Colgate Clock
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Colgate Clock

4.4
·58 reviews·Clarksville, United States

A colossal, historic clock face gracing the Ohio River, a beloved landmark visible for miles and a beacon at night.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Nighttime

See the illuminated clock glow

CrowdLow
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Colgate Clock

Colgate Clock

Best Time

Nighttime

See the illuminated clock glow

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

A colossal, historic clock face gracing the Ohio River, a beloved landmark visible for miles and a beacon at night.

4.4
(58 reviews)

"It is a well known landmark not only in IN but here in Louisville as well."

Vertical photo
TIP

📸 Best Photo Spots

Capture great shots from the Louisville side of the river for iconic views, especially at night.

🚗 Parking for Events

If attending Thunder Over Louisville, parking here is convenient and fairly priced.

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Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

The Iconic Colgate Clock

The Iconic Colgate Clock

Jeffersonville, Indiana

A massive, historic clock face visible from miles around, a true landmark of the Ohio River.

Nighttime Illumination

Nighttime Illumination

Across the Ohio River

See the clock glow against the night sky, a beacon visible from downtown Louisville.

Thunder Over Louisville Views

Thunder Over Louisville Views

Riverfront Park, Jeffersonville

A prime spot for viewing the annual fireworks and air show, with convenient parking.

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Planning Your Visit

Timing is Everything

While the Colgate Clock is a constant landmark, its visibility and the surrounding atmosphere change dramatically. Consider visiting during daylight for clear views or at night when it's illuminated, offering a different kind of charm. Check local event schedules for potential activities that might enhance your visit.

Landmark Appreciation

The Colgate Clock is a significant historical marker, visible from various points across the river. While some reviews suggest it could be more visually appealing, its enduring presence makes it a point of local pride and a recognizable symbol of the area. Appreciate its historical context.

Best Times

When
Nighttime
Why
See the illuminated clock glow
Crowd
Low
When
Daytime
Why
Clear views of the landmark
Crowd
Medium
When
Thunder Over Louisville
Why
Prime viewing and parking
Crowd
High

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

Chút kỉ niệm Colgate-PALMOLIVE #xuhuong #colgate #myphuoc3_bencatbinhduong❤️
@thong_1542k1
34 likes • 7.3K views

📸 Best Photo Spots

Capture great shots from the Louisville side of the river for iconic views, especially at night. TikTok

🚗 Parking for Events

If attending Thunder Over Louisville, parking here is convenient and fairly priced. Reddit

📍 Landmark Status

Appreciate its long-standing presence as a well-known landmark in Indiana. Reddit

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Tips

from all over the internet

📸 Best Photo Spots

Capture great shots from the Louisville side of the river for iconic views, especially at night. TikTok

🚗 Parking for Events

If attending Thunder Over Louisville, parking here is convenient and fairly priced. Reddit

📍 Landmark Status

Appreciate its long-standing presence as a well-known landmark in Indiana. Reddit

What Travellers Say

4.4
(58 reviews)

Reviews Summary

The Colgate Clock is recognized as a significant and enduring landmark, particularly appreciated for its visibility from both sides of the Ohio River and its role as a viewing spot for events like Thunder Over Louisville. While some find it a simple structure, its historical presence and nighttime illumination are often highlighted as positive aspects. Some reviews suggest it could be more aesthetically developed, but its iconic status remains undisputed.

"It’s a big clock, but not a particularly pretty one. Why not make it a little more appealing?"

Dave Harlan

"That clock has been there ever since I can remember. It is a well known landmark not only in IN but here in Louisville as well. You can see it from this side of the river in downtown area at night. Great place to go watch Thunder over Louisville in April as well."

Sandy's Cookbook

"It's a great clock, but Clarksville should remove it and put in apartments. The clock generates no revenue, so it's a deadbeat. Apartments would generate tax revenue AND apartment inspection revenue for the newly-minted inspectors! Then they could hire more friends/relatives and create bigger town (how dare you call it a city!) government. A big clock is no match and no substitute for big government of a not-city."

Pat McGroyne

What People Like

Iconic landmark status
Visible from afar
Nighttime illumination

What People Dislike

Could be more appealing

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

The Colgate Clock is located in Jeffersonville, Indiana, on the banks of the Ohio River. It's easily visible from the Louisville, Kentucky side as well. Driving is the most common way to access it, with parking available nearby, especially for events. TikTok

Yes, the Colgate Clock is a prominent landmark visible from many points in downtown Louisville, Kentucky, across the Ohio River. Reddit

While direct public transport to the immediate vicinity might be limited, you can reach the general area via local bus routes in Jeffersonville. Check TARC (Transit Authority of River City) for routes serving the area. Reddit

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

No, the Colgate Clock is a public landmark and can be viewed from the riverfront at any time. There are no admission fees. Reddit

The clock is a permanent fixture and can be viewed 24/7. It is particularly striking when illuminated at night. Reddit

Parking availability and cost can vary. Street parking may be available, and for larger events like Thunder Over Louisville, designated parking areas are often provided for a fee. Reddit

🎫 📍 Onsite Experience

The area around the Colgate Clock offers scenic riverfront views. It's a popular spot for walks, photography, and especially for viewing the annual Thunder Over Louisville event. Reddit

Yes, the clock is maintained and remains operational, keeping time and often illuminated at night. Reddit

It's a historic landmark that has been a recognizable symbol of the Ohio River region for decades, representing industrial heritage. Reddit

📸 📸 Photography

Golden hour (shortly after sunrise or before sunset) offers beautiful light. Nighttime photography is also popular when the clock is illuminated, providing a dramatic contrast. TikTok

The Louisville riverfront provides excellent, unobstructed views of the Colgate Clock. From Jeffersonville, you can get closer, but the iconic wide shots are often from the opposite bank. TikTok

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

The Colgate Clock is a great, simple landmark for families to point out to children. Its sheer size is impressive for younger eyes, and it serves as an easy reference point. The riverfront area offers space for kids to move around, and during events like Thunder Over Louisville, it can be an exciting, albeit crowded, experience. Parking convenience for families is a plus during these times. Reddit

📸 Photography Enthusiasts

For photographers, the Colgate Clock offers a few distinct opportunities. During the day, capture its imposing scale against the sky or river. At night, its illumination provides a striking subject, especially when framed with the Louisville skyline in the background. The riverfront setting allows for creative compositions, from wide-angle shots to more focused details of the clock face. TikTok

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

A Historic Riverfront Icon

The Colgate Clock stands as a testament to the industrial past of the Ohio River region. Erected in 1924 by the Colgate-Palmolive Company, it was originally placed on the Kentucky side of the river before being moved to its current location in Jeffersonville, Indiana. Its sheer size—measuring 37 feet in diameter—makes it an unmissable landmark visible from miles away. The clock has become a beloved symbol, recognized by locals and visitors alike, representing a piece of regional history and identity. Reddit

While some visitors might find the clock itself to be a simple structure, its enduring presence and visibility contribute significantly to the local landscape. It serves as a constant reminder of the area's heritage and its connection to the vital waterway it overlooks. The clock's illumination at night adds a dramatic flair, transforming it into a beacon that guides and comforts those who see it. Reddit

For many, the Colgate Clock is more than just a timepiece; it's a point of reference and a source of local pride. Its longevity and consistent operation are often highlighted in discussions, underscoring its importance as a stable and recognizable feature in a changing world. Reddit

Experiencing Thunder Over Louisville

The area around the Colgate Clock becomes a focal point during the annual Thunder Over Louisville event, one of the largest fireworks displays in the nation. Many visitors choose to park near the clock for its convenient access and relatively fair pricing for event parking. The riverfront location offers excellent, unobstructed views of both the fireworks and the accompanying air show. Reddit

Attending Thunder Over Louisville from the Jeffersonville side, near the Colgate Clock, provides a unique perspective. While the event draws massive crowds, the parking and accessibility near the clock are often praised by attendees who have experienced it. It's recommended to arrive early to secure good spots and navigate the increased traffic smoothly. Reddit

Beyond the main event, the riverfront itself offers a pleasant atmosphere for enjoying the spectacle. The Colgate Clock, illuminated against the night sky, adds to the memorable backdrop of this spectacular celebration. Reddit

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