Central Kentucky’s Daniel Boone National Forest, the hills and vales of the eastern Appalachians, the world-renowned southwestern lakes — these are regions that are well-known and oft-visited in Kentucky. So today we’re showing some love to the northern boundary of the Bluegrass, which is handily demarcated by the mighty Ohio River. Yes, it’s called the Ohio River, but this nearly 1,000-mile-long body of water has long played a key role in Kentucky history, and is the founding point of many a riverfront town in the Bluegrass. Come with us on a scenic drive through Kentucky all along the Ohio River, stopping by some of the state’s most iconic riverfront towns and points of interest along the way.

This trip spans about 250 miles and takes just over 4.5 hours, not taking into account time spent at the various riverfront destinations.

Google Maps View an interactive Google Map of this trip and hit the road!

Our scenic drive through Kentucky begins in Ashland, a charming and criminally underrated town on the Ohio River.

Wendy Van/iStock via Getty Images Plus Most towns on the river take advantage of this location for its locals with the addition of parks and walkways so the public can take in the views. In northeastern Kentucky, right on the West Virginia border, Ashland has truly made the most of its location. The acclaimed Port of Ashland features, among other things, beautiful sculptures, picnic tables and benches, and a lovely river walk. Port of Ashland, 50 15th St, Ashland, KY 41101, USA

Next up: the lovely little river town of Union, Kentucky, where a prehistoric adventure awaits.

Big Bone Lick State Historic Site/Google Local Established in 1960, Big Bone Lick is an under-appreciated Kentucky State Park that’s a fun glimpse into the past. With traditional camping and hiking options, along with a renovated museum and a herd of roaming bison, you will never be bored at this historic site. Big Bone Lick State Historic Site, 3380 Beaver Rd, Union, KY 41091, USA

Continuing this scenic drive through Kentucky, we’re heading to the midpoint of our adventure, the charming towns of Covington and Newport.

Walter Bibikow/DigitalVision Collection via Getty Images This area is best-known for the John A. Roebling Suspension Bridge, an architectural marvel spanning 1,057 feet between Cincinnati, Ohio, and Covington, Kentucky.

When the Roebling opened on December 1, 1866, it was the longest suspension bridge in the world. Later, in 1883, the Brooklyn Bridge would usurp this title, coming in at an astounding 1,595.5 feet.

Leonid Andronov/iStock via Getty Images Plus But that doesn’t diminish the Roebling’s pomp and grandeur. Listed on the U.S. National Register of Historic Places and a designated U.S. National Historic Landmark, the bridge remains one of the most amazing pieces of architecture in the country, an important part of Northern Kentucky culture, and an American icon worth checking out.

We’re breaking for lunch at a favorite spot in Northern Kentucky: Pompilio’s.

Pompilios/Facebook Located in the historic Ohio River town of Newport, Pompilio’s opened its doors in 1933 and is a longstanding local favorite that’s known for its legendary lasagna… and role in one of the most iconic film moments in history! Pompilios, 600 Washington Ave, Newport, KY 41071, USA

There are some places in Kentucky that embody everything that’s wonderful about the Bluegrass State. Maysville is one of them.

Kbytes/iStock via Getty Images Plus For starters, its riverfront location creates a wholly unique experience, with Maysville’s homes and businesses all boasting stellar water views. Its charming downtown, of course, is located right on the water, with the mighty Ohio River providing the most sublime scenic backdrop.

The downtown district looks right out to the river, with the Simon Kenton Memorial Bridge a beautiful Bluegrass icon.

Kbytes/iStock via Getty Images Plus In fact, its unique riverfront location made Maysville a vibrant port in the 1800s, as well as a key stop on the Underground Railroad. Downtown, you’ll find all sorts of things to see and do; those into history will want to visit the Harriet Beecher Stowe Slavery to Freedom Museum and National Underground Railroad Museum. This is one town along the Ohio River in Kentucky that’s a must-visit for everyone: historians, the curious, nature-lovers, families, and more! Maysville, KY 41056, USA

In Kentucky’s largest city, the Ohio River is a quintessential part of the Louisville skyline. And our favorite place along this resplendent river is a true urban oasis: the Waterfront Botanical Gardens.

Waterfront Botanical Gardens/Facebook This 23-acre botanical garden is a literal breath of fresh air; a hidden oasis in Louisville’s bustling metropolis. Native plants, winsome wildflowers, and buzzing pollinators abound. It’s an enchanting place that’s peak Bluegrass beauty! Waterfront Botanical Gardens, 1435 Frankfort Ave, Louisville, KY 40206, USA

Let’s end our scenic drive through Kentucky on a high note (literally), shall we? While there are many wonderful places to dine while drinking in those beautiful Bluegrass bodies of water, some of the most scenic vistas can be found at River House Restaurant and Raw Bar in Louisville, Kentucky.

River House Restaurant and Raw Bar/Facebook And while you sip your drink and gaze out at the beautiful expanse of the Ohio River, you’ll feel immensely grateful to be right here, at this wonderful waterfront steakhouse in Kentucky. Raise a glass to the completion of a successful road trip in the Bluegrass! River House Restaurant and Raw Bar, 3015 River Rd, Louisville, KY 40207, USA

When was the last time you hopped in the car and took a scenic drive through Kentucky? We hope the above road trip along the Ohio River inspires you to get out and explore the riverfront beauty unique to our beautiful state!

Google Maps

View an interactive Google Map of this trip and hit the road!

Wendy Van/iStock via Getty Images Plus

Most towns on the river take advantage of this location for its locals with the addition of parks and walkways so the public can take in the views. In northeastern Kentucky, right on the West Virginia border, Ashland has truly made the most of its location. The acclaimed Port of Ashland features, among other things, beautiful sculptures, picnic tables and benches, and a lovely river walk.

Port of Ashland, 50 15th St, Ashland, KY 41101, USA

Big Bone Lick State Historic Site/Google Local

Established in 1960, Big Bone Lick is an under-appreciated Kentucky State Park that’s a fun glimpse into the past. With traditional camping and hiking options, along with a renovated museum and a herd of roaming bison, you will never be bored at this historic site.

Big Bone Lick State Historic Site, 3380 Beaver Rd, Union, KY 41091, USA

Walter Bibikow/DigitalVision Collection via Getty Images

This area is best-known for the John A. Roebling Suspension Bridge, an architectural marvel spanning 1,057 feet between Cincinnati, Ohio, and Covington, Kentucky.

Leonid Andronov/iStock via Getty Images Plus

But that doesn’t diminish the Roebling’s pomp and grandeur. Listed on the U.S. National Register of Historic Places and a designated U.S. National Historic Landmark, the bridge remains one of the most amazing pieces of architecture in the country, an important part of Northern Kentucky culture, and an American icon worth checking out.

Pompilios/Facebook

Located in the historic Ohio River town of Newport, Pompilio’s opened its doors in 1933 and is a longstanding local favorite that’s known for its legendary lasagna… and role in one of the most iconic film moments in history!

Pompilios, 600 Washington Ave, Newport, KY 41071, USA

Kbytes/iStock via Getty Images Plus

For starters, its riverfront location creates a wholly unique experience, with Maysville’s homes and businesses all boasting stellar water views. Its charming downtown, of course, is located right on the water, with the mighty Ohio River providing the most sublime scenic backdrop.

In fact, its unique riverfront location made Maysville a vibrant port in the 1800s, as well as a key stop on the Underground Railroad. Downtown, you’ll find all sorts of things to see and do; those into history will want to visit the Harriet Beecher Stowe Slavery to Freedom Museum and National Underground Railroad Museum. This is one town along the Ohio River in Kentucky that’s a must-visit for everyone: historians, the curious, nature-lovers, families, and more!

Maysville, KY 41056, USA

Waterfront Botanical Gardens/Facebook

This 23-acre botanical garden is a literal breath of fresh air; a hidden oasis in Louisville’s bustling metropolis. Native plants, winsome wildflowers, and buzzing pollinators abound. It’s an enchanting place that’s peak Bluegrass beauty!

Waterfront Botanical Gardens, 1435 Frankfort Ave, Louisville, KY 40206, USA

River House Restaurant and Raw Bar/Facebook

And while you sip your drink and gaze out at the beautiful expanse of the Ohio River, you’ll feel immensely grateful to be right here, at this wonderful waterfront steakhouse in Kentucky. Raise a glass to the completion of a successful road trip in the Bluegrass!

River House Restaurant and Raw Bar, 3015 River Rd, Louisville, KY 40207, USA

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