A 20-foot cascade waterfall is just one of the things to discover in Miami County, alongside trails through prairie and woodland and historic homes. Each place has its own character: water, plant life and trails sit alongside stories of mills, canals and families.
Water, Woods and Trails
Greenville Falls State Scenic River Area covers 92 acres and has almost a mile of trails. Its cascade waterfall is 20 feet high. Along the trails, you can pass historic remains of the former electric mill that once stood on the site. Nature and history meet here in the same landscape, though the former mill is no longer part of current operations.
Charleston Falls Preserve covers more than 216 acres of prairie and woodland. Lost Creek Reserve spans 457 acres of landscape. Its 5.75 miles of trails pass fields, wind through wooded areas and follow Lost Creek. The reserve is also home to Historic Knoop Homestead, whose history spans more than 200 years and five generations of the Knoop family. The trails through varied landscapes thus offer a tangible glimpse into the family’s history.
Garbry Big Woods Reserve also combines natural areas with clearly defined trail distances: it covers more than 170 acres and has 2.2 miles of trails. An educational arboretum introduces a variety of native Ohio trees. At Brukner Nature Center, six miles of nature trails wind through woodland, wetland and prairie areas. More than 50 representatives of Ohio’s native species can be seen there in indoor and outdoor exhibits. Brukner thus combines nature trails with exhibits, while Garbry’s educational arboretum focuses especially on trees.
The Great Miami River Recreational Trail offers another way to experience the landscape along the water. It includes 32 miles of bike trail through Miami County and runs along the Great Miami River. The trail is suitable for biking, running and walking. Its length and the activities listed give you a clear idea of what to expect if you’re looking for a route suited to different ways of getting around.
Homes, Canals and Local History
Brukner Nature Center is also home to Iddings Log House. Built in 1804, it is the oldest building in Miami County still standing in its original location. The site thus pairs the nature trails and exhibits at the center with a preserved structure from the county’s early history.
Johnston Farm & Indian Agency spans 2,000 years of history, from ancient Native American burial mounds to Ohio’s 19th-century canal era. The site includes the restored Johnston House and several outbuildings. The museum presents the history of the Eastern Woodland Indians in Ohio. A ride aboard a replica 19th-century canal boat travels along a restored section of the historic Miami and Erie Canal. The house, museum and canal experience offer different ways to explore the site’s history.
WACO Air Museum and Learning Center presents the legacy of the Waco Aircraft Company through a collection of original biplanes and gliders, as well as interactive exhibits. Aviation history enthusiasts can find both original aircraft and hands-on exhibits here. Indian Creek Distillery offers a different historical perspective: its tour follows the journey of whiskey from the Grist Mill, built in 1818, through historic distillery buildings to the present-day distillery. Check reservation requirements in advance.
Culture, Plazas and Events
Troy-Hayner Cultural Center is housed in a 1914 Romanesque mansion. Free exhibits on art and regional history are shown there year-round. Troy’s Public Square is another local landmark: the square is a traffic circle dating to 1807, surrounded by restored Victorian-era buildings. The mansion and traffic circle highlight different aspects of architecture and local history.
The free Troy, Ohio PorchFest is held annually in the Southwest Historic District. Dozens of bands are part of the festival program; specific event details may change from year to year. WACO Homecoming and Fly-In is also held every September. Check the event dates before making plans. Miami Valley Veterans Museum offers tours at its location in Troy; hours and exhibit schedules may change, so it’s worth checking the latest visitor information.
Discover more destinations: Piqua, Erie County, Adams County, Lorain, Tuscarawas, Guernsey, Jackson, Wayne.
For the main travel overview: Ohio.
