99 Things To Do Along the Riverway

In a world where we never stop hurrying, the Great Miami Riverway connects experiences along 99 miles of river, paved trails and communities that embrace the journey with relaxed and inviting opportunities to make memories.

This list of 99 ideas to explore the Great Miami Riverway offers inspiration to ensure you are never out of ideas for what to do next!

Plan your trip quick and easy by creating an account today. Create Account

1

Watch the sunset at Deed's Point MetroPark.

2

Ice skate (winter) or play in the interactive fountain (summer) at RiverScape Metropark. 

3

Visit the 1905 Wright Flyer III at Carillon Historical Park.

4

Play a pickup football game at Triangle Park, home of the very first NFL game.

5

Watch the rowers at Island Metropark while enjoying a picnic.

6

Catch an art exhibits at the Dayton Art Institute.

7

Paddle the Mad River Run whitewater play feature at Eastwood MetroPark. 

8

Explore Aviation Heritage at the National Historical Park. 

9

Shop the unique boutiques or eat at the one-of-a-kind restaurants in the Oregon District.

10

Hop on a Link Bike and cycle to the 2nd Street Market to shop local food and gift shop vendors.

11

Pack a picnic dinner and take your lawn chairs to a Levitt Pavilion Dayton's free concert.

12

Cheer for the Dayton Dragons to hit a home run at Day Air Ballpark.

13

Visit America's Packard Museum to see some rare and collectible automobiles.

14

Have a drink at the famed Century Bar, named one of the top bourbon bars in the United States.

15

Surf the RiverScape's River Run whitewater play feature.

16

Paddle the Great Miami River and cool off under the world's largest fountain.

17

Go back in time at the Sunwatch Indian Village and Archeological Park. 

18

Hike the trails at Shawnee Lookout to take in the amazing scenic vistas of the Great Miami River valley.

19

Watch the 1850s brewing process at Carillon Brewing Company.

20

Tour the restored home of poet Paul Laurence Dunbar (1872–1906), who gained international acclaim as a writer and voice for equality for African Americans. 

21

Visit the oldest post office in Ohio at the Old Log Post Office.

22

Cycle from Miamisburg to Franklin on the Great Miami River Recreation Trail. 

23

Visit the Museum of Spiritual Art and learn about religions from across the globe.

24

Have a slice of world-famous Pisanello's Pizza.

25

Take a selfie for a new social media profile pic at Franklin's Lion Bridge over the Great Miami River.

26

Take a walking tour around Franklin and visit the artwork of Eric Henn's 3D murals.

27

Launch your kayak at the Dayton-Oxford Road boat ramp and paddle to Middletown.

28

Enjoy a concert at the RiversEdge Amphitheater overlooking the Great Miami River at Marcum Park.

29

Take an art class, or enjoy a show, at the Fitton Center for Creative Arts.

30

Watch a rowing regatta on the Great Miami River at the Great Miami Rowing Center. 

31

Go geocaching amidst the sculptures at Pyramid Hill Sculpture Park & Museum.

32

Explore the many sculptures and exhibits at Pyramid Hill at Sculpture Park & Museum.

33

Learn how to play that instrument you've always wanted to learn at Mehas Music Store.

34

Satisfy your sweet tooth at Henry's Candy Co. 

35

Enjoy a cold sweet treat at The Village Parlor.

36

Have a meal at Basil 1791 and enjoy their fresh sushi.

37

Beat the high score on your favorite pinball machine at Pinball Garage.

38

Take a self-guided of Hamilton's street art - visit the murals and sculptures around town.

39

Make your house smell fresh and clean like spring rain - pick up the Riverway-scented candles at Petals and Wicks.

40

Visit Miamiburg's signature statue "Kneeling by the Miami".

41

Launch your canoe or kayak at Case Landing and float Ohio's only National Water Trail, the Great Miami River.

42

Go beer tasting at the Lucky Star and Star City Breweries.

43

Visit the Mound Cold War Discovery Center learn about Miamisburg's influence over the space program.

44

Visit Miamisburg's Riverfront Park and stay for a concert.

45

Snap a selfie along the Mosaic Tile Walking Trail in Miamisburg.

46

Grab your hiking shoes and climb to the top of the Miamisburg Mound - one of two tallest adena mounds in the US

47

Shop and eat local along Miamisburg's Main Street.

48

Enjoy the amazing sunset view from the River Center at Bicentennial Commons.

49

Try your hand at painting at the Middletown Arts Center or Pendleton Arts Center.

50

Get your bicycle tuned up and grab a craft beer or cocktail at Spoken Bicycles.

51

Take a walking tour of Middletown's New Discoveries Mural Tour.

52

Go fishing at Tawawa Lake. 

53

Sit down for an award-winning bite to eat at Comb's BBQ or the Swire Inn.

54

Visit Taylorsville MetroPark to see a park that doubles as flood protection

55

Find your favorite and many hard-to-find candies and sweets at Grandpa Joe's Candy Shop.

56

Rent a kayak at BAABS in Middletown.

57

Grab scenic views of the Great Miami River at Lock Nine Park.

58

Ride an historic Canal Boat at the Johnston Farm and Indian Agency.

59

Ride the Piqua Bike Path Loop. It's a great way to warm up for a longer trip on the Great Miami River Recreation Trail. 

60

Enjoy a cold beer at KB's Taphouse. 

61

Visit Tawawa Park and take photos at the Big Rock or the Ross Covered Bridge.

62

Grab coffee and watch the creation of homemade chocolates at Winan's Chocolates + Coffee candy factory

63

Visit the Fort Piqua Plaza and admire the intricate architectural design. 

64

Hike Sidney's Canal Feeder Trail from Graceland Cemetary to the Great Miami River.

65

Admire the giant structure of the Big Four bridge. 

66

Play a game of football or baseball with friends at Custenborder Field.  

67

Shop at the unique boutique stores in downtown Sidney.

68

Enjoy a delicious hamburger and world famous piece of pie at The Spot restaurant.

69

Take an architectural walking tour of Sidney - the Louis Sullivan Building, Shelby County courthouse, Ross Historical Center, and Monumental Building. 

70

Take a photo under the bright lights and colorful letters of the 1930's marqee at the Historic Sidney Theater.

71

Eat a delicious italian meal at Tavolo - Modern Italian restaurant.

72

Hike Charleston Falls Nature Preserve to see beautiful waterfalls and wildflowers. 

73

Find your next antique treasure in downtown Tipp City. 

74

Try something new for dinner at Coldwater Café.

75

Take a selfie at Tipp City's iconic Gem City mural.

76

Rent a kayak at Adventures on the Great Miami River.

77

Skate/rollerblade on the Great Miami River Recreation Trail near Canal Lock Park.

78

Grab coffee with your bestie at Grounds for Pleasure.

79

Golf at Miami Shores.

80

Go to a Concert at Hobart Arena and walk the Decades Timeline inside the building.

81

Launch your canoe at Twin Arch Reserve and float to Troy.

82

Launch your kayak at Treasure Island Park and paddle past the lighthouse in Troy.

83

Walk across the Eldean Covered Bridge.

84

Sleep in a floating tent at Treasure Island Park.

85

Bike over the Great Miami River on the Robert J. Shook Bridge.

86

Shop local at the unique shops on the public square in historic downtown Troy.

87

Eat a delicious dinner at Smith's Boathouse overlooking the Great Miami River. 

88

Visit Troy's aviation heros at the Pioneers of Aviation Sculpture project. 

89

Upgrade your bike or shop for accessories at J&D Bicycles.

90

Fly in a WACO biplane at WACO Air Museum.

91

Catch a show or art exhibit at the Hayner Cultural Center - a 1914 Romanesque mansion that houses a lively community arts center.

92

Go mountain biking on the trails at the Troy Mountain Bike Area.

93

Paddle the same stretch of Great Miami River where Orville Wright tested the hydroplane at Miami Bend Park.

94

Play a game of Sand Volleyball at Miami Valley Sand.

95

Take a picnic and enjoy river views at Miami & Erie Canal Park.

96

Share some tapas at El Meson mexican restaurant.

97

Enjoy the delicious buttercream frosting on all sorts of treats at ele' Cake Co. 

98

Go fishing for smallmouth bass at Miami Bend Park.

99

Launch your kayak at Miami Bend Park and float to Miamisburg.