The birthplace of aviation, where the Wright brothers built their first airplane. A mid-sized Ohio city with strong ties to aerospace research and the US Air Force.
Dayton, Ohio shaped aviation history as the Wright brothers' testing ground for their first airplane. You can explore their original bicycle shop, walk through presidential aircraft at the National Museum of the United States Air Force, and watch modern jets perform at summer air shows. The city's 300 miles of riverside bike paths connect you to 23 parks, while downtown venues host performances by the century-old Dayton Ballet and house collections of ancient to contemporary art at the Dayton Art Institute.
National Museum of the United States Air Force
Walk through four massive hangars containing over 300 aircraft at the world's largest military aviation museum. You'll find yourself stepping into presidential planes used by Franklin D. Roosevelt and Harry Truman, examining space shuttles up close, and seeing the Wright brothers' early aircraft. Interactive exhibits let you experience pilot training simulations and learn about aerial warfare tactics. At the Wright Cycle Company Complex downtown, you'll see the original tools and equipment the brothers used while developing their flying machine. Each summer, the Vectren Dayton Air Show fills the skies with aerobatic performances by military and civilian pilots.
Cultural Institutions and Performance Venues
The Renaissance-style Dayton Art Institute houses 20,000 artworks ranging from ancient Egyptian artifacts to contemporary American paintings. Watch classical and modern dance performances by the Dayton Ballet at the Benjamin & Marian Schuster Performing Arts Center, where the company has performed since 1937. From March to April, Winter Guard International brings thousands of performers to compete in indoor percussion, winds, and color guard events across the city.
Five Rivers MetroParks System
Explore 23 parks spanning 14,161 acres throughout Montgomery County. The Great Miami River Recreation Trail creates a 300-mile network of paved paths where you can cycle or walk between parks. Ice skate at RiverScape MetroPark's winter rink, or attend summer concerts in the same space. Take guided nature walks, go kayaking on the river, or fish in the parks' stocked lakes throughout the year.
Local Food Scene
Try Dayton's distinctive pizza style, developed in the 1950s, known for its thin crust covered with toppings to the edges and cut into squares instead of triangular slices. Find this local specialty at Cassano's and Marion's Piazza across the city. Follow the Dayton Ale Trail to visit independent breweries, where you can collect passport stamps while tasting locally-made craft beers.
Getting Around
Reach Dayton through James M. Cox International Airport, which connects to major U.S. cities including Atlanta, Chicago, and Charlotte. Take Greater Dayton Regional Transit Authority buses and electric trolleys to move around Montgomery County, with frequent service to downtown areas and main attractions. Driving from Cincinnati or Columbus takes about an hour via Interstates 70 and 75, which intersect near the airport.
