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.

Where

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

What’s New at the Grotto Gardens

Planter flag
Fountain
IMG_7515
104475415_1517179155121863_5495898408520257440_n

100% Local

 
Local Volunteers provide the labor and sometimes materials for the Grotto Gardens at the Dayton VA Medical Center. These tireless volunteers, generous sponsors and donors have helped make the full restoration of the Grotto Gardens possible.

Photo by Kevin L. Myers

The Dayton VA Medical Center is fortunate to have many selfless volunteers who enjoy giving back and supporting Veterans and the local community.

The Dayton Grotto Gardens is a Level 1 Accredited Arboretun

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.

LOGOS_VA
LOGO_AVHC
LOGOS_HOME_DEPOT

Donate

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

Address

Tennessee and Gettysburg Ave.
Dayton, OH 45428

Mailing address

AVHC
P.O. Box 1366
Fairborn, OH 45324

b

Hours of operation

Open 24 hours a day

Phone number

Office: (937) 267-7628

Like our page

Stay up to date with our news and events. Help spread the word about us among your social media friends. Learn more about the history we are preserving.

Contact Form

We send our email newsletter out once a month with information about events at AVHC.

Click to Call