Dayton IndianaATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Dayton, Indiana.
1. Fairfield Lakes Park
FISHING AND SCENIC TRAILS
Fairfield Lakes Park features four beautiful lakes created from gravel mining that cover approximately 99.4 acres and are stocked with bass, crappie, bluegill, and catfish by the Indiana Department of Natural Resources. The park offers amenities including handicap accessible water fountains, restrooms, and fishing pads, as well as mowed trails surrounding the lakes for visitors to enjoy nature walks. Located near Dayton at County Roads 200 S and 750 E, the park also provides canoe access to Wildcat Creek, one of only three designated State Scenic Rivers in Indiana.
2. Shannon Hoon Memorial
MUSICAL LEGACY TRIBUTE
The Shannon Hoon Memorial is the resting place of the late Blind Melon vocalist, offering a quiet place of reflection for fans and visitors. Located in Dayton, this modest memorial adds a touch of music history to the small Indiana town. Visitors can pay respects while experiencing the peaceful surroundings of this unassuming yet meaningful site.
3. Wildcat Creek
SCENIC STATE RIVER
Wildcat Creek is a designated State Scenic River, one of only three in the entire state of Indiana, offering beautiful views and tranquil waters. The south fork of the creek forms part of the western boundary of Fairfield Lakes Park near Dayton, providing excellent opportunities for canoeing and nature observation. Outdoor enthusiasts can access this natural treasure at the south end of Fairfield Lakes Park where there is a dedicated canoe access point.
4. Exploration Acres
FARM FUN AND MAZES
Exploration Acres is a popular agritourism destination featuring one of Indiana's largest corn mazes and a variety of seasonal farm activities. Visitors can enjoy pumpkin picking, hayrides, and other family-friendly attractions during the fall season. The farm provides both educational and recreational experiences for guests of all ages in a charming rural setting near Dayton.
5. Whiskey Bob's Saloon
LOCAL DINING AND ENTERTAINMENT
Whiskey Bob's Saloon is a popular local establishment offering a vibrant atmosphere for dining and entertainment in the Dayton area. The venue serves as a gathering place for locals and visitors alike, providing good food, drinks, and occasional live music. With its rustic charm and friendly service, this saloon captures the essence of small-town Indiana hospitality.
6. Climb Lafayette
INDOOR ROCK CLIMBING CENTER
Climb Lafayette is an indoor climbing facility that offers a variety of climbing experiences for enthusiasts of all skill levels. The center features well-designed climbing walls, bouldering areas, and training equipment in a welcoming environment for both beginners and experienced climbers. Visitors can enjoy guided instruction, fitness classes, and the physical challenge of scaling heights in a safe, controlled setting near Dayton.
7. The Children's Museum of Indianapolis
FAMILY EDUCATIONAL ENTERTAINMENT
The Children's Museum of Indianapolis is one of the largest and most renowned children's museums in the world, featuring interactive exhibits spanning science, culture, and history. With five floors of exhibit halls and hundreds of thousands of artifacts, the museum provides immersive learning experiences through dinosaur exhibits, space exploration galleries, and cultural displays. Families from the Dayton area often make the trip to Indianapolis to experience this world-class attraction that consistently ranks among the top children's museums globally.
8. Indiana State Fairgrounds & Event Center
YEAR-ROUND EVENTS HUB
The Indiana State Fairgrounds & Event Center is a massive 250-acre complex that hosts hundreds of events annually, including the iconic Indiana State Fair each August. Throughout the year, the venue welcomes visitors to livestock shows, sporting events, concerts, conventions, and cultural festivals in its various facilities. Residents of Dayton and surrounding communities often travel to this Indianapolis landmark to experience its diverse programming and historic architecture that dates back to the late 19th century.
9. National Museum of the United States Air Force
AVIATION HISTORY SHOWCASE
The National Museum of the United States Air Force is the world's largest and oldest military aviation museum, featuring more than 350 aerospace vehicles and missiles along with thousands of artifacts. Visitors can explore the comprehensive chronological layout that traces aviation history from the Wright brothers through modern military aircraft and space exploration. This free museum offers an educational experience through historically significant exhibits, including early flight innovations and World War II aircraft that shaped modern aviation.
10. Carillon Historical Park
INDUSTRIAL HERITAGE SHOWCASE
Carillon Historical Park is a 65-acre open-air museum showcasing the innovation and industrial heritage of Dayton, Ohio, with the original Wright Flyer III as its centerpiece. The park features more than 30 historic buildings and structures, including a working 1930s print shop, transportation exhibits, and the Carillon Bell Tower that gives the park its name. Visitors can immerse themselves in the region's remarkable contributions to technology and transportation through interactive displays, costumed interpreters, and the Heritage Center of Dayton Manufacturing and Entrepreneurship.
11. America's Packard Museum
VINTAGE AUTOMOBILE COLLECTION
America's Packard Museum, housed in an original Packard dealership building from 1917, showcases one of the world's largest collections of Packard automobiles and memorabilia. The museum displays over 50 pristine Packard vehicles spanning the company's production years from 1903 to 1956, arranged chronologically to tell the story of this luxury American automobile manufacturer. Visitors can admire the elegant craftsmanship and innovative engineering that made Packard a symbol of American automotive excellence while exploring the beautifully preserved art deco showroom and service areas.
12. Dayton Art Institute
FINE ARTS GALLERY
The Dayton Art Institute is a fine art museum housed in an Italian Renaissance-inspired building perched on a hill overlooking downtown Dayton. The museum's collection spans 5,000 years of art history, featuring over 27,000 objects including European paintings, Asian art, glass works, and contemporary pieces. Visitors can enjoy rotating exhibitions, educational programs, and the architectural beauty of this cultural landmark that has been serving the community since 1919.
13. Cox Arboretum and Gardens Metropark
BOTANICAL PARADISE RETREAT
Cox Arboretum and Gardens Metropark offers 189 acres of gardens, woodlands, and specialized plant collections with miles of walking trails for nature enthusiasts. The arboretum features a butterfly house, tree tower overlook, water garden, and various themed gardens showcasing native plants and horticultural displays throughout the seasons. Visitors can participate in educational programs, enjoy the tranquility of the meditation garden, or climb the 46-foot-tall tree tower for panoramic views of this botanical paradise.
14. Broad Ripple Village
CULTURAL DISTRICT HUB
Broad Ripple Village is a vibrant cultural district in Indianapolis known for its eclectic mix of independent shops, restaurants, art galleries, and nightlife venues. The neighborhood embraces a bohemian atmosphere with street art, the Monon Trail for biking and walking, and regular cultural events that draw visitors from surrounding communities including Dayton. Located about six miles north of downtown Indianapolis, this historic area along the White River offers a walkable urban experience with a distinctive local character that contrasts with more commercial shopping destinations.
15. Wright Brothers National Museum
AVIATION PIONEERS TRIBUTE
The Wright Brothers National Museum at Carillon Historical Park houses the original 1905 Wright Flyer III, the world's first practical airplane and the only airplane designated a National Historic Landmark. Visitors can explore comprehensive exhibits chronicling Wilbur and Orville Wright's lives, their bicycle business, and the groundbreaking aviation experiments that changed the world. The museum provides an intimate look at the brothers' methodical approach to solving the problems of flight through original artifacts, photographs, and interactive displays that bring their remarkable achievement to life.