EnterTRAINment Junction

West Chester, OH  45069

www.entertrainmentjunction.com

Featuring the largest train-themed family entertainment center in the world, with over two miles of track and more than 90 trains from the earliest days of railroading up to today’s modern locomotives, other facility features include: cobbled streets at the depot, an interactive American Railroading Museum, 5,000 sq. ft. children’s Thomas the Train play area called “Imagination Junction,” Train Expo Center, and year-round seasonal walk-through mazes (Fun Factory, Halloween, and Christmas).

The Whistle Stop Train Room

Murstein Center, Ross Avenue & C Street, Hamilton, OH  45013
(513) 863-3313

The creators of this display are Partners in Prime members who strive to create replicas of Hamilton area history. Each year has added more novelty including a village, a model steel mill, coke ovens, a power plant, Beeler Mountain, and Hooven-Owens-Rentschler Building. Admission is donation. Open Wednesdays 10AM-3PM with extended hours during the Christmas season.

Lebanon Mason Monroe Railroad

127 South Mechanic, Lebanon, OH 45036

(513) 932-8022 or 1 (800) 934-9464

www.lebanonrr.com/history.htm

Departs from Lebanon Station and offers packages such as Pumpkin Patch Express and the Old Fashioned Train Ride with Santa. Call for schedules. Admission charged.

Cincinnati Museum Center

1301 Western Avenue, Cincinnati OH  45203

(513) 287-7000 or 1 (800) 733-2077

www.cincymuseum.org

Located in Union Terminal, a renovated art deco train terminal and National Historic Landmark, learning and fun come together with three museums - Cincinnati Museum Center, Museum of Natural History and Science, and Cinergy Children's Museum - along with the Omnimax Theatre.

Village of Metamora

19060 Main Street, Metamora, Indiana 47030

(On Route 52)

(765) 647-2109 www.metamoraindiana.com

Visit a 19th century canal town where the past comes alive. Experience history by watching the gristmill, taking a short train trip, or riding the canal boat through the last wooden aqueduct in the U.S. Enjoy a leisurely horse drawn buggy ride, feed ducks, shop in unique specialty stores, and dine in the restaurants, sandwich and snack shops. You will leave with great memories and special gifts to share with family and friends.

Whitewater Canal State Historic Site

Just south of Metamora

IN on US 52

(765) 647-2109

A restored 14-mile section of the old waterway built 1836-47, Whitewater Valley Railroad offers scenic trips between Connersville, IN and Metamora and short rides through downtown Metamora. An 1840s flat bottom boat replica pulled by a team of horses takes visitors on canal rides.An 1840s flat bottom boat replica pulled by a team of horses takes visitors on canal rides.

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Kings Island Amusement Park

I-71 in Warren County, OH

(513) 754-5700 or 1 (800) 288-0808

www.pki.com

20 miles east of Hamilton!  Visit all the great rides and attractions in themed areas that make Paramount's Kings Island famous! One of the country's finest amusement and recreational centers with rides, games, stage shows, & entertainment. As the temperature rises, you'll find new ways to beat the heat at WaterWorks, now overflowing with 15 acres of splashtactular fun. It's always two parks for the price of one! Paramount's Kings Island is open Memorial Day-Labor Day and selected weekends in Apr, May, Sept and Oct.

Argosy Casino

777 Argosy Parkway, Lawrenceburg, IN 47025

(812) 539-8000 or 1 (888) 274-6797

 (45 minutes from Hamilton) With a capacity of 3,400 passengers, the Argosy is the largest riverboat casino in the world. Spread out over three easy to navigate decks, each level is larger than a football field. An Entertainment Pavilion features a spectacular buffet, restaurants, lounges, live entertainment, and more. Open seven days a week, 365 days a year.

Grand Victoria Casino

600 Grand Victoria Drive, Rising Sun, IN  47040
1 (800) 472-6311

On U.S. 56, the Ohio River Scenic Route and linked by riverwalk. Linked to historic Main Street in Rising Sun, IN. Reservations are recommended. Call for the latest cruise information.

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Blue Jacket "The Epic Outdoor Drama"

Xenia, OH

(937) 376-4318 or 1 (877) 465-BLUE

www.bluejacketdrama.com

Witness the story of BLUE JACKET, a white man adopted by Indians, who became War Chief of the Shawnee Indian Nation 200 years ago. Share his struggle to protect the Shawnee homeland against daring frontiersmen such as Daniel Boone and Simon Kenton. Legendary heroes are brought to life summer evenings by 50 professional actors using 18 horses, over 1000 costume pieces, real muskets cannons, flaming arrows and torches. Enjoy theatre under the stars in our large, tiered amphitheater surrounded by natural beauty of our rural setting. Performed on the very ground where some of the story's action historically occurred.

LaComedia Dinner Theatre

765 W. Central Avenue, Springboro, OH,

(just off I-75)

(937) 746-4554 or 1 (800) 677-9505

www.lacomedia.com

"A Taste Of Broadway" Comfortably seating 612 guests, LaComedia is one of the nation's largest dinner theatres and southwest Ohio's only professional dinner theatre featuring spectacular Broadway shows, revues, and fine dining from our famous mouth-watering buffet that includes chef carved meats, pastas, fresh vegetables and a dessert created specially for each show.

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Butler County Regional Airport

2820 Bobmeyer Road, Hamilton, OH  45015

(513) 887-0444

www.butlercountyregionalairport.org

Take a half-hour Sight Seeing Ride with up to two friends in a Cessna 172. Or take advantage of the Discovery Rides program. A flight instructor will fly with you in the left seat of a Cessna 172 for 1/2 hour. A Flight-Training Institute, aircraft rentals, full-time parts department, pilot supply shop, and escorted airport tours are offered. See the inside of the trainer aircraft and what goes on behind the scenes. Reservations needed. Programs and prices are subject to change.

Hamilton Ohio Scale Auto Raceway

Joyce Park, Forest Lake Lane, Hamilton, OH  45015

(513) 785-7060

www.tsrcar.com

Home to the Tri-State RC Auto Racers (TSRCAR), this world-class facility consists of a scoring tower, technical inspection area, radio impound, covered drivers stand, and a 280’x135’ road course comprised of 404-grade asphalt. Unlike the radio controlled cars you may have seen in local toyshops, these state-of-the-art models can cost upwards of $1,500, can run 0-60 mph in 1.85 seconds, and can have a top speed of over 75 mph.

HAWKS Model Airplanes

Joyce Park Flying Field, Forest Lake Lane, Hamilton, OH  45015

(513) 785-7060

www.hawksrc.org

The Hamilton Area Wireless Control Society is an R/C Club that is devoted to model building, flying, and training. The HAWKS Flying Field, equipped with a 400'x30' paved blacktop runway, is recognized as one of the finest and foremost radio control sites in the mid-west. Spectators and fliers alike are welcome. The HAWKS program takes place May-Sept. Flight-training sessions are held every Tues. and Thurs. from 6PM till dusk.

Tri-State Dragway

(SR 128)

2362 Hamilton-Cleves Highway, Hamilton, OH  45013

(513) 863-0562

www.tristatedragway.com

Races take place every Sunday beginning at 9:30AM. Operating since 1962, highlights include a Sportsman Classic and Junior Dragster Race. Tracks include 1/4 and 1/8 mile asphalt drag strips with concrete pad. Open March-Oct. Call for specific schedules. Admission charged.

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Butler County Courthouse

High and Court Streets, Hamilton, OH  45011

(513) 785-5154

One of the county’s foremost active landmarks, this grand, 4-story structure is an outstanding example of Second Empire architecture built in the late 19th century. The cornerstone was placed in 1885, and the $305,000 structure was occupied in 1889. Parts of the building are still used for court hearings. Open Mon-Fri 8:30AM-4:30PM.

Butler County Museum

327 N. Second Street, Hamilton, OH  45013

(513) 896-9930

http://home.fuse.net/butlercountymuseum

Experience fine architectural detail and furnishings of this Italianate-style National Register residence, which allows a wonderful glimpse of the best of the past. The extensive collections include 19th century decorative arts, many toys and dolls of the period, and items representing prominent persons and events in the history of Butler County. Admission charged. Open Tuesday–Saturday 11AM-4PM.

Hamilton Historic District Walking Tour

c/o Greater Hamilton CVB

(513) 844-8080 or (800) 311-5353 or email

Discover history at your own pace with a self-guided tour of historic Hamilton. An understanding of ancestry can be gleaned from numerous sites of three historical districts and downtown Hamilton that showcase homes along with business, industrial, and public buildings. Call for a free, comprehensive brochure with detailed historic facts within Dayton-Campbell, German Village, Rossville, and downtown Hamilton! Group escorted tours are also available.

Heritage Hall

20 High Street, Hamilton, OH 45011

(513) 896-9930

Located inside the former Hamilton Municipal Building, the new Heritage Hall and Robert McCloskey Museum officially opened on May 6, 2007 and is now open for tours. Staffed hours are Friday, 9AM-5PM and Saturday 9AM-2PM; otherwise open by appointment only.  It takes approximately 45 minutes to view the history exhibit, the McCloskey Room and the Council Chambers. There are two separate video presentations on the life of Robert McCloskey. A touch-screen kiosk shows different historic sites in Hamilton, the architecture of the Municipal Building and information on Robert McCloskey. Young McCloskey played a prominent role in both the exterior and interior design of this historic structure.  Donations are accepted. To book a tour, please call the Butler County Historical Society at (513) 896-9930.  Read More

Lane Hooven House

319 North Third Street, Hamilton, OH  45013

(513) 863-1389

This rare, restored octagonal home with a unique spiral staircase was built in 1863 as the private residence of Clark Lane, prominent industrialist and philanthropist. Today the building houses the Hamilton Community Foundation. The Victorian Gothic house is architecturally highlighted with ornate details on the exterior and fancy multi-colored wallpapers and wall stenciling on the interior. Open Monday–Friday 9AM-4PM. Groups by appointment.

Lane Public Library

300 North Third Street, Hamilton, OH  45011

(513) 894-7156

www.lanepl.org

Built in 1866, Hamilton's Lane Library was the first free public library west of the Alleghenies. This octagonal structure and the Lane Hooven House are two of only 400 found in the U.S. For genealogy, historical records of Butler County, including census, books, maps, wills, deeds, diaries, and newspapers dating back to the early 1800s, the Lane Public Library has The Smith Library and Cummins Local History Room.

Monument Cabin

Monument Avenue, Hamilton, OH  45011
(513) 867-5835 or 1 (877) PARKFUN

www.butlercountymetroparks.org

An 1804 log house next to the Butler County Soldiers, Sailors, and Pioneers Monument is open for public viewing Mon–Fri 10AM-4PM and Sat 11AM-3PM.

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Butler County Soldiers, Sailors, and Pioneers Monument

High & Monument Avenue, Hamilton, OH  45011

(513) 867-5823

www.butlercountyohio.org/monument

Standing proudly at the 1790s site of Fort Hamilton on the Great Miami River, this 3-story structure was erected in 1906 by grateful citizens to “perpetuate the memory of the soldiers, sailors and pioneers of Butler County.” Notable features are colorful windows honoring the service of women during the Civil War. Most prominent is Billy Yank, a 17-foot, 3,500-pound Civil War soldier proclaiming victory that was designed and built by Rudolph Thiem. Military displays are housed within. Open Mon–Fri 10AM-4PM and Sat 11AM-3PM. Free.

Fitton Center for Creative Arts

101 S. Monument Avenue, Hamilton, OH 45011

(513) 863-8873

www.fittoncenter.org

Reporters have called Fitton Center “a Mecca for the arts” and “the cornerstone of downtown Hamilton’s renaissance.” An educational facility, Fitton Center offers classes for people of all ages and is home to the Great Miami Youth Symphony, Hamilton-Fairfield Symphony & Chorale, Little Chicago Jazz Society, and Butler County Woodchippers. There are also continuous free art exhibitions in the Fitton Center galleries. Music Café, Riverbank Poetry, luncheon lectures, "Mad Anthony Theatre Company", and performing arts series round out annual programming.

Hamilton, Ohio, City of Sculpture, Inc.

One High Street, Hamilton, OH  45013

(513) 895-3934

www.cityofsculpture.org

On August 16, 2000, Hamilton received Governor Bob Taft's recognition as "The City of Sculpture.” Since then, a full Board of Trustees has been established and many sculptures by well known sculptors have been installed in Hamilton demonstrating that community members and other organizations are becoming increasingly energized through this vision. New sculpture recently installed include Kristen Visbal’s 13-foot high bronze The American Cape Sculpture of Alexander Hamilton, the City of Hamilton’s namesake, which was entirely funded through private donations of more than $200,000.  Other newly installed pieces, including Nancy Schon's "Lentil" and a commissioned piece by the City of Sculpture's first artist-in-residence from a ground-level Artist-in-Residence Program, has raised the total of public sculptures in Hamilton to more than 35 pieces. IceFest, also a product of this group, is the bi-annual event held each January in downtown Hamilton that includes more than 100 ice sculptures on display, ice carving competitions, children's activities, and more!

Pyramid Hill Sculpture Park and Museum

Hamilton-Cleves Highway (SR 128), Hamilton, OH

(513) 868-8336

www.pyramidhill.org

One of just ten sculpture parks of its size in the U.S and the only sculpture park of its type in Ohio, Pyramid Hill is 265-acres that combines the lure of nature with the dynamic presence of monumental art. It is a setting where landscape and 80+ pieces of art come together in natural galleries among vast meadows and rolling hills. Some sculpture is designed to walk through, touch, and even spin. View from your vehicle as well as on foot. Pyramid Hill also features an arboretum, amphitheater, indoor pavilion, wall garden and authentic stone home from the pioneer days while offering hiking trails, lakes, picnic areas, and a variety of programs for children and adults including “Holiday Lights on the Hill.”

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Brown's Marketplace

1416 Main Street, Hamilton, OH 45013

(513) 863-1314

www.brownsmarketplace.com

Bulk foods, meats, dairy products and furnishings from the Amish country - as well as antique furniture - under one roof.  "The 31,000 square foot showroom for indoor furniture is believed to be the largest in the nation for Amish crafts."

Hamilton's Special Shoppes in Special Places

www.downtownhamilton.com

From specialty shops, antiques and collectibles to a farmer's market and a downtown department store, you will find what you are looking for in Hamilton! Businesses pride themselves in having quality products, personalized service and competitive prices. The Hamilton area offers a variety of distinctive shopping opportunities for every budget in downtown Hamilton, German Village, Main Street, Lindenwald, Southeast Hamilton, and Route 4 business districts. Virtually any shopping experience can be found in Hamilton. Come see for yourself—Hamilton welcomes you!

Hamilton's Farmer's Market

Downtown Hamilton around the Butler County Courthouse Square

Est. 1875 - This hundred year old tradition continues with home grown flowers, fruits, veggies, jams, jellies and other preserves, as well as other homemade products. While shopping the market, you can meet your neighbors as well as the people who help feed us. Chat with other shoppers, exchange recipes, and talk about baking bread and making jelly.  For various ailments, consider the use of locally grown honey as an aid to relieving allergies. As an additional treat, the Downtown Special Improvement District (SID) sponsors a variety of musicians to perform during Farmer's Market hours.  Please shop our Farmer's Market.  It doesn't get any fresher than this.

Every Saturday Memorial Day through October. Hours range from 7:30 a.m. to noon.

Main Street Marketplace

Armstead Park

Main and D Streets, Hamilton, OH

The Main Street Marketplace hosts food 16-18 food vendors including freshly baked specialty breads, fresh produce, high quality meats packed frozen to go, and much more! Creative and authentic arts and crafts are also available.  All vendors are required to "Make It, Bake It, or Grow It." Each week, a featured local restaurant or caterer will do food demonstrations and sampling. Musicians and other special events are planned.  Open each Thursday from 3PM-8PM

Barn 'n' Bunk Farm Market

3677 Wayne-Madison Road (SR73), Trenton, OH

(513) 988-9211

www.barnnbunk.com

Open mid-April through Dec. 23, Barn 'n' Bunk hosts festivals, fun family entertainment, diverse wares, and fresh produce. The main barn features 65 local crafters. Check out Amish baked goods, Amish cheese, jams, jellies, and honeys and the newest barn with the Ice Cream and Candy Shop. The Garden Center features bedding plants, mums, and Amish-made lawn furniture.

Bass Pro Shops Outdoor World

Cincinnati Mills Mall, I-275 at Winton Road, exit 39

Fairfield and Forest Park, OH

(513) 826-5200

www.basspro.com

Where else can you find everything you need for your next outdoor adventure under one roof for fishing, hunting, camping, boating, or just enjoying the outdoors! Complete with the biggest selection for freshwater fishing in the Tri-State, a Tracker Boat Showroom, golf pro shop, arcade, refreshments, and fun.

Cincinnati Mills Mall

I-275 at Winton Road, exit 39

Fairfield and Forest Park, OH

Cincinnati Mills is definitely Cincinnati’s one-of-a-kind mall. This mall boasts anchor stores not found anywhere else in this area and a new 22,000 sq. ft. indoor family entertainment park complete with amusement rides, video and skill games, and even an indoor roller coaster. Cincinnati Mills offers more entertainment with Metropolis nightclub, a 24-hour fitness club, and many restaurants.

Jungle Jim's International Market

5440 Dixie Highway (SR4), Fairfield, OH

(513) 874-6000

www.junglejims.com

Turn grocery shopping into an amazing adventure by visiting Jungle Jim’s International Market, which features four acres of food and fun under one roof. Discover thousands of authentic, imported foods from over 73 countries and regions around the globe—cheese, wine, beer, humidor, bakery, deli, one-acre of produce, exotic meats, seafood, free taste samples, mechanical animals and more. Open daily 8AM-10PM.

Traders World Flea Market

I-75 and SR 63, Exit 29, Monroe, OH

(513) 424-5708

A magnificent, 40-acre kaleidoscope of merchandise, sights and sounds, Traders World is one of the largest and most modern markets of its kind. Full of bargains, collectibles, antiques, new and used merchandise, and hard-to-find gifts, this shopper’s delight features live entertainment, refreshments and over 1,000 vendors to see. Open 9AM-5PM Sat-Sun year-round, Memorial Day, Labor Day and the day after Thanksgiving. Tour and bus groups welcome.

Turtle Creek Flea Market

I-75 and SR 63, Exit 29, Monroe, OH

(513) 539-4497

Just minutes away from Traders World, Turtle Creek holds up to 300 indoor vendors and 450 outdoor vendors (weather permitting). Shoppers find crafts, antiques and everything in between. Open 9AM-5PM Sat-Sun year-round, Memorial Day, Labor Day and the day after Thanksgiving. Additionally, Turtle Creek is open on Fridays from 11AM-7PM for the outside market. Tour and bus groups welcome.

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The Beach Waterpark

I-71 in Warren County, OH

(513) 398-7946

www.thebeachwaterpark.com

(20 miles east of Hamilton near Kings Island) The Beach is 35 acres filled with 2 million gallons of water fun, 40,000 square feet of white sand, and more than 40 rides. The perfect summer getaway for the whole family. Open May-Sept.

Cincinnati Zoo and Botanical Garden

Just off I-75, Cincinnati, OH

(513) 281-4700 or 1 (800) 94-HIPPO

www.cincyzoo.org

(20 miles south of Hamilton) From the tropical rain forest to polar ice caps of Antarctica, the mysteries of the wild unfold right before your eyes. Regarded as one of the top three zoos in America and with over 750 species, the Cincinnati Zoo is home to the largest animal collection in the nation. The only U.S. zoo with a pride of Timbavati lions, this zoo also holds the U.S. record for the most lowland gorillas born in captivity, the U.S. record for captive black rhino births, and is home to the Komodo dragon.

Newport Aquarium

(859) 491-3467

www.newportaquarium.com

(Located on the banks of the Ohio River in Newport, KY, and less than an hour south of Hamilton)  It's simply, a million gallons of fun where you'll be taken to the oceans' depths, the rivers’ edge and the fringe of the Antarctic Frontier. Sixty state-of-the-art exhibits will immerse you in wonder. Glass floors will let you walk on water. Five specially designed underwater tunnels will have you diving with the sharks and through a colorful coral reef. And winding walkways punctuated by special musical scores and larger-than-life murals will take you on an up-close encounter with 11,000 of the world's most beautiful, bizarre and dangerous creatures.

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Old Stone Riding Center

2920 Minton Road, Hamilton, OH  45013

(513) 868-3042

www.oldstoneridingcenter.com

(off SR27) Offers instruction for novice or advanced riding in one-hour increments. Horseback riding to the area visitor by appointment. Large indoor and outdoor arenas with dressage rings and stadium jumps. Woodland trails with cross-country jumps. Call for a schedule of shows, clinics and special events.

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