Visit Park Hills Kenton Kentucky and the surrounding area to see the top sights. Park Hills, Kentucky: Experience nature in Big Bone Lick State Park and visit the Creation Museum!
Honestly, if you think “Park Hills Sights” are just a few dusty shields, then you haven’t experienced the true heart of this little spot in Kenton County. I sit here in the old farmhouse, which was once built 1800 by German immigrants, and remember how the area first mutated from the rural hinterland to the suburbs in the late 80s – a bit like a chameleon that suddenly attracts a suit. The city was officially convened in 1991, and since then it has developed into a unique mix of retro-farm houses and modern suburban houses, which is best seen from the I‐275 when you come from Cincinnati and survived the traffic around the Maume River Bridge.
I love to stroll to the small park after a short trip by bus (line 102 stops right on Main Street) where the locals run their dogs and I wonder why nobody has opened a food truck with real Kentucky-Fried-Chicken – that would be a highlight. And yes, the “Park Hills Sights” include not only the historic town hall, but also the hidden artworks that local artists have left at the lantern piles. So, next time you drive over the road, take a look to the right, breathe in the mix of fresh hay air and asphalt and let yourself be surprised by this underestimated jewel.
I have to admit right at the beginning that I first look at the Barren River Lake State Resort Park never thought of a “Must Lake” – until I stood there on a rainy Saturday, cried the raincoat and heard the noise of the water, which somehow calmed more than any playlist. The park is not only a large green spot on the edge of Park Hills, it is the heartpiece that somehow holds the city together. Here you can walk, fish, or just sit on a bench and watch the ducks while the sun slowly disappears behind the hills. And yes, parking is usually a Klack, except on Saturday night, there will be a real problem – then the cars are like a colorful pile at the entrance, and you have to get a piece further the shoes dirty to get to the entrance.
A short trip from the main road leads you to Barren River Lake Marina. I once tried to rent a small inflatable, just to realize that the crew knew more about the weather than a weather frog. Nevertheless, the water is crystal clear enough that you can see the mirror image of the surrounding trees while paddling – a sight that is almost too beautiful to be true. The marina is also the ideal place to sneak a cool beer while watching the fishermen at the “big catch” who repeatedly claim that they had broken the record, although their catch was mostly just a small cash.
If you think you've got enough of the water, then let the Barren River Lake Golf Course surprise. I was there with a friend who claimed he was a “golf professional” and I had to tell him that this is rather a place for people who don’t want to hit the ball too often. The fairways are wide, the green is well maintained, and the clubhouse serves a burger that is almost as good as the game itself. I experienced my first (and last) Eagle story there – a blow that landed directly into the water, but that was just what the whole experience was.
A bit further, almost hidden between the trees, this is Barren River Lake Visitor Center. I found an old photo album there that documents the history of the lake from the beginnings to today. It is amazing how much you can learn about local culture when you try to browse the exhibitions. And yes, the staff there is friendly, but a bit too enthusiastic when they tell you the story of the dam – I feel they wanted to read me a whole book while I only had a few minutes.
The Barren River Lake Dam is another highlight that I cannot overlook. The dam is not only a technical miracle, but also offers a fantastic viewpoint from which you can see the entire water basin. I remember standing there, a sandwich in my hand, and suddenly a swarm duck pulled over the water – a picture that I have not forgotten until today. The dam is not what guides always talk about, but he has something calming that you should not underestimate.
For all looking for sun and sand is Miller’s Cove Beach the point of contact. I spent there a day where I tried to read a book that I never finished, because the children nearby played loudly in the sand and hit the water repeatedly on the coast. The beach is clean, the water is refreshing, and the staff is friendly enough to lend you a towel if you don't have one. And yes, parking is a bit more tricky here, especially if the weather is good – then the cars are like a colorful carpet at the entrance.
A short walk from the beach leads you to Nature Trail around the lake. I once saw a fox that sneaks gently through the underwood – a rare sight that reminded me that nature is still undisturbed here. The path is well marked, the signs are clear and you can observe the different bird species that nest here. I've even discovered a few rare species I've only known from destiny books before.
If you prefer to stay overnight, that is Campground at the lake just the right thing. I have set up a tent that was almost instantly passed by the rain, but that was part of the adventure. The pitches are well distributed, the sanitary facilities are clean, and the campfire site management ensures that you do not spend the whole night searching for wood. A friend of mine even organized a small concert for the other campers – a real highlight that made camping a social event.
All these places together form what I like as the true Park Hills Attractions not the shiny tourist attractions, but the small, authentic experiences that you only get when you walk a bit away from the beaten paths. I could keep telling you for hours, but I don't want to surprise you with too many details. Pack your stuff, take a bit of humor and let yourself be surprised by the peculiarities of this spot in Kentucky – you won't regret it, promised.
The first stop I put to every visitor is that Big Bone Lick State Historic Site – a place where dinosaur fans and history lovers are equally at their expense. I once made a picnic there, while a guide told about the prehistoric bones found here for over 10,000 years. The terrain is surprisingly large, so make yourself comfortable shoes; Parking is usually easy, except for long weekends, as the number of visitors rises abruptly.
A short detour over the bridge to Ohio leads you to Cincinnati Nature Center in Milford. There are several hiking trails that squeal through forest and wetland – perfect if you are looking for a quiet place to escape the city's trubel. I once saw a rare red fox there, which would have almost taken me off the way, because I thought I had to post the photo immediately. The entrance is free, but parking is a bit tight, so it's better to be there early.
If you have enough of forest and bones, that is Newport Aquarium in Kentucky a colorful contrast. I don't quite understand the hype around the shark tunnel, but the jelly installation is really fascinating – a bit like an underwater art museum. Admission is not cheap, but the staff is friendly and parking directly on the aquarium is usually free as long as you do not arrive on Saturday afternoon, then it becomes a real patience sample.
Another highlight I always like to mention is that John A. Roebling Suspension Bridge. The bridge connects Cincinnati to Covington and offers a magnificent view over the Ohio River. I stood there at sunset and watched the play of light over the city – a moment you don't forget so fast. Parking on the Kentucky side is practically always available because the road is less frequented there.
For those who want to combine a little green area and local culture, this is Boone County Arboretum in Union an underestimated jewel. The trails are well signposted, and I discovered a small café that serves surprisingly good ice cream coffee – a real secret tip that most tourists overlook. Parking is free, but at weekends it can be full because the Arboretum is a popular place for families.
A little adrenaline? Then look at the Kentucky Speedway in Sparta. I was there during a racing weekend and experienced the dawning of the engines from close proximity – a sound that immediately sets you back to the 90s. The seats are not particularly luxurious, but the price-performance ratio is true, and parking is a huge parking lot that is almost never full as long as you do not arrive directly in front of the starting line.
Last but not least a short trip to Covington, where the MainStrasse Village with its historic buildings and small boutiques. I once discovered a vintage record store that still carries real vinyl estimates – a paradise for collectors. Parking is a bit tricky in the side streets, but a short walk is definitely worth to feel the flair of the old city.
Whether you are looking for prehistoric bones, quiet forest paths, glittering aquariums or moaning racing machines – the surroundings of Park Hills offer a colourful mix that is hardly overlooked. My personal favorites show that Park Hills Attractions more than just a few points on the map; they are experiences that make you smile, amaze and occasional eye roles.
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