Brewing Heritage Trail
Explore Cincinnati's hidden underground beer cellars and uncover the city's rich brewing heritage with expert guides.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more intimate experience
Brewing Heritage Trail
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more intimate experience
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Explore Cincinnati's hidden underground beer cellars and uncover the city's rich brewing heritage with expert guides.
"Absolutely fascinating. There is so much history surrounding us if we just stop to learn about it."
Book in Advance! :ticket:
Tours fill up quickly, especially private ones. Secure your spot online to avoid disappointment.
Comfortable Shoes are Key :athletic_shoe:
You'll be walking a lot, often on uneven surfaces. Prioritize comfort for exploring underground cellars.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Underground Lagering Cellars
Over-the-Rhine
Explore the massive, cool subterranean spaces where 19th-century brewers stored their lager beer before refrigeration.
Historic Brewery District
Over-the-Rhine
Discover the architecture and stories of Cincinnati's once-thriving brewing industry, a key part of the city's identity.
Modern Brewery Insights
Various Taprooms
Many tours conclude with a visit to a modern brewery or taproom, offering a taste of Cincinnati's contemporary craft beer scene.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Book Your Underground Adventure
Wear Comfortable Shoes!
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Book in Advance! :ticket:
Tours fill up quickly, especially private ones. Secure your spot online to avoid disappointment.
Comfortable Shoes are Key :athletic_shoe:
You'll be walking a lot, often on uneven surfaces. Prioritize comfort for exploring underground cellars.
Ask Your Guide Questions! :speech_balloon:
Guides are incredibly knowledgeable and love sharing Cincinnati's brewing history. Don't hesitate to ask!
Stay Hydrated :water_wave:
Especially during warmer months, bring water. Some tours may offer a drink at the end.
Tips
from all over the internet
Book in Advance! :ticket:
Tours fill up quickly, especially private ones. Secure your spot online to avoid disappointment.
Comfortable Shoes are Key :athletic_shoe:
You'll be walking a lot, often on uneven surfaces. Prioritize comfort for exploring underground cellars.
Ask Your Guide Questions! :speech_balloon:
Guides are incredibly knowledgeable and love sharing Cincinnati's brewing history. Don't hesitate to ask!
Stay Hydrated :water_wave:
Especially during warmer months, bring water. Some tours may offer a drink at the end.
Check Tour Options :mag:
From general history to spooky tales, there's a tour for every interest. Choose the one that best suits you.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise the Brewing Heritage Trail for its fascinating historical insights into Cincinnati's brewing past, particularly the exploration of underground lagering cellars. Guides are frequently commended for their knowledge and engaging storytelling, making the tours a highly recommended experience for locals and tourists alike. Some minor critiques mention the bus type on specific tours.
"Absolutely fascinating. There is so much history surrounding us if we just stop to learn about it. Lisa was an amazing guide and was extremely knowledgeable while keeping it interesting. I’d recommend this to anyone interested in brewing, architecture, or ideally both."
Mike Bucher
"My wife and I had a chance to take this tour with one of their tour guides, Kanah, on 5/8/25. We thoroughly enjoyed the tour. Such a fascinating history of brewing in Cincinnati. Learning how the introduction of lager catapulted Cincinnati into becoming a brewing powerhouse was new information for us. Seeing the scale of the 100 year old beer storage building built into the side of a Cincinnati hill and the concentration of brewers in the local area was a highlight. I would recommend this to Cincinnati locals or visitors who want to learn more about this very interesting beer history."
Tim Bour
"With humor, patience, and impeccable listening skills, Kanah provided us a richly detailed history of Cincinnati's brewing history. We walked both on top and beneath the streets of Over-the-Rhine as we learned about our lost 19th-century brewing heritage and its beautiful period architecture. Kanah was a wonderful guide, conveying a deep understanding of the business history and how it helped shape Cincinnati.
I am an avid amateur brewer and raised my family in the rich historical tapestry of New England. I am grateful that Kanah helped me reconnect with this aspect of my hometown on one of my trips visiting family, as the Queen City has its own fascinating story. If you enjoy brewing and history, this is a must see."
Jon Temple
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Most tours depart from or are located in the Over-the-Rhine (OTR) neighborhood. Parking can be challenging in OTR, so consider ride-sharing services or public transportation. Many visitors find it convenient to park in a nearby garage and walk.
Yes, there are several parking garages and street parking options in the Over-the-Rhine area. However, parking can be competitive, especially on weekends. It's advisable to arrive early or research parking availability beforehand.
Absolutely! Cincinnati's public bus system serves the Over-the-Rhine area. Check the Metro bus routes and schedules for the most convenient options to reach your tour's starting point.
Due to the historic nature of the underground cellars and uneven terrain, accessibility can be limited. It's best to contact Brewing Heritage Trail directly to discuss specific accessibility needs and tour options.
Over-the-Rhine is a very walkable neighborhood. Many visitors enjoy exploring the shops, restaurants, and architecture on foot before or after their tour.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Ticket prices vary depending on the specific tour and any special events. It's recommended to check the official Brewing Heritage Trail website for the most up-to-date pricing and booking information.
Yes, booking in advance is highly recommended, as tours often sell out, especially private tours or during popular times. This ensures you secure your spot.
Cancellation policies can vary. It's best to review the terms and conditions on the Brewing Heritage Trail website when booking or contact them directly for specific details regarding cancellations or rescheduling.
Discounts may be available for groups, students, or during special promotions. Keep an eye on their website or social media for any advertised deals.
Most tours include the guided exploration of historic sites and often conclude with a drink at a local taproom. Specific inclusions can vary by tour, so check the tour description for details.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Expect to learn about Cincinnati's rich brewing history, explore underground lagering cellars, and see historic architecture. Tours are led by knowledgeable guides who share fascinating stories.
Tour durations can vary, but most typically last between 1.5 to 2.5 hours, depending on the specific itinerary and the amount of walking involved.
Restroom availability can be limited within the underground portions of the tours. It's advisable to use facilities before the tour begins and at any designated stops.
Photography is generally allowed, but always be mindful of your surroundings and follow your guide's instructions. Some areas might have restrictions for preservation purposes.
The underground cellars maintain a consistently cool temperature year-round, similar to a basement. It's advisable to bring a light jacket, especially if you tend to get cold easily.
🍽️ 🍺 Food & Dining
While tours focus on history and brewing, many conclude at local taprooms or breweries where food is often available for purchase. Over-the-Rhine also has numerous restaurants. +1
Yes, many Brewing Heritage Trail tours include a tasting of local beer or spirits at the end of the tour, offering a chance to experience Cincinnati's craft beverage scene.
The offerings usually include local craft beers from Cincinnati breweries. Some tours might also feature local spirits, depending on the partner venue.
While the focus is on beer and spirits, most taprooms will have non-alcoholic options like soda or water available for purchase.
The Over-the-Rhine neighborhood is a culinary hotspot with a wide variety of restaurants, from casual eateries to fine dining. Explore the area for diverse options.
📸 📸 Photography
The underground cellars with their unique architecture, historic buildings in Over-the-Rhine, and the modern brewery settings offer great photo ops.
Photography is generally permitted inside the tunnels, but always be respectful of the space and your fellow tour-goers. Ensure your flash is not disruptive.
A smartphone with good low-light capabilities is usually sufficient. If using a DSLR, a wide-angle lens can be helpful for capturing the scale of the cellars.
While generally allowed, your guide may ask you to refrain from taking photos in certain sensitive areas or if it impedes the tour flow. Always follow their guidance.
The large, open cellars, the intricate brickwork, and the contrast between the old underground spaces and the modern city above are particularly photogenic.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Consider booking a general history tour rather than specialized ones like the 'Darkside' tour if you have younger children. The guides are generally good at making the information accessible, but it's always wise to check age recommendations for specific tours. The experience of exploring hidden tunnels is often a big hit with kids!
🍺 Beer Enthusiasts
+1Many tours conclude with a tasting at a local brewery or taproom, offering a chance to sample Cincinnati's modern craft offerings and connect them to the historical context you've just experienced. It's a perfect blend of historical immersion and contemporary enjoyment.
History Buffs
The 'Darkside of Brewing Tour' offers a more macabre historical perspective, exploring scandals and darker tales from the city's past, which can be particularly intriguing for those interested in social history and urban legends.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Cincinnati's Brewing Legacy
+1These underground spaces, often carved into hillsides or dug deep into the earth, provided the ideal environment for lagering. They were crucial for preserving the beer before the advent of modern refrigeration. The Brewing Heritage Trail meticulously preserves and shares the stories of these incredible feats of engineering and the people who built Cincinnati's brewing empire. Exploring these spaces offers a tangible connection to this vital part of the city's history.
Today, the legacy of Cincinnati's brewing past is celebrated through tours like those offered by the Brewing Heritage Trail, as well as a thriving craft beer scene that pays homage to its roots. Events like Bockfest, which celebrates a traditional German beer style, further highlight the enduring connection between Cincinnati and its brewing heritage.
+1Navigating the Underground
Visitors should be prepared for uneven surfaces and potentially low ceilings in some areas. Comfortable, closed-toe shoes are a must, as you'll be doing a fair amount of walking. Guides are exceptionally knowledgeable and bring the history to life with engaging stories about the brewers, the architecture, and the challenges they faced.
Some tours, like the 'Darkside of Brewing Tour,' delve into the more scandalous and gruesome aspects of Cincinnati's past, offering a different, albeit fascinating, angle on the city's history. These tours provide a memorable and educational experience, making them a must-do for history buffs and beer enthusiasts alike.
The Role of Guides
These guides possess a deep understanding of brewing history, architecture, and the social context of 19th-century Cincinnati. They skillfully weave together facts, anecdotes, and trivia, ensuring that visitors of all backgrounds can appreciate the significance of the sites. Their passion for the subject is evident, making the tours both informative and entertaining.
Whether you're an avid homebrewer or simply curious about local history, the guides' insights provide a valuable connection to the city's heritage. Their ability to answer questions, share personal stories, and adapt the tour to the group's interests further enhances the overall experience, making it a highly recommended activity for locals and tourists alike.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit