Higginsport, Ohio area
Places to Visit &
Interesting Stops Along the Way
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The Meldahl Locks and Dam are located at mile marker 436 (distance from Pittsburgh), and 11 road-miles west of Higginsport. Construction on the massive complex began in 1958, and was completed in 1965. The Meldahl Locks & Dam creates a 95 mile navigation pool downriver of the Greenup, KY Locks & Dam. Located at the Meldahl site are fishing, picnic and restroom facilities (Open from April through October), an observation tower and wildlife viewing. To get a 3-day forecast of water levels, follow this link. The area upriver of Meldahl is identified as Maysville (or Maysville Pool).

Ripley, Ohio 8 miles east of Higginsport on Hwy 52   With its tree-lined streets, expansive river frontage, quaint shops, several restaurants, and rich history, Ripley is an interesting place to visit. Ripley, located on the Ohio River, was a early port for river steamboat building (1827-1928) and shipping barrels of pork (1840's). The pork was mainly shipped south on flat-boats known as "broad horns," each of which carried from 1,000 to 1,200 barrels. Second only to Cincinnati in pork shipment, as many as 10 to 15 boats left Ripley in a season for the southern cotton and sugar plantations. Rev. John Rankin's house, Liberty Hill, which figured so prominently in Eliza Harris' flight from slavery to the southern terminus of the Underground Railroad, as depicted in Harriet Beecher Stowe's book, Uncle Tom's Cabin, is also located in Ripley. Annually, Ohio's tobacco production (4,000,000 kg from Brown, Adams, and Clermont Counties) is auctioned in Ripley's four commercial warehouses  Ripley Ohio Website	Old Washington, Kentucky From Maysville, 1 mile South of the AA Hwy. (Hwy 9) on US 68 A historic 1700's village, with historical sites, antique shops, and the charming Marshall Keys Tavern, which makes a great place for lunch while touring. Both Maysville and Old Washington, Kentucky were founded by Simon Kenton, and played a major role in early Kentucky history. While Old Washington remains firmly entrenched in its historic past, Maysville, while preserving its historic roots, is now a growing and progressive small city. For "urbanites" seeking some "citified" entertainment, Maysville also has a movie theater as well as shopping for those in need of a "Wal-Mart fix". Old Washington, KY Website	Maysville, Kentucky 15 miles east of Higginsport via Hwy 52 to the Simon Kenton Bridge Built on a natural limestone landing, Maysville, originally named Limestone, is one of the oldest river towns in Kentucky. Visitors will enjoy a walking tour of downtown which features 48 buildings on the National Historic Register. Maysville's historic downtown and its many old homes offers visitors a chance to hearken back to the early 19th century heyday of this once vibrant harbor town. Stop at the Maysville Visitor's center just off the Simon Kenton Bridge and pick up local information. A self-guided tour includes the Bank of Maysville, established in 1853, the oldest Bank in Kentucky. The area surrounding Maysville boasts 8 of the 13 remaining covered bridges in the entire state of Kentucky. Floodwall Murals downtown on the riverfront provide beautiful historical portrayals of the Ohio River by artist Robert Dafford. Check this link to find the Maysville calendar of events  City of Maysville Web Site
Chilo Park & Nature Preserve 11 miles W of Higginsport via Hwy 52 This pretty 14 acre park, and the 77 acre Crooked Run Nature Preserve overlooks the Ohio River at the site of an old Corps of Engineers wicket dam location. Meldahl Locks & Dam, 2 miles downriver subsequently replaced the wicket dam built in 1920. Facilities include picnicking, a boat dock, and recreation. There is a 1.5 mile nature trail, and a recreation & picnic area. A Visitor Center was added in summer 2005. For more information on the Chilo facilities click on this link	View from top of Rankin Hill Ripley The startling panorama of the Ohio River, the rural countryside, and the Kentucky hills makes Rankin Hill a "don't miss" stop, even when the Rankin House is not open for tours. Also a great place for a picnic or to watch 4th of July fireworks! The 100 step Stairway to Freedom seen in the above photo follows path of slaves seeking shelter and protection. Link to Underground RR information Link to Ripley Ohio website	Ferry to Augusta, KY just 2 miles west of Higginsport The Augusta Ferry is one of only 2 Ohio River ferries still in operation, crossing to US 52 just 2 miles W of Higginsport.. A ferry has operated at this site since 1798, Weather permitting, the Ferry operates daily daily 8-8. There is no set schedule, so to take the ferry, park where you can be seen, and await your trip! Link to: Augusta, KY website

Historic Augusta KY - our neighbor across the River  Augusta from the Ferry - spring, 2001 Augusta, Kentucky, is of the earliest settlements on the Ohio River, and one of the first locations at which one could safely cross the River into Ohio. Ferry operations to & from Augusta began in 1798. Since that time Augusta has continued to be one of the few places where one can still take a ferry across the Ohio River.  Augusta's beautiful riverfront lined with historic homes , garden and park areas, and its backdrop of the lush Kentucky hills is more than worth the brief trip across the Ohio via the Ferry. Awaiting you in this small town are a number of antique, craft, and specialty shops, restaurants and art galleries, providing an opportunity to spend a delightful afternoon. A trip to the historic town will reveal to visitors that even the floods of the mighty Ohio River cannot destroy the breath-taking beauty of this historic small town. From Augusta, its a scenic trip via Hwy. 8 to Maysville and Old Washington, KY, with a stop along the way to view the Dover covered bridge. To visit the Augusta, KY website click here

Carolyn's House of Mini Rooms 410 Main Street in Ripley  Carolyn Arp's extensive display of her personal creation of miniature rooms runs the gamut from a blacksmith shop to Marilyn Monroe's dressing room. Open Sat. 11-5 or by appointment Phone: 937-392-9231 or 1666

Rockin' Robin's Soda Shop Front Street in Ripley This old-fashioned soda shop, complete with '50's decor and ambiance will surely satisfy your cravings for that Banana Split or a quick lunch. Rockin' Robin's is open year round. Hours are Monday-Saturday 6AM-8PM, and Sunday 6AM - 6PM Link to Ripley Ohio Website

Brown County Speedway 4 miles SE of Russellville on Hwy 125 Thrill seekers can take in a weekend stock car event during the summer months at this 1/4 mile High-Banked Dirt Oval raceway . The speedway opens the first week in April with the last race of the year the 2nd weekend in September. Races are Saturday night at 6PM. Admission is $10.00 per person. Link to Brown County Speedway

Antique & Specialty Shops in nearby towns  (click here for details shopping in the area) A number of antique and specialty shops provide a pleasant outing for the treasure seeker. Ripley's downtown area has several antique and specialty shops for your prowling pleasure. The Olde Piano Factory Antique Mall in Ripley, and the Grant Avenue School Antiques in Georgetown, and the Rosehill Market in Augusta, KY are the largest antique shops in the area. Eagle Creek Antiques on Scoffield Road in Ripley and the several shops of Old Washington, KY and Augusta, KY provide additional opportunities for finding that special item. An area map showing the location of these shops as well the restaurants and other attractions in the area is available at the Visitor's Information Center in Higginsport.

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