Ohio's Enchanting 'City Of Sculpture' Is A Public Art Lover's Paradise Less Than An Hour From Cincinnati

Cincinnati is no stranger to some spectacular street art, but the incredible art scene extends beyond the big city and into Ohio's "City of Sculpture," Hamilton. Only about 40 minutes from Cincinnati, Hamilton is situated along the Great Miami River and forms part of the Cincinnati-Dayton metroplex. If you're coming from Dayton, it's also just a 50-minute drive on I-75, depending on the traffic.

Named after one of America's Founding Fathers, Alexander Hamilton, the municipality started as Fort Hamilton but is now a go-to place for lovers of creative works. It received its "City of Sculpture" designation in 2000 and has since fostered various art programs. Hamilton definitely lives up to its title with more than 50 sculptures dotted all throughout the city. Additionally, there are murals and galleries that add to the artsy vibes. While exploring all the city has to offer, look out for other, more subtle gems like the colorful fire hydrant paintings or the sculptural bike racks.

If you'd prefer a spot indoors, several galleries and art studios call Hamilton its home. Strauss Gallery at ArtSpace is a small venue that features resident artists from all over the region. Grab a wine for after at their next-door neighbor, Ciao Vino Wine Bar. For a little bit of everything, Pyramid Hill Sculpture Park and Museum is an outdoor locale that also houses a gallery museum.

Explore Hamilton to its fullest by going on a walking tour of the city's 55 sculptures and other public art. The sculpture-oriented tours can focus on either the downtown area or the Main Street and bridge. These span about 2 miles and typically finish in an hour. If you'd like to do it on your own, there's a map available online for download. Additionally, you can take a tour of art and murals around the city via the StreetSpark program. You'll also find an online map, with most of the works primarily located on Main Street and High Street.

You can view even more artwork at Pyramid Hill Sculpture Park and Museum, which has over 70 pieces in its 470-acre grounds. Entry costs $10 for adults, at the time of writing. This location boasts a huge area with rolling hills, meadows, lakes, and hiking trails. For convenience, you can rent an Art Cart for $25 for the first hour and $20 for each hour after. Fully immerse yourself in the surroundings with an audio experience called Soundscapes. In Pyramid Hill's gallery museum, you'll find contemporary works, exhibits, and antiques. Don't miss The Fitton Center for Creative Arts, which celebrates both the visual and performing arts. It offers art classes and workshops, rotating exhibitions, a cinema, and live performances all year round.

Beyond the art and many galleries, there are also so many things to explore in the community. Hamilton has an array of local boutiques where you can grab your next souvenir or home decor. Sara's House is run by a mother-daughter duo that has a bit of everything—vintage clothing, handmade furniture, and possible souvenirs. For a taste of the local fare, try Fretboard Brewing and Public House. The downtown spot has a great rooftop patio with views of the Great Miami River, and its menu features an array of foods (including burgers, pizzas, and fish tacos, and pretzels with beer cheese) made with fresh ingredients. Pair one of those items with a beer, and it's a complete meal. Extend the adventure after hours and explore the designated district for the Downtown Outdoor Refreshment Area (DORA), where you can walk around with a drink in hand.

If you're visiting in the fall, try to catch the annual Operation Pumpkin and Art Festival. It's all about food, live entertainment, and community fun. The festival is often held during October, with over 100 artisan and food vendors. Creativity can also be seen there in the form of over 100 pumpkins that are artistically altered by regional carvers. If you want to explore more of Ohio, you can head on over to Dayton, a Midwest mecca of art, shopping, and dining. For those looking for a similar experience outside of the Buckeye State, Waupun, Wisconsin, is another charming Midwestern escape filled with outdoor sculptures worth exploring.