10 Best Short Road Trips From Florence, Kentucky for Weekend Adventures

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10 Easy Out-of-County Road Trips from Florence, Kentucky

If you live in or around Florence, Kentucky in Boone County, you already know it’s a great home base. But what if you’re itching to get out of town for the day without driving for hours? Good news: within about an hour or less, you can reach a bunch of fun spots in Indiana, Ohio, and nearby Kentucky counties. In this guide, we’ll look at 10 short road trips from Florence that take you to:
  • Quirky small river towns
  • Waterfront parks and scenic overlooks
  • Casinos and riverboats
  • Historic homes and tiny museums
  • Family–friendly parks and playgrounds
All of these are outside Boone County, in: Dearborn, Ohio, Switzerland (IN), Gallatin, Grant, Kenton (KY), and Hamilton County (OH).

1. Lawrenceburg, Indiana – Riverfront, Casinos, and a Small-Town Stroll (Dearborn County, IN)

Lawrenceburg sits right on the Ohio River and makes an easy day trip from Florence. Depending on traffic, you’re looking at roughly a 30–40 minute drive. Why go: It’s a mix of river views, a walkable downtown, and a little bit of Vegas-style fun.
  • Hollywood Casino Lawrenceburg – If you like gaming, this is the big draw. Slots, table games, and several places to eat under one roof. Even if you’re not a big gambler, it’s fun to wander through and people–watch.
  • Lawrenceburg Riverwalk – A paved path along the river, perfect for a slow walk after lunch. You’ll often see boats moving along the Ohio River, and on a clear day, the views are surprisingly peaceful.
  • Downtown Lawrenceburg – Cute historic buildings, murals, and a few local shops and cafes. It’s not huge, but that’s part of the charm.
If you like the idea of a small-town spin with a casino attached, this is an easy road trip from Florence.

2. Perfect North Slopes – Winter Fun Just Across the River (Dearborn County, IN)

In the colder months, Perfect North Slopes in Lawrenceburg turns into a winter magnet for the Cincinnati–Northern Kentucky area. What to do there:
  • Snow tubing – No skills needed. You ride a tube down a groomed hill, take the conveyor back up, and repeat. It’s a great option for families or anyone who doesn’t ski.
  • Skiing & snowboarding – Multiple runs for beginners and more advanced riders. You can rent gear on-site if you don’t have your own.
If you’ve ever thought, “I wish I could do a quick ski trip without flying out west,” this is your closest bet from Florence. Just bundle up and be ready for crowds on weekends and holidays.

3. Rising Sun, Indiana – Quiet River Town Escape (Ohio County, IN)

Drive west along the Ohio River, and you’ll hit Rising Sun in Ohio County, Indiana. This town has a very laid-back, old-fashioned feel. Highlights:
  • Rising Sun Riverfront Park – A peaceful spot to stretch your legs, sit on a bench, and watch the river go by. It’s the kind of place where you slow down without trying.
  • Rising Star Casino Resort – Another riverboat-style casino with gaming, dining, and sometimes live entertainment. Good option if you like a quieter feel than some of the bigger casinos.
  • Local shops & galleries – Small-town gift shops, antiques, and local crafts that you can explore in an hour or two.
If your idea of a good Saturday is a calm drive, a scenic river stop, and a leisurely lunch, Rising Sun fits the bill.

4. Vevay, Indiana – Switzerland County’s Charming Little Getaway (Switzerland County, IN)

Looking for something that feels a bit off the beaten path? VevayThings to check out:
  • Downtown Vevay – Historic brick buildings, cute shops, and a small-town main street you can walk in just a few minutes.
  • Ohio River Views – Several spots in town and nearby parks give you wide-open views of the river.
  • Local events – Vevay is known for small festivals and community events, especially in the warmer months. It’s worth checking what’s on the calendar before you go.
From Florence, the drive itself is part of the experience, with rolling hills and country roads. Pack some snacks, roll down the windows if the weather’s nice, and enjoy the ride.

5. Belterra Casino Resort – Grown-Up Getaway by the River (Switzerland County, IN)

Also in Switzerland County, Belterra Casino Resort offers a more resort-style feel, making it perfect for a mini escape from everyday life. What you’ll find:
  • Casino floor – Slots, table games, and a full gaming experience.
  • On-site dining – Multiple restaurants and bars, from casual bites to more upscale options.
  • Golf course (seasonal) – A scenic course if you’re into golf, with river and countryside views.
If you’re looking for a date day or a night away without going too far from Florence, Belterra is an easy option within driving distance.

6. Kentucky Speedway & River Views in Warsaw (Gallatin County, KY)

Head southwest from Florence into Gallatin County and you’ll find a mix of motorsports and river scenery. Kentucky Speedway (Sparta, KY)
  • Known for major racing events and car culture.
  • Race schedules vary by season, so check ahead if there’s a race or special event while you’re planning your trip.
Warsaw Riverfront
  • Riverfront Park – A calm stretch along the Ohio River where you can sit, walk, or let the kids run around.
  • Small-town streets with a few local spots for food or coffee.
This makes a nice half-day trip if you want a change of scenery without a long drive.

7. Williamstown & Northern Grant County – Ark Encounter and More (Grant County, KY)

Just south of Boone County, Grant County is best known right now for one major attraction: the Ark Encounter. Ark Encounter (Williamstown, KY)
  • A full-size wooden ark structure, built to Bible dimensions, that you can explore inside.
  • Exhibits, petting zoo areas, and food options on-site.
  • Very popular with families and church groups, so expect crowds on weekends and in summer.
Beyond the Ark, Grant County has:
  • Small-town shops and restaurants in Williamstown and Dry Ridge.
  • Parks and back roads for a laid-back country drive.
If you want a family-friendly day trip from Florence, this one’s an easy pick.

8. Covington & Devou Park – Big Views of the Cincinnati Skyline (Kenton County, KY)

Directly north of Florence, across the line into Kenton County, you’ll find some of the best river and city views in the region. Devou Park (Covington, KY)
  • Overlook – A famous viewpoint where you can see downtown Cincinnati, the river, and the bridges from above. It’s especially pretty at sunset.
  • Walking and biking trails – Wooded paths and paved routes, good for a casual walk or a light workout.
  • Playgrounds and open fields – Great for kids to burn off energy.
MainStrasse Village (Covington, KY) Even though you’re not staying in Boone County, you’re still close to home.
  • Cobblestone-style streets with bars, restaurants, and local shops.
  • Plenty of brunch, coffee, and dinner options.
If you’ve never taken the time to see your own skyline from Devou Park, this is one of the easiest and most rewarding short trips from Florence.

9. Downtown Cincinnati – Museums, Parks, and the Riverfront (Hamilton County, OH)

From Florence, you can be in Hamilton County, Ohio and downtown Cincinnati in roughly 20–30 minutes, depending on traffic. It’s close enough that it barely feels like a road trip, but there’s enough to do for an entire day (or weekend). Some easy stops:
  • Smale Riverfront Park – Right along the river with fountains, swings, gardens, and great bridge views. Kids love the playgrounds; adults love the scenery.
  • Great American Ball Park – Home of the Cincinnati Reds. Even if you’re not big into baseball, catching a game on a nice evening is a classic local experience.
  • National Underground Railroad Freedom Center – A powerful museum that tells the story of freedom seekers and the history of the Underground Railroad in this region.
  • Fountain Square & downtown – Restaurants, events, and people–watching in the heart of the city.
If you ever catch yourself saying, “There’s nothing to do around here,” a day in Cincinnati’s riverfront area will probably change your mind.

10. Cincinnati Neighborhood Hopping – Over-the-Rhine and Eden Park (Hamilton County, OH)

While you’re in Hamilton County, it’s worth exploring a couple of Cincinnati’s most popular neighborhoods. Over-the-Rhine (OTR)
  • Historic brick buildings, murals, and one of the best collections of bars and restaurants in the region.
  • Washington Park – A central green space with a playground, splash features in warm weather, and frequent events.
Eden Park
  • Scenic overlooks of the river and the Kentucky side.
  • Cincinnati Art Museum nearby, with free general admission most days.
This is a great “treat yourself” kind of road trip from Florence: brunch in OTR, a walk through Washington Park, and then a slow drive up to Eden Park for sunset.

Tips for Planning Your Short Road Trips from Florence, KY

To make these Florence, Kentucky road trips even easier:
  • Check hours and events – Casinos, attractions, and museums may have seasonal hours.
  • Watch traffic patterns – Evening and weekend traffic near Cincinnati bridges can slow you down; build in some buffer time.
  • Mix and match stops – Many of these places are close enough to combine into one longer day. For example, Lawrenceburg + Perfect North, or Covington + downtown Cincinnati.

What’s Your Favorite Short Drive from Florence?

Living near Florence means you’re surrounded by easy trips into Indiana, Ohio, and neighboring Kentucky counties. Whether you’re in the mood for casinos, small river towns, city views, or family attractions, you don’t have to go far. Have you tried any of these spots in Dearborn, Ohio, Switzerland, Gallatin, Grant, Kenton, or Hamilton County?
  • Which ones would you add to this list?
  • Do you have a favorite restaurant, park, or hidden gem near any of these towns?
Please share your experiences in the comments and pass this guide along to friends or family who live near Florence, Kentucky. The more local tips we share, the easier it gets for everyone to plan their next easy road trip.
Location: Georgetown, IN, USA

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