NEWPORT, Ky. – Northern Kentucky tourism promoters see a positive boost coming with the arrival of a new river attraction, Ride the Ducks Newport.
Riding on the Ohio River and on waterside streets along both the Kentucky and Cincinnati side, Ride the Ducks’ three amphibious vehicles provide a family friendly, fun way to see points of interest and landmarks of the region and learn about its colorful history, according to organizers.
Sightseeing during the 40-minute tour includes the Great American Ball Park (home of the Cincinnati Reds), Paul Brown Stadium (where the Cincinnati Bengals play), the Newport Aquarium, the World Peace Bell, historic homes on Covington’s Riverside Drive and other interesting points.
Ride the Ducks Newport is a venture of Herschend Family Entertainment, which last year purchased the Newport Aquarium. The company also operates Ride the Ducks attractions in Boston, Philadelphia, Baltimore, Atlanta, San Francisco, Seattle and Branson, Mo.
The attractions utilize customized amphibious vehicles based on models built to serve as landing craft during World War II. The Ducks are piloted by a skilled captain and a tour guide entertains and informs passengers with commentary on the passing scene.
Tickets cost $13 for adults and $10 for children, with one dollar discounts for groups of 10 or more. Each craft seats up to 37 passengers. Operating hours are 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. daily. The company hopes weather will allow the Ducks to operate in Newport eight to nine months a year.
Tickets can now be purchased by calling 859-815-1439 or by visiting a kiosk that has opened on the plaza outside the main entrance to Newport Aquarium. Herschend plans also to offer tickets soon online at www.newportducks.com.
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The Kentucky Department of Travel, an agency of the Tourism, Arts & Heritage Cabinet, exists to promote The Commonwealth as a travel destination, generate revenue and create jobs for Kentucky’s economy.