re in town! Here, you’ll see art from all over the world, some dating back 5,000 years. 

Shaker Village of Pleasant Hill

A place to immerse yourself in Shaker culture and relax in the Kentucky countryside.

🗺️ Distance from Cincinnati: 1 hour 50 minutes to 2 hours 20 minutes | 📍 Google Maps | Shaker Village of Pleasant Hill Website

This Shaker Village is located in Lexington and is the largest National Historic Landmark in Kentucky. It features 300 acres of land and 34 historic structures which date as far back as the early 1800s. You can immerse yourself in Shaker culture by attending the many programs and demonstrations it has to offer. 

You can even stay overnight on the property of Shaker Village of Pleasant Hill. There are 72 guest rooms in 13 of its buildings. These accommodations feature countryside views and traditional Shaker furniture.

🛎️ Need a Hotel? For more unique lodging, see my guide to the best places to stay in Cincinnati! 

Columbus Zoo and Aquarium

The top zoo in the country, located in the state capital.

🗺️ Distance from Cincinnati: 2 hours to 2 hours 15 minutes | 📍 Google Maps | Columbus Zoo Website

Columbus Zoo and Aquarium was named the number one zoo in the US by USA Travel Guide. It’s home to more than 7,000 animals that represent over 800 species. It’s divided into eight sections based on where in the world the animals originated. 

In addition to providing a home for all these animals, the Columbus Zoo has donated to more than 70 conservation efforts.

👉 Pro Tip: Though more of an overnight trip, animal lovers can also go to the African Safari Wildlife Park in Port Clinton, Ohio. Here, you can interact with unique animals, like red kangaroos, gibbons, giraffes, and more!

***

Enjoy exploring these incredible day trip destinations from Cincinnati! Have you done any of these day trips? Let us know in the comments below! And be sure to check out all of our Ohio travel guides for more travel ideas.

(Featured Image Credit: 4kclips / Shutterstock)