Fort Thomas, Kentucky is probably a town you haven’t heard much about, but when traveling along the Lewis and Clark National Historic Trail, it’s definitely a place you won’t want to miss! Just on the outskirts of Cincinnati, this town rich in military history will come as a pleasant surprise. With historical earthworks, parks, and a museum, visiting Fort Thomas, Kentucky is a great way to spend a day, especially if you want a break from city life! Plus, if military history isn’t your forte, there is plenty of entertainment in the area for all ages.
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History and Entertainment in Fort Thomas
The rich military history that lives on in Fort Thomas is truly remarkable. From having significance in the Civil War all the way to World War II, it’s amazing to see how its history has been preserved. The town is named after George Henry Thomas, a significant Union general during the civil war–and after him, many other notable people came along such as General Phillip Sheridan and Major Samuel Woodfill. It was also in this town that the 6th Infantry Regiment was stationed around the turn of the 20th century until the Spanish-American War!
You can read more about the history of Fort Thomas here.
Photo by Sonya Tyler on Unsplash
Tower Park 900 S Ft Thomas Ave, Fort Thomas
Tower Park is your standard recreational park, fit with playgrounds, baseball fields, walking trails, and more. What makes it special, though, is its Stone Water Tower–a 102 feet high tower constructed in the late 1800s! This tower, which stands in the middle of the park, has an ornate plaque remembering the 6th Infantry Regiment and real cannons from the 18th century. While visiting Fort Thomas, Kentucky, make sure to check for local events–you might even be able to see a free concert!
Check out their website to see what this park has to offer!
City of Fort Thomas Museum 940 Cochran Ave #2314, Fort Thomas
The Fort Thomas Military and Community Museum is conveniently located within Tower Park. This museum will take you through time–with artifacts spanning across 150 years! Not only does this museum focus on the rich military history of Fort Thomas, but it showcases how the town grew from a rural, agricultural community to what it is now.
Be sure to check out their website to arrange a tour!
The Village Players of Ft Thomas 8 N Ft Thomas Ave, Fort Thomas
Image by Igor Ovsyannykov from Pixabay
With amazing shows playing year-round, you don’t want to miss a performance by The Village Players of Ft Thomas, the vibrant community theater in town! Not only are their plays unique, but the building they are located in is too! Their current theater has been run since the 1960’s, and the Village Players, as of Fall 2022, have plans to rebuild themselves as the Fort Thomas Cultural Arts Center!
Check out their current plays for the season on their website and read about the exciting expansion and renovation here!
Unique Eats
Grassroots & Vine 1011 S Ft Thomas Ave, Fort Thomas
If you’re looking for farm-fresh food, Grassroots & Vine is the place to be! With gourmet treats, it’s a great place for an impromptu date night filled with great food and specialty wine.
You can read all about their farm-to-table practices here and see what they have to offer!
Kampuchea Kitchen 1045 S Ft Thomas Ave, Fort Thomas
If you’ve ever wanted to try authentic Cambodian cuisine, try Kampuchea Kitchen while visiting Fort Thomas, Kentucky! Founded in January 2020, it is one of the only places in the tri-state area to experience such food. Plus, with a relaxing atmosphere, you won’t want to miss it!
Check out Kampuchea Kitchen on Facebook and click here to read a mouthwatering review!
Across the Ohio River
Image by David Mark from Pixabay
California Woods Nature Preserve 5400 Kellogg Ave, Cincinnati
From gorgeous sycamores and butterfly gardens, California Woods Nature Preserve is a can’t miss spot for nature lovers. This nature preserve offers miles of trails and over 50 tree species, as well as numerous other plants and animals. It even is adjacent to a designated Important Bird Area!
If you want to learn more about this breathtaking sight, check out their website!
Pirates Cove Tropical Bar & Grill 4609 Kellogg Ave, Cincinnati
With live music and entertainment, Pirates Cove Tropical Bar & Grill will make you feel like you’re in Key West on vacation! Just 10 minutes away, this charming dinner locale is perfect for adults and kids alike, so don’t miss it when visiting Fort Thomas, Kentucky!
Check out their website, which includes their Key West themed menu. Yum!
Photo by Kelly on Pexels
There is a lot to see when visiting Fort Thomas, Kentucky! From its rich military history to its recreation and restaurants, you are in for a treat. While you’re down there, be sure to look at all of the historical buildings turned into recreation centers, such as the old armory and mess hall! It truly is amazing how history can shape a town, and how these historical remains are still here today.
Are you going to be in/around Cincinnati? Check out some of these listings:
- Cincinnati Zoo and Botanical Garden – Lewis and Clark National Historic Trail Experience
- Cincinnati Museum Center at Union Terminal – Lewis and Clark National Historic Trail Experience
Wanting to explore more of the Ohio River Region of the LCNHT? Click here for some highlights!
