Best Things to Do on a Road Trip from Cincinnati, Ohio and Florence, Kentucky

With its rolling hills, lush forests, and winding roads, the Cincinnati-Florence area offers an ideal setting for an exciting road trip adventure. Starting from Florence, the journey covers approximately 270 miles and includes many great stops en route to Cincinnati. Here are some of the best things to do on a road trip from Cincinnati, Ohio to Florence, Kentucky.

1. Visit the Cincinnati Zoo and Botanical Garden

Located in Cincinnati, the Cincinnati Zoo and Botanical Garden is a large, popular attraction that is home to over 500 different animals and 3000 plant species. Visitors can explore the zoo's various exhibits, including the African Savannah, Cat Canyon, and Jungle Trails. The zoo also offers educational programs, group tours, and special events throughout the year.

Fact: The Cincinnati Zoo and Botanical Garden houses the largest insect house in the world.

2. Hike Through Red River Gorge

The Red River Gorge is a breathtaking, 29,000-acre canyon system located east of Lexington. The gorge is well-known for its rugged terrain, towering cliffs, and natural rock arches. Hikers can trek through more than 70 miles of trails, each offering unique views of the stunning landscape. With campgrounds, picnic spots, and cabins scattered throughout the area, the Red River Gorge is perfect for a day trip or an extended stay.

Fact: The Red River Gorge is home to over 1,000 different plant species, some of which can only be found within the gorge.

3. Visit the National Museum of the United States Air Force

Located just outside of Dayton, the National Museum of the United States Air Force is one of the oldest and largest military aviation museums in the world. The museum houses an impressive collection of over 360 aircraft and missiles, including the famous B-17 Flying Fortress, the SR-71 Blackbird, and the Boeing VC-137C Air Force One.

Fact: The National Museum of the United States Air Force is the oldest and largest military aviation museum in the world.

4. Take a Trip to Mammoth Cave National Park

Located in central Kentucky, Mammoth Cave National Park is home to the world's longest known cave system, with more than 400 miles of mapped underground passageways. Visitors can explore the caves via guided tours or on their own, and can also participate in activities like hiking, horseback riding, and camping.

Fact: Mammoth Cave National Park is known for its diverse array of cave inhabitants, including cave fish, salamanders, and bats.

5. Visit the Newport Aquarium

The Newport Aquarium, located in Newport, Kentucky, is a massive aquarium with over 70 exhibits and 14 galleries. Visitors can observe various shark species, tropical fish, jellyfish, and stingrays in a variety of interactive exhibits. There are also daily shows like the Winged Wonders Bird Show and the Penguin Parade.

Fact: The Newport Aquarium is home to the world's first shark ray breeding program, which focuses on breeding and protecting these majestic creatures.

After embarking on this road trip and visiting all of these must-see locations, it's clear that the Cincinnati-Florence area has a lot of hidden treasures that are definitely worth exploring. The journey takes approximately four hours and with all the attractions along the way, it's an ideal weekend getaway. With so much to see and do, it's no wonder that other travelers have made this trip over and over again, finding new and exciting things to discover each time.