Top 15 Must-Do Activities in Covington, Kentucky

Across the Ohio River from Cincinnati, Covington is Kentucky’s fifth most populous city, with a population exceeding 40,000.

Covington possesses a distinctive character, especially evident in the charming MainStrasse Village, featuring narrow alleys and beautifully painted low-rise brick structures dating back to the mid-19th century.

The Ohio River serves as a vital resource for Covington, accentuated by the historic Roebling Suspension Bridge, which connects a rapidly developing riverside trail with breathtaking views from the hilltop in Devou Park.

While in Kentucky, one might find interest in bourbon; the bourbon-themed B-Line Trail caters to this with an extensive array of bourbon establishments, distilleries, and dining options throughout Northern Kentucky.

1. MainStrasse Village

Covington’s 19th-century German heritage is prominently displayed in this delightful yet lively district on the historic west side.

During the mid-19th century, this area attracted a significant influx of German and Irish immigrants, and that cultural influence remains in the revitalized, walkable district you encounter today.

Set against a quaint historic background, visitors can discover bourbon bars along the B-Line Trail, nightlife venues, dining establishments, live music locations, and numerous historical markers to explore on a self-guided tour.

The German heritage is also showcased during the GoettaFest in late July/early August, which honors the traditional Cincinnati breakfast dish resembling scrapple or livermush.

2. Devou Park

Devou Park, the premier park in Covington, is situated on elevated terrain in the western part of the city and was gifted to the city by the Devou family in 1910.

The most compelling reason to visit is the panoramic view from the Memorial Overlook, which captures Cincinnati, Covington, the Ohio River, and iconic crossings such as the Roebling Bridge. Spanning 700 acres, Devou Park has much more to offer.

The park is home to the Behringer-Crawford Museum, eight miles of mountain biking trails, an 18-hole golf course, and the historical Devou Park Bandshell, a Depression-era Works Progress Administration (WPA) project, which hosts the Kentucky Symphony Orchestra’s summer concert series.

3. The B-Line

Particular to the Northern Kentucky River Region, the B-Line features a curated selection of bourbon-oriented distilleries, bars, and restaurants awaiting exploration.

This area provides an unrivaled opportunity to immerse oneself in one of Kentucky’s signature offerings. One can embark on a bourbon journey starting in downtown Covington, enjoying flights at Bourbon Haus 1841, perusing a selection of 450 bourbons at the Old Kentucky Bourbon Bar, or indulging in stylish cocktails at The Globe.

The nearest distillery is the family-owned New Riff, located next door in Newport, featuring a mash bill of 65% corn, 30% rye, and 5% malted barley, all sourced non-GMO.

4. Riverfront Commons Trail

As one of several long-term trail projects in Covington, the Riverfront Commons Trail is taking form along the southern bank of the Ohio River.

This pathway will ultimately provide a continuous pedestrian and biking route for approximately 12 miles, connecting the cities of Ludlow to the west and Fort Thomas to the east, and linking with Cincinnati.

In Covington, a substantial segment of existing trail allows visitors to stroll along the waterfront, taking in views of the Cincinnati skyline, riverside parks, and the Floodwall Murals, which will be discussed below.

5. John A. Roebling Suspension Bridge

A cherished landmark with a span of 1,057 feet, the John A. Roebling Suspension Bridge was the world’s longest suspension bridge at the time of its inauguration in 1866.

This bridge held that record until it was eclipsed by the Brooklyn Bridge, which was also designed by Roebling (1806-1869) and completed posthumously in 1883.

This iconic thoroughfare across the Ohio River remains an enduring feat of engineering, featuring numerous innovations, particularly in its primary cables, which were specifically sourced from Manchester, England, for their superior tensile strength.

This route offers a splendid passage into Cincinnati, connecting to significant riverfront sports venues such as Great American Ball Park, Paul Brown Stadium, and U.S. Bank Arena.

6. Behringer-Crawford Museum (BCM)

Since its establishment in 1950, the mid-19th century residence of the Devou family within the eponymous park has served as a museum chronicling 450 million years of Northern Kentucky’s history.

The BCM is named after its inaugural curator, archaeologist Ellis Crawford, and traveler William Behringer, who collected numerous artifacts that are still showcased here.

The extensive collections prioritize anthropology, archaeology, cultural heritage, and industry. Noteworthy exhibits include a restored streetcar from 1892 and an exceptionally detailed model train set from the 1940s crafted by Ray Faragher.

Additionally, visitors can find fossils from Big Bone Springs, regional artwork, minerals, decorative arts, reconstructed vintage shop interiors, and more.

7. St. Mary’s Basilica of the Assumption

An exquisite landmark in Covington is this Roman Catholic church, completed in 1910, which attained the status of Minor Basilica conferred by Pope Pius XII in 1953.

Constructed from Indiana Limestone, St. Mary’s exemplifies the Late Gothic Revival style and is renowned for its intricate moldings on the western facade, inspired by Notre-Dame de Paris.

Upon viewing the exterior, visitors are encouraged to enter and appreciate the interior, modeled after the Basilica of St. Denis, the notable burial site of French monarchs.

A complimentary self-guided tour allows appreciation of the 82 stained glass windows produced in Munich, Germany, which include two rose windows and an impressive north transept window measuring 24 feet by 67 feet.

Additional remarkable details include the Stations of the Cross mosaics, the high altar fashioned from Carrara marble, and works by Covington artist Frank Duveneck (1848-1919).

8. The Carnegie

The Carnegie serves as a multidisciplinary arts center housed in Covington’s grand former Carnegie Library, constructed in the Beaux-Arts style at the turn of the 20th century.

This library was noteworthy for being one of the first public facilities south of the Ohio River to achieve full integration, as well as for housing a complete theater, which continues to be a pivotal aspect of the arts center.

The building faced the threat of demolition after the library relocated in the 1970s but was preserved through the efforts of the North Kentucky Arts Foundation.

With modern architectural additions introduced in the 2000s, The Carnegie is an excellent venue for exhibitions, concerts, plays, and rich educational programs for children.

9. George Rogers Clark Park

This modest park, located within the Historic Licking Riverside Neighborhood, offers unobstructed views of the Ohio River and the Cincinnati skyline.

George Rogers Clark Park is adorned with mature hardwood trees that provide ample shade during the summer months.

Visitors can enjoy leisurely hours picnicking, reading, or observing the barges as they navigate the river.

Among the seven statues positioned along the riverwalk, two can be found here: steamboat captain Mary Becker Greene (1867-1949) and frontiersman Simon Kenton (1755-1836).

10. Roebling Murals

Situated beneath the impressive suspension bridge, a mini history lesson unfolds on the floodwall bordering the riverfront trail.

Created in the 2000s by a talented team led by muralist Robert Dafford, these artworks illustrate events and scenes dating back to 8000 BCE.

Among the depicted historical moments are buffalo crossing a wild Ohio River, the Meeting at the Point by Clark, Boone, and Kenton in 1782, the old Kennedy’s Ferry, influential community leader Jacob Price, and striking images of Covington and the Roebling Bridge in development.

These murals contribute to a growing collection of public art in Covington, including mosaics and multi-story paintings.

11. Licking River Greenway Trails

When compiling this list, a significant long-term endeavor was in progress to establish a trail along the Licking River corridor, aiming to connect Covington with other cities in Kenton and Campbell counties, including Taylor Mill, Wilder, and Newport.

Upon completion, the Licking River Greenway Trails will extend to 14 miles. One segment already finished encompasses a two-mile stretch on the eastern side of Covington, beginning near Randolph Park in the north and concluding near Holmes High School in the south.

This trail offers both paved pathways atop the levee and natural paths by the riverside, allowing visitors to appreciate a sequence of 17 murals celebrating the river, its ecosystems, and the community.

12. Goebel Park

Situated to the west of I-71, this park commemorates Covington-native William Goebel (1856-1900), who remains the only individual from the city to be elected as Governor of Kentucky.

The election was marred by controversy, and Goebel was assassinated just four days after taking office, making him the only state governor to be assassinated while in office.

The city acquired the land for Goebel Park in 1909, with the park’s defining feature being a traditional German-style clock tower constructed in 1979.

This clock tower features automatons that perform a Pied Piper show every hour, accompanied by a working carillon.

Amenities in Goebel Park include a public swimming pool, playground, picnic shelters, a gazebo, and a walking path linking to Kenny Shields Park to the south.

13. Covington Farmers’ Market

Covington boasts a year-round farmers’ market, held on Saturday mornings at Park & Court.

A second market operates on Tuesday afternoons in the Westside neighborhood at MLK & Holman, running from June through mid-November.

As anticipated, the selection of vendors and offerings varies throughout the year. The market serves as the local destination for seasonal fresh produce, meats, fish, honey, cut flowers, eggs, spice rubs, baked goods, personal care products, fresh roasted coffee, craft beer, tea, wine, jams, pickles, preserves, and CBD items.

Additionally, there are prepared foods available, ranging from soups to granola, ensuring that there is always something new to discover each week.

14. Braxton Brewing Company

Covington is home to the headquarters of a rapidly growing craft beer brand that also operates in Cincinnati and Fort Mitchell.

Braxton Brewing Company was founded by an amateur brewer who began at the young age of 16 and boasts a stylish taproom centrally located in downtown Covington.

At the time of writing, there were over 20 beers on tap, with notable varieties including Haven (Wheat Beer), Switch (IPA), Dead Blow (Stout), Storm (Cream Ale), Ignitor (Bockbier), and various innovations under the “Braxton Labs” label.

The establishment also features a wine and cocktail menu, with contemporary cuisine offered by Parlor on Seventh, which serves as the kitchen for the taproom.

15. Doe Run Lake Park

The southern part of Covington is notably less populated, offering tranquil escapes to scenic locations such as this picturesque lake, nourished by Bullock Pen Creek and Doe Run Creek.

Covering over 50 acres, the lake is enveloped by nearly 200 acres of wooded parkland, marked by the Bluebird Trail and Doe Run Nature Trail.

Secluded areas for picnicking can be found within the woods, while the lake sustains healthy populations of flathead catfish, channel catfish, and largemouth bass (fishing limits apply).