Since its settlement in 1788, Cincinnati has dazzled residents and visitors alike with its wintertime landscape. The metropolitan area is home to over two million residents, yet many are still blissfully unaware of some of the finest places to visit in winter in Cincinnati. Fortunately for visitors and locals alike, our local landscape is overflowing with gorgeous outdoor destinations that will keep your cabin fever at bay. Bundle up and prepare for adventure, because these destinations are irresistibly beautiful.
- Burnet Woods
Warren LeMay/Flickr
Warren LeMay/Flickr Burnet Woods has a sort of otherworldly beauty in the winter. Since 1872, it has delighted visitors all year round. Its iconic man-made lake is nearly as old as the park itself, dating back to 1875. With stunning stonework dating back to the Works Progress Administration and an intriguing landscape full of fascinating features, this park truly is a winter wonderland.
- Mount Airy Forest
frymap/TripAdvisor Mount Airy Forest is unlike any other park in Ohio… and possibly in the nation. It was perhaps the first urban reforestation project in the nation, as its roots stretch back to 1911. Its 1,500 acres were originally cleared for agriculture, though its soil degraded over time. Nowadays it is one of the largest parks in Cincinnati, and it features many historical landmarks added by the Civilian Conservation Corps.
- Sharon Woods
Great Parks of Hamilton County/Facebook This park’s 730 acres enchant visitors daily from dusk until dawn. With three distinct trails to hike and an indoor playground, there’s something for everyone here… even in the winter!
- Winton Woods
Great Parks of Hamilton County/Facebook
Posnov/Moment via Getty Images With 2,555 acres to explore, this gorgeous winter wonderland is worth the trip from home. Winton Woods could arguably be named Winter woods, as its landscape is transformed by the presence of snow. With nearly 5.5 miles of trails and cozy picnic areas, you’ll absolutely adore a hot cocoa and hiking session in this park.
- Spring Grove Cemetery
David Ohmer/Flickr Spring Grove Cemetery is the third-largest cemetery in the United States, and it is also an absolute winter wonderland. This incredible destination is a US National Historic Landmark, and it offers much to discover. Its landscape houses the eternal resting place of prominent people including Louise Taft (mother of President William Howard Taft), William Procter and James Gamble (co-founders of Procter and Gamble), as well as a number of politicians and Civil War veterans.
- Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden
Eric Kilby/Flickr Is anything more enchanting than a visit to the Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden? As the second oldest zoo in the nation, this 75-acre winter wonderland is consistently recognized as one of the finest zoos in the United States. A few of its residents absolutely adore the winter, and it is truly rewarding to catch a glimpse of their snow white coats.
- Smale Riverfront Park
Smale Riverfront Park/Facebook Smale Riverfront Park is one of the finest urban discoveries awaiting winter visitors. This dreamy park on the Ohio River is only 45 acres in size, but it is endlessly enchanting when coated in a light frosting of snow.
- Mount Storm Park
Chaun Matayen/Google Images Robert Bowler’s estate occupied this site following his purchase of the plot in 1845. His house still stood when Mount Storm Park was established in 1912, though it was razed a mere five years later. Today, all that stands of the grand structure is The Temple of Love gazebo-pavilion, an architectural relic from 1850 that is enchanting when coated in snow. This 59-acre site that once hosted the likes of Charles Dickens and the Prince of Wales is now a coveted wintertime destination, boasting some of the best sledding hills in Cincy.
There’s so much to do in Cincinnati each winter! The local landscape is enhanced by the presence of snow, and our historic architecture is downright dazzling when surrounded by frost. Which of these pretty places is your favorite?
Warren LeMay/Flickr
Burnet Woods has a sort of otherworldly beauty in the winter. Since 1872, it has delighted visitors all year round. Its iconic man-made lake is nearly as old as the park itself, dating back to 1875. With stunning stonework dating back to the Works Progress Administration and an intriguing landscape full of fascinating features, this park truly is a winter wonderland.
frymap/TripAdvisor
Mount Airy Forest is unlike any other park in Ohio… and possibly in the nation. It was perhaps the first urban reforestation project in the nation, as its roots stretch back to 1911. Its 1,500 acres were originally cleared for agriculture, though its soil degraded over time. Nowadays it is one of the largest parks in Cincinnati, and it features many historical landmarks added by the Civilian Conservation Corps.
Great Parks of Hamilton County/Facebook
This park’s 730 acres enchant visitors daily from dusk until dawn. With three distinct trails to hike and an indoor playground, there’s something for everyone here… even in the winter!
Posnov/Moment via Getty Images
With 2,555 acres to explore, this gorgeous winter wonderland is worth the trip from home. Winton Woods could arguably be named Winter woods, as its landscape is transformed by the presence of snow. With nearly 5.5 miles of trails and cozy picnic areas, you’ll absolutely adore a hot cocoa and hiking session in this park.
David Ohmer/Flickr
Spring Grove Cemetery is the third-largest cemetery in the United States, and it is also an absolute winter wonderland. This incredible destination is a US National Historic Landmark, and it offers much to discover. Its landscape houses the eternal resting place of prominent people including Louise Taft (mother of President William Howard Taft), William Procter and James Gamble (co-founders of Procter and Gamble), as well as a number of politicians and Civil War veterans.
Eric Kilby/Flickr
Is anything more enchanting than a visit to the Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden? As the second oldest zoo in the nation, this 75-acre winter wonderland is consistently recognized as one of the finest zoos in the United States. A few of its residents absolutely adore the winter, and it is truly rewarding to catch a glimpse of their snow white coats.
Smale Riverfront Park/Facebook
Smale Riverfront Park is one of the finest urban discoveries awaiting winter visitors. This dreamy park on the Ohio River is only 45 acres in size, but it is endlessly enchanting when coated in a light frosting of snow.
Chaun Matayen/Google Images
Robert Bowler’s estate occupied this site following his purchase of the plot in 1845. His house still stood when Mount Storm Park was established in 1912, though it was razed a mere five years later. Today, all that stands of the grand structure is The Temple of Love gazebo-pavilion, an architectural relic from 1850 that is enchanting when coated in snow. This 59-acre site that once hosted the likes of Charles Dickens and the Prince of Wales is now a coveted wintertime destination, boasting some of the best sledding hills in Cincy.
Craving more winter fun? Check out these cool spots for a family-friendly day of adventure.
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Address: 3251 Brookline Ave, Cincinnati, OH 45220, USAAddress: Mt. Airy Forest, 5083 Colerain Ave, Cincinnati, OH 45223, USAAddress: 11450 Lebanon Rd, Sharonville, OH 45241, USAAddress: 10245 Winton Rd, Cincinnati, OH 45231, USAAddress: 4521 Spring Grove Ave, Cincinnati, OH 45232, USAAddress: Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden, 3400 Vine St, Cincinnati, OH 45220, USAAddress: 166 W Mehring Way, Cincinnati, OH 45202, USAAddress: 700 Lafayette Ave, Cincinnati, OH 45220, USA
