Helpful Tips For Visiting The Behringer Crawford Museum -

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High atop Devou Park in Covington, Kentucky sits a little museum that boasts Kentucky heritage and a unique NaturePlay park outdoors. The Behringer Crawford Museum is home to the famous two-headed calf, an impressive train display, and interactive multi-cultural exhibits. Here are are a few helpful tips on what to expect during your visit.

Getting To The Behringer Crawford Museum

The Behringer Crawford Museum is located inside Devou Park in Kentucky. Pack a picnic and plan to spend an afternoon at the museum, then enjoy the scenic park. With sweeping views of the Cincinnati skyline, this is the perfect spot to enjoy the city. There are plenty of playgrounds, including the one next to the museum.

The museum is conveniently located minutes off I-71/I-75 and with a little help from GPS you will navigate your way through the park to what appears to be a huge mansion.

There is a parking lot with a decent amount of spaces. There is no charge to park and the entrance to the museum is located a few hundred feet from the lot. The museum is handicap accessible and has an elevator so all patrons can enjoy the museum.

Address: 1600 Montague Rd, Covington, KY 41011

Four Floors To Explore

A unique feature of the Behringer Crawford Museum is that there are four floors to explore. An enormous Kentucky Trolley greets guests as they enter. A lively train display often catches everyone’s attention near guest services.

As of 2020, admission to the museums is $9 adults and $5 for children over 3. Memberships are also available. Be sure to check their website for updated hours, admission, and special events.

To access different floors, guests can opt to utilize the stairwells or the elevators. Each floor has a theme. The four themes are; Riding the Rails, Rollin’ on the River, Travel Back In Time, and Up, Up, and Away.

Tip For Bringing Small Children: The stairwell doors are left open which may not be ideal with littles that are unaware of the danger of stairs. My little one tried to make a break for them – to keep a watchful eye on yours! The museum has many corners and turns that can make bringing multiple little ones stressful. Especially when they can easily dart into an open stairwell.

Exhibits In The Behringer Crawford Museum

There are interactive exhibits mixed in with heritage heirlooms and artifacts. Discover the impact the railroads by entering the Rails Gallery or enjoy the Rivers Gallery which highlights the important role the Ohio and Licking Rivers played in the evolution of river commerce and early settlement.

There are scavenger hunts and maps available for older children to help them discover and learn during their visit. There are, however, fun areas for toddlers to play like a train table, kitchen area, and the Rollin’ on the River riverboat. “Fishing” off the riverboat was a highlight on our trip.

If you are going with younger kids try to glance at a few of the interesting artifacts on display, like the bell from the iconic Island Queen Riverboat.

Special exhibits make their way through the museum throughout the year. The Prehistory Gallery and the Devou Legacy Building change periodically throughout the year to display special artwork and artifacts and seasonal themes.

NaturePlay Park

The entrance to this park is located right off the parking lot to the museum. The park is free and open to the public from dawn to dusk each day. Kids can create their own outdoor adventures by venturing into log cabins, a flat-boat, or stroll through the beautiful butterfly gardens.

The park is also handicap accessible and is open from dawn to dusk. Another great thing about this park is that it is fenced in! The little cabins even have chairs and tables made of stumps. The perfect spot to take a snack break!

Family Events At Behringer Crawford Museum

The museum offers special events geared at families. On the third Tuesday of the month, they host Tot Tuesday, which includes storytime, sing-along, crafts, and snacks. The cost is that of general admission plus $1 for the craft.

The holiday toy train exhibit is a Kentucky family tradition. Come delight in over 250 ft of model train track, Thomas the Tank, and more. Check the website for more details.

A Few Thoughts

Behringer Crawford Museum in Covington — Soph with her good friend Carly

I personally enjoyed the museum, however, I felt that it wasn’t the best fit for my daughter at 15 months. There is only a handful of things that are interactive for toddlers.

Many exhibits are aimed at slightly older children. I found myself constantly chasing her and guiding her away from edges, precious heirlooms, and other things she shouldn’t get into.

The museum does their best by placing activity stations and interactive exhibits on each floor for tots to explore, but it wasn’t enough to satisfy my little one’s curiosity.

Children who are two and up should find this museum fascinating. A true gem is NaturePlay Park. This will be a new staple in our routine. This fun park is perfect for all ages and really sparks their imaginations. There are benches, a slide, and a cruise line swing in addition to the cabins.

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