About Butler

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Introduction

Butler once boasted the state’s longest wooden-covered bridge. Designed as a double-truss burr bridge, it was 456 feet long. When it was completed in 1871 the bridge served until it was damaged and torn down following the devastating flood of 1937.

Summary

Butler sits in the rich, fertile rolling hills of Northern Kentucky’s Licking River Valley, about halfway between Cincinnati and Lexington. The tiny city, with just over 600 residents, sits on the scenic Licking River. It’s definitely a rural lifestyle with plenty of hometown atmosphere. Butler was established in 1852, and before the name change to honor U.S. congressmen William O. Butler, it was originally called Fourth Lock, because of its destination as the fourth lock on the Licking River. Butler is located eight miles north of Falmouth.

Transportation

St. Rt. 27 is the primary access through Pendleton County to Butler with Ky. Rt. 177 (Bridge Street) the primary loop through this small town. The Falmouth/Gene Snyder Airport on St. Rt.22 just outside Falmouth is the nearest airport with Greater Cincinnati Northern Kentucky International Airport approximately 20 miles north of Butler.

Hospitals

St. Elizabeth’s satellite hospital in Williamstown, Grant County is 19 miles away; Mercy Hospital Anderson is just across the Ohio River 20 minutes north of Butler. The Butler Community Volunteer Fire Department provides EMS services for the city.

Shopping

A small shop supplies the daily needs of the city, but most residents do their shopping in nearby Falmouth. A larger shopping trip for residents heads north to Florence Mall in Northern Kentucky, or south to Lexington’s Fayette Mall.

Recreation

This is where central Kentucky comes to play. Horse farms dot the surrounding area and the calendar of events monthly includes horse shows and competitions. "Thaxton’s Licking River Canoe Rentals" offers canoe and kayakers access to the Licking River. Fishermen like to try their hand catching small-mouth here. "Twin Rivers Fishing Lake" is located in nearby Falmouth. "Kincaid Lake State Park" offers 850 acres to explore with camping, golfing, swimming and fishing with more pounds of largemouth bass per acre than any other lake in the state. "Cedar Line Nature Preserve" has 43 wooded acres and has several trails to walk to enjoy nature. "Pendleton County’s Historical Society" provides an outlet for genealogical research, and an active "Kincaid Regional Theatre" summer season appeals to audiences across the county. The county is home of the annual "Kentucky Wool Festival", a one-of-a-kind celebration of the sheep heritage common in the area.

"Pendleton Athletic Park" in nearby Falmouth offers soccer, football, and baseball fields; tennis, volleyball and croquet courts; and a one-mile nature trail. "Pendleton County Fairgrounds" hosts the annual county fair. The "Griffin Fitness Center" located at the high school is open nightly for fitness buffs. The "Pendleton County Country Club" in addition to offering golf and other sports serves as a center for nightlife.