Spend the Day at Historic Union Terminal

A great way to explore Cincinnati’s fascinating history is to pay a visit to Union Terminal, one of the Queen City’s most famous landmarks. At this enormous museum complex, you will be whisked away into a day of learning and fun. With the purchase of just one ticket, guests have access to both the train terminal and a collection of museums. Here’s how to make the most of a day at Union Terminal:

Explore Union Terminal

Opened in 1933, Union Terminal serves as an example of the great American train station and is protected as a National Historic Landmark. The train station is a breathtaking achievement in architecture and design, built in the art deco style of the era. Having recently re-opened in 2018 after renovation, there is no better time to pay a visit to one of Cincinnati’s historic jewels. After admiring the enormous half-dome ceiling and intricate mosaic murals, stop by the Rookwood-tiled ice cream parlor for a scoop of Graeter’s ice cream.

Visit the Cincinnati History Museum

One of several museums housed in Union Terminal, the Cincinnati History Museum allows visitors a glimpse into the Queen City’s past. Here, visitors can stroll along a cobblestone river walk complete with historic shops and an open-air market, getting a sense of what the Queen City was like during the era of western expansion and thriving riverboat commerce. Aboard the Queen of the West, a replica side-wheel steamboat, you will experience a day in the life of a steamboat captain.

Play in the Museum of Natural History and Science

From tyrannosaurus rex to moon rocks, the Museum of Natural History and Science offers something for everyone. Gaze on incredible dinosaur specimens and explore evolution in the Late-Jurassic period in Dinosaur Hall. Then, head to the Science Interactive Gallery to learn through play and hands-on experiments. Before you leave, be sure not to miss the Space Exploration Gallery, where you can observe a moon rock donated to the museum by Neil Armstrong himself.Union Terminal and the Cincinnati Museum Center are open daily from 10 am to 5 pm. Tickets are available online for $15.50.