Fun in Dayton: Exploring Riverscape

Dayton, Ohio. Home of the Wright Brothers, birthplace of aviation and the bicycle, and one of many homes to the Great Miami River. The river has proven to be both an area of disaster, and one of beauty and fun to the people of Dayton.

In 1913, the river flooded, taking out houses, trees, and quite a bit of land surrounding the great river. Residents and city officials had quite a time cleaning up the mess that resulted from the flood, but at the turn of the century, thousands of Daytonians were running for the river to see the new and improved park that had been created.

Private individuals joined with area corporations to raise the 30 million dollars needed to fund the Riverscape project, and on May 19, 2001, the park officially opened to the public.

Located along the river, on Monument street between Jefferson and St. Clair, the park features a variety of wildflowers, interactive fountains, walkways, bike trails, and various activities for a nominal fee.

Riverscape displays the city’s largest fountains that run every fifteen minutes starting at the top of the hour. Visitors to the park can also enjoy laser and music shows that are projected over the river starting around 9 p.m. in the summer months.

If you’re more of an active spirit, the park offers paddle-boat, bicycle, rollerblade, and (in season) ice skate rentals.

Riverscape is home to many of Dayton’s festivals, including the Cityfolk festival, and the Dayton Celtic Festival.

Located next door to the park is 5/3 Field, home of the Dayton Dragons. If you like baseball, this field is really something to see! Prices range from $7-12.75 per person, per game, so it’s certainly an affordable event for the whole family.

If you are just looking for a nice, free, and somewhat romantic evening out, take a stroll along the river, or enjoy a swinging bench overlooking the Great Miami and watch the sun set.