Dayton Travel Guide

Trek Zone

Locality

Facts and practical information

Located in the scenic Tennessee region, Dayton is a charming city with a rich history and plenty of outdoor activities for visitors to enjoy. Nestled along the Tennessee River, Dayton offers stunning views and opportunities for water sports, fishing, and boating. The city is also known for its historic downtown area, where visitors can explore quaint shops, local restaurants, and beautiful architecture.

One of the most famous attractions in Dayton is the Scopes Trial Museum, which commemorates the historic 1925 trial that pitted evolution against creationism. The museum offers a fascinating look into this pivotal moment in American history, with exhibits and artifacts that bring the trial to life. History enthusiasts will also enjoy visiting the nearby Rhea County Courthouse, where the trial took place, and the surrounding historic district.

For outdoor enthusiasts, Dayton is a paradise for hiking, birdwatching, and wildlife viewing. The nearby Chickamauga and Chattanooga National Military Park offers miles of scenic trails, picnic areas, and opportunities to learn about the history of the area. Visitors can also explore the Cumberland Trail, a 300-mile hiking trail that winds through the stunning landscapes of Tennessee.

In addition to its natural beauty and historic significance, Dayton also hosts a variety of festivals and events throughout the year. From the annual Strawberry Festival to the MainStreet Christmas Market, there is always something happening in Dayton. Visitors can sample delicious local cuisine, browse arts and crafts from local vendors, and enjoy live music and entertainment.

Alternative names: Settled: 1820Population: 7.4 thous.Area: 6.4 mi²Elevation: 692 ft a.s.l.Coordinates: 35°29'34"N, 85°0'46"W

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TennesseeUnited States

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Dayton Top Attractions

Dayton Attractions - What to See and Explore

Dayton offers many attractions and places to visit. Here are the most important ones: Rhea County Courthouse, Broyles-Darwin House, Clyde W. Roddy Public Library. Below you will find a complete list of places worth visiting.

Historical place • History museum • Museum
Rhea County Courthouse
The Rhea County Courthouse is a historic county courthouse in the center of Dayton, the county seat of Rhea County, Tennessee. Built in 1891, it is famous as the scene of the Scopes Trial of July 1925, in which teacher John T. Scopes faced charges for including Charles Darwin's theory of evolution in his public school lesson.
35°29'6"N • 85°1'10"W
Broyles-Darwin House
The Broyles-Darwin House is a historic mansion in Dayton, Tennessee, U.S. It was built circa 1860 for Stephen Sanders Decatur Broyles. Broyles served in the Confederate States Army during the American Civil War of 1861–1865. By 1908, the house was purchased by James Robert Darwin.
35°29'37"N • 85°0'51"W
Clyde W. Roddy Public Library
Library

Day trips

Dayton – popular in the area (distance from the center)

In the vicinity of Dayton, it's worth seeing attractions such as: AT&T Field (Chattanooga), Ruby Falls (Chattanooga), Lake Winnepesaukah (Rossville).

35 milesSW
Sport venue, Sport, Arenas and stadiums
AT&T Field, Chattanooga
AT&T Field, nestled in the heart of Chattanooga, Tennessee, is a modern minor league baseball stadium that offers sports enthusiasts and casual visitors alike a chance to soak in America's favorite pastime. Opened in 2000, this open-air ballpark is the home of the...
38 milesSW
Natural attraction, Cave, Observation decks and towers
Ruby Falls, Chattanooga
Ruby Falls is a breathtaking natural wonder nestled within Lookout Mountain in Chattanooga, Tennessee. As the United States' deepest commercial cave and largest underground waterfall, this remarkable site offers visitors a blend of geological marvels and captivating...
38 milesS
Theme park, Amusement park
Lake Winnepesaukah, Rossville
Nestled in the charming city of Rossville, just a stone's throw from Chattanooga, Lake Winnepesaukah, or "Lake Winnie" as it's affectionately known, is a delightful escape into the world of thrills and family fun. Established in 1925, this amusement park has been...
35 milesSW
Aquarium, Park, Zoo
Tennessee Aquarium, Chattanooga
Dive into the aquatic wonders of the Tennessee Aquarium, a must-see destination nestled in the heart of Chattanooga, Tennessee. This sprawling facility is not just an aquarium but a journey through freshwater and marine ecosystems, showcasing the rich biodiversity of...
33 milesE
Nature, Natural attraction, Nature and wildlife tours
The Lost Sea Adventure, Sweetwater
Craighead Caverns is an extensive cave system located in between Sweetwater and Madisonville, Tennessee. It is best known for containing the United States' largest and the world's second largest non-subglacial underground lake, The Lost Sea.