Revolutionary War Captain William Arnold who donated the land to establish the city in 1820. Although it was first named Philadelphia, the name was changed to Williamstown, honoring Captain Arnold, after discovering another city in Kentucky had already claimed that name. Arnold’s original log cabin is part of the historic downtown.
Williamstown is the star attraction as the county seat for Grant County located about 35 miles from downtown Cincinnati. The city is continuing to attract new residents annually at a growth rate of about 6%. The town itself is less than a mile wide, but it’s packed full of everything county residents need from banks to hardware and insurance companies. Just over 3,900 residents call Williamstown home, ensuring that there’s plenty of room to call your own. Grant County is primarily a farming community, and Williamstown is where social, political and entertainment needs are met. The historic downtown houses the shopping, restaurants and activities that are the destination for residents. Housing ranges from farmhouses to turn of the century construction to newer brick residences. (Williamstown is also located in Pendleton County.)
Revolutionary War Captain William Arnold who donated the land to establish the city in 1820. Although it was first named Philadelphia, the name was changed to Williamstown, honoring Captain Arnold, after discovering another city in Kentucky had already claimed that name. Arnold’s original log cabin is part of the historic downtown.
Transportation
I-75 is the major artery through Grant County; State Routes 25 (Dixie Highway), and Highway 36 provide access through the city. The Greater Cincinnati Northern Kentucky International Airport provides air transport.
Hospitals
Northern Kentucky’s sprawling St. Elizabeth operates a satellite hospital here – St. Elizabeth Grant County – long with 24-hour medical transport from the area. Williamstown Paid and Volunteer Fire Department provides EMS service to the village residents.
Shopping
There are many local stores and restaurants to explore: Try El Jalisco for Mexican cuisine. Edwardo’s Pizza and Opa’s Pizza. Williamstown Marina has food during the summer months. Kitchen on Main (owned by a high school student who also makes his own jams and jellies); Hansie Flip Burgers (with locally sourced meat); and Kentucky Y'all Icebox, which benefits DREAM Grant County, promoting employment for those with disabilities. Edmondson’s Grocery has been serving the community for over 90 years. Ozzy Osbourne visited this grocery several years ago! BathBar Soap, a nostalgic-styled shop for natural soaps and fragrance is located on Main Street.
Daily needs are easily met in this growing community, from groceries to clothes to appliances, with major shopping centers in Florence 30 minutes away, or in nearby Georgetown or Lexington.
Patriots Landing is a veteran’s woodshop and showroom located by the Veteran’s Cemetery. Downtown Williamstown has vintage charm with its old buildings.
Recreation
Williamstown is the center for activities in Grant County from performing arts, and live performances. The Ark Encounter (a life-sized Noah’s ark that has made world-wide news) is located nearby. This massive boat is the largest timber-framed structure in the US. It offers education, a zoo, ziplines, a concert series, and much more. Several outdoor festivals enliven the spring and summer months.
Wide-open spaces allow residents the space to tackle any outdoor pursuits with boating at the top of the list. Just minutes away is 305-acre Williamstown Lake – the center of recreational life for residents and popular with boaters and fishermen. Williamstown Marina is open to the public from April through September. The Williamstown Splash Park is open Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day, featuring a splash pad and picnic areas.
Nearby Kincaid Lake State Park is also popular with those who enjoy the outdoors. Kentucky Cowtown Arena offers two outdoor tracks, trails and has camping hook-ups. Horsemanship lessons are available.
Nearby vineyards and a winery invite oenophiles to visit.
Williamstown has several city parks. Webb Park offers picnic shelters, tennis and basketball courts as well as a playground. J.B. Miller Park has 35 acres of natural space and a 10-acre lake. Williamstown Lake and Marina offer fishing and boating. City Center Park is in the city’s central business district and offers green space for relaxing. Helton Heights is a smaller green-space park. Within a 20 to 40-minute drive is Big Bone Lick State Park, Kincaid Lake State Park, and General Butler State Park.
Within a 20-minute drive is Bullock Pen Lake in Crittenden with a 134-acre reservoir and boat ramp. Leary Lake & Archery Range offers a 4.6-acre lake for fishing in Crittenden. Boltz Lake, and Corinth Lake are also nearby.
The city hosts various yearly events for the community including an annual Ice Cream Social, Derby Day, US 25 Yard Sale, Party in the Park and Paddle Williamstown.
The Stage Right Musical Theater Company features live performances throughout the year.
If you enjoy skating, head to the Starlight Roller Skate Rink!
The annual Grant County Fair is in Williamstown.
Lifestyle
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