Spring is an exciting time in Cincinnati. Even in the time uncertainties and restrictions, most Cincinnati parks remain open. From late March through the end of May the city bursts with beautiful spring blooms: magnolias, cherry and plum trees, redbuds, wisterias, crocuses, Virginia bluebells, daffodils, tulips—the color symphony fills the parks and streets of Cincinnati.
Smale Riverfront Park: daffodils and Virginia bluebells
The park is a great start of the spring flower adventure. Smale Riverfront Park stretches along the Ohio River and features a variety of flowers from daffodils and Virginia bluebells to tulips and hyacinths. Take a stroll through Smale Riverfront Park and make sure to stop at the flower section closest to the Ohio River with a postcard view of the Roebling Suspension Bridge.
Spring Grove Cemetery and Arboretum—various blooming trees and flowers
Spring Grove Cemetery is one of the oldest cemeteries in the United States, dating back to 1845. The site boasts a 733-ac (297-ha) garden, which draws photographers and leisure-walk enthusiasts year-round. There are also several small lakes with geese and ducks with their neighbors—turtles, who love to sit under the sun on warm days. From April through October, the cemetery offers tours, so you can combine some historical insights with the stunning blooms in the spring months. In late March and early April, the trees blossom, followed by the colorful displays of tulips, daffodils, and other flowers later in the spring.
Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden—tulips, daffodils, and hyacinths
Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden turns into the Cincinnati Botanical Garden & Zoo each spring. "Zoo Blooms" flower show takes over the botanical garden, one of the only two accredited botanical gardens in Ohio, throughout April. The Zoo offers one of the most impressive tulip displays in the Midwest—the so-called "Tulip Mania"—with more than 100,000 tulips of all imaginable colors. The flower show also features over a million daffodils, hyacinths, and various flowering trees and shrubs. April has some other perks. Every Thursday evening in April, visitors can enjoy free concerts during the "Tunes & Blooms" nights. Due to the restrictions and the unstable spring weather, the concert program, as well as the Zoo admission, is subject to change.
Eden Park—magnolias and butterflies
Eden Park stretches over some 186 ac (75 ha) and features walking trails, small lakes, and stunning spring blooms. The park also home to the Cincinnati Art Museum and Krohn Conservatory. Late March and early April is the prime time to witness tree blossoms at Eden Park. Walk to the Hinkle Gazebo and Magnolia Garden across from the Krohn Conservatory for the magnificent pink flower spectacle. Magnolia bloom usually peaks in early April. If you are keen to see more flowers, walk to Mirror Lake for the tender blossoms of roses and cherry trees along the lakeshore. Krohn Conservatory in Eden Park offers another stunning spring spectacle: the Butterfly Show. From mid-March to mid-June (dates vary each year), thousands of butterflies flutter throughout the showroom.
Ault Park—cherry trees
One of the largest parks of Cincinnati, Ault Park has lots of green areas, hiking trails, several gardens, and a Pavilion. In late March and early Apil, trees dress up in spring blossoms, and later in spring, various flowers lure visitors to the gardens. There are two cherry tree groves in Ault Park where you can behold the beauty of the delicate white and pink flowers: the Kwanzan Cherry tree grove and the Japanese Cherry blossom tree grove.