Welcome to Montgomery County, Ohio, where history, innovation, and a fair bit of Midwestern charm come together in one delightful package. If you’ve never been, don’t worry—I’m here to give you the grand tour, complete with fun facts, useful tips, and just the right amount of humor.
Montgomery County sits snugly in southwestern Ohio, with Dayton as its county seat. Now, if you’re thinking, “Dayton? Isn’t that just another small Midwestern city?”—hold on to your corn-fed assumptions! Dayton (and by extension, Montgomery County) is where innovation took flight—literally! The Wright brothers, those guys who thought flying through the air like a bird sounded like a good idea, called this place home.
The county covers about 462 square miles, which means there's plenty of room to get lost while looking for the nearest gas station (don’t worry, there’s probably a Speedway nearby). With a population of around 530,000, it’s neither too crowded nor eerily empty—it’s just right.
Montgomery County was officially established in 1803, the same year Ohio became a state. It was named after Richard Montgomery, a Revolutionary War general who unfortunately didn’t make it past 1775. But hey, at least he got a county named after him, which is more than most of us can say.
Fast forward a bit, and Dayton—Montgomery County’s shining star—became a hotbed of innovation. Aside from the Wright brothers' aviation experiments, we’ve got John H. Patterson, the guy who made the cash register a thing (thanks for making checkout lines faster, John). And then there’s Charles Kettering, an inventor whose list of accomplishments includes the electric car starter—because let’s be honest, no one wants to crank their engine by hand when it’s 10 degrees outside. These Dayton companies were instrumental in making Dayton and Montgomery county what it is today.
Now, let’s talk attractions. Montgomery County has plenty of things to do, whether you're a history buff, a nature lover, or just someone who enjoys a good meal.
If you’ve ever wanted to see what it’s like inside a retired Air Force One or gaze upon planes that once broke the sound barrier, this is your place. It’s one of the best aviation museums in the world, and best of all—it’s free! Yes, you heard that right. You can see historic aircraft and not have to spend a single penny, which means more money for snacks.
If you like history but also want to get some fresh air, Carillon Historical Park is a must-visit. It’s got everything from the Wright brothers’ original workshop to a 1905 electric car (which, fun fact, is still more reliable than some modern ones). Plus, there’s a working brewery on-site because nothing says “appreciating history” like sipping on locally brewed beer.
Are you a baseball fan? No? Well, pretend you are for an evening and go watch the Dayton Dragons play at Fifth Third Field. It’s a minor league baseball team, but they hold the record for the longest sellout streak in all of professional sports. That’s right, even when the team isn’t at its best, people still show up—now that’s loyalty.
Need a scenic spot for a stroll, picnic, or questionable attempt at rollerblading? RiverScape MetroPark along the Great Miami River is a great place to soak in some nature without actually having to leave the city. In the winter, they even have an ice rink, so you can test the limits of your balance and dignity.
If you’re in the mood for some culture (or just want to impress a date), check out the Schuster Performing Arts Center. Broadway shows, concerts, and comedy acts all grace the stage here, making it a prime spot for an evening out.
If there’s one thing Montgomery County knows how to do, it’s serve up some fantastic food. Here’s a quick rundown of what to eat when you’re in town.
Montgomery County experiences all four seasons, sometimes all in the same week. Winters can be cold but manageable (unless you hate snow, in which case, may I suggest moving south?). Spring is lovely, but expect allergies. Summer gets hot, but it’s nothing an ice-cold beer and a shady porch can’t fix. And fall? Well, fall is where Ohio really shines—cool weather, colorful leaves on the trees, and an excuse to wear flannel.
Dayton is home to the first-ever NFL game! That’s right—the Dayton Triangles played in what would become the National Football League’s debut game in 1920. The team no longer exists, but their legacy lives on in trivia questions.
Montgomery County has the world’s longest-running ghost hunt at the Victoria Theatre. Paranormal enthusiasts, this one’s for you!
Erma Bombeck, the famous humor columnist, was born and raised here. So if you ever find yourself cracking a joke about Midwestern life, you’re following in her footsteps.
Absolutely! Whether you’re into history, food, sports, or just love discovering hidden gems, Montgomery County has something for you. It’s a place where small-town charm meets big-city attractions, where you can learn about aviation history in the morning, grab a legendary pizza for lunch, and catch a baseball game at night.
So pack your bags, bring your appetite, and maybe a light jacket (because Ohio weather is unpredictable), and come see what Montgomery County is all about. Who knows? You might just fall in love with this little slice of the Midwest.
And if nothing else, at least you’ll get a really great donut out of it.