Honestly, when I think of Trotwood, I immediately jump into my head the image of a small city in the heart of Montgomery County, which has hardly been around the rest of the world since its foundation in 1848. The old Trotwood Township, which originated in 1815 from the then wild borderland, has more history in its bricks than one would suspect in a short look at the sober city silhouette. I usually drive over the I‐75 by car, because the bus connections here are rather a relic of better times – but this is just the certain something that makes the trip a little adventure.
I don't understand the hype about the “classical” Ohio cities, but Trotwood has its own, slightly slanted charm points. For example, the old town hall, which today serves as a community centre – a place where you almost feel like you smell the city history while the children are talking loudly about the latest video game. And then there is the small park by the river where I like to spend my lunch break; Here you can hear the noise of the Stillwater Creek and at the same time think about why the city is so proud of its “Trotwood sights”, although it hardly knows anyone.
So, next time you drive over Montgomery County, take a look at Trotwood – that's not a joke, there's more to discover here than you would suspect at first sight.
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The first stop I always recommend is that National Museum of the United States Air Force on the Wright-Patterson base. You can get almost the whole 20. Experience the century of aviation history in a huge, free accessible building – from the cracking propeller machines of the 1930s to the shiny jets that today dominate the air. I lost almost half a day there because I wanted to read every sign, and parking was a children's game as long as you didn't come on Saturday night, then the field becomes a battlefield.
A short detour to Dayton leads you to Carillon Historical Parkwhere the old Ohio field camp and a huge bell tower (the carillon) are waiting for you. I don't quite understand the hype around the huge bell – it's more a background noise – but the museum that lives in the early 20th. It's really great. I was particularly impressed by the original Wright-Flyer replica, because you get the feeling that the Wright brothers just wanted to cancel.
If you prefer to look at art in a quiet space, that is Dayton Art Institute That's right. The collection ranges from European masters to contemporary American artists, and the building itself is an architectural jewel. I once discovered a painting that reminded me of the colours of the autumn in Trotwood – a small but fine moment that made the visit worthwhile. The car park is right at the entrance, so no stress.
For those who prefer to be in the countryside, a trip to the Five Rivers MetroParks, more precisely to the Beaver Creek Trail. The path stretches through forests, over small bridges and offers a view of the river, which is actually named after five rivers. I once made a picnic with friends, while a squirrel sniffed courageously on my sandwich bag – that was the highlight of the day. Parking is usually sufficient, except for the large summer festivals, as it becomes narrow.
A bit of city flair you get in Oregon District by Dayton. The cobblestone streets, the old brick buildings and the many bars and cafes give the district a charming retro vibe. I drank a coffee there that was so strong that I remained awake almost all the rest of the day – no joke. The area is well on foot to explore, and parking is not a problem thanks to the many public garages as long as you don't get to the main traffic time.
Another must for aviation fans is that Dayton Aviation Heritage National Historical Park, which includes the Huffman Prairie – the field where the Wright brothers tested their first flights after the first successful flight in Kitty Hawk. I visited a small museum there that exhibits the original tools and notes of the brothers. The field itself is today a quiet park, perfect for a bit of history to breathe while walking over the grass. Access is free and parking is available at the visitor centre.
For sports lovers there is Dayton Dragons Stadiumwhere the local Minor League baseball team plays. The atmosphere is easy, the food is surprisingly good (the hot dogs are a real hit), and the fans are friendly enough to involve you in their game. I once saw a game where a little boy hit a home run in the jersey of my favorite team – that was a moment I will not forget. The stadium has a large parking lot, which can be filled quickly on playdays, so prefer to come early.
Whether you're looking for history, art, nature or a bit of sports – the surroundings of Trotwood have more to offer than you would suspect at first sight. This selection Trotwood Attractions shows that a short trip to the neighborhood can be a real adventure that makes both the curious explorer and the relaxed enjoyer happy.
I have to admit that my favorite place in Trotwood is not some hip café, but the venerable one. Trotwood City Hall. The brick building from the 1930s stands at the main square and looks as if it had survived more election promises than I can count. If you park there, be warned: The street is mostly free, but on Saturdays, when the town hall organizes a citizen forum, parking becomes a small Survival game. I once observed a spontaneous meeting of citizens discussing the new garbage collection – a spectacle that was almost as entertaining as a local politician who tries to stay serious.
A short walk further Trotwood Public Library, an inconspicuous but surprisingly cozy place. I don't quite understand the hype about huge, modern libraries, but here there is a corner with old newspaper archives that immediately catapults you back into the 70s. Last weekend, I borrowed a book about the city's history and spent almost the whole lunch break in dusty files – no joke, that was almost like a treasure hunt, only without gold, for that with more dust.
If you're looking for something that promises more movement, look at this Trotwood Community Center on. This is the only building in the city that houses a swimming pool, a gym and an event room. I once took part in a yoga course, while a few teenagers played basketball loudly in the next room – a mix of Zen and Chaos that somehow works. Parking is available directly in front of the entrance, but if the swimming pool is full, you must satisfy yourself with the usual city park chaos.
A few blocks further extends the Trotwood City, a green spot that has more to offer than one would suspect at first glance. There is a small lake, a playground, and in summer the locals often organize barbecue evenings where the grilled goods smell almost as good as the neighbourhood rumors. I remember making a picnic with my neighbor once, while an older couple chatted loudly about the “good old times” – that is the true heart of Trotwood when you are honest.
For those who want to make a little story, there is Trotwood Historical Society Museum. The museum is small, but the exhibitions are hand-picked and show everything from old school books to photos from the first railway that drove through the city. I discovered an old photograph where a boy with a self-made airplane can be seen – that reminds me that Trotwood has more to offer than just modern suburbs. The museum does not have a large parking lot, but a few free places are always found in the side street if you don't get to the main traffic time.
Another highlight that I do not want to conceal is the St John the Baptist Catholic Church. The church is not only a place of prayer, but also an architectural jewel with a stone facade that almost glows in the sunset. I have seen a concert from a local youth band there – the acoustics was surprisingly good, and the community celebrated the whole with a huge apple cake. If you want to go there, make sure that parking on Sunday morning can be a little short, because the fair is always well visited.
And yes, if you ask yourself what Trotwood Attractions you should visit at all, then just take this list as a starting point. I have experienced every place myself, sometimes with more luck, sometimes with more chaos, but always with the feeling that Trotwood ticks a bit different than the big metropolises. Maybe you will find a new favorite place that I haven't discovered during the next visit – and that would be the most beautiful compliment to this city.
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