Devou Park — Attraction in Covington

Review of Negative Experience with Park Ranger at Devou Park

My recent encounter with a park ranger at Devou Park left a sour taste in my mouth, to say the least. My sister and I, longtime residents of the area, were rudely accosted by an elderly male ranger near the overlook. Despite us not even being parked, he approached our vehicle with a demeanor that can only be described as confrontational.

We had momentarily stopped to sort out directions, a common enough occurrence in any park, when this ranger decided to unleash his displeasure upon us. He had the audacity to come up to my sister's window and ask if she was "stupid," a shockingly disrespectful question under any circumstance. His insistence that she read the parking sign, despite us not being parked, was equally unnecessary and belittling.

To make matters worse, I witnessed this same ranger later flagrantly disregard a stop sign while speeding through the park roads. It was a stark contrast to the authoritative role he should have been embodying as a park ranger.

Upon calling to file a complaint, I was met with a dismissive and defensive response from his manager, which only added to my frustration. It's appalling that our taxpayer dollars support individuals who fail to uphold basic standards of respect and professionalism.

It's also noteworthy that I often see this ranger more at ease in the golf club bar than out fulfilling his duty to protect and serve the park. This discrepancy between duty and leisure speaks volumes about his priorities.

In conclusion, my experience with this park ranger was not just disappointing but concerning for the reputation and effectiveness of park management at Devou Park. Residents deserve better treatment and accountability from those entrusted...

I paid for Braeden Shelter on August 24th for my daughter's 3rd birthday party. Arrived ten minutes before the time I was supposed to have the shelter there was a large group of latinas having a birthday party, so I walked over and kindly asked what they were doing there and that I Paid for and reserved the shelter, showed my reservation on my phone and my party started in 15 minutes could they please leave the premises. A man said they didn't know you had to reserve them or that it was reserved and continued grilling his food. And the others just sat and laughed at me. I said well since youre not cooperating I'm going to call the police which I did. Took them awhile to arrive. By time they arrived and the group was moved under police authority. It was 20 minutes past the start of my child's birthday party so I paid for 3 hours at a shelter and only got 2 out of it. The group who did not PAY for the shelter left it disgusting, food all over the ground, trash can overflowing. I couldn't get ahold of anyone at the park office .. no surprise there!! I wouldn't waste your money or Tim on the place, there is nothing or nooone to protect the shelters you reserve, there is no signs up stating it is reserved at this time or any warning or information that you have to pay and reserve the shelters to use them. My daughter's 3rd birthday party was ruined my guests arrived before the group was even gone and helped me decorate her shelter it was...

PROS ➕ Great overlook area ➕ Extensive trail systems ➕ Large parking lots ➕ Amenities

CONS ➖ None

Date visited: 05/27/2025

I thought Memorial Day was perfect for seeing the park, so I went to Devou Park. I had heard about its epic overlook of downtown Cincinnati. The crowd ruined it for me.

I went again the next day. It was rainy and chilly, uncommon for late spring, but it chased away the crowd. I saw only two people.

The road looped around the park, stretched forever, but eventually led me to a vantage point. The city lay before me. A light shower cast a thin veil over the scene. I could not see far, so I let my imagination fill in the gaps. Most landmarks were still visible: the bridges, the ballparks, the skyscrapers. The once-vibrant green trees had turned a strange shade of gray or blended into the mist. The rain grew heavier.

Fortunately, parking was generous even on busy days. I found a spot just steps away from the overlook. A platform had been built for the crowd. Picnic chairs and tables sat sparsely but strategically. On rainy days, I would sit in one of the two small pavilions with solid roofs nearby. I tried one of the park restrooms. It was usable, but the smell was horrendous.

Beside the famous overlook, the park also offered shelters and hiking trails—an extensive system, really. I will definitely come back for them.

Tears on city line, soft mist hangs on thin smoke walls, divides...