8 BEST Things To Do in Franklin, Ohio

About Franklin, Ohio

Franklin is located on the the lower portion of the Great Miami River. It is 22 minutes south of Dayton, and 33 minutes north of Hamilton. Less than 40 minutes from the Dayton International Airport, and connected to the regional trail system. 

Below are the absolute best and must-see things to do and try in Franklin, Ohio. 

 

 

Best Food & Bars To Try in Franklin

Food Truck Park
 A community place with 3 food truck spots for dozens of different vendors on a rotating schedule. Enjoy your meal at seating areas, with a firepit and string lights. 

Calypso Cafe & Bakery
Coffee shop and bakery with a Caribbean flair 

 

Main Street Tavern
Classic comfort food that is perfect for lunchtime or a night out, ranging from Loaded Nachos to Reuben Sandwiches.

 

Fizzy Sips and Sweets

Hop on the dirty soda trend with a delicious treat at Fizzys. A unique drink bar with tons of flavors and customizations.

 

 

Top Attractions In Franklin

Harding Museum
Learn all about the city's history in the house gifted to the historical society from the late Maj. Gen. Forrest Harding, one of the society's founders

Old Log Post Office
Built in 1805, it was commissioned by Thomas Jefferson and it is one of the oldest standing post offices in Ohio

 

 

Best Parks & Nature Near Franklin

Mural Tour
Stunning works depicting the town’s history can be enjoyed throughout the area

Lion's Club Municipal Park
A 65-acre community park, with extensive facilities, that hosts a variety of programs including youth soccer, baseball and adult softball 

 

 

Franklin, Ohio FAQs

Question: What is Franklin, Ohio known for?

Answer: Franklin is a historic river town where outdoor recreation meets small-town charm. Visitors can bike the Great Miami River Trail, paddle the Great Miami River, explore a walkable downtown, and discover colorful public art in the town dubbed "the City of Murals". 

 

Question: Is downtown Franklin walkable?

Answer: Yes. Downtown Franklin is compact and pedestrian-friendly, with historic architecture, public murals, local businesses, restaurants, and easy access to the river and trail.

 

Question: Where can I access the Great Miami River Recreational Trail and Water Trail in Franklin, Ohio?

Answer: Franklin has convenient river access for paddlers and anglers, and visitors can use the Great Miami Riverway interactive map to locate launch sites, parks, and trailheads. Recreational Trail access is availaible at the Old Log Post Office and Baxter. River access is located at W 2nd Street Bridge and Boat Ramp on Dayton-Oxford Road.

 

 

More Resources

Official City of Franklin Website

Five Rivers Metroparks

Montgomery County Visitors

 

 

For more than 100 years, the Miami Conservancy District's flood protection system has helped reduce flood risk throughout Southwest Ohio, allowing communities to safely develop the riverfront parks, trails, downtown destinations, and recreation amenities of the Great Miami Riverway. The vibrant riverfront experiences visitors enjoy today are possible because generations of leaders invested in protecting both communities and the river corridor.