Sightseeing, Activities, and Things To Do
We’ve compiled an extensive listing of activities, attractions, and quirky things to see, do, and interact with while you are attending CALICO. Click on each region below to see what sightseeing activities are available in each region of Southwest Ohio, Northern Kentucky, and Southeast Indiana.
designates that your local host has recommended this site, activity, or thing to do.

Enjoy Oxford
Enjoy Oxford is a nonprofit organization that works to promote tourism and development in the City of Oxford, Ohio. The website is the local go-to place for information about events and activities happening in the area throughout the year

Black Covered Bridge
5401 Corso Rd, Oxford, OH 45056
One of the few remaining covered bridges in southwestern Ohio and the only one in Butler County on its original site, the Black Covered Bridge was built in 1868 to give access to a saw and grist mill owned by James B. Pugh on Four Mile (Talawanda) Creek.

DeWitt Log Cabin
4824 Oxford-Trenton Rd., Oxford, OH 45056
The DeWitt cabin was built in 1805 by Zachariah DeWitt. The DeWitt trail travels to Leonard G. Howell Park and to the Miami Connector to Peffer Park. The park features the DeWitt Log Home, open green space, intramural fields, and a bird blind.

Holiday Auto Theater
1816 Old Oxford Road, Hamilton, Ohio 45013
(513) 868-3456
drive-in@fuse.net![]()
Experience one of America’s last remaining drive-in movie theaters! Watch new and classic movies under the stars and take part in an increasingly rare slice of all-American history.

Hueston Woods State Park
6301 Park Office Rd, College Corner, OH 45003
(513) 523-6347
The limestone and shale bedrock of the Hueston Woods region provides evidence of the ancient shallow sea that once covered Ohio. Fossilized remnants of ancient marine animals are so abundant that the park attracts collectors year-round. The Nature Center and Raptor Center within the park is home to a variety of native live animals including fish, reptiles, birds of prey, and mammals. The Lodge & Conference Center overlooks Acton Lake and is a spacious, comfortable retreat offering many amenities and cabins.

Miami University Goggin Ice Center
610 S. Oak St., Oxford, OH 45056
(513) 529-9800
GogginInfo@MiamiOH.edu
Goggin Ice Center, located on the campus of Miami University in Oxford, Ohio, is a state-of-the-art facility that serves as a hub for ice sports and recreational activities. With two NHL-sized ice rinks, the Goggin Ice Center offers space for figure skating, hockey games, and public skating sessions.

Miami University McGuffey House and Museum
401 E. Spring Street, Oxford, Ohio 45056
(513) 529-8380![]()
As a National Historic Landmark, we aim to collect, preserve, interpret, and exhibit materials relating to the life of William Holmes McGuffey, the McGuffey Eclectic Reader series, the history of Miami University, and 19th-century domestic life and architecture of southwest Ohio

Miami University Nature Trail System![]()
In 1992 the Miami University’s board of trustees voted unanimously to establish, in perpetuity, official “Miami University Natural Areas” protection for designated greenbelt lands, totaling over 1,000 acres to the south, east and northeast of campus.

Miami University Recreational Sports Center
750 S Oak St, Oxford, OH 45056
(513) 529-8181
Welcome to Miami University Recreation, where we pride ourselves on providing top-notch facilities and programs for students, faculty, staff, and the community. The Corwin M. Nixon Aquatic Center includes an eight-lane, 50-meter pool, a separate 25-meter dive well with platforms, a leisure pool, and a spa. The Martin Fitness Center is a 10,000 sq. ft. space equipped with a wide variety of cardio and strength training equipment including treadmills, ellipticals, bikes, rowers, free weights, and machine weights. A 24,000 sq. ft. space featuring basketball courts, motorized net dividers for sports like volleyball, badminton, pickleball, and tennis, and a four-lane urethane running track. Other facilities include a racquetball court, a climbing center, and a pro shop.

Nation Road Horse Rental, LLC
6484 Morning Sun Rd, Oxford, OH 45056
(513) 255-5752
RESERVATIONS REQUIRED! Take the scenic route on horseback! Enjoy a ride through the scenic trails of Oxford, Ohio at Nation Road Horse Rental. This family-owned horse haven is home to 21 beautiful horses, and offers different guided trail rides catered to all experience levels. Riders must be at least 8 years old, but pony rides are also available for kids ages 3-7.

Oxford Area Trail System
4.3 miles completed of an 12 mile project, the Oxford Area Trail System connects various landmarks around Oxford, such as the Black Covered Bridge, Leonard Howell Park, the DeWitt Homestead, Pfeffer Park, the Miami University Trail System and Ruder Preserve.

Oxford Aquatic Center
701 Kay Rench Drive, Oxford, OH 45056![]()
The Oxford Aquatic Center was recognized as the best new aquatic center in the state of Ohio in 2019. Facility Highlights include: Zero-depth activity pool with kiddie area, Aquatic play structure with slides, Family slide, Lazy river, Basketball hoops, Large open-flume slide, Separate 8-lane competition pool, and Diving boards. Day passes are a great value!
Oxford Community Park
6801 Fairfield Road, Oxford, OH 45056
The Oxford Community Park is 113 acres and includes: six lighted ball diamonds, two playgrounds, shuffle board, horseshoes, sand volleyball, basketball courts, concessions, gazebo, walking paths, soccer fields, natural areas, and trail. The StoryWalk Trail and Oxford Aquatic Center are also located on the park grounds.

Oxford Farmers Market
Oxford Farmers Market Uptown is open year round in Oxford’s scenic Uptown area near restaurants, coffee shops and the parks’ life-sized animal sculptures and fountain designed for water-play. SUMMER open 9am – Noon every Saturday. The market is located just behind Memorial Park in Uptown Oxford, at the intersections of Main and High street.

Oxford, Ohio Historical Markers and Memorials
Oxford boasts no less than 40 Ohio historical markers and memorials! If you’re a history aficionado, you’re in for a goldmine of uncovered stories and events that have happened through time. Some can’t miss highlights:
Freedom Summer 1964 Memorial
Langstroth Cottage
Mother of Fraternities
Woodside Cemetary

Pyramid Hill Sculpture Park and Museum
1763 Hamilton Cleves Road, Hamilton, OH 45013
(513) 868-8336
pyramid@pyramidhill.org
Pyramid Hill is a 470 acre nonprofit sculpture park founded in 1997. The Park is home to over 70 monumental outdoor sculptures nestled into a landscape of rolling hills, meadows, lakes, and hiking trails. The Park also features rotating contemporary art exhibitions, and ancient Greek, Roman, Etruscan, Syrian and Egyptian antiquities dating to 1550 BCE displayed inside the iconic Pyramid House. Pyramid Hill Sculpture Park is located within the Traditional Homelands of the Myaamia (Miami) and Saawanooki (Shawnee) Peoples. Fortified Hill earthworks at Pyramid Hill stands as a testament to the depth of time that Indigenous Peoples have lived in and stewarded this landscape.

Uptown Music Concert Series
Every Thursday beginning at 7:00pm
Uptown Parks, 2 East High St, Oxford, OH 45056
Get ready to immerse yourself in captivating rhythms and melodies with the summer lineup of musicians which includes local favorites and regional talent. Grab a carry-out meal at your favorite restaurant, claim your spot in the park, and enjoy a FREE concert at the Uptown Parks.
Townie Tip: Uptown Parks is in the DORA zone! Grab yourself a cold adult beverage and have a drink on the lawn.

American Sign Museum
1330 Monmouth Ave, Cincinnati, OH 45225
(513) 541-6366![]()
This museum offers a vast collection of vintage signs, including neon, carved wood, and LED, and provides insights into the history of signage and sign-making techniques. They museum presents a nostalgic and visually engaging experience with the opportunity to watch neon sign-making demonstrations.

BB Riverboat Cruises
101 Riverboat Row, Newport, KY 41071
(800) 261-8586
info@bbriverboats.com
You’ve never really seen Cincinnati quite like you will on board a BB Riverboats sightseeing or dinner cruise. Take in the sights and sounds of the Queen City and northern Kentucky with panoramic views that will take your breath away. Our daytime sightseeing cruises are a fantastic way to be transported through time and learn about local river history while enjoying the sublime views from the beautiful Ohio River. Enjoy the golden hour on the water in the evening, set to song. Live music on Friday and Saturday in season. Enjoy a Sunday Brunch, a relaxing two hour lunch cruise, or embrace the magic of our famous dinner cruises at sunset. Whichever you choose, we have the perfect getaway. Dinner and view is our specialty, where our crew is here to serve you the majesty of the scenic Ohio River!

Cincinnati Art Museum
953 Eden Park Dr, Cincinnati, OH 45202
(513) 721-2787![]()
Located in scenic Eden Park, the Cincinnati Art Museum features a diverse, encyclopedic art collection of more than 73,000 works spanning 6,000 years. In addition to displaying its own broad collection, the museum also hosts several national and international traveling exhibitions each year.

Cincinnati Bengals Major League Football
Paycor Stadium
1 Paycor Stadium, Cincinnati, OH 45202
Step into the heart of Cincinnati’s sports culture with a tour of the iconic Paycor Stadium. This tour offers an unforgettable journey through the stadium’s history, behind-the-scenes access and a chance to step onto the field. Whether you’re a die-hard Bengals fan or an architecture enthusiast, Paycor Stadium offers a glimpse into the art and science behind one of the NFL’s most unique venues.

Cincinnati Fire Museum
315 W Court St, Cincinnati, OH 45202
(513) 621-5553
The Cincinnati Fire Museum highlights the significant contributions that Cincinnati has made to the firefighting profession. Cincinnati is the birthplace of professional firefighting and we are proud to display its history.

Cincinnati Museum Center
1301 Western Ave, Cincinnati, OH 45203
(513) 287-7000![]()
Cincinnati Museum Center (CMC) is a one-of-a-kind, multi-museum complex housed in Union Terminal, a historic Art Deco train station and National Historic Landmark. CMC’s major offerings at Union Terminal include the Cincinnati History Museum, the Cincinnati History Library and Archives, The Children’s Museum, the Museum of Natural History & Science, and the Robert D. Lindner Family OMNIMAX® Theater.

Cincinnati Reds Baseball
Great American Ball Park
100 Joe Nuxhall Wy, Cincinnati, OH 45202
(513) 765-7000
Located on the winding banks of the Ohio River in downtown Cincinnati, Great American Ball Park serves as the home of the Cincinnati Reds, baseball’s first professional franchise. Visit the Reds Hall of Fame and Museum, and experience Cincinnati baseball year-round with changing exhibits, player appearances, interactive exhibits and much more. Have a Cincinnati Reds Hall of Fame tour guide take you and your guests on a tour of Great American Ball Park that highlights the Press Box, Diamond Club, Dugout, etc. But reserve ahead! These tour reservations go fast!

Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden
3400 Vine St, Cincinnati, OH 45220
(513) 281-4700![]()
The Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden is one of the oldest and best zoos in the nation. At its core lies an abundance of biodiversity, featuring over 400 species of animals and 3,000 plant species. It is also a world-renowned leader in the areas of endangered species reproduction, groundbreaking education collaboratives, and green practices.

Contemporary Arts Center
44 E 6th St, Cincinnati, OH 45202
(513) 345-8400![]()
The Contemporary Arts Center (CAC) in Cincinnati is a non-collecting museum dedicated to exhibiting and promoting contemporary art. It’s known for its innovative programming, including exhibitions, performances, and experiences that encourage interaction and creative exploration. The CAC also features a dedicated Creativity Center and UnMuseum on its 6th floor, designed to engage all ages in art through play and interactive experiences

FC Cincinnati Major League Soccer
TQL Stadium
1501 Central Parkway, Cincinnati, Ohio 45214
FC Cincinnati is a professional soccer team that plays in Major League Soccer (MLS), and its home stadium is TQL Stadium. The stadium, which opened in 2021, is a soccer-specific venue known for its design and amenities, capable of holding 26,000 fans. It’s located in the West End neighborhood of Cincinnati, Ohio. Public tours are now available on select dates for guests. These tours will give you a behind the scenes look at TQL Stadium and a chance to view our premium and club spaces on a non-match day. There will be 2 tour times per day to choose from.

Fountain Square in Downtown Cincinnati
520 Vine St, Cincinnati, OH 45202
(513) 621-4400
Fountain Square has a rich heritage as the center of Cincinnati’s civic, social, and commercial life. To this day, it serves as the epicenter of downtown, and City’s main gathering space. The Tyler Davidson Fountain was designed to rival the great fountains of Europe. The bronze and granite fountain glorifies the blessings of water. Streams of water flow from the outstretched hands of the nine-foot-tall Genius of Water

Harriet Beecher Stowe House
2950 Gilbert Ave, Cincinnati, OH 45206
(513) 751-0651
The Harriet Beecher Stowe House in Cincinnati, Ohio, is a historic home with significant ties to abolitionism and African-American history. It was the residence of Harriet Beecher Stowe, author of the influential anti-slavery novel Uncle Tom’s Cabin. She lived in the house for various periods between 1833 and 1836, and it was in Cincinnati that her experiences with the slave trade in nearby Maysville, Kentucky inspired her to write the novel.

Jungle Jim’s International Market
5440 Dixie Hwy, Fairfield, Ohio 45014![]()
With two locations, more than 500,000 square feet combined, hundreds of thousands of products, and over 70 countries represented, Jungle Jim’s International Market is locally grown, but internationally known. We’re a destination for foodies, tourists, and weekly shoppers alike; from just around the corner to across the pond and beyond. Everyone who walks through our doors can shop without borders, and they share that experience with so many others.

Kings Island Amusement Park
6300 Kings Island Drive, Kings Island, OH 45034
(513) 754-5700![]()
Kings Island is a 364-acre amusement and water park located in Mason, Ohio, about 24 miles northeast of Cincinnati. It’s a popular destination in the Midwest, known for its variety of attractions, including 15 roller coasters, family rides, and a 33-acre water park called Soak City. The park offers live entertainment, seasonal events, and dining options.

Krohn Conservatory
1501 Eden Park Dr, Cincinnati, OH 45202
(513) 421-4086![]()
Krohn Conservatory opened in 1933 and is located in Eden Park. The Indoor botanical garden features 3,500+ plant species, a rainforest waterfall & butterfly shows. The Conservatory is a stunning example of the art deco style. Areas inside feature a fern house, palm house, desert house, orchid house, the John Carroll Bonsai Gallery, and a seasonal floral show room.

Lucky Cat Museum
Essex Studios
2511 Essex Place, Suite #150, Cincinnati, OH 45206
Scheduling an appointment is REQUIRED to visit the museum, but admission is FREE!
“The Lucky Cat Museum is the passion project of Micha Robertson and her husband Jaime. They moved to Cincinnati, Ohio from Oklahoma in 2001. She received her first Neko from her sister, Brenna, … and this opened the fortune feline floodgates, as it were, and the collection continues to grow.”

Music Hall in Downtown Cincinnati
1241 Elm St, Cincinnati, OH 45202
(513) 744-3344
Built in 1878, designated a National Historic Landmark in 1975, and renovated in 2017, Cincinnati’s Music Hall is among the City’s most recognizable buildings. The iconic arts venue is home to the Cincinnati Ballet, Cincinnati Opera, Cincinnati Pops Orchestra, Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra, and May Festival.

National Underground Railroad Freedom Center
50 E Freedom Way, Cincinnati, OH 45202
(513) 333-7500![]()
The National Underground Railroad Freedom Center is a museum of conscience, an education center, a convener of dialogue, and a beacon of light for inclusive freedom around the globe. Our physical location in downtown Cincinnati is just a few steps from the banks of the Ohio River, the great natural barrier that separated the slave states of the South from the free states of the North. Rooted in the stories of the Underground Railroad, we illuminate the true meaning of inclusive freedom by presenting permanent and special exhibits that inspire, public programming that provoke dialogue and action, and educational resources that equip modern abolitionists.

Ohio Book
26 Main Street, Cincinnati, OH 45202
(513) 621-5142
ohiobook@fuse.net
The Ohio Book Store has FIVE FLOORS of books and magazines. You never know what you’ll find, so come on in and explore all we have to offer. The store has been in operation since 1940, serving the Greater Cincinnati Community, and has an inventory of more than 300,000 books and magazines in stock covering all subjects.

Smale Riverfront Park and the John A. Roebling Suspension Bridge
166 W Mehring Way, Cincinnati, OH 45202
(513) 352-6180![]()
Smale Riverfront Park connects downtown Cincinnati to the Ohio River and the existing riverfront parks. A wonderful location to view the bustling activity along The Ohio River Trail, and a place to gather and celebrate as a community. The park boasts multiple water play features, giant swings, an interactive foot piano, an imaginative play area for kids, expansive pollinator gardens, and Carol Ann’s Carousel. Several historical monuments can be found like the Black Brigade Monument and the recently dedicated Marian Spencer Statue. The John A. Roebling Bridge has been an iconic landmark over the Ohio River for more than 150 years. Designed by civil engineer John Roebling, the bridge officially opened to traffic on January 1, 1867. Its 1,075 foot span made it the longest bridge in the world.

Spring Grove Cemetery
4521 Spring Grove Ave, Cincinnati, OH 45232
(513) 681-7526
A huge 1840s cemetery & arboretum in gothic revival style, with many notable burials. At a size of 733 acres (2.97 km2), it is the third largest cemetery in the United States. Many, many famous Americans are buried here! To experience Spring Grove’s art, history, architecture, and horticulture in person, the Spring Grove Heritage Foundation sponsors public and private walking/tram/bus tours from April through October.

Taft Museum of Art
316 Pike St, Cincinnati, OH 45202
(513) 241-0343
The Taft is home to an impressive art collection displayed in a unique historical setting, changing exhibitions, and world-famous murals. Plus, you can access the museum’s over 800 works of art online, anytime.

America’s Packard Museum
420 S Ludlow St, Dayton, OH 45402
(937) 226-1710
This car museum offers a beautiful collection of rare Packard cars, along with other vintage vehicles, motorcycles, and automotive artifacts. Highlights include an antique atmosphere and the museum’s layout, which showcases the evolution of car design.

Boonshoft Museum of Discovery
2600 Deweese Pkwy, Dayton, OH 45414
(937) 275-7431![]()
This museum offers a wide variety of exhibits, including an archaeological park, live animals, a planetarium, and hands-on activities. They highlight the educational and entertaining experience, suitable for families with children of all ages.

Buc-ee’s Huber Heights
8000 Ohio Route 235, Huber Heights, OH 45424
Buc-ee’s is a chain of convenience stores, gas stations and mega marts that are known for their large size, clean bathrooms, and beaver mascot. It’s an American institution and a must-visit for all road trippers. The popular establishment’s first Ohio location is only about an hour away from Oxford and opens 24/7/365 in April 2026!

Carillon Historical Park
1000 Carillon Blvd, Dayton, OH 45409
(937) 293-2841
A 65-acre open-air museum with transportation exhibits, a 4-D theater & costumed interpreters. Features a history museum, a train ride, carousel, and a variety of historical buildings, including a replica of the Wright brothers’ bicycle shop and a printing press museum.

The Dayton Art Institute
456 Belmonte Park North
Dayton, OH 45405–4700
(937) 223-5277![]()
Art museum in a historic building with a broad collection, an interactive kids’ gallery & programs. Offers a diverse and remarkable collection of art from different periods. Highlights include the beautiful building, stunning cloister, and easy-to-navigate exhibition halls.

Dayton Aviation Heritage National Historical Park
16 S Williams St, Dayton, OH 45402
(937) 225-7705![]()
A National Register Historic District honoring American aviation pioneers, with exhibits & programs. This historic site offers fascinating exhibits on the Wright brothers and aviation history, including hands-on experiences for children. Highlights include free admission, free parking, and the opportunity to tour the Wright Brothers bicycle shop.

Dayton Dragons Professional Baseball Team
Day Air Ballpark
220 N Patterson Blvd, Dayton, OH 45402
(937) 228-2287
This Minor League Baseball club offers fun games with plenty of activities for families outside the stadium, and a clean, well-kept facility with good food.

National Museum of the United States Air Force
1100 Spaatz St, Dayton, OH 45433
(937) 255-3286![]()
Plan your visit to the National Museum of the United States Air Force today! Whether you’re a history buff, aviation enthusiast, or looking for an engaging experience for the whole family, we offer free admission, extensive exhibits, and interactive attractions. From flight simulators to educational tours, there’s something for everyone at the world’s largest military aviation museum. Don’t forget to download the Air Force Museum Foundation’s free app for easy access to museum information and self-guided tours in nine languages. Come learn, explore, and be inspired! (Federal endorsement not implied.) Special exhibits include NASA space capsules and artifacts, presidential aircraft that you can go in, flight simulators, and much, much more!

Paul Laurence Dunbar House
219 N Paul Laurence Dunbar St, Dayton, OH 45402
(937) 225-7705
Tour the restored home of poet Paul Laurence Dunbar (1872–1906), who gained international acclaim as a writer and voice for equality for African Americans.

SunWatch Indian Village
2301 W River Rd, Dayton, OH 45417
(937) 268-8199
SunWatch is the site of an 800-year-old American Indian Village situated along the banks of the Great Miami River. Discovered by local amateur archaeologists, the site has been excavated and studied since 1968, and was opened to the public in 1989. SunWatch features an Interpretive Center and reconstructed Village, as well as prairie with native grasses and other plants.

Creation Museum
2800 Bullittsburg Church Rd., Petersburg, KY 41080
(888) 582-4253
The Creation Museum allows you to venture through biblical history, stunning exhibits, botanical gardens, planetarium, zoo, zip line adventure course, and much more. This 75,000-square-foot facility has welcomed millions of guests since opening in Petersburg, Kentucky.

Florence Y’alls Minor League Baseball
7950 Freedom Way, Florence, KY 41042
(859) 594-4487
The Florence Y’alls is where Southern hospitality meets eccentric, over-the-top entertainment. We welcome fans of all ages and from all walks of life to join us for some unforgettable nights of fun. Inspired by our hometown’s landmark water tower and its local lore, we became the Florence Y’alls, and the rest is history. Now, the Y’alls are one of the best known and most beloved baseball teams in the nation!

Newport Aquarium
1 Levee Wy, Newport, KY 41071
(800) 406-3474![]()
Newport Aquarium welcomes your family to discover the wonder of an underwater world located in Newport, Kentucky right across the river from downtown Cincinnati, Ohio. SEA thousands of the world’s most exotic aquatic creatures as you waddle with playful penguins, meet a rare white alligator, be surrounded by sharks and surprised by smiling stingrays. Encounter thrilling adventures like the first-in-the-world Shark Bridge, where you can cross inches above a tank full of sharks on a rope bridge.

Northern Kentucky Bourbon Trail
Northern Kentucky has played a huge role in the movement and production of whiskey throughout American history. Today it offers a booming craft distillery scene, first rate shopping and Bourbon-centric dining, plus a variety of arts, entertainment and recreation options. Northern Kentucky is where Bourbon’s history and future meet.

The Model T Ford Club of America Museum
309 N. 8th St., Richmond, IN 47374
(765) 488-0026
The MTFCA Model T Museum is committed to collecting, preserving, and exhibiting artifacts from the Model T Ford era for future generations through displays and events that educate people of all ages on the history, lore, and skills needed to maintain the car that put the world on wheels.

Uranus Fudge Factory and General Store
6400 National Rd E, Richmond, IN 47374
(765) 962-1173
Experience a slice of historic Route 66 in Indiana! There’s no place quite like the original Uranus Fudge Factory and General Store, where nostalgia, laughter, a little bit of mischief, and low-brow humor come together under one roof. Known for world-famous fudge and one-of-a-kind souvenirs, you’re guaranteed to leave with a smile (and probably a joke or three you can’t repeat at work).

As we learn of regional events pertaining to America’s Semiquincentennial, we’ll post them here. Come for the party and stay for the CALICO conference!

Celebrate 250 Years of America in Butler County, Ohio
The United States Semiquincentennial is being honored and celebrated in 2026! As the nation marks its 250th anniversary, Butler County invites you to be a part of this milestone. From historic sites and special events to unique local experiences, join us throughout 2026 for commemorations, stories, and celebrations that bring history to life.

Ohio Celebrates America’s 250th
Ohio is celebrating the 250th anniversary of the United States throughout 2026 with events and experiences across all 88 counties. From aviation pioneers to musical legends, discover Ohio’s unique role in American history.