Revolutionary War Captain William Arnold who donated the land to establish the city in 1820. Although it was first named Philadelphia, the name was changed to Williamstown, honoring Captain Arnold, after discovering another city in Kentucky had already claimed that name. Arnold’s original log cabin is part of the historic downtown.
Williamstown is the star attraction as the county seat for Grant County located about 35 miles from downtown Cincinnati. The city is continuing to attract new residents annually at a growth rate of about 6%. The town itself is less than a mile wide, but it’s packed full of everything county residents need from banks to hardware and insurance companies. Just over 3,900 residents call Williamstown home, ensuring that there’s plenty of room to call your own. Grant County is primarily a farming community, and Williamstown is where social, political and entertainment needs are met. The historic downtown houses the shopping, restaurants and activities that are the destination for residents. Housing ranges from farmhouses to turn of the century construction to newer brick residences. (Williamstown is also located in Pendleton County.)
Revolutionary War Captain William Arnold who donated the land to establish the city in 1820. Although it was first named Philadelphia, the name was changed to Williamstown, honoring Captain Arnold, after discovering another city in Kentucky had already claimed that name. Arnold’s original log cabin is part of the historic downtown.
Transportation
I-75 is the major artery through Grant County; State Routes 25 (Dixie Highway), and Highway 36 provide access through the city. The Greater Cincinnati Northern Kentucky International Airport provides air transport.
Hospitals
Northern Kentucky’s sprawling St. Elizabeth operates a satellite hospital here – St. Elizabeth Grant County – long with 24-hour medical transport from the area. Williamstown Paid and Volunteer Fire Department provides EMS service to the village residents.
Shopping
There are many local stores and restaurants to explore: Try El Jalisco for Mexican cuisine. Edwardo’s Pizza and Opa’s Pizza. Williamstown Marina has food during the summer months. Kitchen on Main (owned by a high school student who also makes his own jams and jellies); Hansie Flip Burgers (with locally sourced meat); and Kentucky Y'all Icebox, which benefits DREAM Grant County, promoting employment for those with disabilities. Edmondson’s Grocery has been serving the community for over 90 years. Ozzy Osbourne visited this grocery several years ago! BathBar Soap, a nostalgic-styled shop for natural soaps and fragrance is located on Main Street.
Daily needs are easily met in this growing community, from groceries to clothes to appliances, with major shopping centers in Florence 30 minutes away, or in nearby Georgetown or Lexington.
Patriots Landing is a veteran’s woodshop and showroom located by the Veteran’s Cemetery. Downtown Williamstown has vintage charm with its old buildings.
Recreation
Williamstown is the center for activities in Grant County from performing arts, and live performances. The Ark Encounter (a life-sized Noah’s ark that has made world-wide news) is located nearby. This massive boat is the largest timber-framed structure in the US. It offers education, a zoo, ziplines, a concert series, and much more. Several outdoor festivals enliven the spring and summer months.
Wide-open spaces allow residents the space to tackle any outdoor pursuits with boating at the top of the list. Just minutes away is 305-acre Williamstown Lake – the center of recreational life for residents and popular with boaters and fishermen. Williamstown Marina is open to the public from April through September. The Williamstown Splash Park is open Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day, featuring a splash pad and picnic areas.
Nearby Kincaid Lake State Park is also popular with those who enjoy the outdoors. Kentucky Cowtown Arena offers two outdoor tracks, trails and has camping hook-ups. Horsemanship lessons are available.
Nearby vineyards and a winery invite oenophiles to visit.
Williamstown has several city parks. Webb Park offers picnic shelters, tennis and basketball courts as well as a playground. J.B. Miller Park has 35 acres of natural space and a 10-acre lake. Williamstown Lake and Marina offer fishing and boating. City Center Park is in the city’s central business district and offers green space for relaxing. Helton Heights is a smaller green-space park. Within a 20 to 40-minute drive is Big Bone Lick State Park, Kincaid Lake State Park, and General Butler State Park.
Within a 20-minute drive is Bullock Pen Lake in Crittenden with a 134-acre reservoir and boat ramp. Leary Lake & Archery Range offers a 4.6-acre lake for fishing in Crittenden. Boltz Lake, and Corinth Lake are also nearby.
The city hosts various yearly events for the community including an annual Ice Cream Social, Derby Day, US 25 Yard Sale, Party in the Park and Paddle Williamstown.
The Stage Right Musical Theater Company features live performances throughout the year.
If you enjoy skating, head to the Starlight Roller Skate Rink!
The annual Grant County Fair is in Williamstown.
Lifestyle
Check out these local highlights by area experts!
Explore Nearby Communities
Northern Kentucky
Arts & Entertainment
The Carnegie - Constructed in 1904 and on the National Register of Historic Places the Carnegie inspires creativity for all. See professional theatre presentations, concerts and art exhibits at the largest and only multidisciplinary arts venue in Northern Kentucky, with The Carnegie Galleries, the Eva G. Farris Education Center and the Otto M. Budig Theatre housed together under its landmark dome.
Cincinnati Ballet - For more than 40 years the Cincinnati Ballet has entertained and enriched the culture of our community.
Cincinnati Arts Association - The CAA is a non-profit organization founded in 1992 which oversees programming and management of the Aronoff Center for the Arts and Music Hall.
Cincinnati Black Theatre Company - A not-for-profit organization that includes: professional leaders, educators, and visual artists from various racial and cultural backgrounds. They are committed to providing positive cultural interaction within our city.
Cincinnati Music Theatre - Over the last 45 years and counting the Cincinnati Music Theatre has strived to produce and encourage outstanding non-professional musical theater in and with our community.
Cincinnati Opera - On June 27, 1920 Cincinnati’s Opera began its reign as the second oldest opera company in the U.S. with a sold out performance.
Cincinnati Playhouse in the Park - The Playhouse is a non-profit theatre that is dedicated to presenting great theatre as well as making theatre affordable and accessible to everyone in our community.
The Children's Theatre - Sponsored by Sibcy Cline, Inc., The Cincinnati Children’s Theatre has been introducing children to the magic of theatre for over 80 years.
Cincinnati Pops Orchestra - Since its founding in 1977 the world-renowned Cincinnati Pops Orchestra performs in Cincinnati’s Music Hall.
Cincinnati Shakespeare Festival - The Cincinnati Shakespeare Company is a resident ensemble theatre that brings Shakespeare and the Classics to life for audiences of all ages.
Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra - The Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra was founded in 1895. It is the fifth oldest orchestra in the United States representing the evolution of 200 years of musical tradition in the Queen City.
Contemporary Dance Theater - Since the theater’s creation in 1972 it has been connecting the community by moving bodies and souls with diverse and socially relevant contemporary dance.
Ensemble Theatre of Cincinnati - The Ensemble Theatre of Cincinnati is home to Regional, World and Off-Broadway premiere productions. They are the first theater to present plays as they were still running on Broadway.
Fifth Third Bank Broadway in Cincinnati - As a division of Broadway Across America they are committed to educating audiences of all ages with the magic of live theatre.
University of Cincinnati College - Conservatory of Music - As the largest source of performing arts events in the state the conservatory is an educational institution for the performing arts within a comprehensive public university.
Riverbend Music Center - Visit the premier concert venue of Greater Cincinnati. Nestled on prime real estate on the city’s eastern outskirts along the Ohio River you will enjoy listening to a variety of musical talents while taking in the scenic views.
Ohio Renaissance Festival - Experience life during the Renaissance period by enjoying games, shows and shopping in a re-created 16th Century English village.
Performance Gallery - Specializing in theater that “appeals to unconventional or nontraditional interests” the Performance Gallery produces challenging works of theatre that seldom find a home on mainstream stages.
Warsaw Incline Theater - The 229-seat live-performance theater is located in East Price Hills Incline District. Year-round performances are offered with many shows enjoyed by sell-out crowds.
Museums & Attractions
Greater Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky/Southeast Indiana region is filled with boundless choices for museums and attractions for endless enjoyment and excitement! A museum-lover has the new Contemporary Art Museum, the spectacularly renovated art museum, and Museum Center to explore. Other attractions include the world-renowned Cincinnati Zoo and Botanical Gardens and Newport Aquarium. For summer thrill-seekers, the region has Kings Island and the Beach.
Cincinnati Art Museum - Visits to scenic Eden Park are not complete unless you take time to enjoy exhibitions, programs and activities at the Art Museum. There’s no excuse not to visit since admission is always FREE.
Contemporary Art Museum - As one of the oldest museums of contemporary art in the United States the Contemporary Arts Center has served the city by providing a forum for progressive art and ideas.
Taft Museum of Art - Built in 1820, the Taft Museum is a National Historic Landmark and is known as one of the finest small art museums in America.
Cincinnati Museum Center - One gorgeous, historically important building. Inside, four amazing places to enjoy and explore. Cincinnati Museum Center at Union Terminal offers endless fun and learning.
National Underground Railroad Freedom Center - Learn the stories of freedom’s past and present heroes while visiting the museum’s three buildings that represent the cornerstones of freedom- courage, cooperation and perseverance.
Heritage Village Museum - Located in Sharon Woods Park, the Heritage Village is a recreated 1800’s community featuring a dozen historic buildings that were saved from destruction and moved to their present location. You will experience the rural simplicity of a small town life as it was during Ohio in the 1800’s.
Cincinnati Zoo and Botanical Gardens - Come and see the world famous and #1 rated family attraction in Cincinnati. Opened in 1875, it is the nation’s second oldest zoo and a national historic landmark.
Newport Aquarium - Open 365 days a year, the Newport Aquarium was ranked the #1 aquarium in the Midwest by the Zagat’s U.S. Family Travel Guide in 2004.
Krohn Conservatory - Visit a nationally recognized showcase of over 3,500 plant species from across the world. The conservatory is open year round with free admission.
Newport on the Levee - Enjoy open spaces, unique shopping, international dining, catch a movie or comedy show and much more at this leading local tourist attraction.
Perfect North Slopes - Skiing in Cincinnati? That’s right, but Perfect North Slopes is actually located about 30 minutes away in Lawrenceburg Indiana, where you can hit the slopes skiing, snowboarding or snow tubing.
Kings Island - From Soak City to Planet Snoopy, there is something for everyone to enjoy. Kings Island has 14 roller coasters and numerous rides and attractions that will entertain the entire family.
Sunlite Pool at Coney Island - Swim and sunbathe at the world’s largest re-circulating swimming pool.
Sports & Recreation
Sports
Cincinnati is home to the excitement of the oldest professional baseball team (Cincinnati Reds), an NFL football team (Cincinnati Bengals), a professional hockey team (Cyclones), a Major League Soccer team (FC Cincinnati), the Kentucky Speedway, horseracing, the Tennis Masters Series Cincinnati, golf (LPGA and Senior PGA) and Division I athletics from area colleges. Sports teams enjoy the support of loyal Cincinnatians, evident in the building of two professional stadiums, Paul Brown Stadium and the Great American Ballpark.
Cincinnati Bengals - Visit Paul Brown Stadium to catch some NFL excitement with the Cincinnati Bengals.
Cincinnati Reds - Enjoy the great American pastime with the first professional baseball team.
Turfway Race Track - Whether you’re a veteran racing fan, casual fan or new to horseracing, Turfway Park puts you up close for all the action.
Belterra Park - Stop by and enjoy live thoroughbred racing from April through September and simulcast racing year round.
Kentucky Speedway - Located approximately halfway between Cincinnati and Louisville in Sparta KY. The Kentucky Speedway delivers a dose of NASCAR speed and adrenaline while hosting Busch series races in addition to their diverse racing schedule.
Flying Pig Marathon - Come and participate in the country’s third largest first-time marathon. Join athletes of all running abilities as they find their personal reward.
US Open Tennis Masters Series Cincinnati - Professional tennis visits Cincinnati every summer during the Western & Southern Financial Group Masters and Women’s Open tournaments.
Florence Y'alls - Come out, join in the fun and root for Greater Cincinnati's Minor League Professional Baseball Team, the Florence Y'alls, as they play against teams from Kentucky, Ohio, Indiana, Illinois, Michigan, Missouri and Pennsylvania. They are a member of the Independent Frontier League.
FC Cincinnati - Cincinnati is very proud to host a Major League Soccer (MLS) team, FC Cincinnati. Games are well attended by passionate fans wearing their blue and orange. The club plays at a world-class soccer stadium called TQL Stadium.
Parks and Recreation
Cincinnati Parks - Over 5,000 acres have been designated to the city’s 100 parks and green spaces making our parks some of the best in the nation.
Hamilton County Park District - Our Hamilton County parks are dedicated to the preservation and protection of all natural resources by providing outdoor recreation and education to create a better quality of life for present and future generations.
Ohio State Parks - Visit any of Ohio’s 74 state parks for an outdoor recreational experience that will exceed all expectations.
For More Information about Life in the Greater Cincinnati Region
www.redicincinnati.com - Cincinnati is home to 9 Fortune 500 firms, and more than 300 foreign-owned firms which provides our community with a strong foundation for thriving careers and an outstanding quality of life.
www.cincinnatiusa.com - Things to do and places to go in Cincinnati
www.downtowncincinnati.com - A list of things to do in downtown Cincinnati
Business & Media
Business Organizations in Cincinnati
Clermont County Chamber of Commerce - Promoting local and regional business through: Entrepreneurship, Retention and expansion efforts, business attraction, advocacy of interests, counseling and analysis, regional partnerships, networking and cost savings.
Greater Cincinnati Chamber of Commerce - The Cincinnati USA Regional Chamber is the nation's fifth largest chamber and twice has been named Chamber of the Year.
Greater Cincinnati Convention and Visitors Bureau - Whether you are looking for business or leisure the GCCVB gives you the best that Greater Cincinnati has to offer.
Northern Kentucky Chamber of Commerce - The Northern Kentucky Chamber of Commerce is dedicated to developing strong businesses and lively economy in order to improve quality of life for all in the area.
Greater Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky African American Chamber of Commerce - Since established in 1996 the AACC has been a strong advocate of African American businesses in the Greater Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky area.
Greater Cincinnati Hispanic Chamber of Commerce - The Hispanic Chamber of Commerce’s goal is to promote the creation as well as the continued growth of Hispanic/Latino business in the Greater Cincinnati area.
Northern Kentucky Convention and Visitors Bureau (NKCVB) - Plan your next business meeting with the best of the South, on the edge of the North. We have great places to meet, stay, play, eat and learn.
Newspapers in Cincinnati
The Cincinnati Enquirer - Find everything from breaking news to local events.
The Community Press - Keep up with local news and activities in your neighborhood with Cincinnati’s Community Press.
Radio & TV in Cincinnati
WGUC - WGUC broadcasts the finest in classical music programming and is the leading provider of arts information for Greater Cincinnati.
WVXU - WVXU is the city’s primary source of public affairs, information programming and a home for unique entertainment on the radio.
WLWT - TV - Channel 5 WLWT is your number one source for breaking news, local stories, weather traffic and more.
WCPO - TV - Broadcasting daily since 1949, Channel 9 WCPO is Cincinnati’s home for news, traffic, weather, sports and entertainment.
WKRC - TV - Channel 12 WKRC is committed to providing its viewers with the most up-to-date news, information, weather and entertainment and has been doing so for over 50 years.
The Weather Channel -(Cincinnati) Provides Greater Cincinnati with up to the minute weather reports and severe weather updates.