Brewery District History: Architectural and Brewing Tour
4.8
34 Ratings
Cincinnati
Explore the rich history of the Brewery District on this architectural and brewing tour. Visit historic breweries and learn about the people who shaped the beer industry. Includes a visit to the underground cellars of the Jackson Brewery and a pint of local beer.
Duration: 2 hours
Cancellation: 1 day learn more
Highlights
  • Over-The-Rhine - Walk along the Brewing Heritage Trail past historic breweries, including a visit into one of the pre-Prohibition breweries’ underground lagering cellars.
What's Included
  • Tour a historic pre-Prohibition brewery lagering cellar.
  • Receive discounts on merchandise at the Brewing Heritage Trail store.
  • Enjoy a complimentary beer or soft drink at a local taproom to conclude the tour.
Additional Information

Initiating at the Trail Tour Center on Race Street, this excursion exploring brewing history and architecture traverses the west half of the Brewery District, taking delight in the numerous lasting buildings from the 19th and early 20th centuries. The tour also recounts tales of those who either established or brought about the downfall of these beer companies during the beer’s industrial revolution.

The tours encompass an indoors exploration of the expansive lager cellars of the historic (but non-functioning) Jackson Brewery, as well as exterior visits to the Sohn/Mohawk Brewery, different Christian Moerlein sites, and the location of the Bellevue Incline. Entrance to the Jackson Brewery cellars is at street level, with no stairs to navigate either in or out, making these cellars rather accessible. The total distance covered on foot during this tour is under half a mile.

To cap off the tour, we make a stop at a local taproom for a glass of locally brewed beer, included in the cost of the ticket. However, non-alcoholic beverages are also an option.

Location
101 W Elder St
West Elder Street
This tour begins from Findlay Market at the Brewing Heritage Trail "Hop On" Sign, located on the east side of the market, where West Elder Street meets Race Street. The starting location is also near the Race Street Station Bar at Findlay Market.
Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Customer Ratings
4.8
(34 Ratings)
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Robert_v
Feb 21, 2024
Underground beer tour Cincinnati - Our guide Laura was super knowledgeable and patient with us. Even came into the brewery at the end and had a beer with us continuing to share her knowledge of the history of Cincinnati. Definitely would recommend.
Review provided by Viator
Sara_b
Jan 28, 2024
Learned a lot - Lisa was a great guide who is clearly passionate about Cincinnati and its history. Even my fiance who is a brewer learned a lot about the city and its beer history.
Review provided by Viator
Ellie
Jan 1, 2024
Beer tour - 5/5 The tour was great, with a WONDERFUL guide who had a thorough knowledge of the area, past and present. The tour of OTR transports you to another time with beautiful architecture, tour of the lager tunnel, and how a community and beer left an imprint on the city . After tour, explored the area and even took advantage of the free trolley service around the city!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Lori_b
Nov 12, 2023
Great Way to Entertain Out-of-Town Guests! - Touring the old brewery underground caverns & ending the whole experience with a beer! Tour guide was very friendly, knowledgeable & accommodating.
Review provided by Viator
Brianred18
Oct 15, 2023
Lisa Is A Great Tour Guide - Lisa gave us an amazing tour on October 14th! She is an excellent storyteller. We learned so many interesting facts about Cincinnati's brewing history. Definitely worth going. I highly recommend.
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Aj_b
Aug 30, 2023
Easy walking, great history lesson - Our tour guide Lisa was awesome! A true local and had a lot of information to share. We had a small group so it was easy to hear her talk and ask questions. The walk was short and never felt rushed. Definitely doable for those more physically challenged. We'll be doing more in the future.
Review provided by Viator
Mikesl4216xz
Jul 12, 2023
A Great Sunday Afternoon!!! - Aaron took my wife and some friends on a wonderful tour. He was extremely articulate, knowledgeable, and enthusiastic. Aaron has a great sense of history and had great stories. We all enjoyed the tour even the non-beer drinkers and can’t wait to take another Brewing Heritage Trail tour.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
S2657ffjanh
Jun 26, 2023
Excellent experience - This was a very interesting tour! Our guide, Lisa, went above and beyond to share local history and answer questions. It was worth the money.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
E4007ntandrean
Apr 16, 2023
Wonderful! - GREAT tour!! The layering cellar underground was incredible! The tour guide was very knowledgeable & entertaining! He did a great job answering questions.
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Nobleengineer
Feb 4, 2023
Not as advertised - Tour guide continually went off script with personal stories ranging from genealogy to “today’s sociology lesson” about financial services companies. Maybe 10 minutes of architecture at most. He seemed to be making it up as he went. Cool to see the breweries but would have been far better on our own. Even said “surprised I haven’t had any questions” when he didn’t even pause. And when he did get a question, was clearly afraid to say he didn’t know the answer. Thought for a minute and made something up. Very disappointing.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
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up to 10 guests
1 Adult
April 2024
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