It’s no secret that Dayton, Ohio, is well-known for its rich aviation history and quintessentially Midwestern culture. But while these trademarks are renowned, there are many other, more unexpected ways to experience Dayton's charm beyond the usual tourist attractions.
The city is as diverse as it is intriguing, offering plenty of must-see hidden gems to add to your itinerary, and we’ve rounded up five here.
1. Visit Adventure Reef Water Park
Adventure Reef Water Park in Kettering Recreation Complex is one of the best lesser-known attractions to check out when visiting Dayton. Only a short distance away from the city, this three-acre outdoor water leisure park makes a perfect day trip for families with kids of all ages.
The park boasts some of the fastest and highest water slides in Montgomery County. It also features an ample water playground, a fun-filled splash pad, and plenty of lounging decks and chairs for relaxing and unwinding.
Regular season is between May 24 and August 10, 2025, and post-season starts from August 16, during which the park is open on Saturdays and Sundays only. The park is also open on holidays during normal hours, giving you the perfect opportunity to splash out in style.
2. Explore Paul Laurence Dunbar House
Paul Laurence Dunbar was an internationally acclaimed writer and poet. Today, he’s still considered one of America’s greatest writers. The Dayton native became famed for his advocacy for the rights of African Americans, and in 1936, the Ohio General Assembly dedicated the Paul Laurence Dunbar house as an official memorial to his work and legacy.
The memorial is the first of its kind in the state of Ohio to be established in honor of African American history. It is a lesser-known part of the Dayton Aviation Heritage National Historical Park, but well worth a visit for those interested in literary history and the struggle for equality.
The on-site visitors’ center contains some of Dunbar and his family’s most prized possessions, including furniture, manuscripts, and other personal items. Keep a lookout for the poet’s striking collection of Native American artworks and his original Wright Brothers bicycle!
3. Peruse the 2nd Street Market
Experience Dayton life like the locals do by paying a trip to the 2nd Street Market. This European-style, open-air market features a wealth of stalls to visit and artisans to meet, who offer everything from fresh produce and homemade delights to hand-made souvenirs perfect for remembering your trip.
The market is based at what was once the Dayton freight station. The vast number of stalls has brought new life to the location, attracting local residents each week with a fantastic selection of wares.
Venture out on Fridays and Sundays from 11am to 3pm, or on Saturdays from 9am to 3pm, to indulge in delicious baked goods, stock up on produce, and see what else the market’s vibrant vendors have in store.
4. Discover Wellness With A Difference
Perfect for feet tired from sightseeing and bodies and minds that need a refreshing break, Dayton is home to a number of businesses that focus on beauty, health, and wellness. Whether you want to enjoy the benefits of a sauna, have a sublime massage, or indulge in a beauty treatment, you’ll find what you’re looking for. Plus, there are several black-owned businesses that specialize in hair treatments and products suitable for locs and curly hair.
You’ll also find the Centerville Salt Room in Dayton, which is Ohio’s first Halotherapy Clinic. Halotherapy, also known as salt therapy, takes place in a room encased in salt that releases negative ions that activate the healing process on a cellular level. This helps your body to restore itself naturally and effectively, and it’s completely natural and no-invasive. These treatments are a fun and unique way to unwind and halotherapy is safe for children of all ages, so you can treat everyone to a relaxation session that’s sure to put you in the holiday mood.
If you want to support local businesses with take-home goods, there are a wealth of locally-made wellness products you can shop for, including crystal infused perfumes and candles, bath and body kits, lifestyle brands dedicated to helping people live a life with intention, and natural, vegan soaps.
Book a spa session or beauty treatment and you’ll experience what makes Dayton’s wellness scene so uniquely vibrant.
5. Reflect at the Grave of Johnny Morehouse
This unusual attraction in Dayton’s Woodland Cemetery tells the poignant story of a young boy and his four-legged best friend. The grave features a sculpture of a young boy leaning against the legs of a tall, long-haired dog. The boy is five-year-old Johnny Morehouse, a resident of Dayton during the mid-1800s and the young son of a local cobbler.
Johnny was playing with his dog at the Miami & Erie Canal when he slipped into the water. His dog valiantly jumped into the canal in an attempt to rescue him, but Johnny unfortunately drowned and was buried at the Woodland Cemetery shortly thereafter. His faithful companion refused to leave his side for weeks, waiting at his grave and surviving on tidbits given to him by passers-by.
This touching tale is still remembered because of Johnny Morehouse’s beautifully sculpted gravestone. The stone portrays the young boy curled up beside his best friend, flanked by his favorite possessions—a ball, a cap, a spinning top, and his trusty harmonica. Visitors to this hidden monument still leave Johnny and his canine companion gifts to this day, ranging from toys to treats and flower bouquets.
Discover Dayton's Lesser-Known Delights
While highlights like Carillon Historical Park, the National Museum of the U.S. Air Force, the Wright Brothers Memorial and the National Aviation Hall of Fame are worth visiting, Dayton offers many other unique and exciting things to see and do beyond these classic tourist spots.
Add to your travel schedule gems like Adventure Reef Water Park, Paul Laurence Dunbar House, Dayton’s wellness businesses, and Woodland Historic Cemetery & Arboretum to make your city experience unforgettable.
Be sure to get your FREE Destination Dayton Visitors Guide and download the FREE Destination Dayton App to enhance your experience!
