Whether you’re looking for a short trip within driving distance or a day trip nearby, the Great Miami Riverway offers options for everyone. A shopping spree with your girlfriends, a beer trail with neighbors, or a day with the family—there’s dozens of activities along the Riverway. Here’s a snippet of favorites to enjoy this summer.
Cycle the nation’s largest paved trail network
With more than 300 miles of paved off-road bike trails, ride the scenic riverfront towns on the Great Miami River Bike Trail. Bring your own two-wheeler or stop by Whitman’s Bike Way Bike Shop in Miamisburg or or Spoken Bicycles in Middletown to rent one for the day. Need bike repair? Stop by Carty’s Bike Shop in Sidney.
Visit Pyramid Hill Sculpture Park
The 300-acre sculpture park in Hamilton features more than 80 massive outdoor sculptures that are displayed in the landscape of the hiking trails. Rent a golf cart to drive throughout the park on your hunt to find all the sculptures.
Sleep in a floating tent on the river
Yes, you read that correctly—floating tents on the river! The only public floating tents in Ohio are located at Treasure Island Park in Troy. Take a raft out to the anchored and inflated tents to bring your camping trip to a whole new level.
Surf a wave on Ohio’s only national water trail
You don’t need to travel to the West coast to hang 10. Catch waves on the Great Miami River’s whitewater! If you’re a newbie to surfing, The Dayton Surf Company River Surf Shop offers lessons and if you’re ready to jump right in, they will help you suit up for a day on the water.
Tour the museums of the National Aviation Heritage Area
If you’re looking for a rainy day activity for the family, take a trip to Dayton’s National Aviation Heritage Area. The National Museum of the United States Air Force is both the largest and oldest military aviation museum located next to Wright Patterson Air Force Base. Nearby the Carillon Historical Park has the Wright Flyer III on display. It’s the world’s first practical airplane and a National Historic Landmark.
Shop local at the downtown shopping districts
Local businesses are located up the Riverway; districts like Miamisburg Main Street, Troy, and Oregon District are great areas to eat and shop. From home goods and gifts at at Fox and Fur Trading Company and Topsy Turvy Toys to satisfying your sweet tooth at Grandpa Joe’s Candy Shop and Bear Creek Donuts, there’s loads of eclectic stores and tasty treats. While you’re out enjoying the neighborhoods, don’t forget to grab lunch. Recently named on CNN Travel’s list of top historic burger joints, Hamburger Wagon in Miamisburg is the place to get a classic, American-style burger.
Explore the famous Strawberry Festival
More than 100 art vendors and 60 food vendors will set up along the riverbanks on June 4 and 5 for the annual Strawberry Festival in Troy. Vendors go all-out on the strawberry theme. From strawberry doughnuts and milkshakes to strawberry beer and parfaits, there’s fun for the whole family.
Ride a historic canal boat at Johnston Farm and Indian Agency
The Native American, Frontier, and Canal History Museum in Piqua has several attractions on site including the farm museum and the popular drawn canal boat. Pulled by a team of mules, the replica boat simulates what transportation and cargo travel was like in the 19th century.
Enjoy the scenic vistas overlooking the Great Miami River at riverfront parks
Take in the view along the river’s scenic stops like the vista at Shawnee Lookout. Aside from the lookout itself, the park also has trails, a playground, the historic Springhouse School, and Native American archaeological earthworks. If it’s fishing you love, head to Miami Bend Park in West Carrollton.
Visit all 13 craft breweries
Warped Wing pays homage to Dayton’s aviation history and Carillon Brewing Co. brews beer true to the era. Other breweries include N.E.W. Ales Brewing in Middletown, Moeller Beer Barn in Troy, Lucky Star and Star City in Miamisburg, and plenty more. If bourbon is your thing, Century Bar in Dayton was named one of America’s best bourbon bars for the eighth consecutive year, and there’s a gluten-free beer option too: Rolling Mill Brewing Company in Middletown.
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