America 250 on the Great Miami Riverway: A Year-Long Celebration of History, Culture & Community

From the trails and river parks to riverfront revitalization and cultural heritage sites, the Great Miami Riverway region plays a key role in telling the story of Ohio — and America — this year. It’s not just about history; it’s about connecting communities, celebrating creativity, and inspiring future generations to cherish this landscape and its stories.

In 2026, communities across the Great Miami Riverway are joining a once-in-a-lifetime celebration of America’s 250th anniversary — a yearlong series of events, stories, activities, and experiences that connect our region’s heritage, natural beauty, and sense of place to the broader American story.

From Hamilton to Sidney, there’s something happening every month that invites locals and visitors alike to celebrate, reflect, and explore.

 

 

Ohio Air & Space Trail

The Great Miami Riverway is rich in aviation and space history. The Wright brothers invented the first controlled airplane in their small Dayton bike shop, and William Grimes illuminated night flights through the invention of aviation lighting just a few miles from the Wrights' test field northeast of Dayton, and a pair of scientists in a top-secret laboratory in Miamisburg created spacecraft power systems that made exploration of deep space possible. These are just a few examples of how Ohioans from the Great Miami Riverway propelled aviation and space exploration.

The Ohio Air and Space Trail features an array of more than 30 locations integral to the Buckeye State’s aviation history. It was officially inaugurated at the WACO Air Museum in Troy (Dayton Daily News). 13 stops on this trail are located along the Great Miami Riverway.

 

 

Great Miami Riverway 2026 Riverway Summit
April 24, 2026

This annual gathering brings together community leaders, river advocates, planners, artists, and residents to reimagine how our riverfronts and riverway communities thrive together — socially, economically, and environmentally.

Whether you’re into riverfront design, trail connectivity, economic revitalization, or outdoor recreation, the Summit offers panels and discussions centered on building a stronger future for the river corridor we all cherish.

 

 

 

Ohio Goes to the Movies

This statewide celebration kicks off on Feb. 11, 2026, delivering more than 250 free movie events hosted by venues in all 88 counties through October. as part of Ohio’s official commemoration of America’s 250th anniversary.

Ohio Goes to the Movies celebrates Ohio’s rich cinematic connections — from actors and directors to films shot in Ohio or about Ohio culture.

Expect screenings, discussions, and community film nights — a creative way to acknowledge Ohio’s place in American entertainment history.


Shelby County

Sidney Historical Theater – “Just Mercy” – March 14, 2026

 

Miami County

Troy-Miami County Public Library — “The Wizard of Oz” — May 22, 2026

 

Montgomery County

Dayton Metro Library — “Beloved” — February 26, 2026

The Historic Plaza Theatre (Miamisburg) — “Rain Man” — April 1, 2026

The NEON — “Carol” — May 6, 2026

America’s Packard Museum — “Triangle Park” — May 9, 2026

The Historic Plaza Theatre (Miamisburg) — “The Silence of the Lambs” — Sept. 16, 2026

 

Butler County

Fitton Center for Creative Arts — “Airborne” — June 27, 2026

AMC Classic Hamilton — “The Right Stuff” — Oct. 9. 2026

(via DDN)

 

You can view the Ohio Movie Database which is a catalog of Ohio’s film industry connections, whether in front of the camera or behind the scenes, as well as movies made in Ohio, or about Ohio and Ohioans.

 

 

Miami County History Pass

The Miami County Visitors & Convention Bureau has launched a Miami County History Pass, encouraging people to explore museums, historic sites, murals, and sculptures across Troy, Piqua, Tipp City, Covington, and West Milton — all connected by local history and the Great Miami River.

This is a mobile trail. Prizes include winning a limited edition lapel pin and t-shirt.

 

Butler County’s America250 Time Travel Trail

This trail is a mobile trail that features historic sites and landmarks around Butler County. If you check-in to at least 10 sites, you can earn a commemorative America250 Butler County plush eagle prize!

 

 

Ohio Outdoors — June 2026

During June’s America 250 theme of Ohio Outdoors, the Great Miami Riverway becomes a center stage for celebrating the region’s outdoors — including miles of trails, river paddling, parks, and recreation.

You don’t have to wait until June to experience the beauty of southwest Ohio. Use our interactive map to locate the nearest trailhead, park, or river access point.