Travellers from all over the world appreciate Riverside attractions because of their surprisingly peaceful mix of historical industry and rural charm, and I must admit that I cannot fully understand the whole hype around the “small city with a big heart” – until I even crossed the dusty streets of Riverside, City of Riverside. The city was founded in 1815 as part of the western expansion, a piece of Ohio-Pionier history, which is still reflected in the old brick buildings of the former railway station. The whole is located in the Riverside Township of the same name, nestled in the wide Montgomery County, where the fields offer even more space for breathing than the crowded downtown areas of some metropolises.
I came by train because the regional railway line to Dayton makes a stop in Riverside – a small, but reliable service that brought me to the heart of the city without having to torture me through endless highways. There, between the quiet residential streets, the old railway museum meets a few hip cafes that talk more about Latte Art than about the history of the place, and that is kind of refreshing.
So if you're looking for a place that is neither too loud nor too touristy, then Riverside is exactly what you need. And yes, the Riverside sights are not just an advertising slogan, they are a quiet, slightly cynical indication that the real Ohio still pulsates somewhere between grain fields and forgotten factory slots.
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The first stop of my little Odyssey inevitably leads me to Carillon Historical Park – a huge open-air museum that exhibits more than just old tractors. I spent a few hours there because I thought the huge bell game was just a tourist cliché. Surprisingly, the carillon itself is an acoustic miracle that passes through almost the entire valley every stroke. Parking is a small adventure on the weekend: the main parking spaces fill up faster than a Black-Friday-Sale, but a short walk along the old railway line will always lead you to a free place.
A short trip to Wright-Patterson brings you to National Museum of the United States Air Force. There are more airplanes here than in any movie I've ever seen, and all this for free. I almost ran into an old B‐52 because I thought I could do a selfie with the pilot there – unfortunately this was just a life-size propeller, but the exhibition is still a festival for everyone who is thrilled with technology. The way there is well signposted, and parking is almost always a Klacks as long as you don't show up there on Saturday night after a concert.
If you're looking for a cultural counterpart, that's Dayton Art Institute That's right. I was there on a rainy afternoon because I thought the museum was just another “art-for-tourists” thing. Instead, I found an impressive collection of American art that made me think more than some blog post about minimalism. The entrance is free, and the café on the ground floor serves a cappuccino that is almost as strong as the opinions of visitors about the current exhibition.
A little bit of nature? Then off to the Five Rivers MetroParks, more precisely, RiverScape in Dayton. I made a picnic there while I tried to feed the ducks – they rather ignored me than accepting my bread. The park is a network of hiking and cycling trails that slew through forests and along the Great Miami River. The best thing: most of the trails are well maintained, and parking at the main entrance is usually easy as long as you do not arrive at lunchtime with a group of school classes.
For those who want to experience the flair of a real small town, this is Oregon District in Dayton a must. I spent an evening there because I thought the hip bars were just an Instagram trick. Instead, I found a mix of vintage shops, local breweries and a pub that allegedly serves the best burger in the region – and that's not a joke. The road is walking well to explore, and parking in the surrounding garages is usually free when you arrive early enough.
Another secret tip is that Boonshoft Museum of Discovery. I visited the museum with my niece because I thought it was just for children. Surprisingly, there are interactive exhibitions on science, history and even a planetarium, which brings even adults to wonder. Parking is a bit tight at the weekend, but a short walk from the main road leads you quickly to the entrance.
If you ask yourself what you can experience in the area of Riverside, City of Riverside, Montgomery, Ohio, then let yourself be Riverside attractions inspire – from historical parks to aeronautical museums to lively neighborhoods that have more to offer than one would suspect at first glance.
This guide invites you to explore with me a small but surprisingly charming spot in the heart of Ohio – Riverside, City of Riverside. I have to admit, I was originally just coming for a friend who does an internship there and finally ended up in Riverside Park, a place I now call my personal “mini-national park experience”. The park is located directly on the shores of the Great Miami River, and the noise of the water is the loudest sound you hear here – apart from the occasional squeaking of the children who get rid of their energy on the playground. Parking is usually a children's game as long as you don't come on Saturday night, the field is overrun with food truck fans and a real car park camp is created.
A short walk upstream leads to Riverside Riverwalk. I met an older gentleman there who told me that he has been jogging here since the 70s – and that, although the headstone paver at some places reminds of an obstacle course. The way is lined by a few benches that you can hardly find because always someone spreads a book or a picnic. I have spread my own picnic blanket because the weather – as always – is unpredictable, while watching a few local bees that seem to know more about the area than I do.
If you want to swallow a bit of history, that is Riverside Historical Society Museum That's right. The museum is located in an old school building that has more cracking halls than I have in my own house. I don't quite understand the hype about old school benches, but the exhibition about the railway that once drove through the village really tied me up. An exhibit that impressed me was an original schedule from 1902 – a piece of paper that says more about the patience of the people than any modern app.
A few blocks further Riverside Community Center. Here you will find not only a gym, but also regular art exhibitions organized by local hobby artists. I once participated in an improvisation theatre evening – no joke, I suddenly stood on stage and had to improvise a dialogue about the weather while the audience from seniors and teenagers laughed alike. The center has a small parking space behind the building, which is usually free as long as you do not come to the weekly Bingo night.
For those who prefer to read alone, the Riverside Public Library a real secret tip. The library is small, but the staff is incredibly friendly and knows everyone who has ever borrowed a book. I found an old photo album that shows the city in 1950 – a fascinating look at how little has changed since then, apart from the new Starbucks chains that are now close.
Another highlight I cannot conceal is the Riverside Farmers Market. Every Saturday morning, the main road turns into a colorful drive of fresh vegetables, handmade jams and a stand that offers the best homemade apple cakes – I tried there a one that was almost better than my own kitchen. The market does not have fixed parking spaces, but the residents often provide their entrance when asking politely.
For adrenalinjunkies there is the Riverside Skate Park. I made my first attempts on a skateboard there, and although I had more falls than landings, the laughing of the other skaters was contagious. The park is right next to the Riverwalk, so after a session you can easily walk to the river to loosen your legs.
A little away from the center lies the Riverside Golf Course. The place is not exactly a PGA tournament stall, but for a relaxed afternoon with friends it is perfect. I played a game with a local pensioner who told me more about the history of the place than any guide – he said that the bunkers were originally intended as “hidden for escaped chickens”. Parking is a children's game because the grounds have a large parking area.
And yes, if you are looking for a summary of all these experiences, simply tap “Riverside Sights” into your search engine – but believe me, nothing replaces the real feeling of strolling through the small alleys, seeing the people’s smile and remembering that this city has more to offer than you would suspect at first sight.
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