Culture
New Shawnee Marina to Float Boats of Parkgoers
By: Alexis Larsen | Dayton Daily News
Posted on:
More than 25 percent of Ohio’s 74 state parks are in the southwestern part of the state. Visitors to the area will see many updates during the next two years thanks to an $88.5 million investment from the state last year for capital improvements that will modernize campgrounds, facilities, trails, parking lots and bridges.
Among the most recent upgrades is a new marina at Shawnee State Park in Scioto County and another that is under construction at Caesar Creek State Park primarily in Warren County.
With about 99 percent of Ohio’s estimated 11.5 million residents living within 36 miles of a waterway that can accommodate a powerboat, the additions are a response by the park system to the popularity of recreational boating.
The marina at Shawnee State Park, situated in the Appalachian foothills near the banks of the Ohio River, features 72 boat slips of either 36 or 50 feet that include water and electric service. The marina also features recently renovated restrooms.
An 18-hole championship golf course, which is part of the 1,095-acre Shawnee State Park, is adjacent to the marina. The park, nicknamed “the Little Smokies,” also features a resort lodge, a campground and rental cabins, and is in the 63,000-acre Shawnee State Forest.
Trek the trails of Ohio’s Little Smokies by day, then bunk in Shawnee’s cozy Camper Cabins. Visit the nature center, canoe the placid lake, then leave the rustic behind and tee up at the golf course or lounge poolside at the lodge.
While you’re there, keep a watchful eye: The rugged Appalachian hills of Shawnee state park and forest welcome wildlife that is typically found farther south.
Information: 740-858-6652 or parks.ohiodnr.gov/shawnee
Here are other opportunities in southwestern Ohio to create special memories:
Nature centers throughout the Ohio State Parks system give visitors the opportunity to see animals including mountain lions, bobcats, eagles, hawks, owls and reptiles — many native to Ohio. Explore centers at Caesar Creek (Warren County, Clinton and Greene counties), Hueston Woods (Butler and Preble counties) and Shawnee state parks.
Information: Caesar Creek, 513-897-3055 or parks.ohiodnr.gov/caesarcreek; Hueston Woods, 513-523-6347 or parks.ohiodnr.gov/huestonwoods; Shawnee, 740-858-6652 or parks.ohiodnr.gov/shawnee
Treat your sweetie to a romantic getaway in a charming couple’s cottage on the lakeshore at Hueston Woods. No baby sitter? No problem. The park surrounds 625-acre Acton Lake, with campsites, cabins and a resort lodge to entice the overnight visitor. Choose a spacious family cabin for your crew, and keep them entertained with horseback riding, golf-course specials, disc golf, archery, a nature center, fossil hunting, canoeing and more. parks.ohiodnr.gov/huestonwoods
Head to John Bryan State Park in Greene County for 9 miles of trails that skirt the rim and the gorge of the cascading Little Miami River. Looking for a shorter stroll? Neighboring Clifton Gorge State Nature Preserve is renowned for spring wildflowers. It’s a short drive to downtown Yellow Springs, where you can enjoy brunch or dinner at the Winds (www.windscafe.com) to make a day of it. If you visit the park in the evening, check out the observatory operated by the Miami Valley Astronomical Society and get a good look at the stars.
Information: 937-767-1274 or parks.ohiodnr.gov/johnbryan
In Ross County, dramatic vistas are your reward for breathtaking uphill climbs on Great Seal State Park’s network of multi-use trails. In fact, 23 total miles of trails are available to hikers, mountain bikers and equestrians. Mountain bikes are permitted on 17 miles of multi-use trails. The trails, recommended for advanced cyclists, cross mostly wooded, hilly terrain with some steep inclines and ravines.
The Shawnee Ridge Trail (5 miles, one way) and the Mount Ives Trail (1 mile, one way) dance along ridgetops with amazing views for hikers. For a milder workout, take along a Frisbee for a brisk walk and a rousing round of disc golf on Great Seal’s disc golf course.
Information: 740-887-4818 or parks.ohiodnr.gov/greatseal
Rocky Fork State Park in Highland County rocks with camping and boating — with campers-only docks and a launch ramp in the campground, a marina with fuel and rentals, full hookup sites, lakeside sites, pull-through sites, miniature golf, disc golf, and WiFi and a snack bar at the camp office. Two large public beaches provide 800 feet of lake access for swimming, and the campground features volleyball and basketball courts.
Information: 937-393-4284 or parks.ohiodnr.gov/rockyfork
Map out a biking adventure and discover countless natural wonders by biking the 75-mile Little Miami Scenic Trail, which crosses into Hamilton, Clermont, Warren, Greene and Clark counties. Go a few miles or tour multiple counties. For travel tips, suggested routes and maps, visit little miamistatepark.org. And for other great places to bike in Ohio, visit bike.ohio.gov.
SOUTHWEST OHIO STATE PARKS
Adams Lake State Park, Adams County (http://parks.ohiodnr.gov/adamslake, 740-858-6652)
Buck Creek State Park, Clark County (http://parks.ohiodnr.gov/buckcreek, 937-322-5284)
Caesar Creek State Park, Warren County (http://parks.ohiodnr.gov/caesarcreek, 513-897-3055)
Cowan Lake State Park, Clinton County (http://parks.ohiodnr.gov/cowanlake, 937-383-3751)
East Fork State Park, Clermont County (http://parks.ohiodnr.gov/eastfork, 513-734-4323)
Great Seal State Park, Ross County (http://parks.ohiodnr.gov/greatseal, 740-887-4818)
Hueston Woods State Park, Preble County (http://parks.ohiodnr.gov/huestonwoods, 513-523-6347)
John Bryan State Park, Greene County (http://parks.ohiodnr.gov/johnbryan, 937-767-1274)
Kiser Lake State Park, Champaign County (http://parks.ohiodnr.gov/kiserlake, 937-362-3565)
Lake White State Park, Pike County (http://parks.ohiodnr.gov/lakewhite, 740-493-2212)
Little Miami State Park, Warren County (http://parks.ohiodnr.gov/littlemiami, 513-897-3055))
Paint Creek State Park, Highland County (http://parks.ohiodnr.gov/paintcreek, 937-981-7061)
Pike Lake State Park, Pike County (http://parks.ohiodnr.gov/pikelake, 740-493-2212)
Rocky Fork State Park, Highland County (http://parks.ohiodnr.gov/rockyfork, 937-393-4284)
Scioto Trail State Park, Ross County (http://parks.ohiodnr.gov/sciototrail, 740-887-4818)
Shawnee State Park, Scioto County (http://parks.ohiodnr.gov/shawnee, 740-858-6652)
Stonelick State Park, Clermont County (http://parks.ohiodnr.gov/stonelick, 513-734-4323)
Sycamore State Park, Montgomery County (http://parks.ohiodnr.gov/sycamore, 513-523-6347)
Tar Hollow State Park, Ross County (http://parks.ohiodnr.gov/tarhollow, 740-887-4818)
Here’s a sampling of popular summertime activities, compiled by Columbus Dispatch staff members:
THEME AND WATER PARKS
The Beach — An Adventure Landing Park
Description: The 35-acre park includes inner-tube rides; an oversized spa pool; Big Creek Beach, with a 600-gallon dump bucket, water cannons and four slides
Location: 2590 Water Park Dr., Mason (Warren County)
Open: operating hours vary; call for details
New attractions: Riptide Racer — a four-lane forward-facing mat racing slide
Admission: $28.99, or $19.99 for senior citizens 60 and older and children less than 48 inches tall, $22.99 for military personnel, age 3 and younger are free with a paying adult; online discounts available
Parking: $8
Least-busy days: Mondays through Thursdays
Tickets/information: 513-398-7946; www.thebeachwaterpark.com
Coney Island
Description: On the banks of Lake Como, the theme park includes rides, Sunlite Pool, water slides, an arcade and miniature golf.
Location: 6201 Kellogg Ave., 10 miles east of downtown Cincinnati (Hamilton County)
Open, Sunlite Pool: 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. May 23 through Sept. 7; 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Aug. 25-29; Classic Rides: hours vary; check website for details
New attraction: TopSpin — swinging in a back-and-forth pendulum motion, the TopSpin sends riders in a 360-degree-arc, more than 35 feet in the air, as the ride carriage is spinning in a clockwise rotation; Fender Benders — kiddie bumper cars
Admission, Sunlite Pool: $14.50 for those 5 and older, or $6.95 for children 2 to 4, free for children 1 and younger; Classic Rides: $14.50 for those 5 and older, or $6.95 for children 2 to 4, free for children 1 and younger; combination admission: $25.95 for those 5 and older, or $12.95 for children 2 to 4, free for children 1 and younger
Parking: $8
Least-busy day: Tuesdays
Tickets/information: at the park and online; 513-232-8230, www.coneyislandpark.com
Great Wolf Lodge
Description: The indoor water park features water slides and a four-story treehouse with water sprays.
Location: 2501 Great Wolf Dr., Mason (Warren County)
Open: daily, year-round
Admission: must be an overnight guest; rooms and suites available
Parking: free
Least-busy days: midweek
Information/reservations: 513-459-8885, 1-800-913-9653, www.greatwolf.com/mason/waterpark
Kings Island and Soak City Waterpark
Description: The park offers more than 100 rides, including 15 roller coasters (and the Beast, the world’s longest wooden coaster), and Soak City, a 33-acre waterpark.
Location: 6300 Kings Island Dr., Mason (Warren County)
Open, Kings Island: daily, operating hours vary through Aug. 23; select weekends through Nov. 1
Soak City (free with park admission): operating hours vary; call for details
New attractions: Woodstock Gliders — flying scooters featuring eight two-person planes, with stationary rear wings and movable front wings, that allow guests to control the flight; Snoopy’s Space Buggies — features six four-seat vehicles that bounce up and down while rotating in a circle
Admission: $62 for those 48 inches and taller (good for two days), or $37.99 for senior citizens 62 and older and children less than 48 inches tall (for one day), free for children 2 and younger; online discounts available
Parking: $15 weekdays, $15 weekends and holidays; $22 for preferred
Least-busy day: Wednesdays
Tickets/information: available online, at the park and participating AAA and Kroger locations; 513-754-5700, www.visitkingsisland.com
Wake Nation Cincinnati
Description: The water-sports complex offers wakeboarding, water-skiing, knee-boarding and wake-skating without the use of a boat. Riders are pulled on a 10-acre lake at 18 to 20 mph by an overhead cable-pulley system.
Location: Joyce Park, 201 Joe Nuxhall Way, Fairfield (Butler County)
Open: operating hours vary; call for details
New attraction: beginner speeds available on Tuesday and Wednesday mornings
Admission: $30 for two hours, $35 for four hours, or $40 for an all-day pass; free for spectators; equipment rental available
Parking: free
Least-busy day: Tuesdays
Tickets/information: available on-site; 513-887-9253, www.wakenation.com
OUTDOOR DRAMA
TECUMSEH!
Description: 43rd season for the outdoor historical drama about the Shawnee leader
Location: Sugarloaf Mountain Amphitheatre, 5968 Marietta Rd., Chillicothe (Ross County)
Performances: 8 p.m. June 5 to Aug. 29, except Sundays; Ralph Stanley and the Clinch Mountain Boys concert (7 p.m. June 14), Shakespeare’s As You Like It (7 p.m. July 26, free); Dailey & Vincent concert (7 p.m. Aug. 23)
Admission: $24.95, or $19.95 for senior citizens, $14.95 for children 10 and younger for Tecumseh!; other shows vary
Seating capacity: 1,689
Running time: 2 hours, 45 minutes for Tecumseh!
Information: 1-866-775-0700, www.tecumsehdrama.com
OUTDOOR MUSIC
Bunbury Music Festival
Description: The annual three-day festival of rock and pop acts has grown in size and profile since its 2012 launch.
Location: Sawyer Point / Yeatman’s Cove, 705 E. Pete Rose Way, Cincinnati (Hamilton County)
Performances: June 5: the Black Keys, Royal Blood, Tame Impala, Walk the Moon, Matt & Kim, Bleachers, Temples, Father John Misty, Mikky Ekko, Catfish and the Bottlemen, Machineheart, Mini Mansions; June 6: the Avett Brothers, the Decemberists, Old Crow Medicine Show, Lindsey Stirling, Kacey Musgraves, the Devil Makes Three, Reverend Horton Heat, Jamestown Revival, the Secret Sisters, Genevieve, Graceful Closure, Motherfolk; June 7: Snoop Dogg, Twenty One Pilots, Brand New, Atmosphere, Manchester Orchestra, Shakey Graves, the Front Bottoms, Jessica Hernandez and the Deltas, the Reverend Peyton’s Big Damn Band, Lil Dicky, Buggs tha Rocka, Lonesome as Gold
Parking: $7 to $9 daily
Tickets/information: $69 for single-day pass; 3-day packages sold out; www.bunburyfestival.com
Fraze Pavilion
Description: The outdoor amphitheater near Dayton offers 4,300 seats.
Location: 695 Lincoln Park Blvd., Kettering (Montgomery County)
Performances: June 10 (8 p.m.): Chris Botti; June 11 (7:30 p.m.): Chubby Checker with the Van-Dells; June 12 (8 p.m.): Jo Dee Messina; June 16 (8 p.m.): Heart (sold out); June 19 (8 p.m.): Jersey (Bruce Springsteen tribute); June 20 (4 p.m.): Hadden Sayers, Jimmy Thackery; June 21 (8:30 p.m.): “Weird Al” Yankovic; June 25 (8 p.m.): Get the Led Out; June 27 (7:30 p.m.): Montgomery Gentry; July 2 (7:30 p.m.): Boston; July 12 (7:30 p.m.): Huey Lewis and the News, Richard Marx; July 13 (8 p.m.): VoicePlay; July 16 (7:30 p.m.): Brian Culbertson, Mindi Abair; July 21 (7 p.m.): R5; July 23 (7:30 p.m.): Little River Band, Ambrosia, Player; July 26 (7:30 p.m.): Bryan Adams; July 30 (8 p.m.): Diana Krall; Aug. 1 (7:30 p.m.): Ronnie Milsap, B.J. Thomas; Aug. 4 (7 p.m.): Under the Sun Tour featuring Sugar Ray, Better Than Ezra, Uncle Kracker, Eve 6; Aug. 5 (8 p.m.): Harry Connick Jr.; Aug. 6 (8 p.m.): Resurrection (Journey tribute); Aug. 8 (7 p.m.): Dave Koz; Aug. 10 (8 p.m.): Reba (sold out); Aug. 15 (8 p.m.): Joe Bonamassa; Aug. 18 (7:30 p.m.): Willie Nelson, Old Crow Medicine Show; Aug. 19 (8 p.m.): Happy Together Tour featuring the Turtles, the Association; Aug. 20 (8 p.m.): Who’s Bad: the Ultimate Michael Jackson Tribute; Aug. 22 (7:30 p.m.): 3 Doors Down; Aug. 23 (3 p.m.): GospelFest featuring Francesca Battistelli; Aug. 29 (8 p.m.): Kristin Chenoweth; Sept. 1 (8 p.m.): McGuffey Lane; Sept. 1 (8 p.m.)
Parking: free
Tickets/information: free to $125; 937-296-3300, www.fraze.com
Riverbend Music Center/PNC Pavilion
Description: The 20,500-seat outdoor amphitheater along the Ohio River boasts a 4,100-seat pavilion.
Location: 6295 Kellogg Ave., Cincinnati (Hamilton County)
Performances: May 17 (7 p.m.): Lady Antebellum; May 22 (7 p.m.): Zac Brown Band; May 31 (8 p.m.): Third Eye Blind, Dashboard Confessional; June 4 (7 p.m.): Dwight Yoakam, Jason Isbell; June 5 (7 p.m.): Dave Matthews Band; June 6 (8 p.m.): Cincinnati Pops Orchestra: Broadway Sing-Along; June 9 (8 p.m.): Rob Zombie; June 13 (7 p.m.): Flogging Molly, Gogol Bordello; June 19 (7:30 p.m.): Barenaked Ladies, Violent Femmes; June 23 (8 p.m.): Jimmy Buffett and the Coral Reefer Band; June 26 (6:30 p.m.): Tedeschi Trucks Band, Sharon Jones and the Dap-Kings; June 28 (7 p.m.): Darius Rucker; June 30 (7 p.m.): Fall Out Boy, Wiz Khalifa; July 2 (7 p.m.): Train, the Fray; July 4 (8 p.m.): Cincinnati Pops Orchestra: Red, White & Boom!; July 11 (7 p.m.): Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra with Wynton Marsalis; July 13 (7:30 p.m.): Neil Young and Promise of the Real; July 16 (10 a.m.): Vans Warped Tour; July 17 (8 p.m.): James Taylor; July 18 (7 p.m.): Fifth Harmony; July 24 (8 p.m.): Cincinnati Pops Orchestra with Seth MacFarlane; July 25 (6:15 p.m.): Incubus, Deftones; July 28 (7 p.m.): Kelly Clarkson; July 29 (6:30 p.m.): Sublime with Rome; July 31 (7:30 p.m.): Nickelback; Aug. 1 (7 p.m.): Tim McGraw; Aug. 2 (6:45 p.m.): Kid Rock, Foreigner; Aug. 4 (8 p.m.): the Beach Boys, the Temptations; Aug. 8 (7 p.m.): Smashing Pumpkins, Marilyn Manson; Aug. 11 (6:30 p.m.): J. Cole, Big Sean; Aug. 14 (7 p.m.): Boney James, Brian McKnight; Aug. 17 (7 p.m.): Def Leppard, Styx, Tesla; Aug. 18 (8 p.m.): Idina Menzel; Aug. 23 (7:30 p.m.): Jason Aldean; Aug. 25 (7:30 p.m.): Chicago, Earth, Wind & Fire; Aug. 28 (7:30 p.m.): Brad Paisley; Aug. 31 (7:30 p.m.): Van Halen; Sept. 9 (7:30 p.m.): Jackson Browne; Sept. 10 (6:45 p.m.): O.A.R.; Sept. 17 (7:30 p.m.): Ed Sheeran; Sept. 18 (7:30 p.m.): Death Cab For Cutie; Sept. 20 (7 p.m.): Rick Springfield; Sept. 21 (7:30 p.m.): Alt-J; Sept. 25 (7 p.m.): Toby Keith; Sept. 25 (7 p.m.)
Parking: included with the ticket
Tickets/information: $5 to $346.50, available at Ticketmaster outlets (1-800-745-3000) or www.ticketmaster.com (call 513-381-3300 or visit www.cincinnatisymphony.org for Pops tickets); 513-232-6220, www.riverbend.org
Rose Music Center at The Heights
Description: The brand-new, covered, 4,200-seat seasonal venue is set for its inaugural concert season.
Location: 6800 Executive Blvd., Huber Heights (Greene County)
Performances: May 31 (4 p.m.): Shawn Mendes; June 2 (6:30 p.m.): George Thorogood and the Destroyers, Brian Setzer’s Rockabilly Riot; June 5 (7 p.m.): Dwight Yoakam, Jason Isbell; June 18 (7 p.m.): Flo Rida, Echosmith, Olly Murs; June 19 (7 p.m.): Easton Corbin; June 20 (8 p.m.): Sammy Hagar; June 23 (7 p.m.): David Gray, Amos Lee; June 24 (7 p.m.): Jonny Lang, Kenny Wayne Shepherd Band; June 27 (6:30 p.m.): Tedeschi Trucks Band, Sharon Jones and the Dap-Kings; July 1 (7 p.m.): Melissa Etheridge, Blondie; July 7 (7 p.m.): Whitesnake; July 12 (7 p.m.): Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra with Wynton Marsalis; July 14 (7 p.m.): Pat Benatar, Neil Giraldo; July 21 (7 p.m.): Boz Scaggs; Aug. 4 (7 p.m.): Primus, Dinosaur Jr.; Aug. 6 (8 p.m.): the Beach Boys, the Temptations; Aug. 9 (7 p.m.): Peter Frampton, Cheap Trick; Aug. 13 (7 p.m.): Boney James, Brian McKnight; Aug. 14 (7 p.m.): Toto, Yes; Aug. 21 (7 p.m.): Canned Heat, Charlie Musselwhite, Pat Travers Band; Aug. 27 (8 p.m.): Brit Floyd; Aug. 28 (8 p.m.): Lynyrd Skynyrd; Sept. 8 (7 p.m.): Counting Crows (7 p.m.)
Parking: included with the ticket
Tickets/information: $20 to $68.50; (1-800-745-3000), www.ticketmaster.com
MUSEUMS
Boonshoft Museum of Discovery
Description: The natural history museum and science center has a planetarium, an observatory and a zoo.
Location: 2600 DeWeese Parkway, Dayton (Montgomery County)
Open: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Mondays through Saturdays, noon to 5 p.m. Sundays
Admission: $13, or $11 for senior citizens 60 and older, $10 for children 3 to 16, free for 2 and younger; admission includes space theater shows
Parking: free, on-site
Special exhibit: “Hatching the Past: The Great Dinosaur Egg Hunt” — explore the prehistoric world of dinosaurs (opens May 30)
Information: 937-275-7431, www.boonshoftmuseum.org
Cincinnati Art Museum
Description: The museum features 75 galleries and more than 60,000 works.
Location: 953 Eden Park Dr., Cincinnati (Hamilton County)
Open: 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesdays through Sundays
Admission: free
Parking: $4; free for members
Special exhibits: “Up at Bat: Warhol and Baseball” — featuring Andy Warhol’s three known paintings of baseball players (closes Aug. 2)
Information: 513-639-2995, www.cincinnatiartmuseum.org
Cincinnati Museum Center
Description: The center, at Union Terminal, is home to the Cincinnati History Museum, Duke Energy Children’s Museum, the Museum of Natural History & Science, the Robert D. Linder Family Omnimax Theater and the Cincinnati Historical Society
Library.
Location: Union Terminal, 1301 Western Ave., Cincinnati (Hamilton County)
Open: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Mondays through Saturdays, 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sundays
Admission: $10.50, or $9.50 for senior citizens 60 and older, $8.50 for children 3 to 12, $5.50 for children 1 to 2; free for children younger than 1; special exhibits and Omnimax theater extra
Parking: $6; $4 after 4:30 p.m.
Special exhibits: “Treasures of Our Military Past” — featuring uniforms, weaponry and medical instruments, the exhibit showcases Cincinnati’s contributions to military action from the late 18th century to the modern era (ongoing); “Science of Sports” — the exhibit challenges the body and mind while exploring athleticism (opens May 23)
Information: 513-287-7000, www.cincymuseum.org
Contemporary Arts Center
Description: The center focuses on painting, sculpture, photography, architecture, performance art and new media.
Location: Lois and Richard Rosenthal Center, 44 E. 6th St., Cincinnati (Hamilton County)
Open: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturdays through Mondays, 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Wednesdays through Fridays
Admission: $7.50, or $5.50 for senior citizens 60 and older, students and educators with a valid ID; free for children 5 and younger, active military members and their immediate family and veterans plus one with valid I.D.
Parking: nearby garages and metered parking
Special exhibit: “The Vesper Project” — artist Titus Kaphar explores the racial skeletons of art history (through Oct. 11)
Information: 513-345-8400, www.contemporaryartscenter.org
Dayton Art Institute
Description: The institute boasts 27,000 pieces in its permanent collection that spans more than 5,000 years, with more than 1,000 pieces on view at all times.
Location: 456 Belmonte Park N., Dayton (Montgomery County)
Open: 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesdays through Saturdays, noon to 5 p.m. Sundays, until 8 p.m. on Thursdays
Admission: $8, or $5 for senior citizens 60 and older, active military and groups; free for students and children; fee for some exhibits
Parking: on-site, paid lots and on-street parking
Information: 937-223-4278, www.daytonartinstitute.org
Dayton Aviation Heritage National Historical Park
Description: a five-unit park located in and around Dayton including the Wright Cycle Co. Complex.
Location: The Wright Cycle Co. building and Wright Dunbar Visitor Center, 16 S. Williams St.; Huffman Prairie Flying Field and Interpretive Center, 2380 Memorial Rd. (corner of Rt. 444 and Kaufman Road); Wright-Patterson Air Force Base (Greene and Montgomery counties); CarillonHistorical Park and Hawthorn Hill, 1000 Carillon Blvd.; Paul Laurence Dunbar House, 219 N. Paul Laurence Dunbar St.
Open: hours vary by location; visit the website for more information
Admission: free, except for Carillon Park: $8, or $7 for senior citizens 60 and older, $5 for ages 3 to 17, free for age 2 and younger; Paul Laurence Dunbar House: free; Hawthorn Hill: $12
Parking: on-site; shuttle available at Carillon Park for Hawthorn Hill
Exhibits: Highlighting the research of Orville and Wilbur Wright; and the home of Paul Laurence Dunbar, an African-American poet, novelist and playwright of the late-19th and early 20th centuries.
Information: the Wright Cycle Co. Complex, 937-225-7705; Huffman Prairie Flying Field Interpretive Center, 937-425-0008; Carillon Historical Park, 937-293-2841 (www.daytonhistory.org); www.nps.gov/daav
Fort Ancient
Description: The largest prehistoric hilltop enclosure in the United States, featuring a 9,000-square-foot museum and access to earthworks and hiking trails.
Location: 6123 Rt. 350, Oregonia (Warren County)
Open: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesdays through Saturdays, noon to 5 p.m. Sundays
Admission: $6, or $5 for senior citizens 60 and older and children 6 to 16, free for children 5 and younger
Parking: free, on-site
Special event: “Celebration: A Gathering of Four Directions” — featuring Native American flute music, drumming and 100 dancers in full regalia (June 13-14, additional fee)
Information: 513-932-4421 or 1-800-283-8904, www.fortancient.org
National Museum of the United States Air Force
Description: The military aviation-history museum boasts more than 360 aerospace vehicles along with thousands of historical items.
Location: 1100 Spaatz St., Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, near Dayton (Greene and Montgomery counties)
Open: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily
Admission: free
Parking: free
Information: 937-255-3286, www.nationalmuseum.af.mil
National Underground Railroad Freedom Center
Description: The center features exhibits that chronicle the route slaves took to freedom as well as information about the people who helped them along the way.
Location: 50 E. Freedom Way, Cincinnati (Hamilton County)
Open: 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesdays through Saturdays
Admission: $14, or $12 for senior citizens 60 and older, $10 for children 3 to 12, free for children 2 and younger
Parking: nearby garages, surface lots and street parking
Special exhibits: “Unlocking the Gates of Auschwitz: Seventy Years Later” — weaving together rare artifacts, stirring photographs and powerful personal stories of Auschwitz survivors Bella Ouziel and Werner Coppel (ends May 27); “Diversity in Baseball” — chronicling baseball story told through the lens of American inclusion (June 25 through September)
Information: 1-877-648-4838, 513-333-7739, www.freedomcenter.org
Sunwatch Indian Village/Archeological Park
Description: A 13th-century American Indian village along the Great Miami River.
Location: 2301 W. River Rd., Dayton (Montgomery County)
Open: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesdays through Saturdays, noon to 5 p.m. Sundays
Admission: $6, or $4 for senior citizens 60 and older and children 6 to 16, free for children 5 and younger, special events have different rates
Special events: “27th Annual Keeping the Tradition Pow Wow” — a special time to reflect upon the heritage of American Indians (June 27-28, additional fee)
Parking: free, on-site
Information: 937-268-8199, www.sunwatch.org
SPORTING EVENTS: BASEBALL
Cincinnati Reds
Description: The oldest professional baseball franchise has recently been a playoff team.
Location: Great American Ball Park, 100 Joe Nuxhall Way, Cincinnati (Hamilton County)
Home games: May 17 vs. Giants; May 25-27 vs. Rockies; May 29-31 vs. Nationals; June 5-7 vs. Padres; June 8-10 vs. Phillies; June 17-18 vs. Tigers; June 19-21 vs. Marlins; June 29-July 1 vs. Twins; July 3-5 vs. Brewers; July 17-19 vs. Indians; July 20-22 vs. Cubs; July 30-Aug. 2 vs. Pirates; Aug. 4-6 vs. Cardinals; Aug. 18-19 vs. Royals; Aug. 20-23 vs. Diamondbacks; Aug. 25-27 vs. Dodgers; Sept. 4-6 vs. Brewers; Sept. 7-9 vs. Pirates; Sept. 10-13 vs. Cardinals; Sept. 24-27 vs. Mets; Sept. 29-Oct. 1 vs. Cubs
Admission: $5 to $255, free for children 3 and younger if sitting on an adult’s lap
Parking: nearby lots
Tickets/information: through Tickets.com, 1-513-381-7337, 1-877-647-7337; at the park; or online; 513-765-7000, www.reds.com
Dayton Dragons
Description: The Cincinnati Reds’ Class A affiliate boasts a beautiful home with top-notch amenities.
Location: Fifth Third Field, 220 N. Patterson Blvd., Dayton (Montgomery County)
Home games: May 18-21 vs. Great Lakes; May 26-28 vs. South Bend; May 29-June 1 vs. Lansing; June 3-5 vs. Clinton; June 10-12 vs. Wisconsin; June 13-15 vs. Beloit; June 19-21 vs. Lake County; June 29-July 1 vs. Great Lakes; July 2-3 vs. Fort Wayne; July 8-9 vs. Bowling Green; July 10-13 vs. Lansing; July 18-20 vs. Fort Wayne; July 21-23 vs. West Michigan; July 31-Aug. 2 vs. South Bend; Aug. 11-13 vs. Peoria; Aug. 14-16 vs. Burlington; Aug. 27-29 vs. Bowling Green; Aug. 30-Sept. 1 vs. Lake County; Sept. 5-7 vs. Lansing
Admission: $8 to $16; free for age 2 and younger
Parking: nearby lots
Tickets/information: 937-228-2287; www.daytondragons.com
Chillicothe Paints
Description: The summer-league team is a member of the Prospect League, in which players use wooden bats.
Location: V.A. Memorial Stadium, 17273 Rt. 104, Chillicothe (Ross County)
Home games: May 27 vs. West Virginia; May 30-31 vs. Butler; June 2-3 vs. Champion City; June 10 vs. Richmond; June 11-12 vs. Champion City; June 16-17 vs. Danville; June 20-21 vs. West Virginia; June 25-26 vs. Richmond; June 27-28 vs. Jamestown; July 2-3 vs. Butler; July 10 vs. West Virginia; July 14 vs. Richmond; July 15 vs. Quincy; July 18 vs. Quincy; July 19 vs. Richmond; July 21 vs. Jamestown; July 24 vs. Jamestown; July 26 vs. West Virginia; July 29 vs. Butler; July 31 vs. Richmond; Aug. 5 vs. Champion City; Aug. 6 vs. Jamestown
Admission: $6, or $5 for senior citizens 65 and older and children 12 and younger
Parking: on-site
Tickets/information: 740-773-8326; www.chillicothepaints.com
SPORTING EVENTS: PRO FOOTBALL
Cincinnati Bengals
Description: The NFL team was established by the legendary Paul Brown and began play in 1968.
Location: 1 Paul Brown Stadium, Cincinnati (Hamilton County)
Preseason home games: Aug. 14 vs. New York Giants; Aug. 29 vs. Chicago Bears
Admission: $40 to $99
Parking: nearby lots
Tickets/information: 1-866-621-8383; 513-621-TDTD (8383); 513-621-3550, www.bengals.com
SPORTING EVENTS: TENNIS
Western & Southern Financial Group Masters & Women’s Open
Description: Fans will see stars from both the WTA and the ATP tours playing on adjacent courts.
Location: Lindner Family Tennis Center, 5460 Courseview Dr., Mason (Warren County)
Dates: Aug. 15-23
Admission: $10 to $80 for terrace series single-session tickets for Saturday and Sunday, or $5 or $15 for children 12 and younger; loge pavilion tickets sold out
Parking: free
Tickets/information: available through Ticketmaster (1-800-745-3000), and online; 513-651-0303, www.cincytennis.com
SPORTING EVENTS: HORSE RACING
Belterra Park Gaming & Entertainment
Description: Thoroughbred racing is held on a 1-mile dirt track.
Location: 6301 Kellogg Rd., Cincinnati (Hamilton County)
Season: Thursdays through Sundays through Oct. 10 (post time 1:45 p.m.; 3 p.m. on Fridays); simulcasting daily
Admission: free
Parking: free
Tickets/information: 513-232-8000, www.belterrapark.com
ZOO
Cincinnati Zoo and Botanical Garden
Description: The second-oldest zoo in the country has more than 500 animals and 3,000 plant species; it is internationally known for its research and conservation efforts.
Location: 3400 Vine St., Cincinnati (Hamilton County)
Big attractions: Zoo Babies — meet some of the newest faces at the zoo, including painted dog pups, three lion cubs, two gorillas, three bonobos and more (runs until May 31)
Open: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily, until 6 p.m. May 23 through Labor Day
Admission: $18, or $12 for children two to 12 and senior citizens 62 and older, free for children younger than two
Parking: $9
Information: 513-281-4700, www.cincinnatizoo.org
— Compiled by Vicki Elliston, Kevin Joy, Michael Grossberg, Susan Grote and Hannah Yang