Devou Park
A sprawling urban oasis offering breathtaking Cincinnati skyline views, extensive trails, and family fun.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, better photos
Devou Park
Best Time
Fewer crowds, better photos
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A sprawling urban oasis offering breathtaking Cincinnati skyline views, extensive trails, and family fun.
"Killer views of the river and cities. Nicely maintained paths and nature spaces."
🎯 Best Viewpoint Access
Head to the Drees Pavilion overlook for the most iconic Cincinnati skyline views.
👟 Conquer the Hills
The park is hilly! Wear comfortable shoes, especially if exploring trails or playing disc golf.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Cincinnati Skyline Overlook
Drees Pavilion
Panoramic views of downtown Cincinnati and the Ohio River. A must-see for photographers and sightseers.
Devou Park Disc Golf Course
A challenging and scenic course with hilly terrain, offering a fun outdoor activity for enthusiasts.
Behringer-Crawford Museum's Nature Play
1201 Park Drive, Covington, KY
An engaging, free outdoor space for children's imaginative play amidst nature.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Beat the Crowds for the Best Views
Embrace the Outdoors: Trails & Activities
Wear comfortable shoes and pack essentials for a day of exploration. Check the Behringer-Crawford Museum's Nature Play area for family fun. Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Best Viewpoint Access
Head to the Drees Pavilion overlook for the most iconic Cincinnati skyline views.
👟 Conquer the Hills
The park is hilly! Wear comfortable shoes, especially if exploring trails or playing disc golf.
🚗 Parking Availability
Generous parking lots are available, but can fill up during events or peak times.
📸 Perfect Photo Spot
The overlook is ideal for engagement and couple photos with the city as a backdrop.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Best Viewpoint Access
Head to the Drees Pavilion overlook for the most iconic Cincinnati skyline views.
👟 Conquer the Hills
The park is hilly! Wear comfortable shoes, especially if exploring trails or playing disc golf.
🚗 Parking Availability
Generous parking lots are available, but can fill up during events or peak times.
📸 Perfect Photo Spot
The overlook is ideal for engagement and couple photos with the city as a backdrop.
🌳 Explore the Trails
Don't miss the extensive hiking and mountain bike trails for a nature escape.
👨👩👧👦 Kid-Friendly Fun
The Behringer-Crawford Museum's Nature Play area is a free, engaging spot for kids.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Devou Park is widely praised for its spectacular Cincinnati skyline views and extensive outdoor amenities, including well-maintained trails and a challenging disc golf course. Visitors appreciate the free access and family-friendly nature play area. However, some reviews mention cleanliness issues in restrooms and the potential for large crowds during peak times.
"Nice little park to get an awesome view of downtown. There was a firework planned that evening, so cars were not allowed . So we had to park the car a little far on the streetand walk back to see the view."
Ram
"PROS
➕ Great overlook area
➕ Extensive trail systems
➕ Large parking lots
➕ Amenities
CONS
➖ None
Date visited: 05/27/2025
I thought Memorial Day was perfect for seeing the park, so I went to Devou Park. I had heard about its epic overlook of downtown Cincinnati. The crowd ruined it for me.
I went again the next day. It was rainy and chilly, uncommon for late spring, but it chased away the crowd. I saw only two people.
The road looped around the park, stretched forever, but eventually led me to a vantage point. The city lay before me. A light shower cast a thin veil over the scene. I could not see far, so I let my imagination fill in the gaps. Most landmarks were still visible: the bridges, the ballparks, the skyscrapers. The once-vibrant green trees had turned a strange shade of gray or blended into the mist. The rain grew heavier.
Fortunately, parking was generous even on busy days. I found a spot just steps away from the overlook. A platform had been built for the crowd. Picnic chairs and tables sat sparsely but strategically. On rainy days, I would sit in one of the two small pavilions with solid roofs nearby. I tried one of the park restrooms. It was usable, but the smell was horrendous.
Beside the famous overlook, the park also offered shelters and hiking trails—an extensive system, really. I will definitely come back for them.
Tears on city line,
soft mist hangs on thin smoke walls,
divides earth and sky."
Thang
"Loved the golf course. It's not very long but is very hilly and narrow making it a challenge. The folks there were very friendly. The view of Cincinnati from the 5th green is stunning. Would definitely recommend this course."
Jeff Bricken
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Devou Park is located in Covington, Kentucky, just across the Ohio River from Cincinnati. You can drive across one of the bridges (like the Roebling Suspension Bridge or the Brent Spence Bridge) and follow signs for the park. Public transportation options are limited, so driving is generally recommended. +1
Yes, the main overlook area at Drees Pavilion is very wheelchair accessible with paved paths and accessible picnic tables, making it enjoyable for everyone.
Devou Park offers extensive parking lots, particularly near the overlook and the Behringer-Crawford Museum. However, these can fill up quickly during popular events or on busy weekends.
Yes, ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft can drop you off at Devou Park. It's a convenient option if you prefer not to drive or worry about parking.
The park is quite large. While the main attractions are accessible by car, exploring the trails or disc golf course will require walking. Consider using a park map or GPS for navigation.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Devou Park is a public park and generally free to enter. There are no admission fees for accessing the park, trails, or the main overlook.
Some events held at Devou Park, such as concerts at the amphitheater or special festivals, may require tickets. Check the park's official schedule or event organizer for details.
Devou Park is typically open from dawn until dusk. Specific facilities like the museum or amphitheater may have their own operating hours.
Playing disc golf at Devou Park is very affordable. It's often described as 'cheap for the view,' making it a great value.
Yes, the Nature Play area at the Behringer-Crawford Museum within Devou Park is free to access.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
Devou Park offers a wide range of activities including extensive hiking and biking trails, a challenging disc golf course, sports fields, and the Behringer-Crawford Museum with its Nature Play area.
Absolutely! Devou Park features an extensive system of hiking trails, including well-maintained paths and more rugged mountain bike trails, offering diverse options for all skill levels.
The park provides breathtaking panoramic views of the Cincinnati skyline, the Ohio River, and surrounding neighborhoods. The overlook at Drees Pavilion is particularly famous for this.
Yes, Devou Park has picnic tables strategically placed throughout the park, including near the overlook and pavilions, making it a great spot for a family outing.
Amenities include restrooms (though some reviews mention cleanliness issues), picnic areas, shelters, playgrounds, and sports fields.
📸 📸 Photography
Golden hour, just after sunrise or before sunset, offers the most dramatic lighting for capturing the Cincinnati skyline. Weekday mornings also provide fewer crowds for unobstructed shots.
Devou Park is excellent for landscape photography, cityscapes, engagement photos, and nature shots, especially during fall foliage.
Generally, personal photography is allowed. However, commercial photography or large-scale photo shoots may require permits. It's always best to check with park management if you have specific needs.
A wide-angle lens is ideal for capturing the expansive city skyline. A tripod can be beneficial for low-light conditions or long exposures.
Drone usage is often restricted in public parks due to safety and privacy concerns. It's advisable to check local regulations and park rules before flying a drone.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
The park also has playgrounds and plenty of open space for kids to run around. Consider packing a picnic to enjoy at one of the many picnic tables scattered throughout the park. While the main overlook offers stunning views, keep an eye on younger children as it can be a popular spot. The extensive trails can also be explored with kids, though some may be more challenging due to the hilly terrain.
💰 Budget Travelers
Even the disc golf course is noted for its affordability. Pack your own snacks and drinks to save money, as dining options within the park are limited. The park provides ample picnic areas, making it easy to enjoy a meal with a view without spending extra.
📸 Photographers & Content Creators
+1 The park's natural beauty also makes it a popular spot for engagement and couple photoshoots. Content creators will find plenty of visually appealing spots, from the scenic overlooks to the disc golf course and nature trails.
Remember to check park regulations regarding commercial photography or drone usage. Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Iconic Overlook Experience
This vantage point is a popular spot for both locals and tourists, making it ideal for capturing memorable photos, especially during sunrise and sunset when the light paints the city in warm hues. Visitors often describe the view as breathtaking and a must-see when in the area.
While the overlook itself is easily accessible, it can get crowded, especially on weekends and during special events. For those seeking a more tranquil experience, visiting on a weekday morning is highly recommended.
Outdoor Adventures: Trails and Disc Golf
For those looking for a more structured outdoor sport, the Devou Park Disc Golf Course is a popular attraction. Described as challenging due to its hilly terrain, it provides a fun and engaging experience for players.
In addition to trails and disc golf, the park also features sports fields and is known for its well-maintained grounds, making it a versatile destination for recreation and active pursuits.
Family Fun at Behringer-Crawford Museum
This outdoor space is designed to spark children's imagination and encourage active play amidst natural elements. It provides ample room for kids to run, jump, and explore. This free, nature-focused play area is a significant draw for families visiting the park. It offers a safe and engaging environment where children can connect with the outdoors.
Beyond the Nature Play, the museum itself often hosts exhibits and activities that can be of interest to families, making BCM a valuable addition to a day spent at Devou Park.
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