For centuries, what is known as Highland Heights' sights has been attracting people who, after a small piece of American history, have a shot of modernity. I like to sit in the cafe on Main Street and tell you that the area was originally part of the old campbell township, long before the railway turned the area into a small traffic hub. The city was officially founded in 1910, and since then it has evolved from a tranquil agricultural location to a suburb that still breathes the charm of past days – at least if one does not overlook the old wooden houses and the slightly weathered signs too much.
When I drive by car over the 25 miles I‐71, I feel the light trembling of the wheels that reminds me that I no longer landed in nowhere but in the heart of Kenton County. The people here are proud, but not overwhelming; they like to talk about the local high school, whose football team almost enjoys cult status, and about the annual autumn festival that attracts more pumpkins than tourists. I don't understand the hype about the “small city with a big heart” propaganda, but the honest hospitality and the unfaithful country life make the whole thing really great for me. And yes, if you travel to Highland Heights the next time, you will find that the real highlights are not in brochures, but in conversations with the locals who show you the true Highland Heights sights from the very first hand.
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You can assess light, perspective and location before visiting the site – ideal for photography, sunrises and sunsets.
To find the exact point where the sun disappears behind the skyline, use the azimuth display on poi-travel.de. In Highland Heights, the sun travels further northwest below the horizon in summer, while in winter it takes a more southwesterly angle. With the embedded line on the map, you can determine your tripod position down to the metre.
The first place I can't miss is that Big Bone Lick State Historic Site – a piece of prehistoric wilderness that offers more than just bones from the ice age. I made a picnic there once, while a guide told Mammuts who wept here over 10,000 years ago. Parking is almost always a Klacks, as long as you don't get to school classes on weekends, the field quickly becomes the battlefield of traffic jam and buses.
A short trip to Union leads you to Boone County Arboretum, one of the few free Arborets in the state. I spent more hours taking photos of the rare Rhododendrons than I actually wanted – and that was no coincidence, because the terrain is a labyrinth of thematic gardens that even experienced hikers confused. The path is well signposted, but the real highlight is the small café serving surprisingly good homemade apple cake; a real secret tip overlooking most tourists.
If you have the feeling of having enough nature, Cincinnati Zoo and Botanical Garden a loud, colorful counter pole in the game. I don't quite understand the hype about the gorilla exhibition – the animals are impressive, but the real jewel is the huge tropical house that looks almost like a mini rain forest. Parking is a little drama here: the main car park is full when the school is out, but a few blocks further there are free street parking when you are ready to walk a few minutes.
A few miles east lies the Newport Aquarium, which is the only aquarium in Kentucky that offers “interactive experiences”. I have experienced a shark passage where you float through a clear pipe – no joke, that was a bit scary, but totally fascinating. Admission is not cheap, but the staff is friendly enough that you almost forget the money when watching the Quallen lights show. Parking is paid at the main building, but a small, free parking lot on the river bank is still free when you arrive early enough.
For history freaks Cincinnati Museum Center at Union Terminal A must. The imposing Art-Deco building itself is an artwork, and the exhibitions range from natural history to local industry. I spent hours in the World War II department because the original uniforms and equipment reminded me of the stories of my grandparents. Parking is a bit tricky because the museum is a popular destination, but the free car park at the opposite hotel is still an option if you are ready to run a few minutes.
A short walk over John A. Roebling Suspension Bridge connects Kentucky to Ohio and offers stunning views of the Ohio River. I crossed the bridge at sunset and the play of light on the water was almost too beautiful to be true. There is no entrance, and parking on the Kentucky side is usually easy as long as you don't get after work on Friday night – then you can easily get into the traffic.
A little further north, in Milford, Ohio, this is Cincinnati Nature Center. The trails here are well maintained, and I have often wondered why so many people overlook the center when it has so much to offer. The visitor centers have a small museum that explains the local flora and fauna, and the café serves surprisingly good sandwiches. Parking is free and generous, which is a rare comfort in this area.
Last but not least, if you are looking for a bit “alternative” this is Creation Museum in Petersburg, Kentucky, a place that surprises visitors with its blend of biblical creation history and modern exhibition design. I was out of pure curiosity there and had to admit that the interactive displays – especially the “Noah’s Ark” model – are quite well done, even though I cannot fully share the religious undertone. The museum has a huge park area, which is freely accessible throughout the weekend, and parking is practically always available.
Whether you are looking for prehistoric bones, lush gardens, animal encounters or historical bridges – the surroundings of Highland Heights offers a colourful mix that delights every modern traveler. And if you want to pack it all together in a trip, you have a solid overview of the best Highland Heights attractions you shouldn't miss.
Whether adventurers, connoisseurs or culture lovers – in Highland Heights everyone finds something that makes him sneak, and I'm lucky to know everything firsthand. My personal favorite spot is that Northern Kentucky University Art Gallery. I went there for the first time because a friend said it was “a must”, and I thought: “Art in a suburban city? It'll be fun." Surprisingly, the collection is quite well thought out – from local artists to international installations, which you can only see in larger cities. Parking is usually easy, except on Saturday night, there will be a real problem because then the student parties flood the garage.
A short walk over the campus leads you to Kentucky University Performing Arts Center. I experienced a jazz concert there that was so good that I almost forgot that I was there because of the free snack. The acoustics are really impressive, and the building itself has this slightly futuristic look, which is in contrast to the rather vivid suburban houses. If you're lucky, there's a rehearsal or a little play – both free as long as you don't get too much into the seat rows.
For those who prefer to leave their feet on the ground, there is Highland Heights Park. The park is small, but it has a pretty pond, a few old benches and a playground that is more used by the parents than by the children. I once made a picnic with my neighbor, and we made fun of the ducks showing more interest in our sandwiches than the visitors. The park is free, and parking on the edge is almost always free – a rare luxury in this area.
Another underestimated jewel is the Highland Heights Library, part of the Campbell County Public Library Network. I spent more time there than I would like to admit, because the café on the ground floor serves an amazingly good cappuccino. The library itself is modern, with many reading corners and even a small event room, in which sometimes readings or local bands occur in the evening. If you're looking for a quiet place to roll a book or just use the Wi-Fi, you're gold right here.
If you feel that you need more culture, look at this NKU Observatory on. I was there with a public star observation, and that was a real highlight evening: The sky over Cincinnati is clear, and the astronomers explain the constellations with a mixture of expertise and loose humor. The observatory is free for the public, but you should register online beforehand – otherwise you sit on the edge and watch the others.
A place I keep mentioning because it's just too practical is that Highland Heights Community Center. There is a swimming pool, a gym and even a small indoor Velcro area. I took my first climbing hour there and I almost fell off the rope because I thought I could climb the wall without tools. The staff is friendly, and parking is right next to the building, which makes the whole even more straightforward.
And yes, if you ask yourself what can be seen here at all, take a look at the Highland Heights Attractions – this is not only an SEO trick, but actually a small collection of places that shape the cityscape. From the small cafes to the university buildings, Highland Heights has a unique charm that only unfolds when you walk a bit away from the main roads.
Finally, a small tip: If you're here on the weekend, avoid the main car park on campus on Friday night – this is the only time you really need to find a parking lot, because the students then move their “Study-Breaks” to the city. Otherwise, parking is almost everywhere a children's game, and you can fully concentrate on exploring this slightly underestimated, but quite lovable corner of Kentucky.
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