The Grotto Gardens at the Dayton VA Medical Center

Grotto Gardens Info

The Grotto and Gardens were a significant area of attraction of the Dayton Soldiers’ Home, called the “Mother Home” by the returning veterans from the American Civil War. The area where the Grotto and Gardens are located was the site of a limestone quarry.

In 2012, The Dayton VA Medical Center (DVAMC) and The American Veterans Heritage Center initiated the current reclamation of the historic Grotto Gardens landscape. The Ohio State University Extension’s (OSUE) Greater Montgomery County Master Gardener Volunteers joined the team in 2013 to provide horticultural support and develop new gardens. Home Depot provided critical support both financially and through volunteer efforts to improve the infrastructure. Along the way, other volunteers have joined the team and there have been significant financial and in-kind donations by individual, organizations, garden clubs, and garden centers.

While OSUE no longer is involved, the Grotto Gardens continue to be supported by a dedicated group of volunteers. The focus of these volunteers is to preserve the historic Grotto Gardens, to inspire the public by providing a beautiful and calming place to visit, and to educate the public on both the Grotto Gardens history and horticulture.

Where

S. Gettysburg Ave at Tennessee Ave. Dayton, OH 45428

Download VA Map

Directions -Take St Rt 35 W to the Gettysburg exit. Continue straight through the gates and then take the first left on Tennessee. Parking available on road.

PLEASE NOTE that the Gettysburg gate is closed on weekends currently. They close at 5:30pm on Fridays and open on Monday mornings. Please use the Liscum entrance and take Kentucky Ave.

When

Free & Open to the Public ( Please maintain socially safe distancing)
Contact Garden Volunteers for Tours & Presentations

The Grotto Gardens are on the grounds of the Dayton VA Medical Center. Admission is free and open to the public.

Who

The Grotto Gardens Volunteers

The Grotto Gardens are planned and maintained by the Grotto Gardeners in conjunction with the AVHC. Contact DVAMC Voluntary Services or use the contact Grotto Gardens form to get involved.

Donate

All donations should be sent to:
American Veterans Heritage Center, P.O. Box 1366, Fairborn, OH 45324
(Please mark all donations “Grotto Project”)

What’s New at the Grotto Gardens

Grotto Gardens Volunteer Walkabout

Come join us in the Gardens on April 27 (rain date April 28) from 9:00a.m.-12:00p.m. if you are...

New Pioneers of the Soldiers Home Grotto and Gardens Brochure

Check out the new brochure which shares some of the history of the early contributors to the...

2021 Events at AVHC

Happy New Year from everyone here at American Veterans' Heritage Center. We canceled all of our...

Associations

The Grotto Gardens is a member of the American Public Gardens Association and is a Level 1 Accredited Arboretum.

Photo by Kevin L. Myers

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Garden Sponsors

The Dayton Veterans Affairs Medical Center, The American Veterans Heritage Center, Home Depot and the Grotto Gardens volunteers gratefully acknowledge the generous support of the individuals and organizations whose gifts are being used to reclaim the historic Grotto landscape.

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Address

Tennessee and Gettysburg Ave.
Dayton, OH 45428

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Mailing address

AVHC
P.O. Box 1366
Fairborn, OH 45324

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Hours of operation

Open 24 hours a day

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Phone number

Office: (937) 267-7628

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