There's no better time than the present to explore all that Dayton has to offer. Whether you're a lifelong resident or visiting for the first time, Dayton boasts a wealth of attractions and activities that are sure to delight. From historic landmarks and cultural hotspots to outdoor adventures and culinary delights, our curated Dayton Bucket List highlights the essential experiences that capture the essence of this vibrant city. Get ready to uncover hidden gems, embark on new adventures, and create lasting memories right here in Dayton. Discover the Unexpected!
Aviation
The National Museum of the U.S. Air Force
1100 Spaatz St Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Dayton, OH 45433-7102 | Free
Visit the oldest and largest military aviation museum in the world - which celebrated its 100th anniversary in 2023! Explore over 19 acres of enclosed exhibit space featuring 340+ aerospace vehicles arranged chronologically and by military conflict. See the famous Memphis Belle, get on board in the NASA Space Shuttle exhibit, walk the aisles of four of nine presidential airplanes, or test your skills in a flight simulator. You can also watch a movie on the 6-story digital screen, or buy the perfect souvenir in the gift shop.
See The Original 1905 Wright Flyer III at the Wright Brothers National Museum
1000 Carillon Blvd, Dayton, OH 45409 | $ (admission included in Carillon Historical Park admission)
The John W. Berry Sr. Wright Brothers National Museum, located at Carillon Historical Park, has more Wright artifacts on display than any other place in the world, including the 1905 Wright Flyer III. It is the only airplane designated a National Historic Landmark as the first practical flying machine, and it is what the Wright brothers considered their most important aircraft.
Honor Aviation's Heroes at The National Aviation Hall of Fame
1100 Spaatz St, Dayton, OH 45433 | Free
While you're at the National Museum of the U.S. Air Force, be sure to all visit the National Aviation Hall of Fame. Learn more about world-famous pilots and space travelers while delving into more than a century of flight history.
Carillon Historical Park
1000 Carillon Blvd, Dayton, OH 45409 | $
The brainchild of Colonel Edward Andrew Deeds and Edith Walton Deeds, Carillon Historical Park will take you back in time to explore how Dayton's inventors - including the Wright Brothers - transformed transportation, technology, and industry. Carillon Park includes a 65-acre open-air history museum, the Wright Brothers National Museum, indoor displays, Ohio's largest carillon with 57 bells, and the Carillon Park Railroad (pictured).
Dayton Aviation Heritage National Historical Park
16 S Williams St, Dayton, OH 45402 | FREE
Dayton Aviation Heritage National Historical Park is a United States National Historical Park that commemorates the lives and achievements of Wilbur Wright, Orville Wright, and Paul Laurence Dunbar. Visit the Wright Cycle Shop, a replica of the original bike shop started by the Wright Brothers, as well as the Wright-Dunbar Interpretive Center and the Paul Laurence Dunbar House Historic Site.
Take a Walk Through Woodland Cemetery
118 Woodland Ave, Dayton, OH 45409 | Free
One of the nation's five oldest "garden cemeteries," Woodland is the resting place of the Wright Brothers, Paul Laurence Dunbar, inventor Charles F. Kettering, author/humorist Erma Bombeck, and media mogul James Cox, among others. The arboretum boasts more than 3,000 trees and 165 species of plants, and architectural beauty to enjoy.
See Stunning Aerial Performances at the CenterPoint Energy Dayton Air Show
3600 Terminal Dr, Dayton, OH 45377 | $
The CenterPoint Energy Dayton Air Show, presented by Kroger, takes to the skies each summer at Dayton International Airport. Offering an exhilarating spectacle that captures the hearts of aviation enthusiasts and families alike, this premier event showcases jaw-dropping aerial performances by top pilots and teams from around the world. From precision maneuvers and breathtaking stunts to static displays featuring historic aircraft and modern jets, the Dayton Air Show promises a thrilling experience for all ages.
Outdoor Activities
Visit all 18 Five Rivers MetroParks
Five Rivers MetroParks, a system of 18 MetroParks spread out throughout the greater Dayton area, makes up 16,000 acres of forests, grasslands, farmlands and wetlands. Explore nature or get a workout in on one of the 28 trails perfect for hiking, walking, cycling, paddling, running, mountain biking and even horseback riding!
Grab Your Bike and Hit the Trails
Explore the nation's largest network of paved trails! Greater Dayton and Ohio’s Miami Valley region provides over 340 miles of paved, multi-use recreational trails. Stretching across county lines, these trails connect schools, parks, historic landmarks and area attractions. Travel through meadows, scenic countryside, forested areas and city centers while on the path.
Sunwatch Indian Village & Archaeological Park
2301 W River Rd, Dayton, OH 45417 | $
Ever wondered what life was like in the 13th century? Sunwatch Indian Village & Archaeological Park is dedicated to the preservation of this amazing archaeological site and window into Native American culture.
Aullwood Audubon
1000 Aullwood Rd, Dayton, OH 45414 | $
Aullwood Audubon teaches, leads and inspires people to preserve, protect and enjoy nature, farming and the environment. Aullwood offers both children and adults the opportunity to experience and appreciate the world through experience-based education. Discover their woods, streams, ponds, prairies, meadows, nature center and working sustainable farm!
Dayton Dragons
220 N Patterson Blvd, Dayton, OH 45402 | $
Did someone say baseball?! Enjoy a Dayton Dragons game at Day Air Ballpark in downtown Dayton! The Dayton Dragons are the High-A affiliate of the Cincinnati Reds and hold the record for the longest sellout streak in North American professional sports!
Arts & Culture
Experience the WOW factor with Dayton Performing Arts
The Dayton Performing Arts Alliance is a one-of-a-kind nonprofit performing arts association composed of three performing arts groups: the Dayton Philharmonic Orchestra, the Dayton Opera, and the Dayton Ballet! Enjoy traditional, diverse, and innovative experiences in ballet, opera, and orchestral music!
Bask In The Arts at The Dayton Art Institute
456 Belmonte Park N, Dayton, OH 45405
Founded in 1919, The Dayton Art Institute is one of the region’s premier fine arts museums. In addition to exhibiting outstanding special exhibitions and impressive collections of art from throughout the world, the museum is renowned for education programming that includes an array of offerings for diverse audiences.
Other Dayton Activities
The Dayton Ale Trail is back!
The Dayton region can satisfy your thirst for locally brewed craft beer as you take a journey on the Dayton Ale Trail. New passports have been printed for the 2024 season, so get your friends together, collect stamps at each stop, and exchange your passports for a prize at the Yellow Cab Tavern.
Cruise Through History at America’s Packard Museum
420 S Ludlow St, Dayton, OH 45402 | $
A car lover's dream! It's the largest collection of Packard automobiles and memorabilia anywhere in the world, with cars from 1903 to 1956! The museum is open six days a week during the spring and summer, and five days a week during the winter and fall.
Boonshoft Museum of Discovery
2600 Deweese Pkwy, Dayton, OH 45414 | $
The Boonshoft Museum of Discovery is the place to go for interactive science learning experiences for children and adults! It's a natural history museum, science center, children's museum, planetarium, observatory and zoo!
Can't Leave Dayton Without Esther Price
1709 Wayne Ave. Dayton, Ohio 45410 (plus other suburban locations)
Pick up a sweet treat at Dayton's own Esther Price Candies, which offers assorted chocolates, cordials, chocolate-covered potato chips and pretzels and more mouthwatering homemade delights.
Wilbear Wright Passport
Receive a Wilbear Wright Aviator Teddy Bear!
You could earn your very own Wilbear Wright Teddy Bear by visiting sites on the Dayton Aviation Trail!
Tour a minimum of 8 of the 17 amazing aviation sites listed in this brochure. Receive a stamp at the one required site, Wright-Dunbar Interpretive Center, plus a minimum of 7 of the remaining sites to qualify for the FREE "Wilbear Wright" aviator teddy bear.
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