A Kentucky spot is among the nation’s ‘best historic small towns,’ ranking states
A Kentucky city with fewer than 25,000 people is packing a big punch.
Newport in Campbell County, located just across the river from Cincinnati, recently earned a spot on USA TODAY’s 10Best list of the best historic small towns in the country, ranking at No. 6.
As part of its 10Best series, USA TODAY highlights top destinations and attractions across various travel and lifestyle categories. To finalize a list of nominees in each category, USA TODAY consults a panel of expert travel writers and editors and then invites the public to vote on the nominees over a four-week period.
For its list looking at historic small towns, the publication focused on communities with fewer than 25,000 people. Newport is home to 13,812 people, the U.S. Census Bureau estimates.
The Herald-Leader has reached out to the Northern Kentucky Convention and Visitors Bureau for comment about the recognition from USA TODAY.
According to USA TODAY, Newport’s history as a bustling Ohio River town dates back to the late 1700s. As the publication notes, it’s gone through several transformations since then.
“Over the years, it’s had many iterations, from military post to manufacturing hub to a hotbed of Prohibition gangsters, later earning a reputation as ‘Sin City’ for its casinos and adult entertainment,” the publication states.
“Today, Newport is a family-friendly town with a strong historic core — six districts are found on the National Register of Historic Places including Mansion Hill, East Newport and Monmouth Street,” it continues.
According to the city’s website, it shines as a place that blends the new and the timeless. From its waterfront, you can catch a striking view of Cincinnati’s skyline or one of several warm-weather festivals. Among its standout attractions is the Newport Aquarium, which has also received recognition from USA TODAY.
Here’s how Newport compares to the other historic small towns featured on USA TODAY’s 10Best list:
Granbury, Texas
Abilene, Kan.
Worthington, Ohio
Ludington, Mich.
Ruston, La.
Newport, Ky.
Mackinac Island, Mich.
Castine, Maine
Eureka Springs, Ark.
Astoria, Ore.
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This story was originally published April 30, 2025 at 10:59 AM.