The Most Charming River Towns In Ohio
Ohio, affectionately known as the Heart of It All, is a state carved by water. Up north, you have Lake Erie creating its northern shore, and the Ohio River carving its southern border. In between are smaller rivers, like the Little Miami River and the Scioto River, where small settlements thrive. Many of the towns along the Ohio River have significant historical roots since the Ohio River served as a physical boundary between slave states and free states during the Civil War. If you want to spend a weekend bobbing down the river, these charming river towns are a must-see!
New Richmond
South of Cincinnati along the Ohio River, is the small community of New Richmond. While it’s just on the edge of all the bustle of Cincinnati, it’s far enough away to enjoy calm river views and the lush scenery of East Fork State Park. The Haussermann Park and Bandstand on the River is the heart and soul of New Richmond, offering well-manicured paths that bloom with flowers in the summer along the Ohio River. As you walk the paths, there are Underground Railroad history markers showcasing the important role New Richmond played during the Civil War.
In the summer, the Bandstand by the River is where all the action happens! It hosts outdoor music festivals and hosts a stunning fireworks display during the Freedom Fest over the 4th of July weekend. There are smaller riverside parks in New Richmond, like Plum Street Park, with a playground and views of the Ohio River. With cozy waterside cafes like Front Street Café in a historic setting, it’s easy to lose track of time in New Richmond.
Ripley
On the Ohio River, on the other side of the Kentucky border, is the historic hamlet of Ripley, which played a pivotal role in the days of the Underground Railroad. You can take a historic tour of the town and learn more about how it helped enslaved people reach freedom by visiting sites like the John Rankin House. The John Rankin House, located on the river, used light to guide enslaved people across the river and helped over 2,000 people find freedom in Ohio. And on Front Street is the home of the John P. Parker House, a former slave who turned conductor of the Underground Railroad.
Both the John Rankin House and John P. Parker House have beautiful grounds for hiking along the river, but if you prefer the untouched wilderness surrounding Ripley, there’s no better spot than the Eagle Creek Wildlife Area. The nature preserve sits on over 2,000 acres of forest and river walks along Eagle Creek. It’s a great spot to relax in nature on foot, boat, or kayak, and it’s less than a 5-minute drive from central Ripley.
Gallipolis
Gallipolis, also known as The Old French City, is a scenic town settled on the Ohio River on the other side of the West Virginia border. If you long for quiet walks along the river, Gallipolis City Park feels like stepping into a postcard. Think paved walking paths along the river dotted with benches overlooking the water, gazebos and picnic tables, and wide-open green spaces in the heart of central Gallipolis. You can spend the day taking in the views of the park, and then walk across the street to Courtside Bar & Grill for a tasty meal for the perfect afternoon.
If it’s water recreation you’re seeking, there are plenty of places to launch out onto the water in Gallipolis. On the edge of town is the Gallipolis Boat Club, which is a great place to launch your boat or kayak out on the water without leaving the comforts of downtown. If you want to get lost in the wilderness surrounding Gallipolis, Raccoon Creek County Park offers wide open spaces, well-maintained hiking paths, and sweeping views of Raccoon Creek.
Grand Rapids
In Northwestern Ohio, along the banks of the Maumee River, is the hidden gem of Grand Rapids. If you want to explore the natural beauty of Grand Rapids, the Mary Jane Thurston State Park is a must-see. This 105-acre park cozies up to the Maumee River and is an excellent place to launch a boat or canoe out onto the water. If you forgot your canoe, no worries! The park also has hiking trails that trace the Erie and Miami canals. After working up an appetite at the park, Knucklehead’s Kafe by the river makes for a perfect pit stop.
If you love both historical sites and natural scenery, you have to check out the Providence Metropark, located just on the other side of the Maumee River. This public park is so much more than river access points and hiking trails. It offers unique mule-drawn canal boat rides down the Miami and Erie canals, the beautiful Isaac Ludwig Mill, and Canal Lock 44, which is one of the last functioning limestone locks in the state.
Portsmouth
In Portsmouth, you get two rivers for the price of one! Located on the shores of both the Ohio River and the Scioto River, Portsmouth is a dreamy blend of art, history, and fantastic waterway views. To gain an appreciation of Portsmouth’s art scene, the Southern Ohio Museum and Cultural Center is an ornate building housing works from Clarence Holbrook Carter and other local artists.
The museum is stunning, but the Portsmouth Floodwall Mural is the heart and soul of the city. Located along the riverwalk on the Ohio River in Riverfront Park, the floodwall is much more than a breathtaking art installation. It weaves almost 2,000 years of regional history. It’s made up of over 50 panels that span 2,000 feet along the riverwalk. The riverwalk traces the south edge of the town, and you can hop off the trail to stop in local diners and breweries, like Oddfellows or the Portsmouth Brewing Co.
Loveland
Get ready to fall in love with Loveland! Loveland, aka the “Sweetheart of Ohio”, sits along the shores of the Little Miami River northeast of Cincinnati. There are tons of breathtaking and historical sites in Loveland, and many of them can be accessed by water! You can rent a canoe or kayak from Loveland Paddle Sports and start your course down the Little Miami River. The scenery is magnificent, and takes you under bridges, through densely wooded sections, and even takes you right up to the heart of Loveland: the Loveland Castle!
The Loveland Castle is a medieval-style castle that was hand-built in the late 1920s. It was built by Harry D. Andrews, a medic from World War I who was inspired by the architecture while serving in France (and it took nearly 50 years to complete! Aside from the grandeur of the castle itself, the grounds are quite lovely with arbors, manicured gardens, and a greenhouse. One of the best places in Loveland to spend an afternoon is the Nisbet Park & Amphitheater, which grants you access to the Little Miami Scenic Bike Trail.
Middleport
Middleport is one of those small communities where everything just feels easier. Located along the Ohio River on the Ohio and West Virginia border, it’s the perfect spot to float down the river for a lazy afternoon. The Middleport Marina and River Access is the ideal spot to launch a boat for fishing, a paddle boat, or a canoe. The waters are always calm and great for wildlife sightings like herons, beavers, or deer. The Marina offers access to Leading Creek, Shady Cove Landing, and the Ohio River.
If you prefer to explore Middleport on foot, you can travel the very same path as freedom seekers along the Underground Railroad History Trail. You can hike or bike along the wooded path that traces Leading Creek, and learn more about its significance with trail markers along the way. If you just want to relax in a beautiful green space in town, Dave Diles Park has charming, paved trails along the Ohio River.
Paddle Your Way Through The Heart Of Ohio
Thinking that Ohio is nothing more than cornfields and farmland couldn’t be further from the truth. Carved by both Lake Erie and the Ohio River, it’s full of waterside hamlets just waiting to be explored. Only in Ohio can you take a canoe down the Little Miami River and find yourself floating by an old Medieval Castle in Loveland, or exploring major hubs in the Underground Railroad in Ripley. So, strap your canoe to the roof of your car, bring plenty of sunscreen, and get ready to get wet and wild in the Buckeye State.
