The National Underground Railroad Freedom Center in Cincinnati, Ohio is a museum worth visiting.
The museum’s content is difficult to face, but all ages and races need to learn more about the stories of freedom’s heroes.
I’m sharing 10 reasons you’ll want to visit The Underground Railroad Freedom Center in Cincinnati.
1. It’s An Important Reminder of Our Country’s Painful Past
As painful as it is to read about the horrific experiences that people suffered from being forced into slavery, we need to know their stories so that history does not repeat itself.
The museum has permanent and special exhibits giving you a reason to visit more often.
2. You’ll Learn About Freedom’s Heroes
You’ll learn about the stories of everyday heroes from all walks of life.
Many of the heroes you read about at the museum might not be well known, but each of their stories was vital to bringing change.
Many of these heroes risked their personal freedom to help others find theirs, including Levi and Catharine Coffin.
3. You Can Step Inside History
You can step inside a former slave pen repurposed as an opportunity to educate.
The slave pen gives you a frame of reference for what slaves experienced and really gives you greater understanding and empathy for what the slaves experienced.
Built in the early 1800s, the slave pen was recovered from a farm in Mason County, Kentucky, located less than 60 miles from the Freedom Center.
4. Powerful Storytelling
The docents’ phenomenal ability to share stories with visual aids helps you attempt to begin to process what slavery would have been like. They capture the attention of adults and kids alike.
You’re challenged to think about the sights, sounds, conditions, hopes, and fears that someone forced into slavery has experienced.
5. Learn More About the Underground Railroad
You’ll better understand the multifaceted logistics necessary to make an escape possible using the underground railroad and the people who helped along the way.
The museum does a great job of helping visitors picture the challenges and risks that someone escaping slavery would experience.
One of the exhibits allows you to step inside a home with secret hiding spaces used as a safe haven for freedom seekers traveling along the underground railroad.
6. Thoughtprovoking Films and Exhibits
The short films at the museum will challenge you to see things through the perspective of a slave.
There is a short film about the underground railroad called “Brothers of the Brotherland” narrated by Oprah Winfrey that inspired me to visit Ripley, Ohio.
After watching the film, I immediately added Ripley, Ohio to my list for a future visit. I wanted to see those locations in person and learn more about the backstory of Rev. Rankin and John Parker.
7. There is Still Work to Do
You’ll be reminded of injustices and modern-day slavery going on in the world today.
Once you’re aware of the injustices you can’t turn a blind eye any longer.
“Invisible: Slavery Today” is the world’s first museum-quality permanent exhibition on the subject of human trafficking and modern-day slavery.
Unfortunately, the work to end slavery around the world is not finished.
There are still over 27 million who suffer from being forced into slavery for sex or labor, and many of these victims are children.
That means that there are more slaves on the planet now than ever before.
This stat from the museum website is really eye-opening!
“On average it costs $90 to buy a person today. In 1850, the cost of a slave (in today’s dollars) was $35,000.”
What if that included your friend, sister, brother, son, or daughter?
8. You’ll Be Challenged to Make a Difference
You’ll learn how your actions can help and bring freedom to others.
Once you have this knowledge, you won’t want to live the same way.
You’ll be challenged to become a better ally and support businesses and non-profits dedicated to bringing social justice.
9. The Museum is Conveniently Located Downtown
The museum is conveniently located near other attractions in Downtown Cincinnati including the Ohio Riverfront.
You can park once and find restaurants, parks, and other attractions within close walking proximity. The streetcar also stops near the museum.
While at the museum, step onto the deck with the eternal flame while you are at the museum for another great perspective of downtown and Smale Riverfront Park.
10 The National Underground Railroad Freedom Center is FREE on Martin Luther King Jr. Day
This is the perfect day to visit the National Underground Freedom Center as we honor the work that Martin Luther King Jr. did to bring change.
Whether you have visited the museum before or it’s your first time, you can learn a lot each time you go.
It’s a little more crowded because of the FREE admission but I still think it’s worth going.
My family has enjoyed going as an annual reminder to never forget!
Additional Days When You can Visit The National Underground Railroad Freedom Center for FREE
Thanks to the Fifth Third Foundation you can enjoy free admission to The National Underground Railroad Freedom Center on the following days in 2025
- January 20 (MLK Day)
- February 16
- March 16
- March 30
- April 20
- May 18
- June 19 (Juneteenth)
- June 29
*You can reserve your tickets online or in person. Dates are subject to change.
You can also save with a POGO Pass for your general admission on regular admission days.
National Underground Freedom Center Parking
You have several options for parking. There is some limited street parking near the museum.
I suggest using The Central Riverfront Parking Garage at the Banks (closest) or The Fountain Square Parking Garage (a few blocks).
Check out the National Underground Railroad Freedom Center on their website.
Where is the National Underground Freedom Center Located?
The National Underground Freedom Center is located at 50 East Freedom Way, Cincinnati, Ohio 45202
Call: 513-333-7739
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What a beautiful way to tell tragic tales that need to be heard and remembered.
Thanks for sharing your thoughts on the museum! We’re lucky to have this place in our city. FYI, the general phone number is 513-333-7739