Follow the River

Join us on Saturday and Sunday June 5th & 6th for a Self-Guided Tour as we explore our river’s History. This special event is being brought to you by the Dearborn County Historical Society, the Ohio County Historical Society, Main Street Aurora & Rising Sun Main Street.

​Welcome to Aurora!

Queen City Scale Model Boaters
Beautiful scale models, some radio controlled; tow boats, riverboats, steamboats and much more on display. The QCSMB is a club based in the Cincinnati area
open to anyone with an interest in remote control scale or sail model boats. Gabbard Riverfront Park, Second & Judiciary Sts.
FREE TO PUBLIC
 
RiverWorks Discovery®
A hands-on educational opportunity encouraging children and their families to learn about the rivers that flow through their lives. Gabbard Riverfront Park.
FREE TO PUBLIC

New Orleans Riverboat Exhibit
Did you ever wonder what the first steamboat on the Ohio River looked like in 1811? Exhibit located at the Southeastern Indiana Art Guild, 302 Second St.
Exhibit provided by the Indiana State Historical Society.
FREE TO PUBLIC
 
Antique & Vintage Automobiles
Visit an early Dodge automobile showroom. Tim Miller, owner of J. Miller Steak Co. has parked his collection here and around the corner at the old Gulf Gas Station, 225 Main St.
FREE TO PUBLIC

Tiffany’s Saloon
Step back into the late 1800s. Once the home of the Redman’s Club, it was also once a hotel and restaurant for riverboat travelers. Located upstairs at 211 Second St. Not handicapped accessible.
FREE TO PUBLIC

Archaeological Research Institute
 10:00-2:00 both days at Gabbard Park.
Public is invited to bring your fossils, rocks and artifacts
for an expert identification and information.
FREE TO PUBLIC

Entertainment
Gabbard Riverfront Park, Second & Judiciary Sts,
Performers to be announced.
FREE TO PUBLIC
 
Hillforest Victorian House Museum
The Hillforest Mansion, also known as the Thomas Gaff House, in Aurora was built in 1855 on a bluff above the Ohio River, it is one of the finest surviving examples
of an Italian Renaissance estate house, and a rare
well-preserved example of the work of architect
Isaiah Rogers. Located at 213 5th St.
Admission prices: $10.00 Adults & Students over age 13
$4.00 Children ages 7-13
Free Children 6 and under
 
Lesko Park
 SR56 Ohio River Scenic Byway This beautiful park follows the river with walking trails and art displays. Public restrooms are available.
 
Aurora Ferry Anchors, Buoys and Wood Carvings
Here a display honors our Ohio River heritage with anchors and a buoy from an Aurora ferry. Also at this location stands the “Riverboat Captain at a Ships Wheel” wood carving. Wood carvings grace several of our Aurora Parks.
FREE TO PUBLIC

River View Cemetery
As you make your way down SR56 Ohio River Scenic Byway towards Rising Sun, on the right is the River View Cemetery, the last place to visit before you drive across Laughrey Creek and into Ohio County. 3635 E. Laughery Creek Road.
Scheduled tours available through Main Street Aurora.
FREE TO PUBLIC

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​Welcome to Ohio County!

Lochry’s Defeat 
Take SR56 Ohio River Scenic Byway across the Laughery Creek Bridge.
Immediately turn right towards the town of French and turn right again. Here you will find the Sons of American Revolution marker recognizing Lochry’s Defeat. Here a group of Revolutionary soldiers led by Archibald Lochry fought a battle against Joseph Brant and his army of Indians on Aug. 24, 1781.

Triple Whipple Bridge
Built by the Wrought Iron Bridge Co., Canton, OH, this bridge is among the most spectacular and impressive historic bridges standing today. It is the only remaining example of its kind known and has been closed to traffic for years. This bridge connects Ohio & Dearborn County.
FREE TO PUBLIC 

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​Welcome to Rising Sun!

O​hio County Historical Society and Museum
Housed in a 19th century plow factory, most of the contents have been donated by Ohio County residents. Displays focus on the 1800s and early 20th century life and events along with photographs. Hoosier Boy racing boat, located in the museum, holds the record between Cincinnati and Louisville, round trip, at 60 mpg. Scale model riverboat displays built by former Delta Queen Captain Don Sanders and Willford "Doc" Hall. Tour a replica of an Ohio River flatboat, furniture displays and inventions of J.w. Whiltlock Co., a two headed calf and much more! 
Located at 212 S. Walnut Street, Rising Sun
​FREE TO PUBLIC

Samuel Barkshire House​ 
Barkshire along with his three sons, worked as “conductors,” and was instrumental in the operation of the Underground Railroad in Rising Sun. He worked in coordination with Abolitionists and the Anti-slavery Society in efforts to help others find freedom for over 30 years. Fourth & Poplar St.
 (Private residence no admittance)

Rising Sun Riverfront Park
Follow a self-guided historic walking tour, play- ground, picnic tables along the Ohio River and a view of Rabbit Hash, KY, just across the river.
Rabbit Hash is just a short ferry ride. Ferry entrance is at the Grand Victoria Casino golf area.
 Ferry cost per crossing $5.00 per car.
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Thanks to all the organizations that are participating in this event!