Celebrate America 250 in Miami County, Ohio!

Ohio is marking a once-in-a-generation milestone in 2026, the 250th anniversary of the United States, done Ohio Style, and Miami County is proudly part of the celebration. The statewide America 250-Ohio initiative brings together history, culture, community events, trails, and stories that help explain Ohio’s central role in America’s journey from a collection of colonies to a modern nation.

If you’re a local history buff, an adventure seeker, or just looking for inspiration for your next road trip, Miami County’s America 250 offerings are rich with experiences that connect the past to the present. From aviation, canal heritage, local distilleries, and historic farms, there’s something for everyone to explore.

Discover the Trails to Tales in Miami County

One of the most meaningful ways to celebrate America 250 is through Ohio’s Trails and Tales programs, which weave together places and stories across the state.

Ohio Air & Space Trail
Ohio’s aviation legacy, from the Wright Brothers’ first flights to pioneering aircraft design and space exploration, is celebrated at more than 30 stops across the state. Miami County’s own WACO Learning Center & Air Museum in Troy is featured on this trail, inviting both history lovers and families to step inside the story of flight.

Lake Erie to Ohio River Trail
This expansive trail highlights Ohio’s historic waterways and canal systems, which were critical to westward expansion and commerce in early America, and extends into Miami County, with multiple stops along the way. Five local destinations along this trail include Johnston Farm & Indian Agency, Indian Creek Distillery, Lock 9 Park in Piqua, Lock 12 in Troy, and Lock 15 in Tipp City. Each offers a peek into life along the Miami & Erie Canal and the ways water transportation shaped Ohio’s growth.

Along the way, visitors can enjoy scenic trails, interpretive signage, remnants of canals, and places to picnic or stroll with family, all while learning about the vital role Ohio’s waterways played in connecting the young nation.

Miami County History Pass
Make your visit to the area even more history-filled with the Miami County History Pass, which ties many of these trail stops together into an interactive experience. Sign up on your phone, check in at participating locations around Troy, Piqua, Tipp City, Covington, and West Milton, and earn prizes as you explore.

Historic Stops to Celebrate America 250 in Miami County

WACO Learning Center & Air Museum
Step back into the era of barnstorming biplanes and remarkable aviation feats. The WACO Air Museum honors the legacy of the world’s largest producer of biplanes in the 1920s, and you can even take flight on a historic biplane ride, a bucket-list experience for aviation fans and adventurers! 

Pro tip: Book your flight ahead of time; the time of year and weather will affect your ride.

Johnston Farm & Indian Agency
Explore the roots of Miami County’s early settlers and Native American history at the Johnston Farm site that transports visitors to life in the 1800s. Plan to spend a good amount of time here; you’ll want to explore the museum and take a ride on the canal boat.

Pro tip: Bring mosquito spray for your canal boat ride; these feisty friends like to say hello.

Indian Creek Distillery
Raise a glass to history at this award-winning distillery that celebrates local craftsmanship and community. The story here is quite a fascinating one, ask about the prohibition history! This stop is a perfect place to relax after a day of exploring.

Lock 9 Park in Piqua & Canal Landmarks
Take a walk along the Great Miami River, enjoy shaded picnic areas, and imagine the tugboats and canal boats that once moved goods along Ohio’s historic waterways. Pausing to listen to the quiet parts of history along the waterway is a unique way to connect with the past.

Bradford Railroad Museum
Just a short drive away, railroad history fans will love a visit to the Bradford Railroad Museum in the heart of the Miami Valley. This small-town gem does a beautiful job of preserving the story of railroading and its important role in shaping transportation across the nation. Inside, you’ll find three levels of thoughtfully curated exhibits that are easy to explore and packed with interesting details. You will see operational signals, learn about life on the rails through the Hobo Exhibit, and discover how the railroad supported the country during wartime. There’s a nostalgic dining car exhibit, railroad watches and china on display, and even an interactive telegraph that lets you try your hand at sending a message. 

Pro-tip: Kids will love the play area and hands-on puzzle, and everyone can snap a memory at the photo kiosk before browsing the museum gift shop.

America 250 Events & Community Moments

Miami County’s America 250 celebrations include a growing list of community events throughout 2026, from genealogy programs and Ohio Goes to the Movies film nights to history talks and family-friendly activities. Keep an eye on the local calendar as new events are added throughout the year.

Mark your calendar for an epic event, June 6, 2026, during the Strawberry Festival, where the two headliners will be performing for FREE in conjunction with Troy celebrating America 250- Ohio style.

Pro-tip: Save the events tab for future reference for upcoming activities

A Year to Remember

America 250-Ohio is about more than anniversary celebrations; it’s about the Miami County connection. It encourages Ohioans and visitors to reflect on the people and places that helped shape the nation, to walk the trails where history happened, and to enjoy community gatherings that celebrate heritage and shared values.

Grab your walking shoes, hop on your bike, or plan a weekend getaway to Miami County. With historic stops, trail adventures, thoughtful exhibits, and joyful events, there’s no better time to make new memories while honoring the first 250 years of America.

 

Brandy Gleason is the CEO of Gleason Media, LLC. , chief writer at Gleason Family Adventure, and creator of the Ohio Road Trips Facebook group. She has written three books, 100 Things to Do in Ohio’s Amish Country Before You Die, and co-wrote the Ohio section of Midwest Road Trip Adventures and Midwest State Parks, and 100 Things to Do in Ohio Before You Die will be released in 2024. She has spoken at National Conventions on education and conferences on travel, was a brand ambassador for THOR industries in 2021, and is currently a Heartland RVs brand ambassador.

Brandy loves to travel and explore and has a passion for the environment, sustainability, and the outdoors. She buckles up for a road trip any time she can, and her driving force behind her writing and social media is to encourage others to find their own adventures. One of her favorite quotes is “In order to write about life first you must live it.” by Ernest Hemingway, and she fully embraces each day.

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