At Huffman Prairie Flying Field, aviation history has a specific home: Wilbur and Orville Wright developed a reliable, fully controllable airplane there. The 84-acre National Historic Landmark is in Greene County and is part of the National Aviation Heritage Area. Visitors can see a replica of a hangar and enjoy wildflowers in spring.
Aviation History and Museums
The National Museum of the United States Air Force displays more than 350 aerospace vehicles and missiles. The National Afro-American Museum and Cultural Center focuses on a different part of history: opened in 1988, it was the first museum in the nation to focus on African American history at the national level.
The collections at the National Afro-American Museum and Cultural Center are also diverse: they include more than 10,000 artifacts and works of art, 350 manuscript collections, and thousands of photographs. The Charles Young Buffalo Soldiers National Monument offers educational programs about the Buffalo Soldiers. Clifton Mill was built in 1802. Together, these places showcase different historical subjects—from aviation and African American history to the Buffalo Soldiers.
Gorges, River and Hiking Trails
Greene County offers more than 100 miles of trails in parks and nature preserves. Paddling is possible along almost 30 miles of the Little Miami River in Greene County. This means two distinct outdoor activities are available: trails in parks and preserves, and paddling on a named river. The Little Miami River was Ohio’s first river designated a State Scenic River and the first stream in Ohio designated a National Scenic River.
Clifton Gorge State Nature Preserve covers 268 acres of dolomite and limestone gorges. The Little Miami River runs through the preserve for two miles. Ohio’s 752-acre John Bryan State Park surrounds Clifton Gorge. For climbers, the park offers six designated climbing areas and a rappelling area on 30- to 60-foot limestone cliffs.
Glen Helen Nature Preserve covers 1,000 acres of forests, waterways, prairies and fields, as well as 25 miles of hiking trails. Its Raptor Center is dedicated to rehabilitating injured birds of prey. At Beaver Creek Wetlands Reserve, trails wind through marshes, wet prairies and woodland ponds, and along Beaver Creek. At Narrows Reserve, visitors can learn about birds of prey native to the region at the Raptor Aviary.
Indian Mound Reserve has eight hiking trails and a restored log cabin dating to before 1825. A viewpoint at Cedar Cliff Falls is also one of the park’s features. If you plan to follow a specific route or visit the viewpoint, check the latest park information.
Caesar Ford Park has 10 miles of multi-use trails for mountain biking, horseback riding and hiking. Trail lengths may change as the park is developed; check the latest park information when planning a specific route. The park also has a family-friendly 18-hole disc golf course and a restored amphitheater. Xenia Station is the hub of five interconnected bike trails. From there, visitors can also explore the Miami Valley Trails network, with 340 miles of paved, interconnected multi-use trails.
Coffee Culture and Local Discoveries
The Greene County Coffee Trail connects family-owned cafés and craft coffee roasters. Young’s Jersey Dairy has a petting zoo. For a takeaway treat, the dairy offers homemade ice cream and Farmstead Cheese. These discoveries complement the historic sites and nature areas with cafés, coffee roasters and products to enjoy on the go.
Discover more destinations: Xenia, Beavercreek, Fairborn, Cedarville, Franklin, Ashland County, Hardin County, Wyandot County.
For the main travel overview: Ohio.
