Newport: Aquarium, Parks and History

Newport, Kentucky, offers a range of reasons to visit: its aquarium, parks, and historic sites. The Newport Aquarium is directly across the river from downtown Cincinnati, Ohio. Three bridges connect Newport to downtown Cincinnati: two for vehicle traffic and one pedestrian bridge. You can tailor your stay according to whether you’re interested in leisure activities, history, or cruises. Newport offers different kinds of leisure activities: the Shark Bridge at the aquarium is a specific activity, while the parks bring together various facilities; cruises offer two distinct options, dinner and sightseeing.

Aquarium and Shark Bridge

One special activity at the Newport Aquarium is the Shark Bridge. Visitors walk on a rope bridge just inches above a tank filled with sharks. If you’d like to add a specific activity to your aquarium visit, you can make this bridge a highlight. Attraction details may change, so check whether the Shark Bridge is available before your visit.

Parks and Leisure Activities

Newport has twelve parks with a range of facilities and activities, including a skate park, fishing opportunities, playgrounds, and a public swimming pool. If a particular facility is important to your plans, check the latest information in advance. Facilities and offerings may change.

Historic Sites in Newport

East Row is the second-largest local historic district in Kentucky. This ranking places the district within the state; the story of Southgate Street School offers a different way to explore Newport’s past.

Southgate Street School opened in 1873 and became part of the African American Civil Rights Network in 2022. The school’s former building houses the Newport History Museum. There are 149 years between the school’s opening and its inclusion in the network: these dates mark two distinct points in the school’s history.

The Newport History Walk also includes the former Newport Barracks in General James Taylor Park on the Ohio Riverfront. The walk thus covers other historic topics and sites in addition to the barracks.

Bell and Cruises

The World Peace Bell in Newport is the world’s largest swinging bell. As a single striking object, it offers a different focus from the historic districts and buildings.

BB Riverboats offers dinner and sightseeing cruises in Newport. The two types of cruises have different focuses: dinner or sightseeing. Cruise offerings may change, so check the dates and availability of your preferred cruise before making specific plans.

Find Hotels in Newport

When comparing hotels in Newport, take the specific location details of each listing into account.

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