A Weekend in North Bend, Lawrenceburg, and Aurora
Explore a triad of charming river towns where history, exploration, and outdoor adventure intertwine. Begin your trip in North Bend, a town steeped in U.S. and Indigenous history with trails that lead you through significant landmarks and scenic vistas. A short drive across state lines takes you to Lawrenceburg, where the revitalized riverfront, historic homes, and lively events invite you to immerse in the town's dynamic spirit. Just down the road, a scenic bike ride away, Aurora enchants visitors with its beautifully preserved 19th-century architecture, quaint downtown shops, and the serene backdrop of the River, making it an unhurried destination for those seeking relaxation.
Recommendations
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William Henry Harrison Tomb State Memorial, North Bend - A memorial that commemorates the ninth U.S. President with a dignified monument overlooking the Ohio River.
Downtown Historic Lawrenceburg - A nationally accredited Main Street with a revitalized business district and riverwalk.
Main Street Aurora is also a nationally accredited Main Street with events, shops, historical heritage, and more.
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Shawnee Lookout, North Bend- Provides stunning panoramic views of the Ohio River and the surrounding tri-state area. It features rich Native American history, hiking trails, and archaeological sites.
Lawrenceburg-Aurora Dearborn Trail - A six-mile walking and bike path linking Lawrenceburg to Aurora.
War Memorial to the Common Man, Lawrenceburg - The largest monument of its kind in the U.S. honoring the "everyday man."
Hillforest Victorian House Museum, Aurora - A National Historic Landmark with tours exploring the Victorian house and Italianate-style architecture.
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RiverWatch Floating Restaurant, Lawrenceburg - Get on island time with a Key West-themed restaurant floating on the Ohio River.
Third & Main, Aurora - A historic steakhouse that dry ages their steaks in-house in a state-of-the-art dry aging cooler.
At the Barn Winery - Lawrenceburg’s family-owned winery with live music events and wine tastings.
Holtkamp Winery & Vineyards - An award-winning winery with a relaxed country setting and views of a lake and their vineyard.
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DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Lawrenceburg - Located right in Lawrenceburg’s historic Main Street district on the Ohio River, just steps away from its downtown and nearby bike access.
Hollywood Casino Hotel - If you’re looking to stay and play in one stop, book a room in Lawrenceburg’s popular Hollywood Casino.
Friday
1 p.m. Explore a historic resting site for several U.S. government members
Congress Green Cemetery in North Bend, OH
The Congress Green Cemetery, formally known as Pasture Graveyard, is a final resting place for many of former President William Henry Harrison’s family and other U.S. government officials like John Cleves Symmes, a member of the House of Representatives. This small, clove-covered cemetery has a peculiar grave-digging past of medical schools stealing its cadavers.
Across the street from the cemetery, you’ll see markers explaining the history of this site and the life of William Henry Harrison, the ninth U.S. president.
2:00 p.m. Visit the tomb of the shortest-term U.S. president
William Henry Harrison Tomb State Memorial
President Harrison only served 31 days after his inauguration before passing. Though he had the shortest presidency in U.S. history, his life and military achievements left many lasting impacts. You'll find the William Henry Harrison Memorial Nature Trail at this same spot with the markers, which will take you on a short hike to the William Henry Harrison Tomb State Memorial. If you don’t wish to hike, you can simply drive to the intersection of Cliff Road and Brower Road and visit the memorial that way. Above the tomb, is a spectacular panorama of the Ohio River Valley.
3:00 p.m. Hike where three states converge
Shawnee Lookout in North Bend, Ohio
Drive along US 50 or “River Road” toward Shawnee Lookout, an incredible 2,000+ acre park with stunning views of the Ohio River Valley and the point where Ohio, Kentucky, and Indiana meet. Play a round of golf, visit the historical Springhouse School and Log Cabin, and learn more about the Native American archaeological earthworks. This hilltop park includes three nature trails with incredible vantage points overlooking the wide Ohio River.
Visitors can choose between three trails: the 1.3-mile Blue Jacket, the 2.0-mile Little Turtle, and the 1.4-mile Miami Fort. It also features picnic areas, a playground, and boat access to the Great Miami River.
5:00 p.m. Stay in Lawrenceburg’s historic district
Downtown Lawrenceburg, Indiana
From Shawnee Lookout, take US 50, where you’ll cross state lines to Lawrenceburg, Indiana. For the past 20 years, Lawrenceburg Main Street has steadily revitalized its business district with new establishments, a premium riverwalk, and ongoing art and music events (which you should check out here).
Downtown Lawrenceburg captures the essence of its small river town charm while steering its momentum toward a growing future. Stay for the weekend at its riverside DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Lawrenceburg, located directly in its historic downtown area. (You can also find other accommodations here.)
6:00 p.m. Eat dinner floating on the River
RiverWatch Floating Restaurant
If you’re traveling from Spring to early Fall, dine on island time at the RiverWatch Floating Restaurant, a Key West-themed seafood restaurant that buoys right on the river. Try their Fresh Catch, Blackened Mahi Mahi, or signature burgers. RiverWatch is also a premium spot to watch the sunset while sipping a frozen drink.
8:00 p.m. Sip whiskey from “The Whiskey City”
Ross & Squibb Distillery in the Whiskey City
States like Tennessee and Kentucky are famously revered for their whiskey industries, but did you know that Lawrenceburg is actually called the "Whiskey City?" Lawrenceburg has a storied history in whiskey production. The town's proximity to the Ohio River made it an ideal location for distilleries in the 19th and early 20th centuries to transport raw materials and finished products.
One of the most notable distilleries in Lawrenceburg's history is Seagram's distillery, which at one point was one of the largest distilleries in the world. Today, the Ross & Squibb Distillery (part of MGP Ingredients distillery) now occupies the historic Seagram site and still produces a significant amount of the rye and bourbon whiskey used by brands across the U.S.
If you want to sip some whisky in Lawrenceburg, head to Proof 124 Table & Tavern for a wide selection or to Barrel Heads Grill for craft whiskey cocktails and specialty flights.
Saturday
9:00 a.m. Grab a coffee and explore Lawrenceburg’s history
War Memorial to the Common Man
Stop in Funny Farm Coffee Co. for premium small-batch coffee roasted with extra care from its dedicated owners. Then, head over to the riverfront to view the War Memorial to the Common Man. This impressive monument is the largest of its kind in the U.S. and honors the "everyday man" with two seven-foot bronze statues on a rotating platform. Framed by smokestack columns, it features a clock that chimes hourly, celebrating Lawrenceburg's river heritage. See if you can also spot a marker where Abraham Lincoln gave a pre-inaugural speech.
Back toward town, across the way is The Jesse Hunt House, believed to be the first three-story brick building built in 1818, where Andrew Jackson frequented to meet other political dignitaries.
Then, explore the grounds of two historic homes preserved by the Dearborn Historical Society: The Vance-Tousey House—an ornate federal-style mansion and the Angevine Cabin historic site, a pioneer home built in 1830.
Angevine Cabin Historic Site
1:00 p.m. Bike on a scenic path to Aurora
River Cities Bike Share Station
Located in front of the War Memorial (right next to the DoubleTree Hotel) is a River Cities Bike Share station where you can rent a bike and pedal to nearby Aurora, Indiana.
First, download the MOVATIC app, then use it to pay and unlock a bike ($3 for the first hour, then $2 for each additional hour). Ride your bike up the ramp onto the riverwalk path and head right. The paved bike path will end, and you’ll ride down a small hill onto the Lawrenceburg-Aurora Dearborn Trail. The versatile 6-mile path takes you along stretches of the River, over wooded trestles, and through shaded canopies enveloped in the sweet scent of honeysuckle during the spring and summer months.
Pick-up/Drop-Off Stations: Drop off your bike on the Dearborn Trail at the Dog Park located at the end of Sunnyside Ave off of US 50 before the railroad crossing, or ride it 0.7 miles roadside into Auroa and drop it off at the station across from the City Building (near Spire Book & Coffee Co.) where you can begin touring downtown Aurora.
Lawrenceburg-Aurora Dearborn Trail
3:00 p.m. Experience Aurora’s small-town charm
Aurora, Indiana
Hillforest Mansion in Aurora, Indiana
Whether arriving by bike or car, take some time to explore Aurora, a quaint town teeming with history, well-preserved 19th-century architecture, distinct murals, and welcoming locals. With six churches located only within a few blocks of each other, Aurora has even been called the "City of Spires.”
Don't miss the Hillforest Mansion, a National Historic Landmark and stunning example of Italianate-style architecture that is open for tours on weekends. (Saturday and Sunday from 1-5 p.m.)
Other points of interest include Lesko Park along the Ohio River Scenic Byway, which is linked to bike and pedestrian trails, a charming gazebo, a playground, and shelters with picnic tables if you’d like to pack a lunch and enjoy it by the river.
7:00 p.m. Try in-house dried steak at Third & Main
Third & Main Steakhouse
Third & Main In-House Dried Steak
Third & Main is a premium steakhouse and historic tavern renowned for its locally sourced ingredients, craft beer, and inviting family-friendly atmosphere. Unique in the Tri-State area, it meticulously dry ages its steaks in-house for top-tier quality and flavor. The bi-level patio features an ornate fountain and a cozy fireplace. You can even bring your favorite bottle of wine to uncork and pair it with your dish. (Make a reservation here.)
Sunday
9:00 a.m. Go for a morning kayak
Green Acres Kayak Rental
If you’ve traveled with your own kayak, there are several canoe/kayak entry points in Lawrenceburg and Aurora, which you can find here. Or, if you’re looking to rent a kayak with easy pick-up/drop-off shuttle transportation, drive 12 minutes to Green Acres Kayak Rental. You can do a 3-mile or 7-mile trip in a single-person kayak (life jackets are also provided). Note: it does get crowded during the weekends, so the earlier you get there, the less traffic. You can also check their website ahead of time to see river conditions.
7:00 p.m. Unwind at Dearborn County’s wineries
At The Barn Winery in Dearborn County, Indiana
While Lawrenceburg's whiskey heritage has long been celebrated, the county's burgeoning wine tourism scene is capturing the hearts of visitors. At The Barn Winery is a small farm winery where guests can enjoy award-winning wines made from 14 varieties of locally grown grapes. True to its name, the winery is located inside a refurbished barn built by the owner’s great-grandfather in 1870.
Just a short drive away in Sunman, Holtkamp Winery & Vineyards invites visitors to its picturesque family-friendly winery, located in a relaxing country setting with lake and vineyard views from its covered patio and picnic areas. Experience its awarded wines made from locally grown grapes, with tours, tastings, and specialty wood-fired pizzas made exclusively on the weekends.
For those who prefer hops over grapes, Great Crescent Brewery offers a perfect alternative to wine tasting. Located in the center of Aurora, this family-owned craft brewery is operated within a 19-century warehouse and is known for its local beers, from refreshing ales to robust lagers.
Holtkamp Winery & Vineyards