Blake Walsh

15 Best Things to Do in Greene County, OH

  • Published 2022/12/28

Take a trip to a region rich in history, culture, and incredibly beautiful natural sites at Greene County!

Nestled along the western portion of the south of Ohio, Green County is a historic region with roots dating back to centuries before the area’s government was formed in 1803.

Greene County is well-known for many things, but most people remember it as the place where two extraordinary inventors first developed and perfected the very first viable airplane in the world.

In fact, you can visit the real location where aviation was born when you explore the county!

Aside from this, Greene County is also filled with unique destinations perfect for all types of visitors and tourists.

Whether you’re an outdoor enthusiast, nature lover, or history buff, there is something fun for you to do around the county.

You’ll find plenty of fun destinations and memorable activities in the region, whether you’re focusing your trip in Xenia or roaming around Fairborn.

To help you in planning your visit, here are the 15 best things to do in Greene County, Ohio:

Reconnect with Nature at Clifton Gorge State Nature Preserve

Mini waterfall at Clifton Gorge State Nature Preserve

arthurgphotography / Shutterstock.com

Enjoy the beauty of nature when you visit Clifton Gorge State Nature Preserve.

Clifton Gorge State Nature Preserve is an outdoor destination in Yellow Springs.

This preserve spans about 268 acres and features extraordinary limestone and dolomite gorges.

Water gushing at Clifton Gorge State Nature Preserve

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Here, you can forge a stronger connection with the environment as you roam around and deepen your appreciation for nature as you take in its beauty.

Explore this preserve and soak up the stunning scenery with lush foliage and unique flora.

You can also visit a portion of the scenic Little Miami River, which stretches about two miles through the area.

Landscape of Clifton Gorge State Nature Preserve

arthurgphotography / Shutterstock.com

Hit the Bull’s Eye at Wild Axe Throwing

Try throwing axes with your friends at Wild Axe Throwing.

Based on Seajay Drive in Beavercreek, Wild Axe Throwing is a unique establishment that offers guests a chance to experience a new sport!

If you’ve never tried axe throwing, this is the perfect destination to do so.

The owners of this facility strive to create the most visually appealing and extraordinary axe-throwing establishment in the world.

Thus, they have spent a lot of their time on their facility’s look and the accessibility of the lanes.

You’re sure to have a thrilling and memorable time hitting the bull’s eye on targets using an axe!

There are also pinball machines perfect for arcade lovers and private party areas where you can have a more intimate axe-throwing experience with your loved ones.

Stroll around Nature at Sweet Arrow Reserve

A man posing inside a huge trunk of a tree at Sweet Arrow Reserve

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Unwind as you take in the peaceful view of the scenery while walking around Sweet Arrow Reserve.

Sweet Arrow Reserve lies along Little Sugarcreek Road in Sugarcreek Township and is one of the biggest parks in the area.

This destination features about 263 acres of stunning woodlands, scenic prairies, and breathtaking meadows.

If you want to hike or just take a peaceful stroll, this is the best place to be.

There are seven various trails in the area that have markers and arrows that will guide you all around the park.

Follow the trails and see the beautiful nature sights at this destination!

Take a Peaceful Stroll at the Cemex Reserve

Take a break from your everyday routine and spend a day strolling around the scenic Cemex Reserve.

The Cemex Reserve is a beautiful natural site on Sanctuary Drive in Fairborn.

Here, you can find a lush wetland filled with stunning landscapes, breathtaking views, and unique wildlife!

This destination is also filled with different birds, making it a great spot for birdwatching.

Stroll around this captivating natural area and relax while taking in the views.

You can also bring your binoculars to get a closer view of the majestic birds around the area.

See How Railroad Stations Used to Look Like at Xenia Station

Outside view of Xenia Station

Ken Ratcliff, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Whether you’re a history enthusiast, an architecture lover, or a certified rail fan, you’ll have a great time heading to Xenia Station!

Located along Miami Avenue in Xenia, Xenia Station stands on a historic site where an iconic railroad station used to stand.

It’s considered to be a replica of the original Xenia Railroad Station, which stood there during the 1880s.

Play area at Xenia Station

loganrickert, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons

This historic destination was built in 1998 and features a museum, classroom, and restrooms.

You can also find an authentic train caboose on display at this station.

Delve into the history of railroad stations and trains in the area when you explore Xenia Station!

Spot Local Wildlife at Spring Valley Wildlife Area

Bring your binoculars and find unique birds and other extraordinary creatures as you hike through Spring Valley Wildlife Area.

Spring Valley Wildlife Area is a natural destination that spans about 842 acres and can be accessed through different areas in the state.

While most recreational activities are available in the portions accessible in Waynesville, you can enter hiking trails to this area through Houston Road in Spring Valley.

This wildlife area is filled with lush greenery, blooming flowers, and unique critters that will make your hike more memorable.

If you explore further into this oasis, you may even reach the stunning Spring Valley Lake, which is described as the gem of this wildlife area.

Lace up your hiking shoes and prepare to explore the stunning sites Spring Valley Wildlife Area has to offer!

Catch a Movie at the Little Art Theatre

Street view of Little Art Theatre

Madison Muskopf / Shutterstock.com

Sit back and relax while enjoying some much-needed entertainment after a long day at the Little Art Theatre.

The Little Art Theatre is a nonprofit cinema on Xenia Avenue in Little Springs.

This facility is popular among the locals, who describe it as one of the best places to watch a film.

Whether you’re into the more mainstream films or prefer artsy, independent movies, you’ll find something you like here.

Purchase some buttery popcorn and thirst-quenching drinks at their snack bar before heading to see your chosen movie.

If you’re lucky, you might even catch a Q&A session or trivia discussion with other film fanatics after watching a film here!

Witness a Live Performance at Xenia Area Community Theater and Arts Center

Watch outstanding performers bring thought-provoking stories to life at Xenia Area Community Theater and Arts Center.

Nestled along 2nd Street in Xenia, this theater holds live performances and productions for extraordinary entertainment.

Despite being a small theater, this destination offers its visitors electrifying and memorable performances.

Connect with the characters being portrayed on stage better with the intimate setting of this theater.

With the exceptional acting skills of each performer, you’ll go through a rollercoaster of emotions as you watch a play here!

Bring your loved ones and spend an evening of entertainment at Xenia Area Community Theater and Arts Center.

View Stunning Snaps at Sugarcreek Photography Gallery

If you’re fond of gazing at beautiful sceneries or stunning sights, you’ll love the photographs at Sugarcreek Photography Gallery.

Sugarcreek Photography Galley lies along Franklin Street in Bellbrook and houses hundreds of prints taken by some of the finest photographers in the region.

The photographs showcase striking architecture and stunning natural sites to everyday views and majestic animals.

Roam around this galley and take pictures of unique birds, stunning landscapes, and vibrant flowers.

There are also photographs of majestic horses, starry skies, and many more jaw-dropping sights!

You can also join in the special events held at this gallery, where you can participate in discussions about different photographers.

Find Rare Fossils at Oakes Quarry Park

View of Oakes Quarry Park

Laura Vlieg / Shutterstock.com

Channel your inner paleontologist as you explore Oakes Quarry Park and attempt to locate historic fossils.

Oakes Quarry Park is a woodland and prairie site along Xenia Drive in Fairborn.

Originally meant to be a mining site for limestone, this park features hiking trails you can explore.

About 440 million years ago, this destination used to be a vibrant coral reef in a relatively shallow sea.

Trees at Oakes Quarry Park

Laura Vlieg / Shutterstock.com

Due to its history, historic limestone fossils can be found around the area if you look hard enough!

Apart from fossils, you’ll also find extraordinary creatures, like unique birds and white-tailed deer, as you roam around the trails.

There are also hawks and cranes that you can observe when you explore Oakes Quarry Park!

Spend Quality Time with Your Kids at Dominick Lofino Park

Spend a day bonding with your children through all the fun activities you can do at Dominick Lofino Park.

Dominick Lofino Park lies along Grange Hall Road in Beavercreek and features many different amenities perfect for a fun-filled family day.

This park spans 36 acres and houses sports courts, a skate park, a play area, and even a scenic lake.

There are also walking paths that will take you all around the fun areas in the park.

Bring your whole family to this destination and enjoy fishing by the lake, playing tennis on the courts, or dining on delectable food in the picnic shelter.

If you visit at the right time, you can even catch live performances of talented artists at the amphitheater.

Shop ‘Til You Drop at The Greene Town Center

People enjoying their time at Greene Town Center

Eric Fredericks, neighborhoods.org, CC BY-SA 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Go on a shopping spree with your family and friends at The Greene Town Center.

Nestled along Buckeye Lane in Beavercreek, The Greene Town Center is one of the best destinations to visit in the county, especially if you’re a certified shopaholic!

Whether you’re looking for new clothes, shoes, or even home decor, you’ll find what you’re looking for at this shopping center.

View of Greene Town Center

Eric Fredericks, neighborhoods.org, CC BY-SA 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons

If you want to shop for new items but still want to save a bit of money, don’t worry because there are always sales and special discounts available.

Roam around this center and feast your eyes on all of the brands and stores you can shop at!

You can also purchase gift cards that you can give away or offer to your loved ones.

Take in the Picturesque View of the River at the Glenn Thompson Reserve

See the vibrant green foliage, unique flora, and scenic river when you explore the Glenn Thompson Reserve.

The Glenn Thompson Reserve is located along Trebein Road in Xenia and is one of the top places to enjoy river views.

Listen to the gentle lapping of the river’s waters as you explore the natural surrounding areas.

You can also bring your loved ones along and enjoy water-based recreational activities.

You can go fishing, swimming, and even canoeing in the scenic river.

Glenn Thompson Reserve is one of the best destinations to visit if you love being in nature.

Dive into the History of Aviation at Huffman Prairie Flying Field Interpretive Center

View of Huffman Prairie Flying Field

EWY Media / Shutterstock.com

Learn all about the birth and history of aviation through the exhibits at Huffman Prairie Flying Field Interpretive Center.

Based along Memorial Road in Wright-Patterson AFB, this center features numerous exhibits that focus on the development of the very first airplane.

The Wright brothers developed the first ever practical airplane, and you can watch a film about them and their works in the auditorium inside the center.

Memorial at Huffman Prairie Flying Field

EWY Media / Shutterstock.com

Explore all of the exhibitions and widen your knowledge of the significant events in aviation history!

You can also stroll along the memorial on the premises dedicated to the Wright brothers and pay your respects to them.

There are also picnic areas where you can grab a quick bite if you’re feeling hungry after learning all day.

Learn the Stories of the Brave Veterans at Miami Valley Military History Museum

Remember the colorful lives and significant works of the nation’s courageous veterans when you visit Miami Valley Military History Museum.

Located downtown in Fairborn, Miami Valley Military History Museum preserves the memory of brave veterans and shares it with all its visitors.

Here, you can check out artifacts, including photographs and documents, that will give you a glimpse into the Armed Forces’ past.

Learn more about the different historic wars that have occurred and the role veterans played during these devastating events through the exhibits.

You can also read through the research materials available at this museum for more information about military-related events in the area’s history.

Pay respects to those who fought for the nation and patriotism at this destination!

Final Thoughts

No matter which city or town in Greene County you visit, you are sure to find a destination that will make your trip more memorable.

From historic sites to natural areas, all of the stunning, must-visit attractions around the county are waiting for you!

Plan your visit to the area today and add these best things to do in Greene County, Ohio, to your itinerary for an exciting trip.

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