Popular Attractions
Airplanes, Outdoors and the Arts
Dayton packs a lot into a small city—a rich aviation history, plentiful parks and a strong arts community. When you need a break from classes, you can stretch your legs and broaden your mind with some of these popular local activities. Dayton is a “trail town,” which means it is hiker-friendly, with quality trails, maps and resources. It’s also bike-friendly, and most residents in Dayton live less than 10 minutes from a bike path.
The Birthplace of Aviation
Dayton is a dream for aviation enthusiasts. The Wright Brothers got their start here, and the United States Air Force now headquarters its logistics system and research laboratories just outside the city.
Dayton Aviation Heritage National Historical Park
Devoted to the history of airplanes and early flight, this historical park includes the building where the Wright Brothers got their start; Huffman Prairie Flying Field, where they tested their early planes; and the 1905 Wright Flyer III, the world’s first practical airplane.
National Museum of the U.S. Air Force
This is the world’s largest and oldest military aviation museum. Exhibits here are arranged chronologically over 17 acres of indoor display space and include a NASA shuttle crew compartment trainer and a B-2 Stealth bomber. The museum is free to the public.
Wright-Patterson Air Force Base
As big as a city, this massive U.S. Air Force base includes the Air Force Institute of Technology and the Air Force Research Laboratory—and employs more than 27,500 people. It is the largest single-site employer in the state of Ohio.
The Vectren Dayton Air Show
An annual event, this air show is one of the largest in the U.S. and is held at the Dayton International Airport.
THE GREAT OUTDOORS
Dayton is a “trail town,” which means it is hiker-friendly, with quality trails, maps, and resources. It’s also bike-friendly, and most residents in Dayton live less than 10 minutes from a bike path.
Five Rivers MetroParks
This expansive park system offers nearly 16,000 acres of green space and 25 facilities throughout the city and surrounding area, including an ice skating rink, a butterfly house and a disc golf course.
RiverScape MetroPark
This riverside park in downtown Dayton has a special feature: you can rent a kayak and see the city from the water. More experienced boaters can try the new Dayton River Run, a water feature that lets kayakers “ride the waves” and perform tricks.
Aullwood Audubon Center & Farm
Part of the appeal of the Midwest is its prairies and farmland. This peaceful 200-acre complex includes pastures, prairie, barns, an Education Center, an herb and vegetable garden and, of course, farm animals.
Art In The City
Dayton has a robust arts culture and has been ranked #2 among mid-sized cities as an arts destination (American Style Magazine).
Dayton Art Institute
The Dayton Art Institute is known for its 18th- and 19th-century American pieces, as well as curated Asian and contemporary art collections.
2nd Street Public Market
If artisan food is more your passion, pay a visit to this yearlong, indoor market with more than 40 vendors selling produce, meats, breads, pastries, flowers, farm-to-table meals and crafts.
Oregon Historic District
If you prefer your art on the go—people-watching, gallery browsing and window shopping—the Oregon Historic district is the place to be. You can sip a latte, dance to a live band, browse a gallery and catch a comedy night.
Benjamin and Marian Schuster Performing Arts Center
This is the home venue of the Dayton Philharmonic Orchestra, the Dayton Opera, and the Dayton Ballet—one of the oldest professional ballet companies in the country.
Dayton Contemporary Dance Company
Internationally recognized, this dance company hosts the largest repertory of African-American-based contemporary dance in the world.
READY TO GET OUT AND EXPLORE?
Dayton is easily accessible. The city has a convenient
public bus system, and the Dayton International Airport
and Greyhound bus terminal link you to adventures across the U.S.