Eastern

The Cincinnati Observatory was the first professional observatory in America, and is now operated by volunteers. Hosts star gazing events, which, are remarkable considering light pollution has nearly surrounded the observatory.

Roman Catholic treasure. Known as the "Church on the Hill". On Good Friday, many Cincinnatians "Climb the steps of Mt. Adams", praying on each step.

Built as St. Francis Xavier Seminary, the Athenaeum of Ohio is the third-oldest Roman Catholic seminary in the United States being established in 1829. The present-day campus of the Athenaeum of Ohio includes 76 acres of manicured grounds surrounding an impressive granite stone building constructed in 1929.

The Cincinnati Art Museum is in the beautiful Eden Park, which perfectly reflects the artwork the museum houses. The museum has a 60,000 piece collection, which explains why the museum is referred to as the Art Palace of the West. According to the Zagat Survey, the Cincinnati Art Museum ranks with the Art Institute of Chicago and the Museum of Modern Art in New York as the best art museums in the nation. The museum features special exhibitions and a terrific collection of art by Cincinnati artists in the "Cincinnati Wing" including the world's largest collection of Rookwood Pottery. Be sure to check out the Far Eastern Art section which includes a Jain Shrine; the Egypt, Greece, and Rome room, which features a mummy; the spectacular collection from the Classical & Near Eastern Art section with its spectacular Room from Damascus, a room imported from Syria with beautiful Islamic architectural influences; and don't miss with impressive art from Cincinnatians. You can join a free docent led-tour around the museum's permanent collections on Tuesday through Friday at 1PM, Saturday at 2PM and on Sunday at 1PM and 2PM.

These four massive steam-powered water pumps are the largest in the world and were state-of-the-art in 1906, when they started a 57-year career delivering water for the Greater Cincinnati Water Works. They remain large and impressive engineering artifacts, and the tour is fascinating. The route is somewhat wheelchair accessible, and no children under age 7 are permitted. There are several other restrictions; see the tour website. Admission is only possible with a guided tour, and the tours are scheduled when enough people sign up on a wait-list.

Harriet Beecher-Stowe is famous for writing the anti-slavery Uncle Tom's Cabin. Free (donations are welcomed).

The so-called "Neighborhood Gallery for the World", Manifest Gallery holds year-round international calls for exhibition, bringing contemporary art to the small neighborhood of East Walnut Hills. Check the website to see what's up at the gallery, as there is some downtime in between exhibitions.

Ault Park is great for bikers, hikers and joggers. An annual 4th of July celebration is held there with music and fireworks. Ault Park also has great examples of natural glacial history throughout the park.