From Riverfront Courts to City Adventures: Cincinnati Awaits
On the banks of the Ohio River, approximately 20 miles south of my stomping grounds of Mason and Liberty Township, Ohio, sits The Queen City, Cincinnati. Known for its food, sports, culture and unique architecture, Cincinnati is also home to some of the best pickleball courts, both indoor and outdoor, in the midwest. If you’re looking for a fun weekend get-away, there’s something for everyone.
Sawyer Point
We can’t mention Cincinnati pickleball without first highlighting the pickleball courts at Sawyer Point. Located along the Ohio River, the venue features 18 dedicated outdoor pickleball courts (featuring a slight structural curve that is recognizable on any image shared to social media), with an additional six courts overlaid on three tennis courts. Annually, since May, 2023, Sawyer Point has played host to one of the stops on the APP Tour, the Cincinnati Vlasic Classic. The setting for this venue is unique with walking trails, parks, and riverfront scenery surrounding the courts.
In addition to this iconic public venue, The Pickle Lodge – Lunken Landing and The Pickle Lodge at Factory 52 dot the landscape.
The Pickle Lodge – Lunken Landing
With 17 dedicated indoor courts, a full-service bar called “Sky Galley” and Taglio Pizzeria (coming soon), The Pickle Lodge – Lunken Landing, became The Pickle Lodge’s second venue in Greater Cincinnati when it opened its doors in October, 2025. The Pickle Lodge – Lunken Landing is designed around an aviation theme and social experience that ties directly into its location next to Cincinnati’s historic Lunken Airport.
The Pickle Lodge at Factory 52
In June, 2026, The Pickle Lodge opened its third facility within Greater Cincinnati when it took control of the former Aces Pickleball + Kitchen to become The Pickle Lodge at Factory 52. Located within the redeveloped Factory 52 campus, the Pickle Lodge at Factory 52 features 11 cushioned courts—5 indoor and 6 outdoor (one of which is covered). The venue also includes an indoor and outdoor bar, an outdoor dog park, fire pits, yard games and plenty of outdoor gathering space.
Sawyer Point
Pickle Lodge at Factory 52
Beyond the Baseline: Play & Stay
7 Stops within 11 Miles after the Game
The following 7 attractions (and a few bonuses) within 11 miles showcase Cincinnati’s strongest assets: its riverfront, historic architecture, aviation heritage, food scene, parks, and distinctive local character—all within a short drive of the region’s premier pickleball venues.
- Fountain Square — The symbolic heart of downtown Cincinnati. The Tyler Davidson Fountain serves as the city’s gathering place for concerts, festivals, ice skating, and sporting events.
- Findlay Market — Ohio’s oldest continuously operated public market, featuring local food vendors, specialty shops, and neighborhood charm.
- Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden — The second-oldest zoo in the United States and home to Fiona, the famous hippo. It consistently ranks among the country’s top zoos.
- Great American Ball Park / Paycor Stadium — If the Reds are in town, catch one of Major League Baseball’s most scenic riverfront stadiums at Great American Ball Park or, if the Bengals are in town, catch NFL action at Paycor Stadium.
- Smale Riverfront Park — Just steps from Sawyer Point, this award-winning riverfront park features giant swings overlooking the Ohio River, fountains, gardens, and walking paths. It’s a perfect cool-down walk after a few hours on the courts.
- Factory 52 — If you’re playing at The Pickle Lodge at Factory 52, spend time exploring the broader campus. The redevelopment of the former U.S. Playing Card factory has created one of the region’s most interesting entertainment districts.
- Cincinnati Museum Center at Union Terminal — Even if you don’t enter the museums, the Art Deco architecture alone is worth seeing. Many visitors consider it Cincinnati’s most beautiful building.
BONUS: John A. Roebling Suspension Bridge — Walk across the bridge that inspired the Brooklyn Bridge. The views of downtown Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky are especially impressive at sunset.
BONUS: American Sign Museum — A hidden gem featuring restored neon signs, classic Americana, and photo opportunities. Visitors often leave surprised by how much they enjoyed it.
BONUS: Graeters Ice Cream — Founded in Cincinnati and still headquartered there. Finish the day with Black Raspberry Chocolate Chip at Graeters. Like the Kowamotos’.
BONUS: Skyline Chili — Skyline Chili is arguably the single food item most associated with Cincinnati. Together, Skyline and Graeter’s are the two foods most likely to be mentioned when someone asks, “What is Cincinnati known for?” Be sure to ask for a 3-way.
Author: Todd J
Todd is a pickleball instructor, tournament director, blogger, and the co-founder of PickleballMAX. When he is not on the courts giving lessons or running the tournament desk, he is visiting various pickleball facilities and bringing them to you on this site.
