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

Friday

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.

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.

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.

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.)

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. 

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

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. 

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.

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.

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

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. 

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.