Treasure Island Park | Troy

Treasure Island Park, located in Troy, Ohio, is a notable community recreational area positioned along the Great Miami River. It serves as a dynamic hub that combines outdoor adventure, natural beauty, cultural events, and family-friendly amenities, making it an appealing destination for both residents and visitors.

Location and Setting

Treasure Island Park is situated at 409 North Elm Street in Troy, right along the scenic banks of the Great Miami River. This riverfront location offers visitors picturesque views and direct access to water-based recreational activities. The park’s setting provides a serene yet vibrant atmosphere, blending natural landscapes with community spaces.

Recreational Features and Activities

One of the park’s standout features is its unique water-based recreation options. It is home to Float Troy, Ohio’s only public floating-tent camping experience. This innovative concept allows guests to camp directly on the river using inflatable floating tents called Shoal tents. These tents are mounted on rafts or kayaks, providing an adventurous and immersive way to experience nature on the water. Rentals typically include a kayak or raft, with options for additional watercraft, offering visitors a novel camping adventure that combines water sports and outdoor living.

The Great Miami River itself is a designated Ohio Water Trail, making the park an excellent spot for kayaking, canoeing, and fishing. Anglers can enjoy fishing for species such as smallmouth bass in the river’s clean, flowing waters. The river access at the park encourages outdoor enthusiasts to explore the natural aquatic environment and engage in active water recreation.

Treasure Island Park also connects directly to the Great Miami Recreational Trail, a 93-mile paved trail system stretching across the region. This trail is widely used for biking, running, and walking, and the park’s location provides easy entry to this extensive trail network. The trail system enhances opportunities for fitness, nature exploration, and leisurely strolls alongside the river.

Dining and Amenities

A historic landmark within the park is Smith’s Boathouse Restaurant, housed in a boathouse built in 1946. This restaurant offers a diverse menu including seafood, steaks, and other popular dishes, serving as both a dining destination and a local heritage site. Guests can enjoy meals indoors or on an outdoor patio overlooking the river, providing a relaxing dining experience with scenic waterfront views. The boathouse atmosphere is family-friendly, making it an ideal spot for casual meals or special outings.

The park also features picnic areas equipped with shelters and grills, allowing families and groups to host outdoor meals and gatherings. These facilities provide a comfortable and scenic environment for barbecues, celebrations, or just a day out enjoying nature.

Events and Entertainment

Treasure Island Park functions as a cultural and entertainment venue throughout the year. During the summer months, it hosts a free concert series at its riverside amphitheater. These concerts feature a variety of musical acts, including tribute bands such as Thunderbeard (a ZZ Top tribute) and No Fences (a Garth Brooks tribute), as well as live performances from groups like the 122nd Army Band. These events attract audiences of all ages and add vibrancy to the park’s community atmosphere.

The park is also a focal point for Troy’s Fourth of July celebrations, where residents gather for live music, food trucks, and a fireworks show over the river. This annual event creates a festive environment, promoting community spirit and providing entertainment in a beautiful outdoor setting.

Natural Environment and Conservation

Beyond recreation and entertainment, Treasure Island Park is closely connected to local conservation efforts. North of the park lies the Monarch Butterfly Habitat, a dedicated five-acre area designed to support pollinators and promote biodiversity. This habitat includes pollinator-friendly native plants, walking paths, a gazebo, and a birdwatching station. It offers visitors a tranquil spot for nature observation, environmental education, and peaceful reflection.

The park’s design and amenities emphasize harmony with the natural surroundings, encouraging stewardship of the river ecosystem and its wildlife.

Community Impact and Significance

Treasure Island Park is a prime example of community revitalization and strategic use of natural resources to enhance quality of life. It combines adventure, leisure, dining, culture, and environmental conservation within a single urban park space. By offering diverse activities—from floating tent camping to live music and butterfly habitats—it caters to a wide range of interests and age groups, fostering community engagement and outdoor appreciation.

Visitors to Treasure Island Park can expect a multifaceted experience: the thrill of water recreation, the comfort of quality dining, the joy of cultural events, and the calm of natural habitats—all within a well-maintained and welcoming environment. The park plays an important role in enriching the social and recreational fabric of Troy, Ohio.