Germantown: Historic Routes and Vibrant Local History

In Germantown, traces of the past meet trails along Twin Creek and a variety of recreational activities. The Historical Walk / Bike Tour is a great way to get your bearings: the 2.7-mile route passes 31 historic buildings and landmarks in Germantown. Brochures are available at five information signs along the route. This lets you explore historic sites on foot or by bike and focus on local history.

Trails, Bridge, and Parks

Another way to get active outdoors is the Bike / Hike Trail along Twin Creek. It begins at the southern end of Main Street and runs 1.75 miles to State Route 725, west of town. Along the trail are a converted tobacco barn shelter and other historic Germantown landmarks. The Germantown covered bridge is closed to vehicles and welcomes pedestrians and cyclists.

Kercher Park has access to the Twin Creek Bike/Walking Path, as well as picnic shelters and playground equipment. Disc golf enthusiasts will find the Twin Creek Disc Golf Course there: it has 18 holes, is 1,623 feet long, and has a par of 54. The details on the number of holes, length, and par give a concrete idea of what this sporting option offers.

The Germantown Aquatic Center also offers several kinds of water activities: an Olympic-size swimming pool, two water slides, and a zero-entry pool for small children. Organized swimming lessons are also available. So, along with historic trails, Germantown offers swimming and lessons as separate recreational options.

South of Germantown, in German Township, lies Twin Creek Metro Park. It has more than seven miles of hiking trails and more than six miles of bridle trails. The park also preserves Hopewell earthworks, considered to be an approximately 2,000-year-old embankment on a hilltop. West of Germantown, also in German Township, is Germantown Dam and Reserve. The area covers more than 1,400 acres and offers wooded trails, picnic areas with shelters, and a nature center. Designated areas are available for fishing, sledding, and skiing.

History and Local Traditions

The Gunckel Town Plat is a historic district listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Other places around town point to different chapters of its history: Town Hall / Opera House served as a venue for opera and theater. The Carnegie Building at 47 West Center Street was built in 1907 on land donated by J.S. Atrim; local contributions and a Carnegie grant funded its construction. Today, it houses the Historical Society, which has assembled a remarkable collection documenting Germantown’s heritage and ongoing history.

The Florentine also has a long history: the original brick building at 21 West Market Street was built in 1816. The Florentine is a restaurant. The By-Jo Theatre opened in Germantown in 1926. These places add stories of venues, buildings, and local memory to the historic buildings and trails.

Another side of local life is the Germantown Pretzel Festival, a tradition going back more than four decades, featuring craft booths, live entertainment, and soft pretzels. When choosing your vacation rental, you can first consider which side of Germantown you want to shape your stay: historic discoveries, trails and parks, or recreational activities such as swimming and disc golf.

Other places: Englewood, Centerville, Brookville, Moraine, Miamisburg, Huber Heights, Dayton, Vandalia.

For the broader travel overview: Montgomery.