Northern Kentucky facts for kids
Northern Kentucky is a busy area in the state of Kentucky, right next to Cincinnati, Ohio. It's like the southern part of the big Cincinnati city area. The three main counties here are Boone, Kenton, and Campbell. These counties are all along the Ohio River, which is across from Cincinnati.
Other counties often considered part of Northern Kentucky include Bracken, Grant, Gallatin, and Pendleton. More than 450,000 people live in Northern Kentucky. The biggest cities in this region are Covington, Florence, and Independence.
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History of Northern Kentucky
Northern Kentucky has a rich history. For a long time, people crossed the Ohio River using ferry boats. This changed in 1866 when the John A. Roebling Suspension Bridge was finished. This bridge was a test for the famous Brooklyn Bridge! After the bridge was built, the land near the river became much more valuable.
Growth and Development
Starting in the 1970s, Northern Kentucky began to grow a lot. Many things helped this happen. Being close to Cincinnati was a big plus. Also, the I-75 highway was completed, making travel easier. The area also became a hub for trains and river boats.
New industrial parks were built, and the Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport (CVG) grew. This airport is located near Hebron. All these things brought many businesses to the area. Northern Kentucky is great for distribution centers because it's close to most of the U.S. population. This means companies can easily ship products all over the country from here.
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Climate and Nature
Northern Kentucky is in a special climate zone. It's where the warm, humid subtropical climate meets the cooler humid continental climate. This means you can find plants from both types of climates growing here. For example, you might see southern magnolia trees, which like warm weather. You might also see blue spruce trees, which prefer cooler areas.
The Ohio River, the region's hills, and the nearby city of Cincinnati all affect the weather. An interesting animal found here is the common wall lizard. These lizards came from Italy in the 1950s and make the urban areas feel a bit more subtropical.
Fun Things to Do
Northern Kentucky has many cool places to visit. Besides the shops, restaurants, and views of Cincinnati's skyline, there are other well-known attractions.
Popular Attractions
- The Florence Speedway is a place for car races.
- MainStrasse Village is a historic area with unique shops and restaurants.
- Newport on the Levee is a popular entertainment complex. It includes the Newport Aquarium, where you can see amazing sea creatures.
- The World Peace Bell is a huge bell in Newport that rings for peace.
You can also find community playhouses, music venues, parks, and museums. Campbell County even has some wineries!
Religious Sites
Northern Kentucky has many historic churches, like the beautiful St. Mary's Cathedral Basilica of the Assumption and Mother of God Church in Covington. Further south, in Williamstown, you can visit the Ark Encounter. There is also the Islamic Center of Northern Kentucky in Florence.
Learning and Education
Northern Kentucky is home to several colleges and universities. These include Gateway Community and Technical College, Northern Kentucky University, and Thomas More University. These schools offer many different programs for students who want to continue their education after high school.
