On the banks of the Ohio
Discover Kentucky’s small-town riverside gems
FOLLOW THE OHIO RIVER and discover Kentucky’s welcoming and resilient river towns. These locations along Kentucky’s far western and northern border have unique histories and personalities, offering recreation, dining, cultural activities and a unique window into the importance of the river—not only in the past, but in the present.
Wickliffe
This journey begins in western Kentucky. At the confluence of the Mississippi and Ohio rivers, Wickliffe has a layered history, says Carla Hildebrand, park manager for the Wickliffe Mounds State Historic Site.
On the first high bluff and overlook, the Wickliffe Mounds is an archeological site of the Mississippian Native American culture, which the park dates as early as 1100 A.D. Today, it’s a state park with a museum, walking paths and beautiful picnic spaces.
The Wickliffe Mounds State Historic Site museum is an excavated mound with archaeological features and artifacts from the Mississippian Native American culture, known for its tempered shell pottery. Visitors can see it firsthand at the Mounds. Photo: Kentucky State Parks
“It’s a unique glimpse of Kentucky’s past, and also what we have in the present,” Hildebrand says. “The support of visitors means everything to our mission of preserving this for future generations.”
Around the river bend on the second bluff is Fort Jefferson Hill Park and the 95-foot Memorial Cross, marking a site that was important in the Revolutionary and Civil wars, as well as the Lewis and Clark expedition. Visitors enjoy a paved walking trail with views overlooking the river confluence.
“There’s a clear distinction between the rivers,” says Lindsay Bowles, a Wickliffe native and director of the Kentucky Great River Road, an economic development agency. “The Ohio is more blue, and the Mississippi is more brown.”
Bowles says the Ohio River has always played a vital role in the development of Wickliffe, but the people in the community are the ones who make it thrive.
Cloverport
Resting in a bend of the Ohio River, Cloverport is the perfect place to enjoy some rest and relaxation, says Mayor Candy Weatherholt, a consumer-member of Meade County RECC.
The Ohio River is the city’s biggest asset, she says, in addition to its resilient and determined people. Visitors can explore the town’s walking trail, which follows the river and winds through downtown. There are plenty of activities along the river, Weatherholt says, including two bars—Candy’s and Slow Time Bar; Doc’s River Dogs, serving all-beef hot dogs and barbecue; Family Ties Flowers & Gifts; and the Cloverport Museum, which is housed in the historic train depot.
Downtown Cloverport offers a variety of entertainment. From Slow Times Bar to River’s Edge Art Gallery to Family Ties Flowers and Gifts to the new Riverside Deli, there’s something for everyone downtown. Photo: City of Cloverport
Cloverport is undergoing a downtown revitalization, the mayor says, and residents are “determined to stay in there, hang in there and make it better.
“You look at the river, and it’s just like heaven. It’s beautiful. You can sit all day on the river and have a good time.”
Carrollton
Named after the last surviving signer of the Declaration of Independence, Charles Carroll, Carrollton is a “cozy little river town” with the “best people” says Misty Wheeler, executive director of Carrollton/Carroll County Tourism.
Outdoor adventures abound. Visitors can view the Kentucky and Ohio River convergence at Point Park, then play pickleball or tennis and cool off in the splash park. New this year, visitors can rent kayaks. Two River Campgrounds is within walking distance of downtown.
Nearby General Butler State Resort Park offers lodge rooms, cottages and campgrounds with access to a lake, fishing and paddle boarding.
Wheeler recommends Welch’s Riverside Restaurant, a locally owned mom-and-pop diner with beautiful river views.
“Carrollton is full of outdoor adventures. It’s the perfect place to unwind and explore the Ohio and Kentucky rivers,” she says.
Augusta
Founded in 1797, Augusta has a rich history as a river port, as a 19th century wine industry hub and as a Civil War battle site. Today, with its “beautiful riverfront and the hospitality that comes with it,” Augusta has a little bit of everything, says Janet Hunt, director of Augusta Tourism.
Augusta General Store Restaurant on Main Street is known for its comfort home cooking and just around the corner is Riverside Drive, with its shops, the Rosemary Clooney Museum and the Augusta Art Guild.
The Augusta Boat Landing at the Augusta River Park is the perfect place to enjoy Ohio River views and take a leisurely stroll. The park offers a playground, picnic areas and boat launching. Photo: Augusta/Bracken County Tourism
America’s oldest wine cellar, Baker-Bird Winery and B. Bird Distillery, is in Augusta. Visitors can sip bourbon barrel-aged wines as well as classics and tour the wine cellar, or sample bourbon while viewing the Ohio River at The Augusta Distillery.
No trip is complete without watching the sunset over the Ohio River. With unobstructed views and benches and picnic tables, Sunset Point is the perfect way to end an Augusta trip, Hunt says: “Augusta is relaxing to the mind, soul and body.”
Vanceburg
Vanceburg, the final stop on this journey, is a “neat little river town striving for continuous betterment,” says Mayor Dane Blankenship.
With almost 300 military hero banners hanging downtown, Vanceburg honors its hometown military heroes in a big way.
Nestled between the Ohio River and rolling hills, Vanceburg is a small river town with a big heart. Photo: City of Vanceburg
“We have banners downtown, on Second Street, Main Street, Court Street, and even western and southern parts of town, including the state highway,” Blankenship says.
Wander the Historical Walking Trail, stopping at the George Morgan Thomas House and Vanceburg Train Depot Museum. Check out Vanceburg’s four murals, celebrating its personality and people.
“What we have is recreation and tourism,” says Blankenship. “My goal from day one has been to promote the river.”
Three states, one waterway
The Ohio River Way is a 308-mile water trail along the Ohio River, beginning near West Point and winding down past Vanceburg. Started by a group of curious paddlers, it’s now a coalition of communities in Indiana, Kentucky and Ohio. They work together to inspire adventure, care for the land and water, and promote Ohio River communities. The coalition provides an annual Water Trail brochure, travel itineraries and event guides.
Learn more at the Ohio River Way website:
Sign up here for the free 2025 Water Trail brochure.
MEGHAN CAIN-DAVIS is a freelance writer, mother and fitness instructor in Kentuckiana. She loves writing about her adventures in Kentucky and around the world.
