Top 15 Must-Do Activities in Florence, KY

Positioned directly south of Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport, this suburban city within the Cincinnati metro area is traversed by I-75 and I-71.

Since the mid-1970s, countless travelers along the highway have been welcomed by a water tower displaying the cheerful message, “Florence Y’All.” The narrative surrounding this landmark parallels the evolution of the “Hollywoodland” sign into “Hollywood.”

Florence has a wealth of attractions to offer. The city boasts its own professional baseball team, a well-maintained regional mall, and a recently refurbished thoroughbred racetrack, all complemented by a variety of family-friendly activities available in the vicinity.

Venture slightly further out to discover Big Bone Lick State Historic Site, renowned for its Ice Age megafauna fossils that have captivated scientists since the era of Lewis and Clark.

1. Florence Y’All Water Tower

The history behind the city’s most renowned landmark, situated adjacent to the interstate, is a tale of clever resourcefulness.

The water tower was constructed in 1974, initially painted with the words Florence Mall to generate interest in the neighboring shopping center.

This unofficial promotion soon became a point of legal contention, leading to a simple yet effective change, substituting the letter “M” with a “Y,” resulting in a friendly greeting.

The water tower remains operational, capable of holding a million gallons, while “Y’All” has recently been adopted as the name for Florence’s professional baseball team.

2. Florence Y’Alls

Florence has hosted a professional baseball franchise since 1994, competing in an attractive ballpark established in 2004.

In 2020, the team rebranded, adopting the name Florence Y’Alls, inspired by the iconic water tower.

The Y’Alls participate in the Frontier League, achieving five Division Championships and three League Championships throughout their history.

Y’Alls Ballpark, with a seating capacity of 4,500, has evolved into a family-centric destination during the season, offering themed nights, fireworks displays on Fridays, and a plethora of entertainment activities to engage younger audiences during innings.

3. Boone County Distilling Co.

In Florence, one can explore Kentucky’s illustrious bourbon legacy at Boone County Distilling Co., tracing its origins back to 1833 and established in nearby Petersburg.

By the 1880s, this initial enterprise had become the largest distillery in the state before declining in the early 20th century.

A revitalization began in 2015, leading to the production of a selection of award-winning spirits, including Small Batch Bourbon, Kentucky Pot Still Bourbon, Single Barrel Bourbon, Small Batch Rye, and Single Barrel Rye.

To delve deeper into its historical operations, a tour of the distillery reveals a 500-gallon pot still, four fermenters, and a bottling line, which collectively produce hundreds of barrels of small-batch bourbon annually.

4. Boone County Fair

Originating in the 1930s, the Boone County Fairgrounds, located only minutes away in Burlington, host the county fair, a highlight occurring over six days in early August.

This event offers an exceptional opportunity to engage with rural culture in Northern Kentucky, renowned for its horse shows in the Lower and Main Show Rings.

Attendees can explore an extensive array of 4-H exhibits and skill shows, encompassing livestock and agricultural displays. Additional activities include pageants, carnival rides, games, and abundant family-oriented entertainment.

During winter months, the fairgrounds transform into a magical wonderland with a delightful Christmas light display, accessible by car, accompanied by festive music broadcasted through your radio.

5. Big Bone Lick State Historic Site

A visit to this captivating natural site, often referred to as “the birthplace of American paleontology,” is essential when in proximity to Florence.

Merriwether Lewis explored this location filled with megafauna bones in 1803, forwarding specimens to Thomas Jefferson, who later tasked William Clark with conducting the inaugural vertebrate paleontological excavation in the United States at this very site.

The significant accumulation of Pleistocene megafauna fossils at Big Bone Lick is attributable to a likely salt lick by the sulfur springs, which remain active.

Many of these animals were likely ensnared in the marshy terrain and perished, resulting in a rare concentration of fossils.

You can discover newly updated museum exhibits at the visitor center and traverse the salt springs along the Big Bone Trail. The park also sustains a small herd of bison, along with a 62-site campground and designated picnic areas.

6. Turfway Park

When compiling this list, Turfway Park, a prominent thoroughbred horse racing venue, was emerging from a $145 million renovation project.

Operated by Churchill Downs, Inc., Turfway Park has been in existence since 1959 but faced challenges due to funding issues and the loss of racing days.

The renovation involved demolishing the old grandstand, introducing casino-style gaming with 1,500 instant racing machines, and developing a new, contemporary clubhouse alongside a one-mile synthetic track encircling an inner dirt track. In recent years, live racing has occurred in two primary periods: September-October and December-April.

The marquee event each year is the Grade III Jeff Ruby Steaks held in March, with a prize purse amounting to $250,000.

7. Florence Family Aquatic Center

Located on the southern side of the city’s Government Center complex, Florence boasts a public water park that rivals many theme parks.

This attraction operates from Memorial Day weekend through the summer school break and includes a variety of remarkable features.

To introduce visitors, there is a zero-depth leisure area, a competition pool, two spray grounds, a lazy river, and a tower featuring two slides—one serpentine and the other a steep drop.

For parents seeking relaxation, ample sunbathing areas, large umbrellas, concession options, and a modern bathhouse are available.

8. Sherlock’s Escape Rooms

Recognized for its meticulously designed and immersive adventures, this local escape room franchise features two locations within the Cincinnati metropolitan area.

A distinctive aspect of the Florence site is its offering of Kentucky’s only child-friendly, 30-minute escape room.

As of this writing, this room, known as The Jungle Jr., presents a suitable challenge for children aged 7 and older.

The other hour-long rooms include Graveyard Escape, Cabin in the Woods, The Shipwreck, and The Attic, which incorporate horror themes, while The Wild West challenges participants to exit town before Jesse James catches up with them.

9. World of Golf

Operating as a city-owned facility, World of Golf has been a staple attraction in Florence for over five decades.

The allure of World of Golf lies in its inclusive offerings for individuals of all ages and skill levels. The centerpiece consists of an 18-hole executive golf course, providing an ideal setting for seasoned players focusing on refining their short game, as well as novice golfers acquiring fundamental skills.

Additionally, visitors can access a driving range containing 24 Fiberbuilt tee mats and a family-oriented 18-hole miniature golf course.

This miniature course boasts themes representative of Kentucky, featuring elements such as baseball bats, bourbon barrels, and even a mini version of the Florence Y’All Water Tower. Other attractions include golf simulators, an indoor range, and a 9-hole footgolf course.

10. Florence Mall

The mall showcased by the water tower first opened its doors in 1976 and continues to serve as a prominent shopping destination for the tri-state area, despite its longevity.

The Florence Mall underwent its most recent renovation in 1993, yet maintains a robust occupancy level at a time when many shopping centers are struggling.

Some notable retailers include Macy’s, JCPenney, Foot Locker, Hot Topic, GameStop, American Eagle, rue21, Victoria’s Secret, Claire’s, and Kay Jewelers, in addition to a 14-screen Cinemark multiplex located on the southern boundary.

The food court offers an expansive selection for a mall of its size, featuring options such as Sbarro, Auntie Anne’s, Osaka Grill, and Basil Thai Kitchen.

11. Florence Nature Park

Surprisingly, in the heart of the city, visitors can find this tranquil 15-acre park, crafted specifically for passive enjoyment.

A paved trail meanders through well-maintained lawns, flower beds, and towering trees. Young children are likely to be fascinated by the realistic granite sculptures of various animals, including a rhinoceros, hippopotamus, giant tortoise, and crocodile.

These sculptures were generously gifted to the city by Florence Mall. Central to the park is the stone-constructed Nature Park Event Center, designed to accommodate corporate gatherings, weddings, receptions, and diverse social events.

12. Full Throttle Indoor Karting

This popular chain operates five locations in the region, including one near Turfway Park in northern Florence.

Similar to other top-tier karting venues, Full Throttle accommodates drivers on a walk-in basis, allowing you to arrive and select a racing package that fits your preferences.

The establishment provides karts suitable for various age groups, with the Pro Karts featuring Honda GX270 engines and capable of reaching speeds up to 40 mph.

Alongside the karting track, this facility includes several supplementary attractions, such as a virtual reality experience, an axe-throwing range, and a “rage room” where patrons can enjoy smashing items for an hour.

13. Florence 14

This multiplex was inaugurated at Florence Mall in 2008 and was subsequently acquired by Cinemark in 2013. In recent years, Cinemark has undertaken a comprehensive renovation of Florence 14, introducing luxury recliners in all auditoriums, complemented by built-in trays.

If possible, attending a film in the XD auditorium is highly recommended, featuring an expansive wall-to-wall screen capable of displaying 35 trillion colors, along with immersive custom surround sound. As is customary, special pricing is available for matinee showings and all-day Tuesdays.

14. Boone Links Golf Course

Florence is also home to another esteemed public golf venue, conveniently located just a short distance from the Florence Y’All Water Tower along the Burlington Pike.

Established in 1979, Boone Links has garnered a four-star rating from Golf Digest and offers an affordable option for a round of golf. The facility features 27 holes, divided into three sets of nine: Brookview and Lakeview (forming an 18-hole course), and Ridgeview.

The Ridgeview course is particularly suited for beginners, featuring just one par-5 on the relatively straightforward 9th hole. In recent years, a miniature golf course with 18 holes, adorned with fountains, streams, and other water features, has also opened here.

15. Stringtown Park

This community park, located to the east of Florence, was obtained from a local resident’s estate in 2001.

It is evident why Stringtown Park has become a favored destination among families, as its playground boasts a remarkable design.

Occupying a spacious area, the playground features a Camelot theme, with climbing structures reminiscent of a castle.

For adults, a fitness trail equipped with four distinct stations provides ample opportunity for exercise, alongside a sizable shelter adjacent to the playground, offering six picnic tables. Recreational facilities include a basketball court and a sand volleyball court.