National Voice of America Museum of Broadcasting – Known as the building that housed the loudest radio voice in the world, the Museum is a tribute to the message of The Voice of America and to the significance of radio technology and radio/television broadcasting in the history of our country.
BeauVerre/Riordan Stained Glass Studio – Founded in 1838, guests will learn about the history of stained glass windows, learn about churches and exclusive homes that are clients of BeauVerre, and witness a glass cutting demonstration. Regional artists also have their works on display in the gallery.
Pyramid Hill Sculpture Park and Museum – This unique 265-acre park features huge pieces of sculpture placed throughout beautiful rolling meadows and gardens. In addition, the Ancient Sculpture Museum is now open for tours and features Roman, Egyptian and Greek sculptures that are thousands of years old.
Historic Mansions of Dayton Lane – Tour two impressive private homes, the Benninghofen House and Bender Mansion, built during the late 19th century by prominent industrialists. Seasonal events and private home showings throughout the year are available.
Lane-Hooven Home – Originally built in the early 1860’s, this beautifully restored house is now a working museum and is home to the Hamilton Community Foundation. While visiting, learn about the Hooven Automatic typewriter, the world’s first word processor.
Jungle Jim’s International Market – No trip to Butler County is complete without a visit to Jungle Jim’s! Take a tour of the international market featuring specialty foods from over 75 countries around the world, arrange a cooking class for your group, or just take time to shop this 4-acre store complete with sights, sounds, and mechanical characters!
Barn-n-Bunk Farm Market – Create a stylish table-scape, shop for crafts, and enjoy a country lunch in a turn-of-the-century barn at Barn-n-Bunk. A unique shopping spot for local, home grown seasonal produce, Amish specialties, crafts, candles, antiques, and unique gifts.
EnterTRAINment Junction – Visit the largest indoor G-scale train layout in the world covering over 25,000 sq. ft. and showcasing 90 operating trains running over two miles of track. Trains travel through bridges, trestles, tunnels, mountains, and wind their way through hand crafted cities, farm lands, and industrial areas. Travel through three distinct eras in U.S. history and marvel at the incredible detail of this interactive train display. Also, visit the American Railroading Museum, the new Hobby Shop, and Junction Café.
White House Inn – Nestled on six acres of southern Ohio countryside, this 50-year-old farmhouse was restored into seven separate dining rooms, each with its own unique décor. Enjoy the warm fireplaces, country and herb gardens, a gorgeous Gazebo, and their unique assortments of heartland cooking!
Combine any of these great venues with our many group-friendly hotels located in Butler County to create the very best group tour possible!
Make your selection from these many attractions/venues and perhaps put together a Mystery Tour to Butler County!
Begin your tour with a visit to the BeauVerre/Riordan Stained Glass Studio. Founded in 1838, visitors may learn about the history of beveled, etched, stained, and art glass windows, and also about the churches and exclusive homes that are the company’s clients. Also, witness a glass cutting demonstration.
Take a step back in time at the Chrisholm Historic Farmstead, which was built by an Amish/Mennonite family who settled in the area in the early 1800s. The bank barn is home to the county antique farm equipment society.
A tour and lunch, afternoon tea or dinner at the Church of the Ascension is a lovely way to spend part of your day. This beautiful Episcopal/Anglican church is typical of an English parish church with its lich gate, architecture, gardens, and stained glass windows. Learn of the famous who have worshiped or visited here, and enjoy some "English" refreshments after your tour.
Stop by the Lane Hooven House to appreciate the octagonal home, which was built in the early 1860s. This beautifully restored home is now a working museum and visitors may learn about the Hooven Automatic Typewriter, also known as the world’s first word processor.
Fast becoming known as the mural center of the area, the Murals of Franklin and Middletown are definitely a sight to see! Franklin boasts ten murals throughout the city, while Middletown is home to four.
A tour of TV Middletown, which is acknowledged as one of the best community television stations in the area. Here, you can learn what it takes to operate a station and perhaps even be included in a show.
Remember to take time out to shop at one of these are venues: Barn ‘n’ Bunk, Cincinnati Premium Outlets, IKEA West Chester, Jungle Jim’s International Market, and Friesinger Candies.
What is a great tour without great food? Choose from these area dining options: Guenther’s, the Manchester Inn, Stefano‘s, the White House Inn, Wildwood Golf Club, and many more.
A stop at the Bender Mansion. Built in 1792, this 7,000 sq. ft. home features twenty stunning stained and leaded glass windows as well as nine fireplaces. After many years of being used as offices, it has recently been restored to its former grandeur.
A visit to the Butler County seat, Hamilton, includes stops at many local, historical attractions including: the Benninghofen House, which was built in the early 1870s and includes one of the best collections of historic dolls in the Midwest; the Pioneer War Memorial; and the art deco gem, Heritage Hall, which features exhibits of local authors Robert McCloskey and William Dean Howells.
Head outdoors to Berns Garden Center, one of the area’s largest garden centers. Enjoy a talk by one of the horticulurists and of course browse through the gift shop.
All aboard! Visit EnterTRAINment Junction, which features pver 2-miles of G-Gauge Track and 90 model trains, ranging from the earliest days of railroading up to today’s modern locomotives.
Feeling artsy? Stop by the Middletown Arts Center where you can watch a sculptor or glass blower or do a Make and Take.
Go on a driving tour of Pyramid Hill Sculpture Park & Museum. This unique sculpture park serves as a permanent visible journey through the major eras of art history in an outdoor setting. While you’re there be sure to visit the Museum of Ancient Sculpture, which is modeled after an ancient villa. The museum houses a variety of sculptures from ancient Egypt, Italy, Greece, and Mesopotamia.
Indulge in a wonderful buffet meal at La Comedia Dinner Theater, one of the finest dinner theaters in the Midwest.
Visit Miami University in Oxford, known as the Yale of the West, where you will find the McGuffey Museum, Black Covered Bridge, Pioneer Farm, Freedom Summer Memorial, Formal Gardens, and nearby the Governor Bebb Pioneer Village.
There are also a variety of other attractions in the Cincinnati-Dayton area including: Sun Watch 13th Century Indian Village, the National Museum of the United States Air Force, the National Underground Railroad Freedom Center, Ohio River Boat Rides, the Creation Museum, and many Festive Sights and Lights for December!
Consider these group-friendly restaurants and venues for you next group tour! Any combination of these culinary possibilities would make a great culinary-themed tour. Or let us help you create a progressive food tour throughout our area!
Billed as the world’s most irresistable ice cream, no visit would be complete without a stop at Graeter’s!
Opened in 2008, this small local winery produces wines on-site. A tasting room is available to sample their wines and enjoy scenic views of the beautiful rural landscape.
Sample the wonderful Swedish meatballs and shop for fun kitchen essentials!
Take in the atmosphere in this contemporary steakhouse that also includes an extensive seafood selection.
Demonstration and hands-on classes are available; they are as much fun as they are educational!
Based in Southwest Ohio, this dinner theater features broadway shows, revues, and fine dining.
A fine wine and gourmet food shop offers wine tastings for groups.
Taste a little bit of Ireland in Southwest Ohio.
Devour some delicious heartland cooking in the setting of this beautifully restored farmhouse.
Pick from the following unique attractions and restaurants to learn about the Pioneers of Butler County and the surrounding areas of the Tri-State.
Built by Amish/Mennonite families from Alsace – Lorraine, who settled the area in the early 1800’s, it is a striking example of the large, solid homes built by these immigrants. The bank barn is the home to the country antique farm equipment society.
Learn how the pioneers lived as you enjoy a unique tour of this village. Begin by dressing as a pioneer – long skirts for the ladies, and smocks for the men! Then tour each of the seven buildings in small groups, where members of your group will be asked to “volunteer” their services. This is a “hands on” type of tour. There is also time to visit the village store, make candles, and visit the covered bridge. A picnic can also be arranged at the Village.
Originally built as an octagonal home in the early 1860’s, this beautifully restored house is now a working museum – home to the Hamilton Community Foundation. While there, learn about the Hooven Automatic Typewriter, the world’s first word processor.
With its German bank barn, learn how rural families lived in the mid 1800’s. Nearby is the Hueston Woods deer park and sanctuary for injured birds and animals.
Built in 1902, on the banks of the Great Miami River and on the site of the former Fort Hamilton, this soaring monument is capped by a 17 foot, 3500 pound bronze statue of a civil war soldier. Learn how all of the stained glass windows are dedicated to the women who supported their soldiers.
The Miami-Erie Canal, begin in Butler County in 1825, eventually joined Cincinnati and Toledo with the east coast. During this tour, learn the importance of the canals to the national economy.
Built in the early 1920’s, the hotel was owned for 50 years by Armco Steel. Over the years it has hosted a variety of notables – from royalty to politicians to sports stars. Also enjoy the beautiful large murals painted on several buildings in downtown Middletown, depicting historical themes.
Shop for crafts, Amish baked goods and cheeses, and see antique farm memorabilia. Guests will have the opportunity to grind their own corn meal in an antique “still” or make a take-home piece. Arrangements can also be made to have a delicious lunch or dinner in their 19th century barn.
Over the years it has hosted a dozen Presidents and a variety of notables. It’s known for its Shaker cuisine.
Explore the 1813 log cabin, the 1860’s farm house and the out buildings, full of fascinating collections from this rural western Ohio area.
Morning: Visit one of the beautiful historic mansions of the Dayton Lane Historic District in Hamilton. You’ll be swept away by the history, architecture, and grandness of the area. Dayton Lane is open for private group tours with special holiday displays.
Experience a warm holiday glow you’ll never forget at EnterTRAINment Junction’s Christmas Journey! Enjoy two walk-through experiences, A Christmas Carol and Journey to the North Pole, and see authentic period costumes, memorable characters, and beautiful holiday decorations.
Lunch: Lunch at EnterTRAINment Junction, the world’s largest indoor train display. Or dine at Barn-n-Bunk, a unique shopping spot for Amish specialties, crafts, candles and antiques. After lunch create a holiday themed “make and take” centerpiece, or shop for that special holiday gift among their many homemade items.
A visit to the area’s newest outlet mall – Cincinnati Premium Outlets in Monroe is a fashionista-must! Join in the excitement of discovering collections from over 100 designers and finding bargains in name brand outlet stores including Michael Kors, Saks Fifth Avenue Off 5th, and many more.
Complete your visit to Butler County with a drive through the fantastic holiday light display Light Up Middletown. This magical event features animated characters, swans floating in the reflecting pools, deer leaping over the roadway, and many other displays celebrating the holiday spirit.
With an early afternoon arrival, stop by Barn-n-Bunk, a unique shopping spot for Amish specialties, crafts, candles and antiques. Create a holiday themed “make and take” centerpiece, or shop for that special holiday gift among their homemade items.
Visit one of the beautiful historic mansions of Dayton Lane Historic District. You’ll be swept away by the history, architecture, and grandness of the area. Dayton Lane is open for private group tours with special holiday displays.
Check into your area hotel and freshen up. Then take a driving tour through the fantastic holiday light display of Light Up Middletown. This magical event features animated characters, swans floating in the reflecting pools, deer leaping over the roadway, and many other displays celebrating the holiday spirit.
Dinner: Visit the Manchester Inn in Middletown, where since 1922 tradition and fine service combine to create a wonderful dining experience.
Morning: Begin your day with breakfast at your hotel. Next, visit the Kings Mills General Store and Christmas Shop, a family owned business for 23 years where you’ll find special gifts and collectibles and everything ‘Christmasy’ that you could imagine.
Experience a warm holiday glow you’ll never forget at EnterTRAINment Junction’s Christmas Journey! Enjoy two walk-through experiences, A Christmas Carol and Journey to the North Pole, and see authentic period costumes, memorable characters, and beautiful holiday decorations.
Lunch: Stay at EnterTRAINment Junction, the world’s largest indoor train display, for lunch. Or stop at the Voice of America Shopping Center for a choice of many fine dining options.
Afternoon: A visit to the area’s newest outlet mall – Cincinnati Premium Outlets in Monroe is a fashionista-must! Join in the excitement of discovering collections from over 100 designers and finding bargains in name brand outlet stores including Michael Kors, Saks Fifth Avenue Off 5th, and many more.
Depart for home after your shopping stop.
Morning: Begin your day with a visit to the Fitton Center for Creative Arts where you can tour the continually changing art exhibits and create art of your own at the "creation station" in an informal, friendly atmosphere. A "make and take" activity can also be included.
Lunch: Pyramid Hill Sculpture Park and Museum is one of just 10 sculpture parks in the United States and the only one of its size in Ohio. Tour 265 acres of breathtaking outdoor sculpture, stop for lunch at the Park, and then visit the new Museum of Ancient Sculpture featuring ancient sculpture dating back to the Roman, Egyptian, Greek and Etruscan cultures.
Afternoon: Stop by one of the historic mansions of Dayton Lane in Hamilton. The Major John Bender Mansion is among these private historic collection homes that opens for group tours and special holiday displays.
Finish your day with a visit to BeauVerre/Riordan Studio; an art lovers gem for touring and shopping. A private wine & cheese reception can be arranged for groups.
Afternoon: Take a tour of the Basilica of the Assumption, designed after Notre Dame in Paris. This beautiful Cathedral has the largest stained glass window in the world among its 82 windows, and a Rose window larger than the one at Notre Dame.
Visit Laurel Court, a site listed on the National Historic Register in 1979. Completed in 1907, it is one of America’s best surviving examples of the opulent homes built during the “gilded age.” The main house, cottages, and carriage house are enhanced by a French garden, Japanese garden, a classical wisteria-covered pergola, and many statues and fountains.
After checking into your hotel and a short rest, plan on a wine and cheese reception with a tour at BeauVerre/Riordan Studio. This beautifully renovated historic building in downtown Middletown features two galleries of stained glass filled with rotating exhibits by regional artists. A gem for touring and shopping, visitors can view the artisans producing works treasured for their grace and originality.
Morning: Begin your day with a visit to the Fitton Center for Creative Arts where you can tour the continually changing art exhibits and create art of your own at the "creation station" in an informal, friendly atmosphere. A "make and take" activity can also be included.
Lunch: Pyramid Hill Sculpture Park and Museum is one of just 10 sculpture parks in the United States and the only one of its size in Ohio. Tour 265 acres of breathtaking outdoor sculpture, stop for lunch at the Park, and then visit the new Museum of Ancient Sculpture featuring ancient sculpture dating back to the Roman, Egyptian, Greek and Etruscan cultures.
Afternoon: Stop by one of the historic mansions of Dayton Lane in Hamilton. The Major John Bender Mansion is among these private historic collection homes that opens for group tours and special holiday displays.
Morning: Begin your day with a bountiful breakfast at IKEA and then shop your heart out at this Swedish design home store. With more than 10,000 exclusively designed items, 48 room settings, and a Swedish food market, you won’t leave empty handed!
Lunch: Browse the unique shops and enjoy lunch at a selection of more than 8 restaurants at the Streets of West Chester.
Afternoon: Don’t miss a visit to the area’s newest out mall – Cincinnati Premium Outlets in Monroe! Join in the excitement of bargain hunting through the collection of over 100 designer and name band outlet stores including Michael Kors, Saks Fifth Avenue Off 5th, and many more!
No trip to Butler County is complete without a stop at Jungle Jim’s International Market. This market has over 500 produce items, 1400 different cheeses, and over 12,000 wine labels! It’s truly a shopper’s bonanza of unique and culturally diverse food items from all over the world. The 4 acre store offers an interactive guest experience complete with sights, sounds and mechanical characters!
Morning: Begin your day with a bountiful breakfast at IKEA and then shop your heart out at this Swedish design home store. With more than 10,000 exclusively designed items, 48 room settings, and a Swedish food market, you won’t leave empty handed!
Lunch: Browse the unique shops and enjoy lunch at a selection of more than 8 restaurants at the Streets of West Chester.
Afternoon: A visit to the area’s newest outlet mall – Cincinnati Premium Outlets in Monroe is a must! Join in the excitement of bargain hunting through the collection of 100 designer and name band outlet stores including Michael Kors, Saks Fifth Avenue Off 5th, and many more.
No trip to Butler County is complete without a stop at Jungle Jim’s International Market. This market has over 500 produce items, 1400 different cheeses, and over 12,000 wine labels! It’s truly a shopper’s bonanza of unique and culturally diverse food items from all over the world. The 4 acre store offers an interactive guest experience complete with sights, sounds and mechanical characters!
Morning: Visit Frontgate Outlet Center, which houses modern, fashionable designs for the home, garden and all of your traveling needs. Frontgate brands include: Ballard Designs, Garnet Hall, Smith & Noble, The Territory Ahead, and TravelSmith.
Lunch: Create a stylish table-scape, shop for crafts, and enjoy a country lunch in a turn-of-the century barn at Barn-n-Bunk Farm Market. A unique shopping spot for Amish specialties, crafts, florals, candles and antiques, they also offer several hands-on tours and an ice cream shop.
Afternoon: Wind down your shopping experience at BeauVerre Riordan Stained Glass Studios, featuring two galleries of stained glass, etched glass, art glass, and rotating exhibits by regional artists. This studio even allows visitors to view the artisans creating treasured works of art. Guided group tours are available by appointment and may include a wine and cheese reception.
Mid-morning arrival: Experience a nostalgic train ride on the Lebanon Mason Monroe (LM&M) Railroad. Visitors can walk through the train to the open-air gondola and listen to informative conductors describe railroad history and operation. (May – December)
Lunch: Nestled on six acres of southern Ohio countryside, the 50-year-old farmhouse The White House Inn was restored into seven separate dining rooms each with its own unique decor. There are four fireplaces, country and herb gardens, two outdoor patio areas, a gorgeous Gazebo, a Tavern featuring a breathtaking two-story stone fireplace, and a loft, along with a delicious assortment of foods.
Afternoon: Visit EnterTRAINment Junction, a family-themed entertainment center in West Chester. Showcasing the world’s largest indoor, interactive train display with 90 large-scale trains, two miles of track, detailed cities, villages, factories, and so much more! EnterTRAINment also features an exciting seasonal journey for adults and kids full of scenic design, sounds, lights, etc. that change with the season.
No trip to Butler County is complete without a stop at Jungle Jim’s International Market. This market has over 500 produce items, 1400 different cheeses, and over 12,000 wine labels! It’s truly a shopper’s bonanza of unique and culturally diverse food items from all over the world. The 4 acre store offers an interactive guest experience complete with sights, sounds and mechanical characters!
Afternoon: Tour the National Museum of the United States Air Force, the world’s largest and oldest military aviation museum! This extensive museum traces the history of flight from early balloons to present day spacecrafts. Visitors can see a large collection
of planes, and experience an IMAX theater.
Take a tour Carillon Park and learn about the history of the canals, trains, autos and aviation, all set in a series of historic buildings in a park-like setting. You can also discover how important this area of Ohio was to the history of transportation.
Have dinner at one of our fine restaurants in Butler County.
Morning: Cincinnati’s Union Terminal, built as Cincinnati’s main railroad station in the 1930’s, features a half dome that is the largest of it’s kind in the western hemisphere. Your visit includes a tour of the executive offices that have been restored to their original Art Deco beauty. You can also visit the Omnimax Theatre or one of the other museums housed there.
Lunch: Nestled on six acres of southern Ohio countryside, the 50-year-old farmhouse The White House Inn was restored into seven separate dining rooms each with its own unique decor. There are four fireplaces, country and herb gardens, two outdoor patio areas, a gorgeous Gazebo, a Tavern featuring a breathtaking two-story stone fireplace, and a loft, along with a delicious assortment of foods.
Afternoon: Visit EnterTRAINment Junction, a family-themed entertainment center in West Chester. Showcasing the world’s largest indoor, interactive train display with 90 large-scale trains, two miles of track, detailed cities, villages, factories, and so much more! EnterTRAINment also features an exciting seasonal journey for adults and kids full of scenic design, sounds, lights, etc. that change with the season.
Follow the old Miami-Erie Canal as you visit the Canal Museum, Canal Locks and Port Middletown. Learn the history of the canal, begun locally in 1825, that eventually joined Cincinnati and the Ohio River with Toledo and the Great Lakes. The Miami-Erie Canal is responsible for opening up the West to the industrialized eastern seaports.
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