Dayton Landmarks

THE 10 BEST Dayton Sights & Historical Landmarks

Dayton Landmarks

Sights & Landmarks
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Travelers' Choice Awards winners (including the "Best of the Best" title) are among the top 10% of listings on Tripadvisor, according to the reviews and opinions of travelers across the globe.
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23 places sorted by traveler favorites
  • Things to do ranked using Tripadvisor data including reviews, ratings, number of page views, and user location.



What travelers are saying

  • cenzt
    Ohio19,854 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Great trip. We arrived at approximately 12 pm and made our way towards the entrance of the museum. After paying the admission fee, we began to explore the museum. The museum consisted of both indoor and outdoor exhibits, and contained several dozen outdoor historical buildings that were related to Dayton in some way, shape or form. The outdoor exhibit featured buildings such as the Newcom Tavern (the oldest building in Dayton), a one room schoolhouse, a horse barn, a summer kitchen, and a sugar camp house. There were informational plaques located in front of many of the buildings, that detailed what we were seeing in front of us. There were also volunteers located inside several of the buildings, that provided additional information on the building and its occupants. Many of the buildings had artifacts out for display, along with interactive exhibits and short documentary clips. Expect to do a lot of walking, as the park is on the larger size.

    Our favorite building on site was Wright Hall, which featured the original 1905 Wright Flyer, which is considered to be the first functional airplane. There were tour guides available on site, and we were able to receive a guided tour of the building. The tour guide took us from room to room, and went over topics such as the brothers early life, their first business endeavors, the creation of the first airplane and other inventions. There was a short movie that played on demand, along with the original 1905 Wright Flyer and numerous other artifacts, out for display. There were informational plaques located on the walls for those that did not wish to do the guided tour. The museum was very nicely done, and extremely intriguing.

    After viewing the outdoor buildings, we made our way back inside where we began to explore the indoor exhibits. The indoor exhibits focused on the many inventions that came out of Dayton, such as the cash register, and also featured a carousel that one could ride on. There was also an animatronic theatre presentation that played throughout the day, which focused on the founders of several Dayton inventions. There was a restaurant on site, along with various restrooms located throughout the park.

    Tip: I recommend spending at least half the day here if you truly want to see everything.
    Written September 30, 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Gene R J
    Silver Spring, MD10,795 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    We first watched the 30 minute 2008 film ‘On Great White Wings’, documenting the Wright Brothers 1902+ tests, trials and modifications of their glider on the way to the successful 39 minute 24 mile flight in 1905.
    After a 15 minute guided tour of the Wright Brothers Work/Bicycle Shop, we toured the 2 floor exhibit in the main building which included their print shop, a room devoted to their client/friend, Paul Dunbar, their wind tunnel experiments, a model of their 8.5HP aluminum engine that powered their glider and a separate room devoted to the history of the parachute.
    Tomorrow we will see the Wright Memorial & the National Museum of the US Air Force.
    Written September 23, 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • julia_fisher
    Merrimac, MA884 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    We found Erma Bombeck and the Wright Brothers. I wish it hadn't snowed so we could have seen it better but still saw what we came for.
    Written February 17, 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • garyure
    Tampa, FL27 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    The Oregon District has a distinct 'old village' flavor. A wonderfully diverse and interesting neighborhood. The eclectic nature of each shop is unique and unforgettable. Don't be surprised if you are embarrassed by some of the displays. The humor is outstanding!
    Written May 6, 2022
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • cenzt
    Ohio19,854 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    Good trip. We arrived at approximately 11 am and made our way towards the entrance of the museum. After paying the admission fee, we began to explore the museum. There were numerous artifacts out for display, as well as informational plaques, detailing what we were seeing in front of us. The museum was quite small and we got through it rather quickly. There was a short video playing that went over the excavation process of the site. After viewing the museum, we went outside where we explored the outdoor exhibits. There were recreations of several huts, and we were able to view them from both the inside and out. There were additional informational plaques located outside as well.

    Tip: I recommend spending 1 hour here if you truly want to see everything.
    Written September 17, 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Khanasifm
    Timbuktu, Mali316 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    Huffman Prairie Flying Field is historical site, if you are in Dayton and interested in aviation history than must visit multiple sites related to wright brothers and birth place of aviation
    Written January 13, 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Joseph Y
    1 contribution
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    We went early, not a sole was there , not even the staff . We had a great time exploring and interacting with all the animals . Be careful with the pigs , they are pretty aggressive. I wore steel toe boots and could still feel their teeth trying to chomp down . The other animal are very sweet. The donkeys and horses. Pet them for a few minutes and they follow you everywhere. Really great place to go if your looking to spend quality family time and get those kids away from the electronics for a day
    Written November 21, 2019
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Chrysten J
    12 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    We were in the area for the Reds/Guardians series and decided to take in a minor league game. The excitement around the team and the things going on outside the stadium leading into the game were awesome. We visit a lot of minor league ball parks and this was one of our favorites from food selection, to fan base, to between inning entertainment it was exceptional. We will be back next time we are in town.
    Written June 13, 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Mortgageman9000
    Dayton, OH487 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    A visit to brothers grave turned into a bit longer than expected stay as we visited other friends and relatives. This cemetery is well kept and easily navigated with your online phone map. Grave visits aren't for everyone but it gives me a sense of calm and reflection.
    Written June 19, 2019
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Tom_PGR
    Acworth, GA806 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Fantastic National cemetery to honor the men and women who served the nation. Very well maintained and cared for.
    Written November 25, 2019
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • JaChia116
    Cincinnati, OH194 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    In addition to the rest of the park there’s a new dog park. Hands down the best dog park I’ve been to. It’s enormous with plenty of running space on the small and large dog sides. Lots of trees and shelters make it ideal on a sunny day. There’s plenty of water for dogs and humans, trash cans, bags for cleanup, and parking. There’s a paved walkway and a gravel one. Lots of picnic tables, benches, and even some Adirondack chairs. So we’ll done. How I wish I lived closer!
    Written October 16, 2022
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • FoodieDayton
    Vandalia, OH289 contributions
    3.0 of 5 bubbles
    Nice park with two sections. Lots of roaming space etc, and it's free. The only problem is you always some trash that brings their dogs there, and they attack other dogs. They don't seem to have the sense to know if you're dog attacks other dogs or might attack other dogs it might not be a good idea... So I actually tend to avoid.
    Written August 5, 2019
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Quintin G
    12 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    This is just an awesome place to catch a basketball game. They have everything geared to a great experience for you.
    Written February 3, 2020
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • archgrieve
    Dayton, OH10 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    I brought some students to visit the plaza and it was a great experience. While I'm sure not everyone can get this, we were lucky to have Commissioner Joseph show us the plaza and tell us the stories behind it, like the fact that rubble from two buildings and a bridge that were destroyed during the war but are now rebuilt are embedded into this monument. I've posted about this before, but I wanted to say how cool it was getting the chance to see the reactions of university students from Bosnia & Herzegovina when they saw the monument and the thought that was put into designing it. I think if people took the time to study the history of the Bosnian War a bit more, they would appreciate the plaza even more, but maybe that's just the history teacher in me!
    Written May 24, 2017
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • JAMES S
    Kettering, OH36 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    A very welcoming and warm church. Pastor Townsend delivers wonderful and powerful sermons. Really enjoy singing hymns from a great hymnal. Hopefully, we have found our forever church!
    Written April 8, 2018
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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