Bird watching. People watching. Breathtaking skyline views. That’s River Walk in the heart of downtown Dayton.
The nearly 1.25-mile loop follows the levee tops on the south side of the river from Main Street to the Monument Avenue Bridge, crosses to Riverview Avenue, and returns over the Main Street Bridge. River Walk users can begin their loop at several different points. Along the way, you can view Five Rivers MetroParks’ River Run whitewater paddling feature from both riverbanks and from the Monument Avenue Bridge.
South Section: A shady, bench-lined, crushed gravel path. A portion is cantilevered over the Great Miami River Bike Trail. Stairs and ramps connect North Wilkinson Street, the levee-top River Walk, RiversEdge Amphitheater, and the Great Miami River Recreation Trail.
North Section: A sunny path along the right bank (north) levee, with two swings and wide-open views of the downtown skyline and the McPherson Town Historic District. Stairs and ramps connect Riverview Avenue, the levee-top River Walk, and the Great Miami River Bike Trail.
The River Walk is well-lit for safe and enjoyable evening strolls.
Perched on a bluff above the river, the Dayton Art Institute is one of the region’s premier fine arts museums. Its Italian Renaissance–inspired building, designed by Edward B. Green, opened in 1930 and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The museum’s collection spans 5,000 years of art. Information courtesy Dayton Art Institute.
Founded in 1845, McPherson Town is one of Dayton’s most walkable neighborhoods, with restored Queen Anne and Eastlake homes. Once devastated by the 1913 Flood, the neighborhood has been protected ever since by MCD’s dams and levees. More than 90% of its homes have been renovated since the 1970s, making it one of the city’s most vibrant historic districts. Information courtesy McPherson Town.
Spanning 1,000 feet of MCD floodwall, the mural designed by Amy Deal and painted by K-12 Gallery & TEJAS celebrates Dayton’s river, wildlife, and recreation. The floodwall has protected downtown since 1922 and now also serves as public art. Information courtesy MCD.
Standing tall on Main Street, this statue honors Union soldiers. The current bronze figure, recast in 1991, depicts Pvt. George Washington Fair, who modeled for the original marble version unveiled in 1884. Information courtesy Dayton Daily News.
Founded in 1824, First Baptist broke ground on its Gothic Revival building just before the Great 1913 Flood. Despite being swamped by 9 feet of water, construction resumed, and the new church opened in 1915.
Serving the Miami Valley since 1858, the YMCA Central Branch at 316 N. Wilkinson Street opened in 1929. With its historic architecture and active community presence, it remains a cornerstone of downtown Dayton life. Information courtesy YMCA.
The hub of downtown Dayton’s riverfront, RiverScape offers fountains, gardens, music, ice skating, and direct access to the Great Miami River and River Walk. It’s also the launch point for River Run and a gathering space for community festivals and recreation. Information courtesy Five Rivers MetroParks.
This downtown paddling feature re-opened the river for recreation, offering a smooth passage for novice paddlers and a whitewater play wave for experts. River Run links a beautiful 7-mile paddle route from Eastwood MetroPark to Carillon Historical Park and the University of Dayton. Information courtesy Five Rivers MetroParks.
Farther upstream
Located across from Riverscape MetroPark this Dayton Public School integrates Montessori teaching methods with a focus on nature and the river environment. Students benefit from daily connections to the outdoors, the levee, and the River Walk itself. Information courtesy Dayton Public Schools.
Opened in 2022 along the riverfront, the Greater Dayton School is Ohio’s first private non-religious school exclusively for underserved students. Its mission is to provide year-round, whole-child education that helps break cycles of poverty and builds a stronger future for Dayton families. Information courtesy Greater Dayton School.
