Hamilton, OH

‍Population | Approximately 62,000 as of 2020

Size | 21.89 sq mi

Founded in 1971 and originally known as Fort Hamilton, Hamilton is a city in Ohio that is known for its beautiful art, innovation, and history. Hamilton is currently the second largest city in the Greater Cincinnati area, and the tenth largest city in the whole state of Ohio. Read more to learn about some fun things to embark on while you are visiting in or around the city!

Pyramid Hill Sculpture Park & Museum

The Pyramid Hill Sculpture Park features over 60 large outdoor sculptures that are displayed in a landscape that features rolling hills, lakes, and hiking trails. It also has an Ancient Sculpture Museum that features various types of sculptures dating back to the 1500s BC. The museum's gallery features exhibitions by regional and national artists. Pyramid Hill is also the largest cultural tourist attraction in Butler county, and is currently open 365 days a year. Pyramid Hill also provides summer programs and camps for children.  

Hamilton Lane Library

Built in 1866, Hamilton Lane Library was the first early free public library west of the Alleghenies, a gift to Hamilton from industrialist Clark Lane. This stunning octagonal building houses a modern library collection as well as the Cummins Local History Room. Everything focuses on the city’s history. 

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Hanover Winery

Hanover Winery, Butler county’s only winery located in central Hamilton, first opened their doors in 2009. The owners of the winery, named Eddie and Elizabeth McDonald, came up with the idea of opening up a winery after they had decided to turn a 10 year passion into a business. There was already an existing outbuilding that was eventually used as the current wine tasting room. The wine tasting room was developed with the help of friends and family.

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Main Street Vinyl

Main Street Vinyl features thousands of both old and new vinyl, making it one of the most unique shops on all of Main Street. You’ll find a plethora of vinyl records, along with classic music gadgets like cassettes, CDs, and turntables!

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St. Julie Billiart Parish

St. Julie Billiart is a scenic Roman Catholic church of the Archdiocese of Cincinnati in Hamilton, Ohio. The church was formed as a merger by St. Mary's in Hamilton, St. Veronica's in Hamilton, in the building of St. Stephen's. St. Julie's is in a pastoral region with St. Joseph's, and St. Peter in Chains in Hamilton. St. Julie's is known for embracing diversity of all who want to become members of the body of Christ. Stop by St. Julie's sometime if you’re near the Hamilton area to learn more about the history of the church itself!

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The Walking Tour Company

Hamilton offers a wide variety of walking tours so you have the ability to  adventure through town and learn all about some of Hamilton's greatest historical sites while you’re going along the way. The Hamilton Chamber of Commerce collaborated with the Hamilton Visitors Bureau to create a few Free Walking Tours to explore. Pick one to check out, or spend an afternoon to see all of the history Hamilton has to offer.

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Holiday Auto Theater

The Holiday Auto Theater, one of the most popular attractions in all of Butler County, Ohio, has been gifting its audience with great entertainment over the last sixty years. The Theater originally opened in 1948, as the Hamilton Outdoor Theater. This theater is guaranteed to give you, family, and friends a great time all summer long. Enjoy a concession stand with all of your favorite snacks, and watch some great movies under the stars.

Rentschler Forest Metropark

About four miles northeast of the City of Hamilton's most gorgeous waterfront and historic downtown is where you can find the Rentschler Forest MetroPark. The park has over 400 acres that include acres, which includes woodland that is about a half-mile frontage along the Great Miami River. You can also find remnants of the old Miami-Erie Canal, a prehistoric Indian earthwork, a renewed wetland, and great opportunities for a wide variety of outdoor recreation activities.

Wake Nation

Wake Nation is just like a Summer playground. You can enjoy their giant superslide, play on the huge floating playground (aqua park), try cable wakeboarding or kneeboarding, play  free games, or just relax with some friends and family and enjoy drinks by the river. 

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Hamilton Parks Conservancy 

Hamilton's unique park system features over 40 parks, 2 seperate golf courses, recreational facilities, and over 1,000 acres of natural and wooded parkland. These include 5 dedicated Natural Areas. There are five major picnic areas within Hamilton's park system including Crawford Woods, Joyce Park, Veteran's Park, Millikin Woods and Jim Grimm Park. These different parks may consist of picnic tables, shelters, grills, restrooms, playground equipment and parking facilities.

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Butler Philharmonic

The Butler Philharmonic organization includes the Butler Philharmonic Orchestra, the Butler Philharmonic Chorus, the Butler Philharmonic Youth Orchestra and the Butler Philharmonic Guild. The organization is based in Hamilton, Ohio, on the banks of the Great Miami River, and has grown with the county to offer high quality music to a region with a population of over 60,000! Check out their website to see any upcoming special events today. 

Municipal Brew Works

The Municipal Brew Works is a tap room and brewery that is actually a restored building. Municipal Brew Works is packed with lots of history from the building they're located in,  to the different names of all the brews. You can enjoy local craft brews, good conversation, and beautiful architecture at Municipal Brew Works. The location has great outdoor dining on the patio, and you get to experience local tastes from a food truck whenever you are visiting. 

Soldiers, Sailors, and Pioneers Monument 

Located in Butler county, the Soldiers, Sailors and Pioneers Monument was originally built to honor those who served and sacrificed their lives in the service of our country. The monument also exists as well to celebrate all of the men and women who were the very first settlers in Butler County, Ohio. The Monument stands at the location of Fort Hamilton, and home to an impressive collection of Civil War weapons and swords. 

It also has exhibits on 20th century American wars, including military uniforms, military medals and photographs. The Monument is operated through the Butler County Historical Society, which holds the records of Butler County residents who served in World War I, World War II, the Korean War, the Vietnam War, and the Gulf War.

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The Studio

At The Studio in Hamilton, get ready to do all things artsy! Try on some different smocks and get the opportunity to be able to paint your own pottery masterpiece. Choose from over 500 different pieces of bisque, over 60 different glazes, and a plethora of application tools. The Studio in Hamilton is fun for all ages so give it a try and check it out for yourself. 

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Stricker’s Grove 

Stricker’s Grove is a family owned and operated private amusement park located in Hamilton. The park is available to rent to groups, organizations, and churches for family picnics, wedding receptions, meetings and other occasions. So if you are planning a trip near Hamilton for a special occasion, Consider checking out Stricker’s Grove for some fun activities and rides. 

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Tano Bistro Hamilton

Inspired by Hamilton’s history, the Tano Bistro location in Hamilton  offers a fabulous dining experience in a contemporary dining space located just right across from the beautiful Marcum Park. Chef Tano, owner of the restaurant, utilizes a team that helps offer a changing menu that’s seasonal, always prepared with the most pristine ingredients focused on local sourcing, sustainability, and simplicity.

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Lane Hooven House

The Lane-Hooven House was built in 1863 by a Hamilton Industrialist and Hamilton’s first philanthropist, James Elrick who is referred to as a Hamilton builder. The house has more of an octagonal shape, and is commonly known as Hamilton’s most unique residential structure. This House was originally named Lane’s Folly, and took about one year to be fully completed. The House is also known for some of its extensive charity work. 

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Walden Ponds Golf Club

Walden Ponds Golf Club is an upscale 18-hole championship golf course that is situated on 500 acres in Indian Springs, Ohio, a thriving town! The plush Bentgrass tees, fairways, and greens give you some breathtaking views of the surrounding countryside. The deep-rooted bunkers and large greens are trademarks of the course that was originally designed by Michael Hurdzan. The 7,001 yard course can challenge any players who come to experience this championship course. When you are finished with all of your golfing,  you can relax in the 1830's mansion and enjoy the atmosphere that can not be replicated elsewhere. 

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Hamilton Annual Antique and Classic Car Parade 

Hosted by the Classic and Antique and Classic Car Club of Butler County, the annual antique and classic car parade is typically held around the month of July in Hamilton. The parade kicks off at the Butler County Courthouse at 10 High St. and travels from Hamilton to Fairfield. Eventually you will return to Hamilton.

Benninghofen House

The Benninghofen House offers guests a glimpse into Butler County's history. This Italian style home is listed on the National Register of Historic Places, and also serves as the home of the Butler County Historical Society. With all of the original architectural details intact, the mansion represents the era of the “Gilded Age.” The home, which was originally built in 1866, displays Victorian furnishings and records that are stored by the county. Some of the furniture dates from the mid 19th into the 20th century. Several pieces from the house also belonged to the Benninghofen family.

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Fitton Center for Creative Arts

The Fitton Center for Creative Arts is an experience of a lifetime if you love watching plays, musicals, etc.!. The center is a non-profit arts organization that has been a part of the community for over twenty years.

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Some of what the Fitton Center may offer:

• You can learn new things in one of the art classes or workshops that are available to those of all ages.
• Experience some extraordinary musicians, actors and dancers at one of the live performances.
• Stroll through some of the remarkable art galleries.
• Take the opportunity to reserve one of the diverse venues for your special event.

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Butler County Fair

Music, food, rides and animals will bring excitement to the fairgrounds of the Butler county fair every single year for seven days and nights. Who doesn’t love a fun fair? 

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Hamilton Flea Market

The Hamilton Flea Market allows visitors and locals in the area to experience the unique atmosphere of the city and how it has been revitalized. You can visit the farmer’s market, have a drink at a couple breweries, dine at restaurants, and find some unique handcrafted trinkets.You can spend an entire day at the market, there’s always something to do!

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Nook Brew Fest

Join the annual Nook Brewfest with over 40 vendors every year. Get the chance to escape the heat and enjoy tasting some of the best breweries in the whole area. A VIP session will be held for an hour, and a General Admission session will be held for approximately four hours. VIP tickets gain access for the entire 4 hours of the event and will receive some merchandise such as a Nook Brewfest shirt, as well as an 8oz tasting glass and some other coupons. A general admission can get you up to three hours of tasting as well as a 5oz tasting glass. 

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Drink Tavern

The Drink Tavern, a popular restaurant in Hamilton, is located near the German Village. The tavern is most notably known for their hoagie and pizza options, along with the beer of course! The tavern also serves some excellent cocktails. Lots of games are available if you feel like moving around such as tiki toss, darts, and corn hole. 

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Because Hamilton is one of the largest cities in Ohio, there’s lots to do! If you need more recommendations, don’t forget to stop back here. Safe travels!

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