Cincinnati Subway Talk & Walk Tour

Did you know Cincinnati has a subway system? Below the bustling street of Central Parkway lies our city’s darkest secret: 2.2 miles of abandoned tunnels. Each year, Heritage Programs takes 250 people on an underground walking tour through the old subway system.
Built in 1916, the rapid transit system was to reduce congestion in the Downtown area. It was also purposed to rehabilitate the right-​of-​way which was once the Erie Canal. The canal originally transported goods from Toledo and fell into disuse in the late 1800s. It became a cesspool and a health hazard for citizens. The subway was intended to resolve both the canal and heavy traffic problems.
Six miles of the subway was eventually constructed on what was planned to be a 16-​mile loop. The route would run underneath Central Parkway, with the first station located at Race Street. Additional stations were constructed at the intersections of Liberty Street, Brighton Place, Marshall Street, Ludlow Avenue, and Clifton Avenue. The first three stations were underground, and the latter were above ground. Ultimately, the subway construction stopped in 1928 due to inflation from World War I and a new political party taking office in Cincinnati that opposed rapid transit.
Of the six stations, only the three underground locations remain intact. The above ground stations were demolished in the 1960s when I-​75 was built.
Heritage Programs takes five groups of 50 guests into the subway annually. This takes place on the first weekend in May, with ticket reservations beginning in January. The tour usually sells out within 24 hours, so it’s essential to grab tickets early.
Upon arrival, guests will listen to an hour-​long photographic presentation by John Luginbill, an engineer for the Cincinnati Dept. of Transportation. He discusses the history of the subway and shows old photographs of the construction. Next, the group meets with their docent who takes them outside and into the tunnel. I was in Janice’s group; she was amazing!
The tour travels from the Race Street Station westward to the Plum Street bend in Central Parkway. Everyone is required to bring a flashlight and wear goulashes, as the subway is muddy with the occasional large puddle. Janice mentioned an area she deemed «Lake Cincinnati», which was an ankle-​deep area of water we had to walk through. I came prepared and stayed dry.
Inside the subway, you can see all the different types of architecture, such as how wooden forms were used to pour the concrete, and holes cut into the walls for workmen to jump into to avoid an oncoming train. Speaking of trains, no cars or tracks were ever installed in the subway. It’s just the basic concrete structure with stringers (railroad ties) marking where the rails were to be laid. The stations also had platforms built with grand staircases.
Janice also pointed out the stalactites that formed on the ceiling due to dripping water, and the 52-​inch water main that has been installed in the southbound tunnel. My favorite part of the tour was when everyone turned off their flashlights and stood in complete silence (and darkness) in the tunnel. Although a bustling Central Parkway was right above us, I didn’t hear a thing. It showed how exemplary the engineering for the subway was, especially for 100 years ago.
This was my third year attending the Subway Talk & Walk. Each time I learn or see something new. This year, a maintenance crew had installed a wooden bridge over the watermain. We were able to walk onto it and see where one of the tunnels branches off in a «Y» formation towards Fountain Square. (Ironically, this branch is right below the YMCA Central Parkway.) Having the heightened view of the tunnels was a fascinating experience.
If you love urban exploration, you need to take a subway tour with Heritage Programs. Tickets sell out quick, and there is usually a waiting list. (It’s harder to get in than the Oprah show!) Cost: $ 50 museum members, $ 55 non-​members. Bring some cash with you; they have subway merchandise for sale after the tour. (
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