Cincinnati has several locations around the city that honor previous Presidents of the United States.
I’m sharing the top hidden gems to visit for a Presidential themed adventure.
You can try to see most of them in one day or make it your quest to find them over time.
Presidential Themed Stops on the Kentucky Side
Abraham Lincoln Statue
824 Greenup St, Covington,
The young Abraham Lincoln statue is located in front of the Kenton County Public Library -Covington Branch.
This statue is unique because it’s one of few that portrays Lincoln in his younger years without a beard.
The sculptor, Matt Langford, chose to show Abe holding an ax and a book as two symbols to represent his life during that time.
Look closely at the plaque at the statue’s base that reads, ” I shall prepare myself. Someday my chance will come.”
Presidential Themed Stops on the Ohio Side (Downtown Cincinnati)
A Historical Event Took Place at the Taft Museum of Art
Located at 316 Pike St. in Cincinnati.
The Taft Museum of Art structure dates back to 1820 and showcases European art and 19th-century American paintings.
The portico of the home was where William H. Taft accepted his presidential nomination in 1908.
On Sundays, you can visit the permanent collection for free but special exhibits are an additional fee.
Parking in the onsite parking garage is free for guests of the museum and cafe.
Museum guests can also download a free audio guide to learn more about the pieces in the museum, the artists, and the home.
Abraham Lincoln Statue at Lytle Park
Located at 501 E 4th St, Cincinnati, the Abraham Lincoln statue at Lytle Park is steps away from the Taft Museum of Art.
The statue is also very close to Lytle Park Hotel which has a rooftop bar with beautiful views of Cincinnati.
On March 31, 1917, William Howard Taft dedicated the bronze 11-foot statue created by sculptor George Grey Barnard.
Visit the William Howard Taft National Historic Site
2038 Auburn Ave, Cincinnati, OH
Guests can tour the birthplace and childhood home of former president William Howard Taft.
The urban National Park has free admission and attracts 20,000 visitors a year, primarily between the months of March through October
You can take a self-guided tour of the 2nd floor of the home where you will find memorabilia and learn more about Taft’s life and career.
Park Rangers offer guided tours every 30 minutes and share more about his early history.
You’ll want to check the National Park website for operating hours and tours.
The National Park Service park grounds are open to the general public daily from sunrise to sunset 365 days a year.
Visit Presidential Grove in Eden Park
950 Eden Park Dr, Cincinnati, OH
You can access the Presidential Grove from a few different directions. One of the easier paths to find is the staircase across the street from the Krohn Conservatory leading to the grove.
The tree grove was established in 1882 on the first Arbor Day celebration in Cincinnati.
There are individual trees in the grove honoring each United States President.
At the beginning of the Presidential Grove, there is a sign that shows the location of each specific type of tree honoring each president.
The Presidential Grove is featured in a self-guided walking tour of Cincinnati, Ohio under the Cincinnati – Eden Park section within the mobile app “GPSmyCity.”
William Henry Harrison Statue at Piatt Park
Piatt Park is located on two blocks between Elm Street and Vine Street on Garfield Place/8th Street.
Piatt Park was Cincinnati’s first park and has two statues, one at each end of the park.
One side has a statue of the 9th President, William Henry Harrison, Ohio’s first President.
Statue of James A. Garfield at Piatt Park
The other statue at Piatt Park is in honor of the 20th president, James Abrams Garfield.
Visit the Birthplace of U.S. President Ulysses S. Grant
1551 State Route 232, Point Pleasant, OH
(Less than 5 miles from New Richmond and 30 minutes from Cincinnati, Ohio)
You can visit the birthplace of the 18th President, Ulysses S. Grant.
Learn more about the two-term President who served as a general in the Civil War during your visit.
Make sure that you double-check the hours before your visit.
Regular visiting times are April- October 15, but they will open by appointment during the offseason.
Enjoy a Drink at Taft’s Ale House
1429 Race St, Cincinnati, Ohio
After a long day, of adventuring, why not treat yourself to a meal and a brew at Taft’s Ale House.
This presidential-themed pub honors William Howard Taft. Taft was the only man ever to be president AND a Supreme Court Justice.
Taft’s Ale House offers an incredible tri-tip sandwich called The Big Billy (thinly sliced Tri-Tip Steak, caramelized onions, and au jus.)
Take note of the gavels for the brews on tap to honor Taft’s years as a Chief Justice.
The building was a former church that dates back to 1850 and the architecture is absolutely stunning.
Make sure that you look at the gorgeous mural still hidden in plain sight behind the beer vats on the second floor.
As a bonus, I’m sharing a few Abraham Lincoln quotes with the pic.
“My great concern is not whether you have failed, but whether you are content with your failure.”
Abraham Lincoln
“Most folks are as happy as they make up their mind to be.”
Abraham Lincoln
Looking for more hidden gems around Cincinnati?
Don’t miss these hidden gems and unique things to do.
There is a presidential grove across the street from the observatory. I think some trees were uprooted when we had that bad windstorm. But it’s a pretty interesting walk.
There’s Ulysses Grant’s boyhood home in Georgetown, Ohio. It is an hour south east from Cincinnati. You could see the birthplace near New Richmond and then keep going on 52 to Ripley and Georgetown. The boyhood home is very nice and has animatronics that tell you stories. Quite impressive. There is also the Grant school house to see in Georgetown.