Aerial view of Covington, Kentucky and downtown Cincinnati from Devou Park.

Covington, Kentucky

Covington is a small city situated in Kenton County in the US State of Kentucky. The city contains several historical sites, an illustrious past, and natural attractions that combine to make it a great destination. While it may appear to be an urbanized town near Cincinnati, it retains a laid-back appeal, making it the ideal getaway from the hectic city life. The historic Roebling Suspension Bridge and the Ohio River connect Covington to Cincinnati's southern region, giving the two cities similar architectural styles and a shared past. 

Geography And Climate Of Covington

Downtown Covington Skyline from Devou Park
Downtown Covington Skyline from Devou Park. Image Credit: EEJCC via Wikimedia Commons

Covington forms a part of the Cincinnati - Northern Kentucky metropolitan area, which is divided into Newport and Cincinnati by the Ohio and Licking rivers, respectively. The city is also located along the southern shores of the Ohio River, and to the north lies Cincinnati, Ohio. Covington covers a total area of 35.63 sq. km, of which 34.18 sq. km is occupied by land, and 1.45 sq. km is covered by water. 

Covington is situated in a region of changing climates, between the northern edge of the Upland South's humid subtropical climate and the southern end of the humid continental climate zone. Covington experiences hot, humid summers, bitterly cold, icy winters, and seasonal partial cloudiness. The year's hottest month is July, and the hot season lasts for 3.8 months, with an average daily high temperature exceeding 77°F. With an average daily high temperature below 49°F, January is the year's coldest month, with the cold season lasting for 3.0 months. On average, Covington receives 14 inches of snow annually and 45 inches of rain yearly. Additionally, it experiences precipitation on 121 days per year on average. 

Brief History Of Covington

Mutter Gottes Historic District in Covington, Kentucky
Mutter Gottes Historic District in Covington, Kentucky. Image Credit: Photo by Greg Hume (Greg5030),  via Wikimedia Commons

The region, which had been handed to George Muse initially in exchange for his military assistance, was exchanged for a keg of whiskey. About 150 acres of land were bought west of the Licking River, where it met the Ohio River, and the city was laid out in 1815. General Leonard Wales Covington, who perished in the War of 1812, inspired its name. The 1800s saw the city expand and thrive. Covington served as Northern Kentucky's financial hub in the early 1900s, and numerous banks, including First National Bank and German National Bank, were constructed at that time. Additionally, manufacturing firms expanded in the city. Covington was Kentucky's second-largest city and industrial area by 1900. Most of the 19th century saw Covington expand, but the Great Depression and the middle of the 20th century saw a drop.

The Population And Economy Of Covington

Out of the 552 cities in Kentucky, Covington has the fifth-highest population, with 41,025 residents as per the latest US Census. Covington's population has grown by 0.16% since the most recent census, which showed a population of 40,961 in 2010. White (Non-Hispanic) (78.3%), Black or African American (Non-Hispanic) (11.4%), Other (Hispanic) (3.57%), Two+ (Non-Hispanic) (3.42%), and White (Hispanic) (2.01%) make up the top five ethnic groups in Covington. The poverty rate in Covington is 22.99%, while the average household income is $59,350. The market value of a home is $120,100, and the median monthly rent in past years was $722. Covington has a 36-year-old median age, with 35-year-old men and 37.9-year-old women.

Attractions In And Around Covington

John A. Roebling Suspension Bridge

John A. Roebling Suspension Bridge
John A. Roebling Suspension Bridge. 

Among the buildings in Devou Park, the John A. Roebling Suspension Bridge will catch your eye immediately. The bridge that spans the Ohio River has outstanding architectural features that have been in place for more than 150 years. The John A. Roebling Suspension Bridge, which has a 1,075-foot span, was previously known as the longest bridge in the world. It was built by civil engineer John Roebling and opened for use in 1867.

Behringer-Crawford Museum

A trip to the Behringer-Crawford Museum is essential for anyone interested in learning about and being immersed in this area's history. The structure itself is impressive in and of itself. It appears to be a noble house in the middle of a forest due to the white exterior and the surrounding woodland. There are galleries, collections, and displays inside that highlight the colorful past of Northern Kentucky and the Ohio Valley.

Madison Theater

An old cinema theater that has been refurbished, Madison Theater offers a variety of concert seating options. The theater gives musicians of all musical genres a stage on which to perform and display their skills, allowing the world to hear their voices. The theater is thoughtfully divided into many parts, including a club and cabaret configuration with a balcony and theater setup anywhere you like.

Pioneer Park

Pioneer Park, a more sedate and remote outdoor area, is located a little outside the municipal limits. Like the others in the city, this park is situated beside a body of water, which enhances the area's natural beauty. Paved walking paths, lush grounds, and the lovely Banklick Creek surround the 43-acre attraction's western edge. This creek includes many picturesque sections and forested bends that make for an excellent kayaking or canoeing experience, and Pioneer Park is a great starting point for explorations along it.

George Rogers Clark Park

George Rogers Clark Park in Covington, Kentucky
Wide angle of Simon Kenton pointing to the distance bronze statue at George Rogers Clark Park on the Covington riverfront alongside the Ohio River. Editorial credit: Cory Woodruff / Shutterstock.com

One of the most excellent spots in Covington to unwind and take in the scenery is George Rogers Clark Park. The park's quiet location is in the Licking Riverside Historic District along the river. Two of the seven Riverside statues are located in the small park, providing views of the Roebling Bridge and the Cincinnati cityscape. It is made from a dense canopy of trees that gives cover or quiet places for people to unwind, eat, watch boats move, or read.

Devou Park

Aerial view of downtown Cincinnati and the bridges crossing the Ohio River from Kentucky to Ohio from Devou Park
Aerial view of downtown Cincinnati and the bridges crossing the Ohio River from Kentucky to Ohio from Devou Park. 

Most people agree that this beautiful park offers the best views of the Cincinnati skyline. A 700-acre outdoor attraction, Devou Park's most notable feature is the elevated and rolling grounds that provide a great perspective of the surroundings. The park, which is located on the highest point in the city, draws large crowds of people looking for a brief getaway from the city and a breath of fresh air among the tall trees. Viewing the Ohio River and Cincinnati skyline is a residents' favorite pastime.

Covington maintains a laid-back charm that makes it the ideal getaway from the hectic city life, despite appearing to be an urbanized town near the metropolis of Cincinnati. There is something for every taste here, from German villages to stately churches, elevated parks, to grand theaters. Plan your next visit to this town to ensure you don't miss any of its top attractions!

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