1. Home
2. Kentucky: The Bluegrass State
3. Covington

Covington

Covington, Kentucky is the largest city in Northern Kentucky and sits directly across the Ohio River from Cincinnati. With a population of approximately 41,000, Covington is the fifth-largest city in Kentucky and serves as the urban core of the Northern Kentucky region, blending historic river city character with a thriving arts, dining, and business scene.

History and Culture

Covington was founded in 1815 and named after General Leonard Covington, a hero of the War of 1812. The city grew rapidly as a river port and industrial center, with waves of German, Irish, and Italian immigrants shaping its distinct neighborhood character.

The construction of the John A. Roebling Suspension Bridge in 1866 connected Covington to Cincinnati and established the city as a vital transportation hub. This iconic bridge served as the prototype for the Brooklyn Bridge and remains a functioning landmark today.

Era	Overview	Notes
1815	Founding	Named for General Leonard Covington
1834	City Status	Officially incorporated
1866	Bridge Opens	Roebling Suspension Bridge completed
1901	Cathedral	Cathedral Basilica of the Assumption built
Today	Modern City	Population ~41,000

What to Do

Covington offers a dynamic mix of historic exploration, culinary experiences, and urban adventures:

• MainStrasse Village — Historic German neighborhood with shops, dining, and a carillon bell tower
• Roebling Point — Dining and entertainment district along the Ohio River waterfront
• Braxton Brewing Company — Popular craft brewery in a renovated historic building
• Devou Park — Expansive park with overlooks of the Cincinnati skyline, golf course, and museum
• Behringer-Crawford Museum — Regional history museum showcasing Northern Kentucky heritage
• The Carnegie — Performing arts center in a landmark library building

Attraction	Type	Highlights
MainStrasse Village	Historic District	Restaurants, shops, festivals
Roebling Bridge	Landmark	Historic suspension bridge
Devou Park	Park	Skyline views, trails, golf
The Carnegie	Arts	Theater, gallery, events

When to Visit

The best time to visit Covington depends on your interests and preferred activities. Here is what each season offers:

Season	Temperature	Best For
Spring	50-70°F	Outdoor dining, MainStrasse festivals
Summer	70-88°F	Riverfront events, Devou Park activities
Fall	45-70°F	Oktoberfest celebrations, fall foliage
Winter	25-42°F	Holiday markets, indoor arts and museums

Things to do near Covington

Here are some of our favorite things to do near Covington. Choose your favorite!

• MainStrasse Village

  MainStrasse Village is a historic German neighborhood in Covington, Kentucky, known for its 19th-century architecture , cobblestone walkways , and authentic German heritage . This vibrant district was settled by German immigrants in the 1840s and ha…