3 Ohio Sites Preserving Aviation History

If you are passing through or visiting Southwestern Ohio, you will find three of the nation’s premier aviation museums. Between the three, they tell the full story of how early efforts toward flight led us to not only conquer the sky, but space as well. These must-visit venues are located in or near Dayton, but each demand about a full day of your time.

Dayton Aviation Heritage National Historical Park

The historical park contains the fourth and final Wright Brothers bicycle shop and a visitor center that tells the story of the brothers’ aviation journey. Just outside Dayton near Wright Patterson Air Force Base, there is an additional memorial dedicated to explaining the Wright Brothers’ contribution to the practicality of flight after their return from Kitty Hawk in North Carolina, where they proved flight was possible.

It is important to point out that the National Park Service also commemorates African American poet Paul Laurence Dunbar at Historical Park in Dayton. Dunbar grew up in the same neighborhood and attended school with the Wright brothers. All three men were Dayton natives, neighbors and life-long friends.

National Air Force Museum

The National Air Force Museum at Wright Patterson AFB is the primary museum for that branch of the service. It tells the story of American aviation and its military applications from the adoption of balloons through the current, most modern, aircraft.

The museum is a sprawling complex contained within a series of enormous hangers and spilling onto the tarmac outside he buildings. It is challenging to see everything in a day, so be prepared to give it adequate time.

Armstrong Air and Space Museum

The Armstrong Air and Space Museum opened in 1972 partly to tell the story of Neil Armstrong, who was the first man to walk on the moon. It has since gone on to accomplish much more. The exhibits provide a narrative of Ohio's contribution to aviation and then to space exploration. Be prepared to spend at least a half day here.