SOUTHWEST OHIO
Riverside Ohio
10 ATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
1. National Museum of the United States Air Force
AVIATION HISTORY SHOWCASE | WRIGHT-PATTERSON AFB OH
The National Museum of the United States Air Force is the world's largest military aviation museum. Located at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, it features over 350 aerospace vehicles and missiles, along with thousands of artifacts. Visitors can explore exhibits spanning from the Wright brothers to modern stealth aircraft.
2. Wright-Patterson Air Force Base
MILITARY INSTALLATION & HISTORY | RIVERSIDE OH
Wright-Patterson Air Force Base is a crucial U.S. Air Force installation partially located in Riverside. It's home to the Air Force Materiel Command and the National Museum of the USAF. The base offers limited public access for special events and tours, showcasing military technology and aviation history.
3. Carillon Historical Park
DAYTON HISTORY MUSEUM | DAYTON OH
Carillon Historical Park celebrates Dayton's rich heritage of creativity and invention. The 65-acre open-air museum features historic buildings, exhibits, and the Carillon, a 151-foot-tall tower housing 57 bells. Visitors can explore Dayton's role in transportation, innovation, and early settlement through interactive displays and guided tours.
4. SunWatch Indian Village/Archaeological Park
NATIVE AMERICAN HERITAGE SITE | DAYTON OH
SunWatch Indian Village/Archaeological Park is a reconstructed 13th-century Native American village. The site offers visitors a glimpse into the lives of Fort Ancient people through reconstructed structures, artifacts, and educational programs. Guided tours and hands-on activities provide an immersive experience of prehistoric Ohio Valley culture.
5. Aullwood Audubon Center and Farm
NATURE CENTER & FARM | DAYTON OH
Aullwood Audubon Center and Farm is a 200-acre nature sanctuary and sustainable farm. Visitors can explore six miles of walking trails, observe wildlife in diverse habitats, and learn about sustainable agriculture. The center offers educational programs, bird-watching opportunities, and hands-on farm experiences for all ages.
6. Boonshoft Museum of Discovery
INTERACTIVE SCIENCE MUSEUM | DAYTON OH
The Boonshoft Museum of Discovery is a hands-on science center perfect for curious minds of all ages. It features interactive exhibits on natural history, physical science, and space exploration. Visitors can enjoy a planetarium, zoo, and observatory, making it an engaging destination for family-friendly learning and entertainment.
7. Dayton Art Institute
FINE ART MUSEUM | DAYTON OH
The Dayton Art Institute is a renowned fine arts museum housed in an Italian Renaissance-style building. Its collection spans 5,000 years of art history, featuring works from around the world. Visitors can explore paintings, sculptures, and decorative arts, as well as enjoy special exhibitions and educational programs.
8. Victoria Theatre
HISTORIC PERFORMING ARTS VENUE | DAYTON OH
The Victoria Theatre is a historic performing arts venue in downtown Dayton. Built in 1866, it hosts a variety of shows, including Broadway productions, concerts, and comedy acts. The beautifully restored theater offers an intimate setting for live performances, preserving the charm of its Victorian-era architecture.
9. The Famous Restaurant
ICONIC DINING EXPERIENCE | CENTERVILLE OH
The Famous Restaurant is a beloved local eatery known for its classic American cuisine and warm atmosphere. Established in 1938, it offers a menu featuring steaks, seafood, and homestyle favorites. The restaurant's retro decor and friendly service provide a nostalgic dining experience for locals and visitors alike.
10. Melody 49 Drive-In Theater
RETRO OUTDOOR CINEMA | BROOKVILLE OH
Melody 49 Drive-In Theater offers a nostalgic movie-watching experience under the stars. Open seasonally, it features two screens showing double features of current films. Visitors can enjoy the charm of a classic American pastime, complete with a snack bar and the convenience of watching from their own vehicles.
Riverside Attractions
THINGS TO DO IN RIVERSIDE
Riverside, Ohio, is a city best known for its connection to aviation history and military heritage. Located adjacent to Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Riverside offers visitors unique opportunities to explore the rich tapestry of aerospace innovation and military history that has shaped the region.
The crown jewel of Riverside's attractions is undoubtedly the National Museum of the United States Air Force, the world's largest military aviation museum. This expansive facility showcases over 350 aerospace vehicles and missiles, providing an unparalleled journey through the history of flight and military aviation. From the Wright brothers' early experiments to modern stealth technology, the museum offers a comprehensive look at how air power has evolved over the decades.
Wright-Patterson Air Force Base itself is another significant point of interest, partially located within Riverside. While public access is limited, the base occasionally hosts special events and tours, giving civilians a glimpse into the operations of one of the most important Air Force installations in the country. The base's presence has significantly influenced Riverside's development and continues to be a major part of the city's identity.
For those interested in expanding their exploration beyond Riverside's borders, the surrounding area offers a wealth of attractions. Nearby Dayton boasts several museums and historical sites that complement Riverside's aviation focus, including Carillon Historical Park and the Boonshoft Museum of Discovery. These attractions, along with Riverside's own offerings, make the area a compelling destination for history buffs, aviation enthusiasts, and families looking for educational and entertaining experiences.