When you first see the Y'all Water Tower, Florence's most recognisable landmark, you'll know you've arrived. The tower welcomes onlookers to the second-largest city in Northern Kentucky from its perch over Interstate 71, close to the well-known Florence Mall.
Just a 15-minute drive of Cincinnati, Ohio, Florence and nearby towns like Burlington provide visitors with a wealth of entertaining activities. The city's lovely parks and gardens, its retail and entertainment options, as well as adjacent popular tourist destinations like the Ark Encounter and Big Bone Lick State Historic Park, are among Florence's most visited locations.
Read through our list of the best things to do in Florence to find out more about these and other exciting places to visit in Boone County, Kentucky.
1. Take a picture of Florence Y'all Water Tower
The Florence Y'all Water Tower is not just the most well-known but also one of the most intriguing of the city's attractions. Prior to the construction of the nearby Florence Mall, it was completed in 1974. The developers donated the property on which it is located to the city on the condition that it be painted with the name of the retail mall to assist draw in passing vehicles.
The city was alerted that, should the project fail, it may be held responsible for marketing something that wasn't yet constructed as soon as the words "Florence Mall" were painted on its side. Following some creative problem-solving, turning the "M" in "Mall" into a "Y" fixed the issue and prevented the need for a costly repainting work. Therefore, the renowned "Florence Y'all" salutation came into being.
Follow Mall Circle Road to the parking lot in the northeast corner of the retail complex and take some wonderful pictures of this landmark building.
Location: Florence, Kentucky, 500 Mall Circle Road
2. Go through the Ark Encounter's Noah's Flood experience.
One of Kentucky's best attractions is just a 25-minute drive from Florence along Interstate 71. The biblical account of Noah is fascinatingly explored at the Ark Encounter in Williamstown.
This much-liked attraction, which debuted in 2016, depicts the biblical story of Noah being charged with building a ship big enough to accommodate Noah and his family as well as two of every animal on Earth in order to avoid an approaching deluge.
This mammoth facsimile surely impresses with its size. It actually looms over you as you stand at its base, having been constructed as described in the Scriptures, measuring 510 feet long and 85 feet wide.
This replica ark, which is made completely of wood, has three decks and is filled with displays about the biblical deluge as well as tales about some of the creatures the real ship may have carried.
Visits to an adventure playground, a 17-story-tall zipline, and a delightful petting zoo are among attractions. There is a café and a gift store on the property.
Williamstown, Kentucky, 1 Ark Encounter Drive
3. Attend the Boone County Fair.
If you're going to Florence in August, you must go to the Boone County Fair. The fairgrounds are in the charming hamlet of Burlington, a quick 15-minute drive west of Florence's central business district.
The Boone County Fair, which takes place the second week of each month, is a great family event that draws guests from all around the area.
A horse show, tractor pulls, and exhibits of farm and other domesticated animals are among the highlights. The fair has an exciting demolition derby in addition to attractions with an agricultural theme and a fun fair. The seven-day festival is renowned for drawing foodies, particularly those who like delectable sweet delights.
Check out the fairground website for information on additional activities, from concerts to antique exhibits, even if you aren't coming during the fair.
Burlington, Kentucky, 5819 Idlewild Road
4. Visit Big Bone Lick State Historic Park to see the prehistoric animals
A trip to Big Bone Lick State Historic Park provides a fascinating glimpse into this region of Kentucky's early history during the Pleistocene Epoch, or last ice age, which occurred around 15,000 years ago. During that time, this area was believed to be home to herds of now-extinct animals, such as woolly mammoths and mastodons, on the edge of a vast ice sheet that at the time reached as far north as Canada.
Several of these ancient species were known to have been stranded and died in Big Bone Lick due to its saline marshlands; their bones were discovered hundreds of years later by researchers. In addition to intriguing exhibits on the vast treasure trove of ancient artefacts discovered here, several of these entire skeletons are on show at the park's visitor centre.
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The park's grounds are among the best free things to do in Florence and include a discovery route that passes a diorama pit with life-size replicas of some of the prehistoric animals whose bones were discovered here. Moreover, keep an eye out for the park's restored bison herd.
Address: Union, Kentucky, 3380 Beaver Road
5. Spend Time Outside at Florence Forest Park
Young and old may enjoy a range of entertaining outdoor activities at Florence Nature Park. This 15-acre park with trees is located south of the city's centre and is ideal for a picnic and family walk. Visitors may also utilise the picnic tables, gazebo, and level paved walking trails without charge.
It serves as a haven for many different animal species and is a wonderful location for birdwatchers.
The park also has a cutting-edge event space that can be booked for functions and family get-togethers.
Location: Florence, Kentucky, 7200 Nature Park Drive
6. Wander the Boone County Arboretum in peace.
The Boone County Arboretum, which spans 121 acres and is just 15 minutes' drive from the Florence Y'all Water Tower, has a varied assortment of flowers, shrubs, and trees. It is one of the biggest arboretums in the state and is linked to a nearby leisure area by a pleasant two-mile trek.
There are about 3,600 plants and trees total, including native and alien species, to be discovered. The bird blind is of particular importance to birding lovers. It is surrounded by three acres of natural Kentucky.
7. grassland and looks out over a wetland region that is home to a diverse range of bird species.
The four information kiosks distributed across the park provide a convenient map and helpful information to help you plan your visit.
Leashed dogs are accepted in the arboretum because it is pet-friendly. Parking is no problem, and entrance is free. Year-round classes and seminars are also available.
Location: Union, Kentucky, 9190 Camp Ernst Road
Keep an eye out for some of those charming old barns that dot the countryside as you go through Boone County checking off the top Florence tourist sites on your list as you drive. Most often, you'll see a quilt board linked to them that is brilliantly decorated.
More than 60 of these lovely patterns, the product of a Florence Woman's Club initiative, are shown on the Boone County Barn Quilt Trail.
These vibrant markers, a well-liked public art installation from the early 2000s, pay homage to Kentucky's farmers while also being attractive to the eye.
Burlington, Kentucky, 6282 Burlington Pike
8. Go by car to Burlington's historic downtown.
The town of Burlington, which is six miles west of Florence, has one of the state's most picturesque downtown areas and is a must-see. Burlington, which was once known as Craigs Camp and was established in 1799 on a 74-acre plot of donated land, is often rated as one of the nicest locations to live in the state.
It's simple to go out and about and explore since there is plenty of parking available behind the historic buildings that line North Jefferson Street. The original Boone County Courthouse, a handsome redbrick structure on the corner of North Jefferson and Washington Streets; a historic home that is now home to the Motley Home antique store; and the preserved old town offices off East Gaitlin Street are some of the most beautiful historical structures you'll see.
After seeing these noteworthy historical structures, cross Washington Road to Burlington Commons. This charming, contemporary update on the classic town square was built on an acre of land next to the Boone County Courthouse and debuted in 2020. There are several grassy areas to unwind on in addition to sheltered gazebos and terrace seating with tables that are ideal for picnics.
9. Participate in fishing at Camp Ernst Lake Park
Another great area to visit for individuals who appreciate outdoor activities is the 22-acre Camp Ernst Lake Park. Casting a line off the designated fishing pier and trying your hand at catching fish like catfish and bluegill are highlights of a trip (permits are required).
Take use of a table or shelter if you want to stay a while and have an enjoyable family picnic. The lake is ideal for canoeing and kayaking, but only trolling motors are permitted. Visitors carrying their own watercraft may utilise the supplied boat launch.
Burlington, Kentucky, 7611 Camp Ernst Road
10. Visit the Dinsmore House to Go Back in Time
The historic Dinsmore Homestead, which located west of Florence close to Belleville, provides an interesting look into life in Kentucky in the 1800s. This lovely white wood-clad residence, constructed in the colonial style in 1842, is situated on 70 acres and is interesting to explore.
With original furniture and antiques that belonged to the Dinsmore family, most of the house has been preserved. Original diaries and documents, facts about slavery, women's rights, and local events and history are among the other noteworthy displays. There are also guided tours.
In Burlington, Kentucky, at 5656 Burlington Pike
11. Visit Florence Raceway to get your speed fix
Florence Raceway, which is close to Big Bone Lick Historic State Park and features a fun-filled schedule guaranteed to please NASCAR and racing lovers, is a must-see destination. It was built in the 1950s to meet the need for muscle car racing in the area, and it is now well-known for its "Dirt Late Model" race series.
The half-mile-long oval clay track hosts a number of significant races here from March through October. They attract motorists and fans from all around Kentucky and its adjacent states.
Events often include vehicles from the "Modifieds" and "Pure Stocks" classes in addition to late model racing cars.
Address: Walton, Kentucky, 12234 US-42
12. Florence Mall: Shop 'Til You Drop
Florence Mall is a shopper's delight and is simple to discover because to its proximity to the famous Y'all Water Tower and Interstate 71 from Cincinnati. It has around 100 shops and was built in 1976.
With JCPenney as the major department store, consumers will find everything they need to satiate their want to spend, from luxury items to sports goods and clothing.
The food court, which was refurbished in the early 2000s, provides a range of dining options, as well as a children's play area and stroller rentals. Complimentary Wi-Fi is available, and there are comfortable lounge chairs for anybody who needs to rest their aching legs.
Location: Florence, Kentucky, 2028 Florence Mall