Ohio - Southwest Attractions

Camp Dennison, just outside of Cincinnati was military training camp and hospital camp during the Civil War. Today, visitors to Camp Dennison will find the Waldschmidt House Historical Museum and the Ohio Civil War Museum on site. The area offers information and insight into the Civil War and the happenings at Camp Dennison during this time period.

The camp is named for Ohio Governor William Dennison.

The Walton House Museum in Centerville is housed in an 1838 stone cottage and is the headquarters for the historical society. The house can be visited as part of a walking tour and during the summer it is as impressive outside as it is inside. Meticulous care is given to the Walton House grounds and gardens. Of note is the botanic medicine garden. The inside of the house is laid out to reflect different eras between 1850 and 1900.

The Enon Historical Society Museum is located in the Heritage Room, although the society maintains the Adena Native American Mound and an 1830s Log Home. Visitors can stop by the headquarters at the Heritage Room to learn about the history of the town and other projects of the Enon Historical Society.

Fairborn is located in Greene County, northeast of Dayton. The town is known for its aviation history, where the Wright Brothers conducted some of their work at the near by Huffman Prairie site. The town established a flight school and became an important training and supply center during World War I.

Fairborn is home to the Wright State University, the Wright-Patterson Air Force Base and the National Museum of the United States Air Force.

The Fort Jefferson State Memorial in Fort Jefferson is a narrow, triangular grouping of rounded rocks. It marks the spot of a supply fort from the campaign of General Anthony Wayne. The Fort Jefferson State Memorial is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and is set in a pleasant wooded setting with interpretive signs.

History buffs may want to stop by the Ulysses S Grant Boyhood Home while in Georgetown. Grant lived in this two story brick home from the time he was one year old until he turned 17. The home was renovated in the late 1970s and now contains Grant family memorabilia and is open to the public.

The Ulysses S Grant Boyhood Home is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

The Kettering-Moraine Historical Museum features displays on the Wright brothers, Charles F. Kettering, and the Shakers. The museum complex consists of a number of historic structures, including the old Kettering Court House.

The Lockington Locks State Memorial in the town of the same name. They are considered to be the best-preserved locks of the Miami and Erie Canal system. The locks first saw boat traffic in 1845 and were a key part of the lock system until the railroads rendered the canals obsolete. Lockington Locks State Memorial can be reached by traveling 8 km / 5 mi North of Piqua.

The Alverta Green Museum in Mason is run by the Mason Historical Society. Located in a Victorian mansion the museum displays artifacts related to the history of Mason. The collection of old photographs is particularly interesting. The Alberta Green Museum also contains a historical library.

Rankin House is known for its role in Underground Railroad in Ohio. The home was owned by a Presbyterian minister John Rankin who was heavily involved in the antislavery movement. The Rank House is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

Fort Hill State Memorial and Nature Preserve near Sinking Spring is another of Ohio's important Hopewell Indians sites. The site consists of a large hilltop enclosure, dating to around 100 B.C. to A.D. 500, and probably contained at least two or more ceremonial buildings.

As a nature preserve, Fort Hill State Memorial protects a wide range of flora and fauna and offers outdoor opportunities with hiking trails and picnic sites.

Tipp City is located just a short drive north of Dayton, in Miami County. The city lies on the banks of the Miami River and has plenty of natural areas with hiking and biking trails. One of the projects in the area is the Miami County Bike Trail which will run along the river and canal system.

The downtown area of Tipp City is filled with restaurants and shops, making it a pleasant place to spend and afternoon.

The Trapshooting Hall of Fame in Vandalia honors both those who have excelled at the sport as well as those who have made significant contributions to the growth of trapshooting.

The Trapshooting Hall of Fame includes a museum on the history of trapshooting from the 19th Century to present. Also on display is a range of trapshooting equipment, including guns and medals.

Anyone interested in this activity will surely find this an interesting stop while in Vandalia.

Washington Court House is not actually a courthouse but a city with just over 13,000 residents. Washington Court House makes for a pleasant day trip from either Cincinnati or Columbus. Here visitors will find a plethora of interesting sights, but the one that really stands out is the Fayette County Courthouse. The building was extensively renovated in 1990 and is now in fantastic condition.