The National Museum Of The United States Air Force Is A Must See Attraction In Dayton
The National Museum of the United States Air Force is easily one of the most unique museums in Ohio.
You wont find a copy of this museum anywhere else in the country, and its in the birthplace of aviation!
The museum itself is located at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, but civilians can access the museum.
It is completely free to visit the museum and you can plan to spend an entire day there if you really wanted to.
The museum is the largest military aviation museum in the world. There is plenty to see at this top Dayton attraction.
Inside the 19-acre museum complex, youll find more than 350 aerospace vehicles and thousands of artifacts.
So you can see why people spend a day or two walking through all of the exhibits in the museum.
Schuster Performing Arts Center
Just a short walk from the market, youll find the excellent Schuster Performing Arts Center, which puts on an array of concerts, ballets and operas every year. When in town, its a good idea to check out its packed schedule of events to see if there is a particular play or performance that youre interested in.
Opened in 2003, the state-of-the-art center and its two theaters exhibit extraordinary architecture. Its gorgeous Wintergarden Lobby and fiber-optically illuminated domed ceiling are particularly impressive. The elegant auditorium also makes for a fine sight with all its seats, boxes and balconies offering up perfect views of the stage below.
Besides enjoying performances by the Dayton Philharmonic Orchestra, Dayton Ballet and Dayton Opera, you can also watch Broadway shows and music recitals at the atmospheric venue.
Walk Around The 2nd Street Market
On a beautiful day, youll want to take some time to walk around the 2nd Street Market.
The 2nd Street Market is one of the best year-round activities in Dayton.
There are over 40 different vendors in the market that sell a variety of goods.
You can find fresh produce, homemade goods, and more at the 2nd Street Market.
Its reminiscent of European markets and is open Friday, Saturday, and Sunday throughout the year.
The market also hosts a variety of events in Dayton throughout the year.
They have a native plant sale, glass fusion workshops, cooking classes, and plant workshops.
Its one of the coolest things to do in Dayton on the weekends.
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Boonshoft Museum Of Discovery Dayton Ohio
The Boonshoft Museum of Discovery is Daytons local childrens museum. Science is the emphasis of the museum, and its permanent collection includes a large natural history collection, a live animal sanctuary, an aquarium, planetarium, and the museums sister site, SunWach Indian Village.
The expansive campus is unique to Dayton, offering the only facilities of its kind in the city. The museums permanent exhibits include highlights such as an Egyptian mummy, an interactive solar system tour, a 68-inch suspended globe that illustrates a variety of global dynamics including animal migrations and current air traffic.
Other displays include a tidal pool with live seawater creatures, a fully enclosed tree house, and a zoo, which includes creatures native to the state of Ohio.
2600 Deweese Pkwy, Dayton, Ohio, Phone: 937-275-7431
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What Is Dayton Ohio Famous For
Dayton is a center for manufacturing, supply, and shipping companies. Also, its the home of substantial research and development in the aeronautical, astronautical engineering, and industrial fields.
You can experience and learn about aeronautical advancements at the Wright Cycle Company Complex. If youre more interested in Daytons history, check out SunWatch Indian Village/Archaeological Park and the Boonshoft Museum of Discovery.
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Follow The Dayton Ale Trail
Craft beer enthusiasts will love following the Dayton Ale Trail, which includes 31 craft breweries in Dayton and the surrounding areas. You can pick up your passport at any participating location, then follow the trail and collect stamps along the way. Stop at its final destination, the Yellow Cab Tavern, to complete the trail and receive your prize a 16oz stainless steel pint glass. The Trail is one of the coolest ways you can enjoy a night out on the town while supporting local businesses in Dayton.
Catch A Fly Ball At A Dayton Dragons Baseball Game
Plan a night out with some exciting Minor League Baseball with the Dayton Dragons. The team is affiliated with the Cincinnati Reds and lights up Day Air Ballpark with games and special entertainment nights at the ballpark. You can feel like a local by joining the fans who fill the stands on summer nights to cheer on the hometown team.
The Dragons broke a record in 2011 for the most consecutive sellouts for a professional sports team and the momentum keeps going. Every game has different promotions, from family movie events to yoga in the outfield.
If you hit a game, be sure to go hungry, as the concessions at the park are not your typical chicken tenders and hot dogs. You will find an array of traditional ballpark foods but also hearty pulled chicken sandwiches, as well as gluten-free and vegetarian foods.
Address: 220 N. Patterson Blvd., Dayton, Ohio
The beautiful RiverScape MetroPark in Dayton is a community gathering place where you can get some fresh air on trails, as well as biking and kayaking. It’s also one of the top places for festivals in the city. The RiverScape MetroPark is an area of green space and trails through downtown Dayton along the Great Miami River.
You can ice skate at the outdoor rink in the winter, take a fitness program in the park in the spring, and enjoy the Five Rivers Fountain of Lights of dancing fountains in the park during the summer.
Address: 111 E. Monument Ave., Dayton, Ohio
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Dayton Funny Bone Comedy Club And Restaurant
The Dayton Funny Bone Comedy Club and Restaurant is a casual eatery with live comic entertainment. Open in the late morning throughout the week with late evening hours on weekends, the establishment allows guests to dine on standard American fare while enjoying the variety of shows.
Throughout the day different dining options are available, including seated dinners with an assigned table. For more information on how to book a table for a specific show, check the Funny Bones website for up-to-date information. The Club and Restaurant also maintains age-restricted hours, with 18+ being the norm, but certain hours are confined to 21+.
The Greene, 88 Plum St #200, Dayton, Ohio, Phone: 937-429-5233
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Because You Dont Want To Miss Outbe Downtown
Be there for some of downtowns signature events.
While there are dozens of great events happening downtown every day, there are also some big, not-to-be-missed events that we look forward to every year.
Downtown Dayton is home to many of the regions best cultural and music festivals, fun celebrations, and other large-scale events that draw crowds from all over and showcase all that our city has to offer.
From seasonal events like the Summer in the City lineup and the Dayton Holiday Festival to cultural celebrations, live music festivals and more, you wont want to miss these perennial favorites as you rediscover downtown Dayton.
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Benjamin And Marian Schuster Performing Arts Center
The Benjamin and Marian Schuster Performing Arts Center is a community based center designed to host Daytons entertainment and performing arts. The center is owned by the Victoria theatre Association and is located inside of what was formerly Rikes department store.
The Dayton Philharmonic, the Dayton Ballet, and the Dayton Opera all perform at this location, along with a variety of other seasonal and traveling acts. Aside from the arts center, the Center also contains a number of restaurants, a winter garden, and several condos and offices.
For a list of upcoming performances, the Benjamin and Marian Schuster Performing Arts Center website features an events calendar. If you are looking for things to do in Dayton, Ohio today, watch a performance at the Benjamin and Marian Schuster Performing Arts Center.
1 W 2nd St, Dayton, OH 45402, Phone: 937-228-7591
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Learn About The History Of Dayton At The Carillon Historical Park And Museum
The Carillon Historical Park and Museum is a great way to learn about the varied history of Dayton.
The park itself is over 65 acres and there is an open-air museum on the grounds.
Its a beautiful park in Dayton to walk around, plus its a learning experience.
The park is open daily and there is an entrance fee. For adults, it is $12 and for children, it is $8.
However, the admission price is completely worth it when you realize all of the things you get to see at this park and the open-air museum.
As you walk through the park, youll find a variety of different stops and buildings to explore.
You can see the original Wright brothers flyer, learn about the industrial history of Dayton, and see what life was like for early settlers.
If you love history, this is easily one of the best things to do in Dayton, OH.
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Dayton Air Force Museum
This large museum offers four hangers full of more than 150 planes, missiles, and aircraft-related displays. It is a must-see for aviation fans and anyone who would like to learn more about the history of aviation from the Wright Brothers to modern space vehicles.
Visit their website before you go for guided tour times, food options, information on their collections, virtual tours, interactive apps, self-guided tour guides and all the details youll need to plan your trip.
The whole family can enjoy the museum with plenty of room for strollers and electric carts for those with limited mobility. Plan at least a full day visit. Admission is FREE!
National Museum of the US Air Force1100 Spaatz Street, Wright-Patterson AFB, OH 45433255-3286
National Aviation Hall Of Fame
The National Aviation Hall of Fame is technically a part of the National Museum of the US Air Force.
However, its popular enough on its own to be considered one of many Dayton attractions!
This expansive gallery provides a fun and insightful way to learn about pioneers of aviation from Ohio and across the country.
The National Aviation Hall of Fame was founded in 1962 as a memorial to the influence of prominent figures in aviation history.
There are seven sections, two of which are dedicated to the two world wars.
The others are the Golden Age of Flight, Jet Age, Into Space, History of Early Flight, and Enshrine Lab sections.
Interpretive information is available individually in each section, helping you better understand and engage with the exhibits.
Address: 1100 Spaatz St, Dayton, OH 45433, United States
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Toms Maze And Pumpkin Farm
One of the most popular fall outdoor things to do in Dayton Ohio is visiting Toms Maze and Pumpkin Farm. Rather than a cookie-cutter corn maze, Toms Maze is an 8-acre puzzle and escape maze with a new design and theme every year.
Besides the corn maze, the farm has many more family-friendly Ohio things to do in the fall:
- Pumpkin train ride
Areas & Neighborhoods In Dayton
While a hub for modern research and manufacturing industries, Dayton is also home to many historic neighborhoods that feature a wide range of architectural styles. Explore the city’s mix of contemporary and antique areas while learning about its heritage.
Oregon Historic District
One of ten historic neighborhoods in Dayton, Oregon was built in the early 1800s and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The district represents one of the earliest combinations of commercial and residential architecture in Dayton, boasting Victorian, Federal, Italianate, and Greek Revival structures. East Fifth Street is a popular local destination lined with trendy bars, foodie-friendly restaurants and The Trolley Shop, the oldest tavern in the city.
Downtown
Downtown Dayton is the entertainment and nightlife hub of the city. The area is home to the Dayton Art Institute as well as the Schuster Performing Arts Center, home of the Dayton Philharmonic Orchestra and Dayton Balletone of the oldest professional dance companies in the United States. Downtown’s nightlife is centered around Brown Street and the University of Dayton, whose eclectic bars and cozy lounges offer evening atmospheres to suit all tastes.
Dayton Aviation Heritage National Historical Park
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Wright Cycle Company Complex
The Wright brothers had an important role in the birth of aviation as we know it today, and the Wright Cycle Company Complex includes several buildings. The Wright Cycle Company building is where the brothers made their own bicycles between 1895 and 1897, a business that enhanced their experimentation with flight.
The Wright-Dunbar Interpretive Center on the complex features interpretive displays and exhibits, as well as an auditorium that plays the Wright Brothers On Great White Wings film. The center houses the Aviation Trail Parachute Museum, while the complex is home to the Aviation Trail Visitor Center too.
Aullwood Audubon Center Dayton Ohio
Aullwood Audubon Center is an environmental education center with the mission of exposing and educating the public about the protection of wildlife and birds in the area. Aullwood encourages both adults and children to experience and appreciate the world through hands-on learning and opportunity-based engagement.
At the center, visitors can spend time exploring the ponds, meadows, streams, prairies, and woods, along with the Education Center and a sustainable, working farm. The Centers grounds feature rich diversity in terms of plants and habitats and serve as the home to a wide range of wild creatures and bird life.
1000 Aullwood Rd, Dayton, Ohio, Phone: 937-890-7360
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Dayton Ohio Places To Visit During Summer
Miamisburg Mound State Memorial
You could visit the Miamisburg Mound State Memorial at any time, but we think its one of the best things to do in Dayton Ohio during the summer. The mound is one of the two largest cone-shaped mounds in Eastern North America.
Containing 54,000 cubic yards of soil, the mound is 65 feet high with a circumference of 800 feet. Since it rests on a 100-foot-tall ridge, you can see it from several miles away.
You can take the stairs to the top of the observation platform, which provides a panoramic view of the area.
John Bryan State Park
Known as one of the most beautiful places in the region, John Bryan State Park has more than 10 trails for hiking and mountain biking during the summer. However, the main feature here is the limestone gorge.
With access to the Little Miami River, you can go paddle boarding and fishing. In addition, the park has a disc golf course, picnic tables, a campground, and opportunities for rock climbing.
Great Miami River Trail
Stretching for 93 miles along the Great Miami River, the Great Miami River Trail runs through the center of Dayton as it connects Piqua, Ohio, in the north to Middletown, Ohio, in the south.
The path is paved and has multiuse surfaces, so it offers something for everyone. Sections of it pass through natural parks and by picnic facilities.
Discover Ancient Settlements At Sunwatch Indian Village Archaeological Park
The SunWatch Indian Village Archaeological Park offers a peek into life in Dayton more than 800 years ago, long before the area became known for its contributions to aviation. The structures of the village were reconstructed on their original sites, something you can learn more about in the interpretive center.
Archaeology is an important part of the visitor experience. Archaeologists began excavating the site in the 1970s and uncovered important details about Fort Ancient culture, which occupied the area more than 2,000 years ago. There are regular events at the park, as well as educational programs.
Address: 2301 W. River Road, Dayton, Ohio
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What To Do In Dayton Ohio At Night: 7 Ideas
Planning a night out on the town? Youre in luck. If youre looking for what to do in Dayton, Ohio at night, you have plenty of options to choose from. Downtown Dayton is a hub for dining, shopping, music, and entertainment for all ages. Whether youre in for a special date night or an outing with the entire family, youll find something youll love on our list!
Things To Do In Fall In Dayton Ohio
Woodland Cemetery & Arboretum
It might seem odd to recommend visiting a cemetery during the fall, but Woodland Cemetery & Arboretum is absolutely gorgeous. Founded in 1841, the cemetery is one of the oldest with a rural garden and a unique botanical experience.
There are 165 species of native woody plants and over 3,000 trees. The Lookout Columbarium is the highest point in Dayton and overlooks the city, giving you the ultimate sightseeing spot for Ohio fall colors.
Toms Maze and Pumpkin Farm
To get into the harvest spirit, visit Toms Maze and Pumpkin Farm. It has a lot of autumn activities, including a pumpkin train ride, a punkin chunkin cannon, and the chance to select a pre-picked pumpkin.
One of the most fun things to do in Dayton Ohio in fall, though, is to escape the 8-acre puzzle maze. It has a completely new theme and design every year.
Riverside Jaycees Haunted Castle of Carnage & Trail
Halloween is one of the first major holidays in fall, and you can kick it off right with a trip through the Riverside Jaycees Haunted Castle of Carnage & Trail. Riverside Jaycees is a community service organization that has been celebrating the holiday with a haunted attraction since 1986, making it one of the longest-running haunts near the city.
From the end of September through Halloween, you can go through the haunted castle and trail attractions as much as you want until midnight.
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