Looking for a workout that comes with a great view of the city? Just outside of downtown Cincinnati you can climb Mount Adams, a scenic hilltop neighborhood with a bit of history to boot.

Named for President John Quincy Adams, the hill is now home to over 1,300 residents and contains several of the city’s parks, a playhouse, and the Cincinnati Museum of Art.

Now for a bit more history; this hill was once used as a vineyard for what is considered one of the first commercially successful winemakers in the U.S., Nicholas Longworth. It held an observatory that once contained the most powerful telescope of its kind back in the 1800s. Although moved, the observatory is still in operation on the hill today. This was also the site of the Mount Adams incline from 1872 to 1948. The incline was used to transport residents from the city below up to the entertainment venues built up top.

This hill was also the home to the world famous Rookwood Pottery between 1891 and 1964. Pieces from this company can be seen in museums around the globe, as well as purchased in shops and online. Today, you can grab a bite to eat in the old Rookwood factory– the building still stands and houses several businesses.

From 1873 to 1977, this hilltop was the home of the Holy Cross Monastery and Chapel, which still stands, but is now used as an office. However, to come full circle to the ‘workout’ portion of this topic, the Holy Cross Immaculata Church also sits atop Mount Adams. Built in 1859, this church was built on the city’s highest point because of an archbishop’s promise in prayer for survival during a severe storm at sea. He survived and the church was built. Beginning in about 1860, wooden steps were climbed every Good Friday to the doors of the church, these were replaced with Stone Steps in the early 1900s, and then additional steps and a pedestrian bridge were added as the Columbia Parkway was built. The tradition of Good Friday continues even today; however, you don’t have to wait to get in some exercise – if you have an hour or so, climb away.

One last note, once you are upon the hill you’ll find Ida Street, which is tribute to the hills original namesake. Before being renamed in honor of the President, it was originally called Mount Ida for the woman who lived in the hollow of a tree on the side of the steep hill.

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