Xenia, Ohio
- Trail Town dedication
- Sep 5, 2014
- Section
- Caesar Creek
- Chapter
- Miami Rivers Chapter
- County
- Greene
- Page last updated
- Nov 10, 2025
About Xenia, Ohio
Xenia, the county seat of Greene County, is located in southwestern Ohio, about 15 miles east of Dayton. The city’s name comes from the Greek word xenia, meaning “hospitality,” and it remains known today for its welcoming character and vibrant trail network. In 1974, the city endured one of the nation’s most destructive tornadoes, an F5 storm that nearly leveled downtown. Remarkably, most homes and businesses were rebuilt within a year, underscoring the community’s resilience.
History and Geography
Surveyed in 1803 and settled the following year, Xenia grew quickly with the arrival of the Little Miami Railroad in 1845. By the mid-1800s, it had become a vital rail hub, connecting Cincinnati, Springfield, and Columbus through the Xenia Junction. The railroads fueled population growth and economic development, with factories, newspapers, banks, and churches earning Xenia the nickname “Twine City” for its twine factories. Xenia’s rail heritage lives on today in its cycling culture.
Why You Should Visit
Xenia is a hub for outdoor adventure, serving as “ground zero” for Ohio’s rail-trail system. With direct access to the Little Miami Scenic Trail, Ohio-Erie Trail, Creekside Trail, Wright Brothers Huffman Prairie Trail, and Jamestown Connector, the city anchors the nation’s largest bikeway network and offers unmatched opportunities for hiking, biking, and exploring.
Outdoor recreation opportunities
- Hiking: In addition to the many bike paths that hikers can utilize, Greene County Park System has numerous nature paths and trails.
- Biking: Xenia Station serves as the hub for four different biking trails.
Places to visit
- Greene County Historical Society Museum →
- Great Council State Park →
- Stevenson Road Covered Bridge →
- Engle Mill Covered Bridge →
- Ballard Road Covered Bridge →
- Xenia Station →
- Xenia Area Community Theater →
- Central State University →
- Wilberforce University →
- The Dairy Station →
- Devil Wind Brewing →
- Coffee Hub Xenia →
- Troni Brothers Italian Restaurant →
- Xenia Downtown Historic District →
Events
- Farmers Market: Held the third Wednesday, June through September, on Greene Street.
- Youth Fishing Derby: Held the first Saturday in June.
- Dayton Hamvention: Ham radio gathering sponsored by Dayton Amateur Radio Association.
- Caesar Ford Summerfest concert series →
- The Great Pancake Pickup: Held in March in Caesar Ford Park.
Lodging
- Vacation rentals: Many listings on Airbnb for lodging, from rooms to complete homes.
- Hotels: You’ll find numerous chain hotels in Xenia.
Community and tourism links
Trail Town news
Amenities
- Public camping areas: Jacoby Road Canoe Launch offers primitive tent camping for $5 per site; Old Town Reserve Park offers primitive tent camping; porta-potty $5 per site. Call Greene County Parks at 937.562.6440 or visit gcparkstrails.com. To obtain a permit, visit gcparkstrails.com or call Greene County Parks & Trails. After hours, call Central Dispatch at 937.376.5111 and ask for the ranger on duty. Camping is also available at the Greene County Fairgrounds, with restrooms, showers, and electricity available. For rates and availability, call 937.372.8621.
- Access to restrooms: Xenia Station, Old Town Reserve Park, Shawnee Park
- Shower availability: Greene County Fairgrounds
- Grocery store: Grocerylan is located on the trail.
- Post office: 189 E. Main Street, Xenia OH 45385
- Outdoor store: Hardware stores may have some supplies.
- Bike pump and/or repair kit: Bike repair station available at Xenia Station.
- Food options: Troni Brothers Italian Restaurant, The Dairy Station
