Patterson OhioATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Patterson, Ohio.
1. Patterson Homestead
HISTORIC FAMILY RESIDENCE
Patterson Homestead is an elegant historic building located near the University of Dayton campus that showcases life from 1816 when it was a farmhouse for Col. Robert Patterson to when it became home to the Patterson family of NCR fame. The six-room house museum offers visitors a glimpse into early 19th-century life through meticulously preserved rooms with period furnishings, artifacts, and documents that narrate the family's story and Dayton's evolution. Surrounded by picturesque gardens, the homestead provides educational exhibits and programs for visitors of all ages interested in local history.
2. Huffman Prairie Flying Field
AVIATION HISTORY LANDMARK
Huffman Prairie Flying Field is the historic site where aviation history began as the Wright Brothers tested and refined their flying machines. Visitors can explore the area and view a replica hangar similar to the one the Wrights used to house their airplanes. The site is part of the Dayton Aviation Heritage National Historical Park and offers a unique opportunity to connect with the birthplace of practical aviation.
3. Wright Brothers Bicycle Shop
BIRTHPLACE OF FLIGHT
The Wright Brothers Bicycle Shop is a fascinating replica of the original shop where Orville and Wilbur Wright fixed bicycles while developing their mechanical ingenuity. Visitors can tour this historic site to learn how the brothers' bicycle business laid the groundwork for their aviation breakthroughs. The shop is part of the Dayton Aviation Heritage National Historical Park and provides insights into the humble beginnings of two of America's greatest inventors.
4. Carillon Historical Park
DAYTON'S LIVING MUSEUM
Carillon Historical Park is a 65-acre open-air history museum where visitors can learn about Dayton's rich heritage and innovative past. The park houses the world's first practical airplane, the 1905 Wright Flyer III, among numerous other historical exhibits celebrating the region's contributions to industry and innovation. With its collection of historic buildings, artifacts, and interactive displays, the park offers an immersive journey through Dayton's remarkable history.
5. Caesar Creek State Park
OUTDOOR RECREATION PARADISE
Caesar Creek State Park offers visitors a glimpse into history dating back to 1000 A.D. when indigenous ancestors of the Shawnee Tribe inhabited the area. The park features a unique limestone gorge cut by the Little Miami State and National Scenic River, providing stunning natural vistas and recreational opportunities. Visitors can explore Caesar's Creek Pioneer Village, an outdoor living museum with restored log buildings including a Quaker meeting house, school house, and blacksmith shop.
6. National Museum of the United States Air Force
MILITARY AVIATION SHOWCASE
The National Museum of the United States Air Force is the world's largest military aviation museum featuring more than 350 aerospace vehicles and missiles. Located at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, this massive facility chronicles the story of flight through interactive exhibits, historic aircraft, and space vehicles. Visitors can explore everything from early flight to modern military technology across multiple hangar buildings spanning several acres.
7. John Bryan State Park
SCENIC RIVER GORGE
John Bryan State Park is known for its stunning limestone gorge carved by the Little Miami State and National Scenic River. The park offers miles of hiking trails through lush forests and along dramatic cliff faces, providing opportunities for outdoor recreation and nature photography. Visitors can enjoy activities ranging from fishing and canoeing to rock climbing and picnicking in this natural oasis.
8. Boonshoft Museum of Discovery
INTERACTIVE SCIENCE LEARNING
Boonshoft Museum of Discovery is a dynamic science and technology center offering hands-on exhibits for curious minds of all ages. The museum features an extensive collection of live animals, a planetarium, and interactive science displays that make learning engaging and fun. Children and adults alike can explore natural history, astronomy, and the physical sciences through immersive and educational experiences.
9. Dayton Art Institute
FINE ART COLLECTION
The Dayton Art Institute is housed in an impressive Italian Renaissance-inspired building overlooking downtown Dayton. The museum's collection spans 5,000 years of art history, including important works from around the globe and across many cultures and time periods. Visitors can enjoy European, American, Asian, and contemporary art collections along with special exhibitions and educational programs throughout the year.
10. RiverScape MetroPark
URBAN RIVERFRONT OASIS
RiverScape MetroPark is a vibrant urban green space located along the Great Miami River in downtown Dayton. The park features interactive fountains, gardens, and a pavilion where visitors can enjoy concerts and special events throughout the year. During winter months, the park transforms with an outdoor ice skating rink, while summer brings kayaking, cycling along the river, and relaxing at riverside cafés.
11. 2nd Street Market
LOCAL FOOD & CRAFTS
2nd Street Market is Dayton's premier public market housed in a historic freight house near downtown. The market features dozens of local vendors selling fresh produce, artisanal foods, handmade crafts, and prepared meals in a lively communal atmosphere. Visitors can shop for locally-sourced goods, enjoy diverse cuisine options, and connect with local farmers and artisans year-round.
12. Yellow Springs Brewery
CRAFT BEER DESTINATION
Yellow Springs Brewery is a beloved craft brewery offering a rotating selection of innovative and classic beer styles in a welcoming taproom. The brewery features a spacious outdoor patio overlooking the Little Miami Scenic Trail where visitors can enjoy their beverages while taking in the natural surroundings. Beer enthusiasts can sample everything from hoppy IPAs to rich stouts while learning about the brewing process from knowledgeable staff.
13. The Greene Town Center
OPEN-AIR SHOPPING EXPERIENCE
The Greene Town Center is an upscale, open-air shopping complex featuring a mix of national retailers and local boutiques in a pedestrian-friendly setting. The center offers a diverse array of dining options from casual eateries to fine dining establishments, making it a complete destination for shopping, eating, and entertainment. Visitors can enjoy the town-square atmosphere with fountains, landscaped courtyards, and regular community events throughout the year.
14. Woodland Cemetery and Arboretum
HISTORIC MEMORIAL GARDENS
Woodland Cemetery and Arboretum is one of the nation's oldest garden cemeteries, established in 1841 on a hill overlooking Dayton. The 200-acre property serves as both a historical cemetery and a certified arboretum with over 3,000 trees and plants, including more than 165 specimens of native Midwestern trees. Visitors can explore the final resting places of the Wright Brothers, Paul Laurence Dunbar, and other notable Dayton figures while enjoying the peaceful gardens and Gothic revival architecture.
15. Young's Jersey Dairy
FAMILY FARM EXPERIENCE
Young's Jersey Dairy is a working dairy farm that has evolved into a beloved family entertainment destination with homemade ice cream, a restaurant serving farm-fresh food, and seasonal activities. Visitors can watch the dairy production process, interact with farm animals, and enjoy recreational activities like miniature golf and batting cages. The farm is especially popular during fall harvest season when it offers pumpkin picking, corn mazes, and hayrides for a complete agritourism experience.