We went on a whim and so glad we did! This is a historical museum including art exhibits. So much…read moreto see. We were pleased that the entrance and 90% of the exhibit areas were wheelchair accessible. We were greeted by the museum director, who was well dressed in a 3-piece suit looking exactly as a museum director should look. He gave us a quick run down of the different exhibit areas as shown on the provided map, and rattled off so many historic tidbits before we even got started exploring. Antique vehicles of all kinds, a whole "flight" exhibit featuring of course those Ohio favorite sons, the Wright Brothers and Neil Armstrong. Incredible photos, unexpected memorabilia such as Orville Wright's top hat! A recreated "village green" with all the little shops one would see in 19th century Warren County. I think my favorite part was the maritime collection. Artwork throughout, ranging from ancient oriental to modern local. Some of the century-old sculptures in the Americana section were just breathtaking. The Shaker exhibit was fascinating. Amazing to learn what they innovated - things like vegetable seeds available in SMALL packets - and flat bottomed brooms. Can you imagine trying to sweep a floor with a broom that has a round bottom? We have the Shakers to thank. The kindly and soft-spoken Director caught up with us on the top floor to advise it was five minutes till lights out for the day. We were there well over an hour and the time flew. Hope to get back again this year a little earlier in the day so we can make sure we see every single thing. I definitely recommend a visit to this museum as part of any outing in the Lebanon area.

This is a great stop for museum buffs! The host dog is incredibly friendly and made me so happy…read more There is a lot to see and staff was very informative but also checked on us to see if we had questions. Parking is easy. The only thing was there was a meeting so we had to miss that part of the museum.

I was there for a party, so probably shouldn't give a rating…read more That said, they have some thought provoking artwork. There is a wall of books, it looks like a lending library. Also a lot of info on Ghandis life and MLK. I'm sure there is more. There are a few private rooms too

Besides having the distinction of being the only museum in the USA dedicated entirely to…read morealternatives to violence (how sad is that?), the Dayton International Peace Museum is in a very cool historic building, has rotating exhibits, and is non-partisan. The volunteers who staff the museum are incredibly friendly and knowledgeable. Some of the exhibits rotate, so there is often something new. They have lots of after-hours and special events, and they have a PEACEMOBILE (like the book mobile from elementary school, but this one is covered in charming murals and filled with different peace related stuff). A truly unique experience, and it's free. If you're in the Dayton area, you don't want to miss it.

This is a really impressive monument that was completed in 1906. The names etched in the marble…read morewalls on the inside of the monument consequently end with the Spanish American War, but the wonderful staff set up rotating displays that acknowledge later individuals involved in later conflicts. There was a very interesting and moving display related to the Vietnam War at the time of our visit. The staff was incredibly friendly and informative, and we learned quite a bit. There are stunning stained glass windows, including tributes to the women who were involved in the conflicts, more displays upstairs, and a ghost story. Information about the large sculpture on the roof of Billy Yank is also provided and quite interesting (and wow, is that sculpture large and heavy!). This was free to enter and well worth the time. It has a nice location along the river and there is a historic cabin located outside next door, as the area had a lot to do with early fort and settlers.

Artspace lofts and residence gallery is has an amazing idea. When I found out it was coming to…read moreHamilton, I really wished I had enough artistic ability to move into the building. Hamilton is an industrial town. Or was. Now post-industrial. It's bringing in a lot of interesting and creative ideas to the city. Like Artspace. "The project rehabilitated two internally connected historic buildings, a 1900 French Renaissance masterpiece originally known as the Mehrum Building, and the 1913 Lindley Block. A 1970s remodel covered the original storefronts with a metal screen that was removed in Spring of 2013, thereby restoring these century-old edifices to their original appearance." (Taken directly from http://www.artspace.org/our-places/artspace-hamilton-lofts#tab-node_place_full_group_overview. I don't have that much building knowledge but it's cool to know.) The non-profit does this amazing thing. They started in 1979 in Minneapolis and asked this really obvious question I'm not sure a lot of people think of. When gentrification happens, what happens to the artists? They saw them as low in income but assets in creativity. And Hamilton is The City of Sculpture! We need art! That just blows my mind. The non-profit use real estate development to create affordable places for artists to work, perform and display their work. Anyway, there are 42 units that I'm sure you can tour if you're looking for a place. One, two and three bedroom apartments. I'm not sure how the cost works. I just viewed the gallery. Which is in a really huge space. When I arrived there were residents working on something artsy and the manager was eager to have a chat. There are rotating art shows from residents and, I think, other folks. There's music. Recently there was a drum event I missed out on. Parking is easy to find. There's tons of street parking and a parking garage around the block. Lots, too. I'm unsure of hours. I showed up on a Thursday afternoon and they were open. It's free and there are lot of things to check out in the area. I intend on following their event calendar more closely now that I've checked it out. I'm excited to find out what they do next.

The Dayton Art Institute is my absolute favorite hangout spot in Dayton. I love the art, and it's…read moreso relaxing to walk through the different galleries. I visit often whenever I'm in town because I'm a big art fan--I enjoy everything from contemporary pieces to works dating back to the 14th-19th centuries. The building itself is absolutely beautiful and truly stunning. The staff is always super friendly and accommodating, which makes every visit even better. And don't skip the gift shop--they have some really lovely merchandise. This place is a gem. A must-visit for anyone who loves art or just wants a peaceful and inspiring experience.

This place is a true gem in the city. I really appreciate the architecture of the building before…read moreI'm even in the door. The museum alone has an outstanding selection of art on display. The exhibitions are a real treat especially with a guide. They try to inspire conversation that sometimes leads to other views on a piece. The staff is hard working and wants everyone to feel welcome and have an amazing experience.

Here is a glimpse of some World War One and Two items . The museum is just three rooms and has…read moresome interesting artifacts . The museum does have a few airplanes at the old WWII era hanger. Airplane rides are available. The museum is free and took us about 90 minutes to walk through. Donations are greatly appreciated.

This is a private museum focused on aircraft preservation but they also have an interesting…read morecollection in a historic hanger building on the edge of a small airport. Call them directly for a flight in a fully restored WW II era trainer aircraft. You can even take the controls for a bit! Very fascinating experience (was a birthday present) but will suggest this to anyone who isn't afraid of flying. Friendly pilot and staff.

Enjoyed our trip to the Butler County Historical Society. the tour of the Benninghofen House was…read morereally great. It is a beautiful 1860 home, it really takes you back in time. Our guide Kathy did an excellent job. We also enjoyed the history exhibits. This was well worth the time, The tour would be interest to people of all ages.

This opened last year, and I finally had a chance to go: plenty of time, and good weather on a faux…read morespring day. It's the newest of the Ohio state parks, and you can tell. They are still finishing up landscaping and doing other things on the grounds. The centerpiece is a large building reminiscent of a council house. There are several stories, above and below ground, so there's plenty to see. Allow about an hour for the interpretive center, and another hour or two to walk the prairies and down to the river if you want. If you don't go in the building, there are a few plaques outside that give a quick history and orientation. Plus, there are a few on the way to the river. Inside, there are many displays about native history, settlement, conflicts and treaties, the natural world, and much more. There's a re-created stream with native fish. There are many kid friendly displays, but also plenty of in-depth information for adults. There's a gift shop downstairs, of course. Super friendly and helpful staff. Upstairs, there is more history. In the basement, there are displays about current Shawnee tribal members, and reproductions of many old maps. Plus a meeting room. There's a video room, a reproduction wigwam, and so much more. Learned about Old Town, which was on this site, plus Tecumseh and other famous natives. Highly recommended, and I will be bringing Kid K here. There was a school group there while I visited, and it seemed like a good field trip for them. Closed Monday and Tuesday, and opens at 10 AM, so check hours. Smallish parking lot. They are currently building a bridge over the road, to have more access to town.

Stopped by for the event. Girl Scouts got badges. Historical displays of bonnets, metalwork, and…read moremusic. Native Shawnee representatives too. Live Kestrels from the raptor center. Nature walks, speakers, cookies, native venison, snow cones and food trucks. This event was great! Well run and lots to see and do.