Cincinnati Heritage Programs Tours
Discover little known but important aspects of Cincinnati's rich history with the docents of Cincinnati Heritage Programs. Walk, ride and explore some of the Queen City's renowned sites that have made our region notable.
Upcoming Tours
Visit Tower A
Saturday, September 6, 2025
10:30 to 11:15 a.m.
Noon to 12:45 p.m.
1:30 p.m. to 2:15 p.m.
Heritage Programs invites you to visit Union Terminal’s Tower A, the command center for the daily 216 trains that brought thousands of travelers safely in and out of Union Terminal. Today, the room overlooks the active intermodal yard which brings cargo containers to our region.
Please note: There are approximately 35 steep steps to Tower A. This tour is not accessible. No selfie sticks or tripods permitted.
Price: $10 Members; $15 Non-Members
Parking: Parking is NOT included. Standard parking rates apply
Registration deadline: If spaces are still available, guests can register the day of the tour.
Age limit: 10 and older; guests under 18 must be accompanied by an adult.
Cancellation Policy: If you find it necessary to cancel, please call (513) 287-7001 prior to the the day before your tour in order to receive a full refund. Afterwards, there will be no refunds or exchanges.
Heritage Village Museum inside Sharon Woods Park Walking Tour
Tuesday, September 9, 2025
10 a.m. to Noon
Stroll through the charming Heritage Village Museum which depicts the simplicity of a small town as it was in the 1800s. Learn how the various thirteen historic structures, originally located in Southwest Ohio and Northern Kentucky, were saved from demolition and now are carefully maintained. Hear the narratives of the people who built and lived in the homes that tell the significant story of our region.
Please note: The walking paths are packed gravel and dirt. There are several steps to enter the buildings (all but one building have accessibility ramps).
Price: $35 Members; $45 Non-Members
Registration deadline: September 5, 2025
Age limit: 12 and older; guests under 18 must be accompanied by an adult.
Cancellation Policy: If you find it necessary to cancel, please call (513) 287-7001 prior to the registration deadline of your tour in order to receive a refund, less a $10 per person cancellation fee.
Starry, Starry Night
Monday, September 29, 2025
7 to 9:30 p.m.
The Cincinnati Observatory, known as ‘The Birthplace of American Astronomy’ houses one of the oldest working telescopes in the world and was the first public observatory in the western hemisphere. Hear the history of its original site on Mt. Ida in 1843 and why the observatory was moved to its present site thirty years later. Weather permitting, view the night sky through the world’s oldest operational telescope. While touring the National Historic Landmark, discover how 19th-century astronomers determined time for Cincinnati and learn how the first U.S. weather prediction was achieved.
This tour meets at the Cincinnati Observatory.
Please note: There are several steps inside and outside of the historic buildings that will be visited. As a result, parts of this tour are not wheelchair accessible and may be hard for individuals with canes or walkers.
Price: $35 Members; $50 Non-Members
Registration deadline: September 22, 2025
Age limit: 18 and older
Cancellation Policy: If you find it necessary to cancel, please call (513) 287-7001 prior to the registration deadline of your tour in order to receive a refund, less a $10 per person cancellation fee.
Inclines and Overlooks Bus Tour
Saturday, October 18, 2025
9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
During the late 1800s, Cincinnati had five inclines that carried people and freight away from the smoke, noise and crowds of the city basin. Discover the story of Cincinnati’s seven hills and ponder the wonders of 19th-century transportation engineering by visiting the sites of the inclined planes. Hear about the beer gardens and entertainment venues where families gathered after work and on weekends.
Please note: There will be several stops on this tour that will require getting on and off the bus.
Price: $45 Members; $60 Non-Members
Registration deadline: October 10, 2025
Age limit: 18 and older
Parking: Parking is not included. Standard parking rates apply.
Cancellation Policy: If you find it necessary to cancel, please call (513) 287-7001 prior to the registration deadline of your tour in order to receive a refund, less a $10 per person cancellation fee.
SOLD OUT: High Steel of Union Terminal
Saturday, November 8, 2025
10 to 11:30 a.m.
10:30 to Noon
11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
Climb to the high steel trusses supporting one of the largest half-dome rotundas in the world! This tour lasts about two hours, ascends 300 plus steps* and has ladders in dusty, dimly lit areas. Visit the clock which is accessed from the 4th floor opaque glass walkway.
Please note: No cameras or personal carried items are permitted on this tour. No photos are permitted. Sturdy shoes required. No dresses, open toe or high-heel shoes permitted. This tour is not accessible.
Price: $35 Members; $50 Non-Members
Registration deadline: November 4, 2025
Age limit: 12 and older; guests under 18 must be accompanied by an adult.
Parking: Parking is not included. Standard parking rates apply.
Cancellation Policy: If you find it necessary to cancel, please call (513) 287-7001 prior to the registration deadline of your tour in order to receive a refund, less a $10 per person cancellation fee.
SOLD OUT: Samuel Hannaford Architectural Walking Tour
Friday, November 14, 2025
10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
Back by popular demand! Samuel Hannaford was Cincinnati’s most prominent and prolific 19th century architect.
He designed churches, government buildings, department stores, theaters, factories, apartments, educational buildings, private residences and more. View the exteriors of 16 different buildings on this 2.5 hour, 2.5 mile walking tour. This tour will end at the imposing Richardsonian Romanesque Cincinnati City Hall for an exterior and interior tour. Compare the beauty, workmanship and architectural detail at each site.
Please note: Tour is not accessible. There is standing throughout the entire tour. There will be uneven sidewalks and some stairs. Please dress for the weather. This tour will only be cancelled for severe weather.
Price: $35 Members; $50 Non-Members
Registration deadline: November 11, 2025
Age limit: 12 and older; guests under 18 must be accompanied by an adult.
Cancellation Policy: If you find it necessary to cancel, please call (513) 287-7001 prior to the registration deadline of your tour in order to receive a refund, less a $10 per person cancellation fee.
Union Terminal Photo Shoot
Sunday, November 16, 2025
5 to 8 pm.
Calling all photography enthusiasts! This is your opportunity to take photos of the magnificent Union Terminal after visiting hours. Capture photographs of areas not routinely open to the public such as the Union Terminal President’s Office, the Cincinnati and Losantiville Dining Rooms. Visit Tower A, the main control tower for Union Terminal where the train director managed all incoming and outgoing trains. The balcony will also be available for images of the grand Rotunda. Attending a free weekend Union Terminal Tour will enhance the experience of this event.
Please note: There are approximately 35 steep steps to Tower A.
Price: $35 Members; $50 Non-Members
Registration deadline: November 12, 2025
Age limit: 12 and older; guests under 18 must be accompanied by an adult.
Parking: Parking is not included. Standard parking rates apply.
Cancellation Policy: If you find it necessary to cancel, please call (513) 287-7001 prior to the registration deadline of your tour in order to receive a refund, less a $10 per person cancellation fee.
Please call (513) 287-7001 or email heritageprograms@pornopur.com to share any reasonable accommodation requests four (4) weeks prior to your tour date.
