As the Ohio River runs along our northern border, there are many cities — both big and small — that are situated right on the water. Of course, this was an obvious choice for a location when waterways were so important to nearly every aspect of life, but we still appreciate a beautiful riverfront town today. Most towns on the river take advantage of this location for its locals with the addition of parks and walkways so the public can take in the views. In northeastern Kentucky, right on the West Virginia border, Ashland has truly made the most of its location. Its lovely riverfront park in Kentucky is ideal for watching the sunset as the boats go by and enjoying a relaxing time at this charming spot on the water.

Ashland, Kentucky may feel like a small town, but it actually has a great balance of big city and quaint town life.

Facebook/Visit Ashland, KY Downtown Ashland offers a mix of historic and new and is situated along the Ohio River, right across from the West Virginia border. This corner of Kentucky offers outdoor adventure, plenty of historic sites, and wonderful access to the river.

Perhaps the best spot to enjoy the views is the Port of Ashland and this charming riverfront park in Kentucky.

Facebook/Visit Ashland, KY Here you’ll find a place for fishing, enjoying a picnic, or for taking a walk along the water and checking out the Port of Ashland sculptures, which you can see in the top left corner of the photo above.

Within this little park, there are walkways and places to rest and watch the boats come and go.

Facebook/Visit Ashland, KY It has that small-town accessibility, but you’ll be able to watch boats and barges go by, as well as stroll through beautiful landscaping. The sculptures are also a must-see and were created by world-renowned artist, Gines Serran-Pagan, who fell in love with Ashland while visiting.

The park has a few picnic tables and benches if you need a new spot for working or reading a favorite book.

Facebook/Visit Ashland, KY Have the kids bring their scooters and bikes and ride along the sidewalks that look out over the river.

This is also a popular fishing spot if you want to see what you can catch from the Ohio.

Facebook/Visit Ashland, KY And after your time on the water, head back into town and check out the other local businesses and restaurants. You can decide which spots to try by following along with Ashland on Facebook.

The history of this town and the river that runs past it are intertwined and it’s best experienced right on the water.

Facebook/Visit Ashland, KY Ashland makes for a great day trip or weekend getaway with plenty to do within the town, as well as nearby. Stay in a modern hotel right in the middle of downtown or choose a charming bed and breakfast.

And don’t forget to spend at least one evening watching the sun go down on the river.

Google/Edward Orde Both sunset and sunrise are lovely from this spot, so keep it in mind when you’re looking for a new place to explore in the Bluegrass.

We’ve featured Ashland before for its holiday festivities and underrated charm. So when you’re in the area, be sure to also check out this riverfront park in Kentucky that is home to incredible artwork and historic views that make this a memorable spot to relax. Are you from Ashland? Do you enjoy spending time on the river? Let us know in the comments!

Facebook/Visit Ashland, KY

Downtown Ashland offers a mix of historic and new and is situated along the Ohio River, right across from the West Virginia border. This corner of Kentucky offers outdoor adventure, plenty of historic sites, and wonderful access to the river.

Here you’ll find a place for fishing, enjoying a picnic, or for taking a walk along the water and checking out the Port of Ashland sculptures, which you can see in the top left corner of the photo above.

It has that small-town accessibility, but you’ll be able to watch boats and barges go by, as well as stroll through beautiful landscaping. The sculptures are also a must-see and were created by world-renowned artist, Gines Serran-Pagan, who fell in love with Ashland while visiting.

Have the kids bring their scooters and bikes and ride along the sidewalks that look out over the river.

And after your time on the water, head back into town and check out the other local businesses and restaurants. You can decide which spots to try by following along with Ashland on Facebook.

Ashland makes for a great day trip or weekend getaway with plenty to do within the town, as well as nearby. Stay in a modern hotel right in the middle of downtown or choose a charming bed and breakfast.

Google/Edward Orde

Both sunset and sunrise are lovely from this spot, so keep it in mind when you’re looking for a new place to explore in the Bluegrass.

For more information on Ashland and its features, visit the city’s website.

And for more on the magic of this city around the holidays, check out why Ashland is one of the best winter towns in Kentucky.

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Address: Port of Ashland, 50 15th St, Ashland, KY 41101, USA