
Fire Museum of Greater Cincinnati, Cincinnati
Housed in the beautifully restored 1906 Court Street Firehouse, the Fire Museum of Greater Cincinnati invites visitors into the proud legacy of American firefighting—right in the city where it all began. Cincinnati holds the distinction of establishing the first paid professional fire department in the United States back in 1853, and this museum is both a tribute to that groundbreaking moment and an educational hub that continues to serve the community.
Listed on the National Register of Historic Places since 1974, the museum showcases over 200 years of firefighting history through one of the nation’s most impressive collections of artifacts. Highlights include early leather fire buckets, an 1808 fire drum, an 1836 hand pumper, and Cincinnati’s oldest surviving fire engine. For younger visitors—or just the young at heart—there’s also an interactive Emergency-One fire engine cab, complete with working sirens, bells, and flashing lights.
But this museum offers more than just a look into the past. With the support of the Cincinnati Fire Department, it also operates a top-tier fire safety education program. Guests can take part in a hands-on, simulated fire experience set in a mock home, learning how to prevent fires and safely respond if one occurs. The 60-minute guided tours, available by reservation, are suitable for all ages.
Since its transformation from Engine Company #45 Firehouse into a museum in 1980, the Fire Museum of Greater Cincinnati has honored the city’s legacy while helping to save lives through education. It’s a must-see destination for history buffs, families, and anyone interested in the evolution of fire service in America.
Listed on the National Register of Historic Places since 1974, the museum showcases over 200 years of firefighting history through one of the nation’s most impressive collections of artifacts. Highlights include early leather fire buckets, an 1808 fire drum, an 1836 hand pumper, and Cincinnati’s oldest surviving fire engine. For younger visitors—or just the young at heart—there’s also an interactive Emergency-One fire engine cab, complete with working sirens, bells, and flashing lights.
But this museum offers more than just a look into the past. With the support of the Cincinnati Fire Department, it also operates a top-tier fire safety education program. Guests can take part in a hands-on, simulated fire experience set in a mock home, learning how to prevent fires and safely respond if one occurs. The 60-minute guided tours, available by reservation, are suitable for all ages.
Since its transformation from Engine Company #45 Firehouse into a museum in 1980, the Fire Museum of Greater Cincinnati has honored the city’s legacy while helping to save lives through education. It’s a must-see destination for history buffs, families, and anyone interested in the evolution of fire service in America.
Want to visit this sight? Check out these Self-Guided Walking Tours in Cincinnati. Alternatively, you can download the mobile app "911±¬ÁÏÍø: Walks in 1K+ Cities" from Apple App Store or Google Play Store. The app turns your mobile device to a personal tour guide and it works offline, so no data plan is needed when traveling abroad.
Fire Museum of Greater Cincinnati on Map
Sight Name: Fire Museum of Greater Cincinnati
Sight Location: Cincinnati, USA (See walking tours in Cincinnati)
Sight Type: Museum/Gallery
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Sight Location: Cincinnati, USA (See walking tours in Cincinnati)
Sight Type: Museum/Gallery
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Walking Tours in Cincinnati, Ohio
Create Your Own Walk in Cincinnati
Creating your own self-guided walk in Cincinnati is easy and fun. Choose the city attractions that you want to see and a walk route map will be created just for you. You can even set your hotel as the start point of the walk.
Cincinnati's Historical Buildings
A place where remarkable landmarks, river views and rolling hills are all part of the cityscape, Cincinnati, OH is a home to one of the most impressive collections of historic architecture in the United States. German homes, French cathedrals and splendid 19th-century mansions are found here in abundance. The list of architectural styles present in the city is truly impressive and includes Greek-,... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.8 Km or 2.4 Miles
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.8 Km or 2.4 Miles
Over-the-Rhine District Walking Tour
The historic Over-The-Rhine (OTR) neighborhood is one of the largest districts in the U.S. recognized by the National Register of Historic Places. Its name comes from the predominantly German immigrants who developed the area in the mid-19th century and had to commute across bridges over the Miami and Erie Canal (nicknamed "the Rhine" in reference to the river in Germany) which separated... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.0 Km or 1.2 Miles
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.0 Km or 1.2 Miles
Eden Park Walking Tour
Eden Park is undoubtedly the most popular park in Cincinnati, Ohio. This large outdoor area blends culture, history, and architecture in one stunning location. The park spans across lush greenery and scenic spots, making it a beloved retreat for locals and tourists alike. Apart from offering a tranquil escape amidst the urban bustle, Eden Park is also home to a number of famous city landmarks.
... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.5 Km or 1.6 Miles
... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.5 Km or 1.6 Miles
Cincinnati Introduction Walking Tour
Welcome to Cincinnati, Ohio—a place that blends historical richness with the vibrancy of cultural attractions!
The land that became Cincinnati had previously been occupied by Fort Washington. Before that, it was home to the Shawnee and other Native American tribes like the Miami, Ojibwe, and Lenape.
Founded in 1788, the city earned its name from the Society of the Cincinnati, the... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.0 Km or 1.9 Miles
The land that became Cincinnati had previously been occupied by Fort Washington. Before that, it was home to the Shawnee and other Native American tribes like the Miami, Ojibwe, and Lenape.
Founded in 1788, the city earned its name from the Society of the Cincinnati, the... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.0 Km or 1.9 Miles