Itinerary: Miami County, Ohio

LEARN

Whether you are a history buff, foodie, or adventurer, Miami County offers many different themed opportunities that can be customized to fit any group. At Johnston Farm & Indian Agency in Piqua, stand on the land of John Johnston and see how it was in the early 1800s when he lived there with a large family as a working farmer, federal Indian agent, and community leader who facilitated the building of the Miami-Erie Canal. While you’re there, learn about the Woodland Indians who made their home in the area now called Ohio, ride the mule-drawn replica of an 1840s canal boat with a costumed crew on a restored mile-long segment of the Miami-Erie Canal, and see Johnston’s shillelagh in the kitchen. 

Headquartered in Troy, the Waco Aircraft Company (WACO) was the largest manufacturer of civil aircraft in the country in the late 1920s and early 1930s, and the WACO Learning Center & Air Museum is dedicated to the plant and the employees that made it great. Tour the historic hangars and see complete aircraft glider noses, Hartzell propellers, the “Brukmobile” go-cart built by WACO owner Clayton Brukner, WACO memorabilia, and more. You can even practice your flying skills on a WACO simulator.

SIP

History is alive and well at Indian Creek Distillery in New Carlisle. Authentic and true to the spirit of historic Staley Mill Farm, your guests are invited to visit this artisan distillery and tasting tavern. Sixth-generation ownership continues to operate this legendary farm, crafting an old-fashioned frontier whiskey in an early American stillhouse. Staley Rye Whiskey is distilled using the same copper pot stills, the same limestone water, and the same recipe that owner Missy’s great-great-great-grandfather used almost 200 years ago. Unique to its heritage and rich in the flavors of history, Staley Rye Whiskey is the spirit of America in a bottle!

For another taste of local flavor, head to Old Mason Winery & Vineyard in West Milton. Old Mason is a family-owned and operated winery which offers many varieties of award-winning local wines. Enjoy a glass near the fireplace in the tasting room, balcony, or outside on the covered patio with a vineyard view.

EXPLORE

A must-see for the nature enthusiast, Brukner Nature Center in Troy is surrounded by 165 woodland acres and bordered by the scenic Stillwater River. Brukner Nature Center is dedicated to environmental education, wildlife rehabilitation, and preservation of this beautiful natural area. All-season bird vista rooms, live native wildlife exhibits, and an interactive environmental education center, plus 6 miles of hiking trails winding through a variety of ecological terrain including rolling hills, deep ravines, and thick pine forests give endless opportunities to bond with nature. Brukner Nature Center is renowned for nurturing and releasing injured, sick, or orphaned native Ohio wildlife. Those that cannot be released back into the wild will find permanent homes on the premises as “Wildlife Ambassadors.” A restored 1804 log home and herb gardens complete this tranquil setting. Naturalists provide guided tours and presentations for groups.

LEARN MORE
Miami County Visitors & Convention Bureau
homegrowngreat.com

Lead image:
Johnston Farm & Indian Agency, Piqua
Photo courtesy of Miami County Visitors & Convention Bureau