WALKING THE STORIES
The Over-the-Rhine Museum takes visitors on walking tours to explore the stories of one of the largest intact 19th century historic districts in the country. Tour participants learn how people have lived, worked, and experienced the neighborhood’s buildings, historic churches, and civic spaces since the 1800s. The Over-the-Rhine neighborhood is a vibrant community filled with culture, restaurants, bars, and beautiful architecture.
Regularly scheduled tours are available from May through October. Walking the Stories tours last up to two hours. Tickets are $20 per person and should be purchased online before the tour. Private tours can be scheduled anytime throughout the year and can be customized to fit your needs. Contact us via email to coordinate a private tour at hello@otrmuseum.org.
Do you know what a tenement is or how people lived in them? Our North of Liberty tour takes participants through Over-the-Rhine, north of Liberty Street, paying special attention to how people lived in this neighborhood in the late 1800s and early 1900s. The tour focuses on the built environment including outdoor toilets, bathing, water access and daily living and working conditions in densely crowded tenement apartments. This tour begins by the Findlay Market on Elm Street. Guides will be near the Historical Marker and the Leader Furniture Building.
Have you ever wondered what changed when Cincinnatians stepped over the canal and into Over-the-Rhine? Our South of Liberty tour weaves visitors through the stories of Over-the-Rhine’s earliest residents between the Miami-Ohio Canal (now Central Parkway) and Liberty Street. Starting in the early 1800s with stories of German immigrants, we’ll explore how different people lived in this neighborhood over its long history. The tour concludes by talking about the homes and lives of more recent residents of Over-the-Rhine—Appalachian and African American families. This tour begins on the steps of Music Hall (1241 Elm Street).
Do you know the stories of the women of Over-the-Rhine? This tour explores women’s lives in Over-the-Rhine, from German-speaking immigrants in the mid-1800s up to African American women who moved to Over-the-Rhine in the 1960s. It explores topics important to women's history—women in the workforce, childbirth and motherhood, education, and social activism. This tour begins on the north side of Washington Park at the corner of 14th and Race Street.
Think going to work is a drag today? Come take a deep dive into working conditions and labor organizing efforts in Over-the-Rhine around the turn of the 20th century. Participants will learn about workplaces including breweries, tailor shops, and cigar factories and nationally innovative and influential labor organizing. We explore labor conditions, including labor organizing and strikes, and how race, class and gender shaped opportunities for work. This tour begins at the NW corner of 12th and Elm Street.
Stepping Back: 1860
Explore life around Findlay Market in 1860. What were people drinking (think wine!)? What was on their dinner table? What shops were open and what could you buy? We will answer these questions and more before stepping into Skeleton Root Wine Makers for a wine tasting while we nibble on authentic Cincinnati sausage! Skeleton Root honors Cincinnati's rich wine history by using heritage grapes and classical production methods.
Did you know that African Americans have played a vital role in the history of Over-the-Rhine? Beginning with early abolitionist efforts in Over-the-Rhine in the early 19th century, this tour highlights the active role of African Americans in shaping Over-the-Rhine. The tour includes African American leadership, family life, leisure, education, discrimination, working conditions and pays special attention to recent social activism. This tour begins at Ziegler Park.
Private Tours
Private tours for groups of 10 or more can be scheduled anytime throughout the year, any day of the week, and can be customized to fit your needs. Contact us via email to coordinate a private tour at hello@otrmuseum.org.
These tours are perfect for clubs, church groups, team building events, family/friend reunions, volunteer groups, and students. Tickets are $15 per person with a minimum charge of $150.
Tour Policies
Tickets are $20 per person. Tours last around two hours and cover about 1.2 miles. Private group tours can be modified to fit your schedule. Individual ticket sales begin in April for the summer season. Contact us at hello@otrmuseum.org with any ticket issues or questions.
Walking tours can be strenuous; you will be on your feet for the full two hours. Routes may includes uneven, broken sidewalks and brick alleys. Although there are no stairs, tours are not handicap accessible; wheelchairs, strollers, and pets are not allowed. We recommend sturdy walking shoes. Tour members should bring water and wear clothing appropriate for the weather, as well as hats and sunglasses. Children under eight will likely find this tour boring. Children under 16 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian. There are bathrooms near the beginning and end of the tour, but there are no rest stops along the way. The tours will take place rain or shine except in dangerous weather such as an active thunderstorm. Tour members will be required to sign a waiver prior to the tour.
Parking / Arrival Planning
Please allow ample time for parking. For tours starting at Findlay Market, parking is available at the Market. For tours starting around Washington park, parking is available in the garage below Washington Park with access on both Race and Elm Streets. Alternatively, consider taking public transportation or another mode! Our meeting locations are conveniently located near the streetcar, bus stops, and bike share stations. Bicycle parking is typically available at these sites as well, near their entries.