CINCINNATI, Ohio — The new Ohio Creativity Trail, showcasing over 100 stops across the state, is drawing art lovers and history enthusiasts alike.

What You Need To Know

  • The new Ohio Creativity Trail showcases over 100 stops statewide that celebrate creativity

  • The trail is part of the America 250-Ohio Commission’s celebration of the nation's 250th anniversary or semi-quincentennial

  • There are nearly a dozen stops in the Greater Cincinnati region

The self-driving trail highlights Ohio’s growing arts scene and its influence on the nation over the past 250 years. Nearly a dozen stops are in the Greater Cincinnati area.

“We’re at the American Sign Museum today, which falls under the theme of folk and traditional art. These are works that have both a purpose and artistic value,” said Chris Hurtubise, a member of the America 250-Ohio Commission, which is leading the initiative.

Hurtubise said the goal of the trail is to showcase Ohio’s creative spirit and its historical impact. The trail is part of the America 250-Ohio Commission’s celebration of the nation’s 250th anniversary.

“It’s a story, a place where you can visit and learn more, with experiences that bring it to life,” she said.

The trail allows visitors to explore themes such as “Carousels,” at Carol Ann’s Carousel or “Music,” at the Cincinnati Black Music Walk of Fame. Other themes include Visual Arts, Folk & Traditional Art, and On the Page.

Rookwood Pottery, in Cincinnati’s Over-the-Rhine neighborhood, is part of the trail and falls under the Glass & Pottery category.

“Rookwood is a fully operational manufacturing facility that creates beautiful works of art,” said Derek Silcox, marketing director for Rookwood Pottery.

He noted each piece produced at the factory touches 14 sets of hands, emphasizing the company’s commitment to quality.

Rookwood was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1972. Silcox said that the company has deep ties to the community, with many Cincinnatians’ families passing down Rookwood pieces through generations.

“If you’re from Cincinnati, you’d be hard-pressed to find someone whose aunt or grandmother didn’t collect Rookwood,” he said.

Hurtubise said visitors will find creativity across the state.

“There are over 100 sites. You can go almost anywhere in Ohio and discover creativity,” Hurtubise said. Part of the fun for visitors and tourists is finding things that aren’t even on the tour because artistry is everywhere.”

The Ohio Creativity Trail is the second launched by America 250-Ohio, following the Ohio Air & Space Trail, which opened last spring. The commission plans to launch two more trails later this year.

For a list of all the stops along the Ohio Creativity Trail, click here