Treasure Island and the Hobart Brothers 

On a warm summer’s day, Treasure Island is full of life: from bicyclists gliding down the paved path, to boaters paddling out on the sparkling water, to park goers laid out on the neatly trimmed emerald grass. In the evenings, the amphitheater is alive with music and the boathouse is bustling serving fresh seasonal cuisine. Treasure Island is undoubtedly one of the best places to visit in the Upper Miami Valley, and it all started with a dream; one that the Hobart Brothers had that would bring all of their communities together and give everyone space to enjoy outdoor activities and quality family fun. 

At the end of WW II, Edward and William Hobart devised a vision for Troy and the Upper Miami Valley. With the help of the citizens of Troy passing a $450,000 bond, the brothers created a recreational program that included a municipal golf course, football stadium, and a winter sports arena; known today as “Hobart Arena.”

In 1946, the Hobart Brothers designed and developed the Hobart Boathouse to create a space for family and community gatherings and to provide a space for their boat club. It was operated by their employee welfare association but also housed Netzley Boat and Motor Sales. While the Netzley family lived in a two bedroom apartment inside the boathouse, club members had access to a lounge, a clubroom for meetings, and a watercraft showroom. Boats could be lowered and raised from the electric boat ramp in and out of the lagoon that opened into the Miami River. 

By means of a drawbridge, park goers would come to picnic, check out the windmill powered lighthouse, and the free-standing crow’s nest. The Hobart Brothers hosted their first company picnic that year, which was pirate themed, and drew in a crowd of about 1,500 people.

The City of Troy took ownership of the Hobart Marina and Boathouse in the late 70’s and completed many restoration projects throughout the years. In 2005, they integrated the extension of the recreational trail and amphitheater and continue to preserve the land to this day.

Over the years, the Hobart Boathouse was home to a few different restaurants but now houses the Smiths’ Boathouse Restaurant, featuring seafood and steak cuisine. Here guests can enjoy seasonal dishes in a family-friendly atmosphere either inside the restored boathouse or outside on the patio overlooking the Miami River. Check out their menu at smithsboathouse.com.

The first trail for recreational use was created back in the 70’s. In the early 2000's the city added 10.5 miles of paved trail connecting the old trail to the Great Miami Recreational Trail,  the longest paved recreational trail in the U.S. with a whopping 93 miles, traveling through Montgomery, Miami, and parts of Shelby Counties.

One of 22 in the U.S., this water trail includes 150 miles of waterway and is popular for kayaking and canoeing especially during Independence Day. There is a working boat launch for kayaks located near the entrance of the park beside the boathouse.

Enjoy free concerts all summer long at the Treasure Island Amphitheater. Check out troyohio.gov for a list of events and dates. 

The only place in the world where your hotel room is a tent floating on the river! These shoal tents are basically rafts, anchored in the river, with tent toppers. They were designed right here in the Upper Miami Valley by the Smithfly Company. For more information and to rent a floating tent visit float-troy.com.