Fodor's Expert Review Tall Stacks

Every three years, Cincinnati pays tribute to its steamboat history by inviting a fleet of riverboats—there were 16 at the 2006 celebration—for riverboat races and cruises and scores of top musicians. The 2006 festival featured Wilco, Buddy Guy, Ricky Skaggs, Al Green, Buckwheat Zydeco, and 70 other artists. For the better part of a week, festival goers can tour steamboats, view historical exhibits and characters in period dress, and listen to music. The event began in 1988, during the bicentennial celebration of the city's founding.