Cincinnati has several locations around the city that honor previous Presidents. You can try to visit most of them in one day or make it your quest to find them over time.
Kentucky Side
Abraham Lincoln Statue
The young Abraham Lincoln statue is located at 824 Greenup St, Covington, KY 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 base of the statue that reads, ” I shall prepare myself. Someday my chance will come.”
Ohio Side (Downtown Cincinnati)
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 Lyle Park is steps away from the Taft Museum of Art.
On March 31, 1917, William Howard Taft dedicated the bronze 11-foot statue created by sculptor George Grey Barnard.
William Howard Taft National Historic Site
Located at 2038 Auburn Ave, Cincinnati, guest can tour the birthplace and childhood home of William Howard Taft. The urban National Park has free admission.
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. Check the website for operating hours.
William Henry Harrison Statue at and James A Garfield Monument 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 is of 9th President, William Henry Harrison and the other monument is in honor of 20th president, James Abrams Garfield.
Birthplace of U.S. President Ulysses S. Grant
(Less than 5 miles from New Richmond and 30 minutes from Cincinnati, Ohio)
Visit the birthplace of 18th President Ulysses S. Grant located at 1551 State Route 232, Point Pleasant, OH. 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.
Taft’s Ale House
After a long day, of adventuring, why not treat yourself to a meal and a brew at Taft’s Ale House located at 1429 Race St, Cincinnati.
This presidential-themed pub honors Taft (THe only man ever to be both President and a Justice on the Supreme Court) and offers an incredible tri-tip sandwich called The Big Billy (thinly sliced Tri-Tip Steak, caramelized onions, and au ju.)
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 Lincoln quotes with the pic.
Do you know of other places to add to the list?
Let me know in the comments.
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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.
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.