The 18-acre, $600 million Banks Entertainment District, a mixed-use development that sits aside the Ohio River, is reshaping Cincinnati’s waterfront and downtown area.
1. With the new 45-acre Smale Riverfront Park, which celebrated the grand opening of its first phase in 2012, came new restaurants and picturesque water views. Groups can enjoy a docent-led tour of the park and throughout the year, concerts, movies and other special events happen on the event lawn overlooking the Ohio River.
2. Cincinnati Reds Hall of Fame, located in the Great American Ball Park structure, showcases the legacy of America’s oldest baseball team. The attraction offers group-friendly tours and includes exhibit galleries on two floors and interactive fielding and pitching zones.
3. The Great American Ball Park offers a behind-the-scenes tour for groups of 15 or more to explore the home of the Cincinnati Reds. The tour includes stops at the press box and the players dugout.
4. At the new National Underground Railroad Freedom Center, a museum that commemorates the region’s important role in the Underground Railroad and the Civil War, group tours are available, and rotating exhibits include the 12 Years a Slave exhibit.
5. Beer lovers in the group will find a lengthy craft beer menu, including Moerlein Northern Liberties IPA, Lagunitas New Dogtown Pale Ale and Stone Espresso Imperial Russian Stout, at Moerlein Lager House. There is an indoor dining area and an outdoor “biergarten” for guests, and groups can schedule a Cincinnati Beer Heritage and Brewery Tour with the on-site brewmaster, which includes a lesson in Cincinnati’s German beer history and a beer tasting.
