30 Interesting Things to Do in Dayton (Ohio)

Dayton might not be the largest in the state of Ohio, but it is home to large minds.

These large minds successfully create Dayton’s profile of national relevancy and community devotion.

From history to entertainment and more, Dayton tells of a proud reality of being an area of inspiration and doggedness.

As a vacation destination, Dayton features choice parks, gardens, entertainment centers, museums, and a vibrant visual and performing art scene.

To say the least, with its number of Dayton-born founding fathers, Dayton caters to a variety of interests from visitors globally.

Since you are here, check out a list of ways to maximize your stay at the birthplace of aviation.

Things to do in Dayton, Ohio

1. National Museum of the US Air Force

Since this is what Dayton, Ohio, is popular for, you might want to find out first what is so unique about this museum.

In fact, this is both the largest and the oldest military aviation museum worldwide.

This boast is backed up by over 360 aircraft and missiles on display in one museum.

These engaging exhibits are practical examples of the country’s history of small aviation beginnings and air force wars.

Since 1971, the National Museum of the US Air Force has been stewarding the collection of these aircraft technology spanning eras.

Still on spring Field Street in Dayton, Ohio, and behind the air force base where you find the museum is the Air Force Research Laboratory.

In all senses of it, this is the brain behind the modern air force status of the country.

As you will see, the favorable unlevelled battlefield brought about by research results from this lab and its predecessors since 1971 is of immense importance and recognition.

Its research influence cut across areas like aerodynamics, sensors, radars, aviation medicine, engines, launch systems, and more.

As an enlightening destination to visit any day, its memorabilia are sure to wow its interested audience and interest in indifferent ones.

The museum is open for visits from 9 am to 5 pm every day.

Address: 1100 Spaatz St, Dayton, OH, United States

2. The Dayton Art Institute

In itself, this is an institute that serves the community through meaningful experiences with art.

Little wonder its displays of fine arts fall into top-ranking categories in the field of art for an audience of all age groups.

Showcasing an impressive collection of 200 works, the Dayton Art Institute started in 1919 as one of southwest Ohio’s premier museums for the arts.

In fact, it is located in an iconic building reminiscent of the Italian renaissance period.

Decades later and counting, it houses outstanding exhibits spanning different timelines, cultures, and mediums.

As you will see, its collection features artistic inspirations from the different rich continental heritage that stand out in style, detail, and number.

In addition, rotating and special exhibits do justice to the museum’s age and widespread fame.

Staying relevant and maintaining sustainability all these years is an impressive feat that gives credit to how it manages to remain inclusive and reflect the beauty of diversity.

Specifically, one branch of such diversity will be its experience center, where curations educate and immersive activities thrill and involve participants in the art-making process.

Other events, workshops, programs, and performing art series come up regularly at the institute to give visitors an entertaining time.

Visitors can plan a visit from Wednesday to Sunday from 11 am to at least 5 pm.

Address: 456 Belmonte Park N, Dayton, OH, United States

3. Dayton Aviation Heritage National Historical Park

The park is known for its different onsite locations that make up a Wright-Dunbar historic district in Dayton, Ohio.

After years of intentional efforts, the Dayton Aviation Heritage National Historical Park became official in the year 1992.

Before this time, much urbanization, riots, and neglect were steadily erasing every trace of the Wright brothers’ lifetime in the area.

Upon seeing this, Jerry Sharkey conceived the idea to preserve what was left of their legacy here in their hometown.

While he realized he needed influential support, his first step in his plan was to buy their last surviving bicycle shop.

Thereafter, Sharkey took concerted efforts to garner the support of political and media influencers whose input helped establish this historic park.

Now, the Dayton aviation heritage park celebrates the wright brothers in light of the environment where such great minds were once children with dreams.

Interestingly, before having a successful launch on December 17, 1903, Orville and Wilbur Wright were also successful bicycle makers and printers.

Hence, from sharing a helicopter-like toy as kids to flying as men, there were a lot of interesting milestones for these brothers to see.

In addition, the park also preserves the memory of acclaimed African-American poet Paul Laurence Dunbar, who was the friend of the brothers.

Hence, this park also features his home and about 10 of his poems for visitors to listen to.

Before embarking on an exploration journey down the trail, you can get an insight into the decades between the 1860s and the 1940s at the visitor’s center.

Take an enlightening walk down this historic trail any day from 10 am to 4 pm.

Address: 16 S Williams St, Dayton, OH, United States

4. Boonshoft Museum of Discovery

Without a doubt, this is truly a land of discovery and more to the community of Dayton, Ohio.

Starting your tour of anthropology and exhibits at the discovery museum is a walk into Ohio’s ice age.

Emphasizing an atmosphere of fun, discoveries at the museum appreciate the application of science, technology, and creative thinking.

Also, its diversification into an extensive collection of live animals and natural exhibits helps to foster a holistic learning environment for its visitors.

As a unique museum in Dayton, Boonshoft Museum of Discovery prides itself on its ability to appeal to individuals with different interests.

While its Lego dioramas, planetarium exhibits, splash, climbing areas, and others suggest a memorable time for kids, teenagers and adults also have a lot to look forward to.

The museum dates back to 1893 when it started as part of the town’s public library.

Willingly, its citizen became its curators as they donated items brought back from trips or their time in service to the country.

In 1952, its curations became more organized, and it officially opened as the Dayton Museum of Natural History in 1958.

As the years went by, timely developmental strategies saw more remarkable milestones for the museum.

Following the gift from Boonshoft in 1999, the Dayton museum of discovery became the Boonshoft Museum of Discovery.

From then till now, the museum has seen more progressive expansions in all areas.

Now, it houses permanent collections of millions of objects curated and donated over the course of its entire existence.

Visitation to the museum starts at 12 pm on Sunday and at 9 am every other day to always ends at 5 pm.

Address: 2600 Deweese Pkwy, Dayton, OH, United States

5. Carillon Historical Park

Housing an original version of Dayton, Ohio from 1796, this park comes as part of the University of Ohio.

Since 1950, the park has been celebrating the rich heritage and famous affiliations of the town.

Apart from being the home of the popular Wright brothers, Dayton holds other interesting histories worthy of preservation.

Some of these are the Carillon, which welcomes visitors, and the cash register which fills up a whole room.

Filling the historic park grounds, mostly mobile buildings, tells stories that should not be forgotten.

Since the park takes its visitors back in time, topping the list of its exhibits is the 1905 Wright flyer.

This list, however, gets more interesting with a unique artifact, like the engine that came in handy after the 1913 flood in Dayton.

Essentially, the Carillon Historical Park’s curation features not only famous exhibits but also the small significant details that helped shape the town.

These historic elements divide the park into a summarised version of settlement, industry, transportation, and inventions.

However, its 30 historical building and their contents are not all there is to its 65-acre land mass.

Getting addressed by Dayton’s inventors at the theatre or an engaging time in the tavern are interesting options.

Another fun activity will include riding a custom-built carousel featuring the various exhibits in the park.

A park visit starts on Sunday by 12 pm and any other day from 9:30 am to 5 pm.

Address:  1000 Carillon Blvd, Dayton, OH, United States

6. Five Rivers MetroParks

Vacations are all about convenience, entertainment, and the outdoors.

On these values, the regional public park system in the Dayton metropolitan area finds expression through Five Rivers Metro Park.

As important as urbanization is, reproducing a natural woodland after it has been tamed is expensive, if not impossible.

This is why the park system employs conservatories and outdoor educational and recreational facilities to preserve as much green space as possible.

Setting aside over 15,400 acres of Dayton Greenland, five river metro park gets its name from the five major waterways converging in Dayton.

The park subdivides into other parks in its park system, featuring unique and historical landmarks.

These protected lands connect visitors with nature through wild gardens, trails, camping, waterfalls, wildlife, and recreational areas.

For years, this initiative has been a practical learning and inspirational environment for locals and visitors to the area.

Also, its recreational facilities serve as bonding tools for families, teams, friends, and groups.

Parks open daily from 8 am to 8 pm

Address: 8300 S Brown School Rd, Vandalia, OH, United States

7. America’s Packard Museum

Cars from 1903 to 1956 are not all lost and forgotten, especially the ones from America’s luxury automobile company, Packard.

America’s Packard Museum is an automotive museum in an original 1917 Packard dealership adjacent to a 1930s brick building in Dayton, Ohio.

The museum showcase beautiful luxury Packard cars in light of their glorious era.

Turn tables holding spinning cars give a good view of why these cars were considered luxurious.

Starting out in 1899, Packard made a name for itself not only in the luxury aspect but also in the advancement of automobile technology.

In fact, some of its cars did set records in speed and style.

However, if you notice most of the cars on display are not exactly practical, you just got a hang of what a Packard car is.

Interestingly, the Packard Company also made airplanes engine during WWI and II.

In addition to airplane engines, Packard also manufactured and supplied heavy-duty trucks to allies during WW 1.

All things considered, this museum holding the largest collection of the Packard cars is an enlightening and entertaining place to visit.

The museum is accessible to visitors from 12 pm to 5 pm every day except on Monday.

Address: 420 S Ludlow St, Dayton, OH, United States

8. SunWatch Indian Village

Next to the Great Miami River in Dayton, Ohio, is a reconstruction of an ancient Native American village that once populated the site.

Based on archaeological findings, the tribe was dated to have lived here between the 12^th and 13^th centuries.

Seemingly forgotten with no hope of rediscovery, the fort’s ancient cultural village came to light in the 1960s.

At this time, the accidental discovery of the village came when the city was trying to extend its water treatment plant.

Since then, archaeological research into the life and culture of the SunWatch Indian Village maintains an enlightening site for visitors.

In 1988, the village opened as an open-air museum to the public and officially became a national historic landmark in 1990.

Sun Watch Indian village museum features dwellings arranged and built according to excavation and research studies.

It totals 3 acres of these dwellings that housed approximately 250 people, stockade alignments, and other unique constructions.

Specifically, its interpretive center feature recovered artifacts, remains, and other pre-historic materials of interest.

Much to its interpretive tours, special events, and educational programs, it welcomes visitors worldwide for a wonderful time onsite.

Come visit this site from 10 am to 4 pm from Friday to Sunday.

Address: 2301 W River Rd, Dayton, OH, United States

9. National Aviation Hall Of Fame

Without a doubt, these air and space pioneers who did their bit made a mark worthy of recognition and emulation.

Now, the National Aviation Hall of Fame tries to inspire its visitors through its interactive exhibits and simulations to not only be dreamers but also courageous enough to follow through.

Founded in 1962 by 5 Dayton citizens, the museum covers a 17,000 square feet area publicly accessible for free.

Basically, it is an interpretive museum for the “birthplace of aviation” in Ohio and a learning and research center.

The initiative honors the ingenuity, skill, and courage of individuals with unique contributions to the aviation legacy of the country.

Visitors to the national aviation HOF enjoy a display of the nation’s aviation history from the time of the wright brothers till date.

By sorting its exhibits into interesting timelines and entertaining galleries, the museum helps its visitors get the most out of every visit.

Hence, subsequent visits to the national aviation hall of fame lead to a fresh exploration of interests and new experiences.

Whatever the age range, there is always something for everyone to connect to at the national aviation hall of fame.

It is open every day from 9 am to 4:30 pm except on Monday and Thursday.

Address: 1100 Spaatz St, Dayton, OH, United States

10. Aullwood Audubon Center and Farm

This is a working animal farm and bird center in Dayton, Ohio.

With the foremost mission to protect wildlife and habitat, the center features a large and beautiful natural area.

Founded in 1957, the Aullwood Audubon center started as a 70-acre land donation by Marie Aull.

In 1962, Marie Aull again gave the community one of the first educational farms in the country.

These gifts of natural woodlands and varying ecosystems encourage visitors to explore the adventures of the outdoors in a safe setting.

While its 200 acres of natural sanctuary and walking trails provide a peaceful time out from the busy downtown, it also provides an aesthetic view.

This view exemplifies the beauty of diversity and interdependence of nature in stewarding a healthy planet.

After developing a sense of wonder, activities are used to lead visitors to want to learn and eventually teach conservative actions.

Hence, its hands-on, engaging, and interactive learning strategy helps connect and inspire individuals of all age groups to create a sustainable environment.

Visitors can also look forward to its unique native Ohio grassland, special events, and hospitable employees and volunteers.

Furthermore, its varying water and land-based activities serve as a good bonding session for family and team members.

If you are a curious mind or just a lover of beautiful sceneries that change with seasons, Aullwood Audubon Center and the Farm are definitely eye candy.

On any other day except Monday, the center is open to visits from 9 am to 5 pm.

Address: 1000 Aullwood Rd, Dayton, OH, United States

11. Scene75 Entertainment Center | Dayton

You can say this is basically an arcade.

However, since it is the largest nationwide, it is more befitting to call it “an arcade on steroids”.

With a size of 160,000 square feet, the Scene 75 Entertainment Center is the nation’s largest indoor entertainment title.

The center is a dream come true for its Dayton-born founder, Jonah Sandler.

Taking an unprecedented leap of faith in his hometown, Sandler went on to build something of great importance to his community in 2012.

Improving from humble beginnings like miniature golf courses and interactive gaming theater, its Dayton branch is the first of its five branches.

More than just the basic act of whiling away time, activities at the center are strategic for appreciating family fun time and bonding.

Today, visitors to the center can expect a swell time at any of its premium attractions and while playing any of its arcade games.

If you would rather be watching from the sidelines, you can enjoy doing just that at the bar and grill spot.

The center is open for visits from Wednesday to Sunday.

Address: 6196 Poe Ave, Dayton, OH, United States

12. Wright Cycle Company Shop

It comes as no surprise that on their way to stardom, the wright brothers excelled at other things.

One such notable thing was the Wright Cycle Company Shop.

Branching out from the printing business, the brothers started their bicycle business in 1892.

Starting this additional business was part of an initiative to fund their aviation experiments

Kicking off as a rental and repair shop, the brothers soon advanced to manufacturing and selling bicycles.

The result of this is that they eventually grew to own six different shops in Dayton, Ohio.

This is a tour of one of such shops still on its original foundation and location.

The iconic building, which is currently a part of the national aviation heritage area, features two floors of exhibits.

While its main floor shows off its enviable bicycle invention skills, the second floor is the printing shop.

If you love history or are just a fan of the wright brothers, this is a crucial part of their story you’ll want to experience first-hand.

The museum is open for visitors daily from 10 am to 4 pm.

Address: 22 S Williams St, Dayton, OH, United States

Now you are in Ohio, explore other fun cities with our list of the best things to do in Canton, Elyria, and Hocking Hills.

13. Aviation Trail

With over 45 sites with connections to aviation, Dayton proves it is the proverbial head with the cap title of “home of aviation” fits.

With much to show and talk about, the Aviation Trail comprehensively highlights all these connections to visitors.

Specifically, the aviation trail is a driving tour of all these locations.

Interestingly, the tour finds a way to stay consistently exciting and not overwhelming.

It does this by introducing tourists to what they should anticipate and expect at its visitor center.

Hence, the trail starts at its visitor center, which is right next to the Wright bicycle shop.

The trail and by extension the visitor center also have much to say about free-fall parachutes.

In fact, a parachute museum in honor of David Gold is on the second floor of the visitor’s center.

Whereas on the trail, the history of the free-fall parachute can be traced to McCook Field.

The trail believes that after a full show of history; it is always satisfying to walk the grounds these icons walked.

You can plan a visit down the trail any day from 10 am to 4 pm.

Address: 22 S Williams St, Dayton, OH, United States

14. Dayton International Peace Museum

Interestingly, this is the only peace museum in its hemisphere to still run a physical location.

Understandably, with all the wars the world sees, it is even advisable to have an edifice that basically reads “alternative dispute resolution”.

Speaking of a physical location, this museum is in an iconic mansion.

In fact, the building is beautiful enough to be popular for its looks only.

However, Dayton International Peace Museum is also a traditional museum of exhibits and an activity center.

Founded in 2004 to commemorate the 1995 Dayton agreement, it promotes peace and civility through its collaborations and educational exhibits.

These exhibits highlight the possibility and need for nonviolence in creating sustainability in the natural world.

Its activity center further inspires visitors on the essence of a peaceful atmosphere for tangible productivity.

It does this through interactive centers and entertaining events like workshops, camps, clubs, live music series, and more.

Basically, this is the place to learn about global peace heroes and reflect on the gift of a peaceful society.

The museum is open for visits from 10 am to 5 pm only on Friday and Saturday.

Address: 10 N Ludlow St, Dayton, OH, United States

15. 2nd Street Market

Although this is basically the oldest and largest operating market in Dayton, it is definitely a thing to do.

On market days, this former freight house comes alive with vendors of various wares and buyers with various interests.

Specifically, the current location of Five Rivers MetroPark’s 2^nd street market was once a 1911 B&O railroad freight warehouse.

For six hours on three consecutive days every week, over forty vendors market unique selections at this outdoor venue.

Edibles range from farm produce to cooked food and everything in between to teeming customers.

A quick tour of the place also features crafts, flowers, and home décor selections.

Interestingly, this is a practical way to meet and interact with many minds in one place in Dayton.

Moreover, it is a typical reminder of the important role farm owners plays in maintaining a healthy community in Dayton.

Undoubtedly, it is a market by the community and for the community.

It opens on Friday and Saturday from 9 am and on Sunday from 11 am to always closes at 3 pm.

Address: 600 E 2nd St, Dayton, OH, United States

Dayton is just a tip of what Ohio has to offer. To see more, here’s a list of fun things to do in Toledo, Sandusky, and Findlay!

16. Dayton Arcade

A lot of words will vividly describe in detail the beauty of this historic architecture.

Simply put, it is an elegant complex at just the right spot in the city’s business district.

Its large space occupied by 9 connecting buildings is a center for inspiration, innovation, and community building.

It features workspaces for businesses and individuals from industries like entertainment, art and culture, and more.

Its workspaces encourage inventive and creative thinkers from those different industries to interact and share ideas.

This innovation strategy is the arcade’s way of nurturing a uniquely creative future in Dayton.

In its own words, the Dayton Arcade is the primary catalyst for transforming the neighborhood surrounding it.

Originally, in 1904, the arcade was constructed as a clean and safe hub for food distribution.

Starting as a farmer’s market and later adding retail businesses, restaurants, and apartments, it was home to dozens of Daytonians.

Today, the arcade “incubates unique ideas and opportunities to put Dayton at the forefront of tomorrow’s big innovations”.

Address: 35 W 4th St, Dayton, OH 45402, United States

17. The Contemporary Dayton

Interestingly, it is so simple to join this community of artists and art lovers when in Dayton, Ohio.

Located in the Dayton arcade building. The contemporary Dayton features modern art whose artists are still living.

Since its founding days in 1991, it has been working with the belief that a vital visual arts community is an essential part of the community.

Running with this vision, its founding fathers set about their mission by showcasing works of local and regional contemporary artists.

Before it was renamed the Contemporary Dayton, the art center was called the Dayton visual art center.

From its name, its goal was clearly to showcase visual art for what it was- a necessary part of a thriving society.

Changing its name was a way to make it more inclusive while expanding.

Inclusive in the sense that works of local, national, and international artists can be displayed.

Now, its gallery and other resources provide global contemporary art for the community and professional development workshops for its artists.

The art community is open for visits from Wednesday to Sunday from 11 am to 6 pm.

Address: 25 W 4th St, Dayton, OH 45402, United States

18. Day Air Ballpark

Downtown Dayton always has something to offer to its locals and visitors.

However, this important job description is only possible through the help of its numerous attractions.

One such notable one is the Day Air Ballpark.

Opened in 2000 with over 8,000 sitting capacity, it is a minor league baseball stadium in Dayton.

Formerly known as the fifth third field, Day Air Ballpark is also the home of the Dayton Dragons.

As a field to enjoy your favorite pastime, the ballpark is an important yarn in the woven fabric of the Dayton community.

Breaking an all-time professional sports record, the ballpark has the most consecutive sellouts.

In fact, it is both literarily and figuratively the center of the community.

Its other amenities like its suits, party decks, and concession stands give the ballpark its well-deserved advantage in Dayton.

Interestingly, speaking of ratings, PETA rates the ballpark as one of the most vegetarian-friendly minor league ballparks nationwide.

Address: 220 N Patterson Blvd, Dayton, OH, United States

19. Fifth Street Brewpub

This 1860s building went through different phases, like being a grocery store, café, and saloon before it was abandoned.

Sticking out like a sore, the building’s level of disrepair gave a general bad outlook to the entire community.

At this point, 32 people decided to only see the building’s potential to become something sustainable for the community.

Starting as a neighborhood effort, its earliest business model was to repair the property going into disrepair through community effort.

Hence, its founders started fifth street brewpub in 2012 as a community gathering to eat and drink for the greater good.

Built on a foundation of hospitality and loyalty, the brewpub gives back to its amiable visitors an ambiance to relax and enjoy the fresh air.

This end result of maintaining the community soon became its watchword, which was rephrased as “building a community one beer at a time”.

Today, Fifth Street Brewpub still stands as an anchor of its community.

In fact, it prides itself on making a small yet indispensable impact in the community.

Currently, this is a go-to place to get beer and food in a relaxing environment with the personable wait staff.

You can visit the fifth street brewpub any day except on Mondays.

Address: 1600 E 5th St, Dayton, OH, United States

20. Dayton Philharmonic Orchestra

This is the third arm by which the Dayton performing arts alliance inspires its audience to love the performing art.

The association takes its creativity to its audience through the Dayton philharmonic orchestra, the Dayton opera, and the Dayton Ballet.

As a collaborative unit, Dayton’s Philharmonic Orchestra helps make the others a better and more unique version of their art.

As a solo act, they produce live instrumental versions that replicate the original sound to a tee.

The professional music group was formed in 1933 and has mostly since presented classic music.

Minoring in other areas like world music, pops, jazz, and rock-n-roll, whatever the piece, it is always a symphony.

Its fall, winter, and spring seasonal calendar show at least 30 concert series to the delight of a variety of audience.

Also, the Dayton philharmonic orchestra directed by Neal Gittleman calls the famous Schuster performing arts center home.

So if you are not yet a part of the global orchestra fan base, Schuster center is definitely a place to visit.

Address: 109 N Main St, Dayton, OH, United States

21. NCR Country Club

This country club is a ranch-style Dick Wilson design that opened in 1954.

The idea for this world-class golf club was born from the belief that a company should pay attention to the recreational needs of employees.

Being the president of the national cash register corporation at the time and an avid golfer, Stanley Allyn saw to the building of the company’s first golf course in 1914.

Decades later, not only is this golf club thriving, but it is also hosting championship tournaments.

By design, the NCR Country Club has two golf courses that each have 18 obviously different holes.

The course in the north wing covers 6,828 yards while that of the south covers 7,055 yards.

Other impressive amenities at the country club are its clubhouse, golf shop, dining area, pool, and fitness complex.

While it maintains a friendly if not homey ambiance, it is also a large, pristine, and beautiful landscape.

Hence, the NCR country club is popular for creating the right atmosphere for golfing and hosting special events.

On any day except Monday, the club is open to visits from 8 am to 9 pm.

Address: 4435 Dogwood Trail, Kettering, OH, United States

22. Dayton Grotto Gardens

The land was first developed in 1867 after the American civil war from being a limestone quarry area.

Its creation at that time was to serve as a refuge for the disabled soldiers of the civil war.

Sooner than later, Grotto became a city lovingly tended to by its resident.

Specifically, Corporal Frank Mundt was helped by other veterans to grow vines in the crevices and hillside.

In 1868, the government employed Charles beck to take charge of the floral, landscape, and vegetable gardens.

Under his supervision, 75 veterans working full-time planted and laid out decorative floral landscapes on site.

While the native plants got their care in the grotto, other exotic plants got due attention in the greenhouses Frank made.

By 1900, this tender loving care made Grotto a garden paradise that everyone wanted to visit

Not long after all this attention, the veteran population on site declined, and the rest was history.

Thankfully, restoring these 12 acres of gardens, fountains, waterfalls, and grotto in 2012 brought it back to its seat of pride in Dayton.

Today, visitors of the park also get to see its 1800s buildings and its 1900s stone arch structure which tells of its history

You can plan a visit to the Dayton grotto garden any day.

Address: Dayton, OH, United States

23. Ohio Village

Columbus invites its visitors to differentiate between the Ohio of the 1890s and Ohio of the 21^st century less than 75 miles from Dayton.

As a visual representation of a time during the American civil war, Ohio Village opened in 1974 on 15 acres.

This living model of the state also contains buildings that actually reproduce in detail their actual historic counterpart.

This way, history is preserved not only in stories, pictures, and artifacts but also in a life-sized diorama.

Now, visitors get to experience what was obtainable as far back as the 1950s and even participate in some activities.

In fact, visitors can expect anything 1890s, from sports to its food, nightlife, and more.

Also, with its partial specificity to the time of the civil war, the village holds quite an exquisite collection of battle flags.

While kids enjoy its games and vintage-style sports, adults can enjoy tipping their cups at vintage parties

Generally, this is a fun and comprehensive way to tour the town in light of an 1890s theme.

The town is open for visits from 10 am to 5 pm on Wednesday to Sunday.

Address: 800 E 17th Ave, Columbus, OH, United States

24. Robert & Elaine Stein Galleries

This is the university gallery of the Wright state university in Dayton, Ohio.

Having discovered a niche of exceptional contemporary art through various mediums, it functions to thrive.

Some of its curations from 1986 employ technological and scientific acumen to depict simple concepts in a new light.

However, curations at the galleries target national and regional western works from post-1967.

This significant reference year is important to both the Parent University and artistic timelines.

On this belief that quality art is an immense tool for education and cultural connection, it maintains a legacy of innovation, excellence, and open-mindedness.

Hence, Robert and Elaine Stein Galleries is an educational resource for the students and an inspiration to the Dayton metropolitan area.

With its exposure to diverse intellectual and physical resources, the galleries connect to their varying audience through catalogs, workshops, and lectures.

Consisting of six gallery spaces, Robert and Elaine Stein Galleries spreads across the two floors of its building.

While two of its galleries stay on its main floor, the others occupy its top floor.

However, admission into all the galleries is free.

The gallery is open for visitors from a most 12 pm to 4 pm from Tuesday to Saturday.

Address: 3640 Colonel Glenn Hwy, Dayton, OH, United States

25. St Anne’s Hill

Importantly, this historic district is a part of a neighborhood significant for its German heritage.

Hence, St Anne’s Hill display about 350 beautiful German houses with a scenic backdrop of its surrounding.

With some current notable buildings to be especially proud of, the district was started in 1815 by Daniel Cooper.

At the time, most of the lands that now house these buildings were for agricultural purposes.

In 1885, German immigrants developed the lands and became its residents.

Starting with mostly single-family homes, these immigrants began building multi-family homes and apartments around WWII.

Sooner than later, the area became a residential district of homes, churches, restaurants, shops, and hangouts.

Notably, the location of these blocks of residential Victorian homes shows a delicate balance between a bustling business town and a quiet respite from it.

Featuring Victorian homes from the late 19th to early 20^th century, the neighborhood is a nice mix of both high-style residences and vernacular ones.

Its charming community stays popular among Dayton visitors for its cohesive character and its proximity to downtown Dayton.

In fact, beautifying, as well as conveniently shielding its homes, are its large shade trees on wide streets.

As the second oldest historic district, St Anne’s hills became a historic district in 1974 and got a place on the national register of historic places in 1986.

Address: 817 McLain St, Dayton, OH, United States

26. Carillon Park Rail and Steam Society

Train rides might not be the fastest means of transportation, but they sure have a lot of fun to share.

More than the fun, this means of transportation has a history in this region that contributed to its growth.

Today, citizens of Dayton and members of the society celebrate that period by promoting a seven-and-a-half-inch gauge railroad in the Carillon historical park.

This railroad exists since 1996 and features trestles, bridges, tunnels, turntables, switches, maintenance buildings, and loading platforms.

The train ride takes visitors around the one mile of track road on a scenic joy ride.

Specifically, this seven-and-a-half-inch model train is a fun way to learn about the significance of steam engines to Dayton.

Moreover, this is an engaging way to emphasize the science, math, and engineering aspects of the subject matter.

Basically, the Carillon Park Rail and Steam Society in Dayton protect its cultural and historical heritage as it relates to the railroad.

If you are a train lover or you just enjoy a good excuse to spend quality time bounding, this is it.

Address: Carillon Blvd, Dayton, OH, United States

27. Dayton Montgomery County Bark Park

When you have to pick a place where your dog can exercise and socialize in the right crowd, you will not want it too far from home, right?

Good thing Webster street community members also thought of this and followed through on that thought.

The 10-acre coverage of the Montgomery County Bark Park is a large safe space in Dayton where man’s best friends get friendly without reservations.

This former landfill site perching on a hill is a bountiful green space divided into sections.

However, fur babies of all sizes and breeds can cross these boundaries.

As a public dog facility, the area fills up with agility training areas matching your dog’s playing capacity.

As part of Montgomery’s county green initiative, this bark park is the largest of its kind in the country.

Also, its topography provides a good hiking trail from dawn to dusk for its visitors.

Hence, the park is not just an ideal location for adequate dog exercise, but also a convergence of like-minded individuals enjoying nature.

You can visit the bark park any day from 6 am to 8 pm.

Address: 6790 Webster St, Dayton, OH, United States

28. British Transportation Museum

The foremost information about this museum is that it receives visitors only by appointment.

British Transportation Museum is a vintage Kroger warehouse interpretive museum with vintage British automobile artifacts.

Specifically, most of these artifacts are British-built vehicles used in America.

Touring the museum grounds is usually an interesting experience due to the amount and variety of collections available.

Moreover, it is an interesting way to put an image to some interesting historic stories involving some of these cars.

As an educational institution, the organization of its display gives its audience an insight into the role of British transportation vehicles in America.

This insight is further fanned into a useful understanding and appreciation of the various mediums used to express this important period.

In detail, its exhibits include vehicles, parts, photographs, memorabilia, books, and even articles relating to British modes of transportation.

Visitors can also enjoy automotive events, classes, programming, and other engaging activities upon a visit.

The museum is open for a visit on Monday and Saturday from 10 am to 4 pm.

Address: 321 Hopeland St, Dayton, OH, United States

29. The Funk Music Hall of Fame & Center, Dayton

The funk music genre of music is an evolution of African American R&B, soul, and jazz genres.

The rhythm-driven dance music genre originated in the mid-1960s and became popular in the late 1970s/ early 1980s.

Its founding fathers like James Brown, Sly, and the Family stone passionately used this new form of music to create memorable times for their audience.

From the time of its emergence, it appealed to the African-American community and quickly became a channel to speak on social matters, self-development, and personal liberation.

When it became popular in the 1980s, it yet started evolving again into contemporary rock, punk, and rap genres.

Interestingly, Dayton is the funk capital of the world.

This is because, during the peak of its popularity days, Dayton-born music groups were its most contributors in charting singles.

The Funk Music Hall of Fame and Center is a non-profit initiative to honor legends and preserve the memory of their impact on the music world.

Its hall of fame boasts of its funky root as seen in groups such as Zapp, Ohio payers, heatwave, sun, slave, and many more.

The funk exhibition center also connects visitors to their favorites through exhibits, performing arts education, and instrumental skill training.

In addition to honoring the pioneers of funk music, the center aims to uphold this legacy through interactive and engaging fun activities.

Address: 113 E 3rd St, Dayton, OH, United States

30. Patterson Homestead

This federal architectural-designed homestead constructed in three major components took a period of forty years to build.

The first two phases ran between 1816 to 1820, while its third phase was added in 1850 by Jefferson Patterson.

Since its construction, it has housed three generations of the prominent Patterson family and a variety of other purposes.

In fact, this is the childhood home of the founders of the national cash register company in Dayton, Ohio.

Its builder and grandfather to the founders, colonel Robert Patterson was an American revolutionary war Indian fighter.

At the end of his lifetime, he was also a proud founder and cofounder of famous cities like Lexington, Kentucky, and Cincinnati, Ohio.

After he settled with his family in Dayton in 1804 on the Rubicon farm, he eventually went on to build this iconic homestead and farm its remaining 2,038 acres.

On these thousands of farm acres, Colonel Patterson ran a variety of mills, orchards, fields of grain, and livestock farms successfully.

Today, Dayton’s history stewards this heritage that was gifted to the city of Dayton in 1953.

A tour of the Patterson Homestead is an appreciation of entrepreneurship, courage, and belief, as well as family and country loyalty.

Address: 1815 Brown St, Dayton, OH, United States

Based on popular demand, here’s our list of the best and most fun things to do in Akron and Columbus!

Final remarks.

It is a wonder how Dayton, Ohio, still stays relatively hidden from the spotlight, considering its talent.

From exceptional green life to flying history and vintage glory, there is more to Ohio’s 6^th largest city.

Thankfully, where ever you choose to start is almost always in proximity to another amazing venue.

The only question now is, what other tourism secrets will you uncover on your next trip to Dayton, Ohio?

Safe travels!