Portsmouth
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Portsmouth

Portsmouth

Southern Ohio river city known for floodwall murals at the Scioto and Ohio confluence.

Portsmouth sits at the confluence of the Scioto and Ohio rivers in southern Ohio, a former industrial town that wears its history on its floodwalls — literally. The Portsmouth Floodwall Murals, a series of more than 50 panels stretching along the riverfront, depict the city's history from the Shawnee era through the steel and shoe-making boom years.

The town is also the southern terminus of the Ohio and Erie Canal trail and home to Shawnee State University, which sits on the edge of the Shawnee State Forest — the largest contiguous forest in Ohio, sometimes called the "Little Smokies" for its rugged, hilly terrain.

Guide

Eating Out

Portsmouth's restaurant scene is modest but improving as Boneyfiddle is restored. Expect honest Midwestern cooking — burgers, barbecue, the occasional good pizza — rather than ambitious fine dining. Several of the better spots are along Chillicothe Street downtown.

Guide

Getting There

Portsmouth sits on US 23 in southernmost Ohio, almost on the Kentucky border. Columbus is about 95 miles north (under two hours by car) and Cincinnati 100 miles west. There is no commercial air service; the nearest airports are Columbus (CMH) and Cincinnati-Northern Kentucky (CVG), each roughly two hours away.

Greyhound buses serve the city from both Columbus and Cincinnati. Driving in is straightforward and parking in the downtown core is plentiful and largely free.

Guide

Things to Do

Portsmouth's attractions are concentrated along the Ohio River. The Floodwall Murals are the obvious draw, but the Boneyfiddle historic district, the Southern Ohio Museum, and the spectacular U.S. Grant Bridge round out a full half-day's visit.