The Ohio River

About The Ohio River
UNESCO Heritage Sites
Visit Nashville on your Ohio River cruise vacation

Ports-of-Call on the Ohio River

Here you can find a list of some of the more common river cruise ports along the Ohio River as it flows through the nation’s Heartland.  These may be the most common, but there may be others that can be found on select river cruises.  Your River Cruise Artist can provide you with the full itinerary and all ports for any river cruise that you may be interested in, on any river cruise operator. Explore the Ohio River further and learn more about it’s ports-of-call.

Cincinnati

Ohio

Known as the “Queen City” or “Queen of the West,” Cincinnati was the only American city that left a favorable impression on then 30-year-old English author Charles Dickens. “Cincinnati is a beautiful city; cheerful, thriving, and animated,” Dickens wrote in “American Notes.” On the north bank of the Ohio River, Cincinnati blends the cultures of the Northeast, Old South, Midwest, Appalachia, all with a German-Catholic heritage now experienced in the Over-the-Rhine neighborhood. Visit the Carew Tower & Observation Deck for great views. Take in the Cincinnati Observatory, Fountain Square, or Spring Grove Cemetery and Arboretum. There are a plethora of museums, galleries, parks, restaurants and shops to explore during your port stop on your Ohio River cruise vacation.

Henderson

Kentucky

Henderson, Kentucky, lies on the south bank of the Ohio River across from Evansville, Indiana. You will see a clear presence of the notable former resident, John James Audubon, whose “Birds of America” paintings are recreated as bronze statues throughout the town. Named after President Washington’s home on the Potomac, this quaint river town is replete with history along the Ohio River. Enjoy a tour of our famous first President’s historic home and grounds while in port in Henderson.

Huntington

West Virginia

Enjoy an excellent music and restaurant scene in this West Virginia city that is home to the world’s largest root beer mug. Huntington, West Virginia, situated on the banks for the Ohio River, has a quaint historic downtown area that is very walkable featuring Pullman Square and Old Central City. Visit the Huntington Museum of Art, the Heritage Farm Museum & Village, or the Museum of Radio and Technology. Enjoy the Harris Riverfront Park, Ritter Park, Rotary Park or Memorial Park for some R&R.

Louisville

Kentucky

A large city situated on the Ohio River in north-central Kentucky across from Indiana, Louisville exists at the confluence of Southern and Midwestern attitudes and cultures. Known as the ‘Gateway to the South’, Louisville’s other local nicknames include ‘River City’ and ‘Derby City’, in addition to the myriad of ways the name can be pronounced, depending on one’s accent. Famous for the horse races at Churchill Downs, the Kentucky Derby is a world-renowned event. Enjoy an expansive park system, lots of museums and galleries, and of course a taste of ‘Derby’ throughout.

Madison

Indiana

Madison, Indiana, op the banks of the Ohio River, had the designation in 2001 to be one of 12 Distinctive Destinations by the National Trust for Historic Preservation. Madison is surrounded by scenic limestone bluffs. The hills are tree-covered and the farmlands are fertile. Many of the grand homes and historic commercial buildings are still in use. There is an active and thriving cultural movement in the community that includes art festivals, museums, theater, music, entertainment, and numerous local craftsmen and artisans.

Marietta

Ohio

Marietta is a city in Southeast Ohio. It is located at the confluence of the Muskingum and Ohio Rivers. Founded in 1788 it is the oldest city in Ohio and was one of Ohio’s more important Ohio River ports. Enjoy a quaint community feeling as you shop and walk around Marietta. The history of Marietta is rich and colorful with a strong Native American Indian heritage before the immigration of European explorers and traders. Railroads and river transportation in the region led to the growth of the city in the late-19th and 20th centuries.

Nashville

Tennessee

Nashville isn’t on the Ohio River but lies on the Cumberland River which is accessible from the Ohio via the Tennessee River and is often included on Ohio River cruise vacation itineraries. Nashville is becoming a world class destination for travelers with a rich history and a resurgent country music charm. Enjoy a visit to the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum or The Johnny Cash Museum. See the Grand Ole Opry or simply stroll the beautiful downtown and riverfront areas of Nashville and shop, eat or do some people watching. There is something for everyone in Nashville.

Paducah

Kentucky

Paducah is a small city on the Ohio River in western Kentucky that has a booming riverfront restaurant and arts scene. This market district features charming local non-chain restaurants, quaint shops, museums and a great farmers market. Visit the Flood Wall murals or the National Quilt Museum. Enjoy a stroll through a few of the many antique shops in town. Paducah was first settled as “Pekin” around 1821 by European Americans James and William Pore and the town was laid out by William Clark of the Lewis and Clark Expedition.

Pittsburgh

Pennsylvania

Pittsburgh is a resurgent city that lies among the hills that surround the confluence of the Allegheny, Monongahela and Ohio Rivers that forms ‘The Point’ or Point State Park. This exciting city has some amazing neighborhoods to explore like Oakland, Squirrel Hill, Shadyside, the Strip District, the Southside and of course downtown. The famous steel mills of Pittsburgh have been replaced by major league sports stadiums, casinos, river-front parks, technology centers and universities. Take a ride on one of the historic inclines to the top of Mt. Washington for amazing views. Visit the Carnegie Museum of Natural History or the Andy Warhol Museum. Enjoy the Carnegie Science Center or the National Aviary. Pittsburgh is a definite highlight of your Ohio River cruise vacation.

Your Ohio River Cruise Awaits!

Are you ready to start planning your Ohio River Cruise Vacation Your Way? A River Cruise Artist at River Cruise Your Way is ready to be your vacation concierge. Contact us today at 1-800-259-7612 or use the form below and let us know when it is most convenient to call you, we will confirm via e-mail, and then reach out at the agreed upon time and date.