Located on the Ohio River, Cincinnati has been a prosperous
town ever since its founding as an Indian trading post in 1788. Through
the years, Cincinnati has attracted new businesses and new groups of people
including a substantial number of German immigrants who have given the
city a European flavor. Considering its long history of commercial success,
the city has invested time and money on developing its cultural resources,
a task to which it has devoted itself with special care.
Cincinnati is divided into several neighborhoods, each with a distinct
feel. Expansive Eden Park is near Mount Adams, a well-to-do neighborhood
with great cafes and restaurants. The Over-the-Rhine district, which got
its name from German immigrants, houses numerous bars, clubs and other
fun spots. In the midst of these various neighborhoods, Cincinnati has
built some common cultural centers that are a source of pride for the
whole city. The Cincinnati Art Museum covers 5,000 years of art history
including an impressive collection of Islamic art. The Contemporary Arts
Center houses modern art that always makes a big impression. The Taft
Museum, a converted mansion, exhibits stunning paintings by Rembrandt,
Goya and Turner, as well as priceless Ming porcelain. Finally, the Museum
Center at Union Terminal is a collection of museums, including a natural
history museum and a history of Cincinnati.
Outdoor activities abound in this family-friendly city. The Cincinnati Zoo and Botanical Garden is a favorite destination for locals and visitors alike. In addition, Public Landing is a mile-long riverside walk offering views of carefully painted showboats and other river craft that recall the city's bustling days of river commerce. For the true outdoors enthusiast, Surf Cincinnati Waterpark offers visitors several water slides, miniature golf courses, boat rides and go-cart racing.
Visitors to Cincinnati are encouraged to take in the city's cultural resources, while appreciating the various cultures that thrive within its boundaries. Not only does the city itself offer many unique sites, it also makes a convenient jumping-off point for visits to nearby states of Kentucky and Indiana.