Alms Park – 2710 Tusculum Avenue, Cincinnati, OH 45226
Located atop Mt. Tusculum on the east side of Cincinnati in the Columbia-Tusculum neighborhood, Alms Park is most known for its scenic overlooks that offer incredible views of Lunken Airport, the gigantic bend of the Ohio River, the Little Miami River juncture, and the rolling hills of Kentucky.
The Frederick H. Alms Memorial Park offers a magnificent view of the Ohio River at a point originally called “Bald Hill”. Local Native Americans cleared the trees to have an unobstructed view of early settlers of “Columbia,” the site of the first Cincinnati-area settlement in 1788.
This hilltop 94-acre park was given to the Park Board in 1916 as a memorial to Frederick H. Alms by his wife. The land was once owned by Nicholas Longworth, who produced his Catawba wine here prior to the Civil War. One of the entrances to the vineyard tunnels can still be seen today.
Pergola and Comisar Overlook – Street parking available along the park drive near the historic pavilion.
This scenic overlook has a paved path that leads to an intricately wood-framed pergola – a popular spot for ceremonies and taking in a summer sunset. A compass rose, donated by the Comisar family, is surrounded by park benches and offers park users a gentle place of respite overlooking the Ohio River.
Overlook of Lunken Airport – Street parking available along the overlook drive.
From the Comisar Overlook, continue along the park’s drive or paved, accessible sidewalk, past the pavilion and playground, to this incredible overlook - the best place in the city to watch planes and helicopters come and go at Lunken Airport. A long, stone bench awaits visitors to take in the sights, fly a kite, or read a book.
EXTEND YOUR VISIT:
You could check several items off your summer bucket list and spend an entire day at Alms Park, exploring the trails, taking pictures, playing on the playground, watching the planes take off and land at Lunken, and enjoying a picnic lunch at one of the many shaded picnic tables.
The Pavilion -
Designed in the Italian Renaissance style by Stanley Matthews and Charles Wilkins Short, Jr., the distinguished Alms Park Pavilion is located in the center of the park and is a popular place to rent for private events or take cover during a summer rain shower. The second story offers gorgeous 360-degree views of the park and overlook.
Stephen Foster Statue -
Located near the pavilion, facing south towards the hills of Kentucky, don’t miss the seated statue of Stephen Foster, author of “My Old Kentucky Home”.
Playground Areas –
Alms has several playground areas with slides (including a must-try cement slide), swings, and other activities that are perfect for keeping kids entertained for hours.
Hiking Trails -
Although the park is known mostly for its scenic overlooks, Alms has several trails that loop throughout the forested areas of the park. These trails are excellent for hiking and birding and lead to the scenic overlooks, offering an amazing reward at the end of your hike.
