A perfectly preserved 1800s Ohio River village where paddle-wheelers still dock at the same levee that welcomed flatboats two centuries ago. Walk the Civil War battlefield, sip bourbon at a distillery dating to 1798, and ride the oldest continuously operating ferry in America.
River cruise ships dock directly at the Augusta River Park levee — you simply walk off the gangway onto Riverside Drive.
💡 Pro move: The Augusta Ferry (foot passengers $1, cars $5) crosses to Higginsport, Ohio if you want a quick side-trip to the other bank.
Augusta has no formal cruise terminal — ships tie up at the public riverfront levee, which has handled river traffic since the town's founding in 1786.
| Cruise Line | Typical Berth / Arrival | Dock or Tender |
|---|---|---|
| American Queen Voyages / American Duchess | Augusta River Park levee, Riverside Drive📍 | Docked |
| Other river cruise lines | Augusta River Park levee📍 | Docked |
Augusta's entire charm is walkable from the dock — a tight cluster of history, bourbon, and river scenery that rewards unhurried exploration on foot.
On September 27, 1862, Confederate raiders under Basil Duke fought Union Home Guards through Augusta's streets. A self-guided tour follows plaques along Riverside Drive and Main Street; guided two-hour tours ($10/person) are offered by Walking With History.
Book Civil War walking tours →The Augusta home of singer and actress Rosemary Clooney (aunt of George Clooney) is now a museum filled with her personal memorabilia, film costumes, and music career exhibits. Small, intimate, and genuinely charming.
Find Augusta cultural tours →John Baker began distilling on this site in 1798, making it one of Kentucky's oldest documented bourbon operations. The winery and distillery reproduce historic recipes, offer tastings, and have the largest and oldest wine cellar in the US — listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
Find bourbon distillery tours →The oldest jail in Kentucky still standing on its original foundation, used as a lockup until the 1970s. Original cells and a jailer's rifle are preserved inside. Contact the tourism office in advance to arrange access.
Find Augusta history tours →The Augusta Ferry has operated since 1797, making it one of the oldest continuously operating ferries in America. A short ride carries foot passengers, motorcycles, and cars across the Ohio River to Higginsport, Ohio — a novel way to tick off two states in one port call.
Find Ohio River ferry experiences →Augusta's compact riverfront grid is ideal for a self-guided stroll — the whole historic district fits in a leisurely 90-minute loop.
From the River Park levee, head up to Riverside Drive and turn left toward the Welcome Center Caboose. Walk Main Street through the 19th-century commercial district, past the Augusta General Store, Baker-Bird Winery, and Haley House Museum. Continue to Appelman Park to see the 1811 Jail, then loop back along the river.
A short waterfront stroll along Riverside Drive from the cruise dock to the Augusta Ferry landing at the foot of Ferry Street. Good river views and a chance to watch the ferry in operation.
🗺️ See full route in Maps →Climate normals for Augusta, Kentucky, USA (2014–2023 averages). Pack for the month you sail — highs, lows, and how many rainy days to expect.
| Month | Avg High | Avg Low | Rainy Days |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 30°F / -1°C | 13°F / -11°C | 10 |
| Feb | 32°F / 0°C | 13°F / -11°C | 9 |
| Mar | 40°F / 4°C | 21°F / -6°C | 10 |
| Apr | 52°F / 11°C | 35°F / 2°C | 12 |
| May | 65°F / 18°C | 46°F / 8°C | 9 |
| Jun | 73°F / 23°C | 56°F / 13°C | 11 |
| Jul | 80°F / 27°C | 63°F / 17°C | 11 |
| Aug | 79°F / 26°C | 63°F / 17°C | 10 |
| Sep | 72°F / 22°C | 56°F / 13°C | 8 |
| Oct | 59°F / 15°C | 45°F / 7°C | 11 |
| Nov | 45°F / 7°C | 32°F / 0°C | 10 |
| Dec | 36°F / 2°C | 22°F / -6°C | 10 |
Source: Open-Meteo ERA5 (10-yr daily averages)