Travel Destinations Ohio Dayton, Ohio Top Things to Do in Dayton, Ohio Every time you crack a pop can, you're holding a piece of Dayton. But the soda-can pull tab is just a B-lister in the annals of Dayton inventions, which include the cash register (1879) and most famously, the airplane (1903). By Midwest Living editors Midwest Living editors Midwest Living's experienced editors create best-in-class travel, lifestyle, food, home and garden content you won't find anywhere else. We're loudly, proudly Midwestern, and we're passionate about helping our audience explore and create through award-winning storytelling. Midwest Living's Editorial Guidelines Updated on June 23, 2022 Wright-Dunbar Replica. Photo: Courtesy of NPS/Tom Engberg Do Carillon Historical Park The 65-acre indoor-outdoor museum covers Dayton history. See the original 1905 Wright Flyer III and a circa 1924 Sun Oil Station. Dayton Art Institute. Amber Matheson Dayton Art Institute Immerse yourself in a diverse collection of art spanning 5,000 years. Dayton Aviation Heritage National Historical Park Sites with an overview of the Wright brothers' lives kick off an exploration of Dayton's role in aviation history. National Museum of the U.S. Air Force Acres of airplane hangars await, housing items outlining the early history of military flight through World War II. The collection spans a 1909 Wright Military Flyer, retired presidential planes and lunar landers. 36 Hours in Dayton RiverScape River Run. Courtesy of Five Rivers RiverScape River Run Kayakers can take a 7-mile paddle down the Great Miami River. Eat and Drink Courtesy of The Pine Club The Pine Club This restaurant has been serving terrific steak dinners since 1947 and stays proudly old-school (no credit cards; no reservations). Butter Cafe Breakfast on free-range eggs and French toast kabobs at this adorable spot near the University of Dayton. El Meson. El Meson A lunch of Mexican food is a fiesta when eaten on the colorful glass-roofed patio. Roost Dine on modern Italian fare such as braised lamb shank and puttanesca. Carillon Brewing Company Technique and recipes adhere to the antebellum era at this brewery, part of Carillon Historical Park. Stay Marriott at the University of Dayton This recently renovated college-town hotel honors the Wright brother's first plane design. For more information daytoncvb.com Was this page helpful? Thanks for your feedback! Tell us why! Other Submit