Soar Through History: Ohio’s Must-Visit Aviation Landmarks
Dayton, Ohio Area
By Brandy Gleason, author, avid traveler, and Ohio-enthusiast
Are you ready for an unforgettable adventure through Dayton, Ohio, the birthplace of aviation? Buckle up and get ready to road trip on the Ohio Air & Space Trail and explore some of the most iconic historically rich sites that celebrate the legacy of the Wright brothers and other aviation pioneers. From hands-on museums to serene historical sites, this tour promises to be both educational and quite literally exhilarating.
Carillon Historical Park – Wright Brothers National Museum
Begin your journey at Carillon Historical Park, home to the Wright Brothers National Museum. This museum is a treasure trove of aviation history, showcasing the Wright brothers’ groundbreaking achievements. You’ll marvel at the original 1905 Wright Flyer III, the only airplane designated a National Historic Landmark. The museum’s interactive exhibits and engaging displays provide a captivating insight into the minds of these pioneering inventors.
Fun fact: Orville Wright was involved in designing the building and wanted it placed low in a circular room so future visitors could see the 1905 Wright Flyer III in all its glory.
Hawthorn Hill: The Wright Family Home
Next, take a tour of Hawthorn Hill, the Wright family’s historic home. Perched on a hill in the charming Oakwood neighborhood, this beautifully preserved mansion offers a unique glimpse into the personal life of Orville Wright. Guided tours provide fascinating stories and anecdotes, making you feel like you’ve stepped back in time to witness the early days of aviation innovation.
Pro-tip: Book your tour to Hawthorn Hill as soon as you arrive at the Carillon Historical Park to ensure your spot on the walking tour.
Dayton Aviation Heritage National Historical Park and Aviation Trail Parachute Museum
Your next stop is the Dayton Aviation Heritage National Historical Park. Here, you’ll find the Aviation Trail Parachute Museum, where you can learn about the evolution of parachuting and its crucial role in aviation history. The exhibits are interactive and informative, offering a hands-on experience that will captivate visitors of all ages.
Fun Fact: Here, you will learn about the pioneers of parachuting and how we got where we are today. Make sure to check out the information about Georgia “Tiny” Broadwick, a 15-year-old girl who took off from hot air balloons. She made more than 1,000 exhibition jumps.
Wright-Dunbar Interpretive Center and Wright Cycle Shop
Don’t leave until you have explored the Wright-Dunbar Interpretive Center and the Wright Cycle Shop, which await your exploration. The interpretative center offers a comprehensive look at the Wright brothers’ early life and their journey to becoming aviation pioneers. At the cycle shop, you’ll see where the brothers honed their mechanical skills, which ultimately led to their aviation breakthroughs. It’s inspiring to witness the humble beginnings of such monumental achievements.
Huffman Prairie Flying Field
Continue your tour at the Huffman Prairie Flying Field, where the Wright brothers perfected their flying techniques after their initial success at Kitty Hawk. This historic field is part of the Dayton Aviation Heritage National Historical Park and offers a serene, open landscape where you can almost imagine the Wright brothers soaring above. Informative markers and displays provide context and history, making it a must-visit site for aviation enthusiasts.
Pro-tip: Pause and listen while you visit. Hear the birds that fly and the sounds of aircraft taking off at the Wright Patterson Air Force Base. Flight continues to be part of the Wright brothers’ story, continuing in our time right now.
National Aviation Hall of Fame and the National Museum of the United States Air Force
No aviation-themed tour would be complete without a visit to the National Aviation Hall of Fame, located inside the National Museum of the United States Air Force. This prestigious hall honors the men and women who have made significant contributions to aviation and aerospace. The museum’s extensive collection of aircraft and exhibits is awe-inspiring, and the Hall of Fame section adds a personal touch with stories of bravery, innovation, and perseverance.
Woodland Cemetery and Arboretum
For a quieter, reflective stop, visit the Woodland Cemetery and Arboretum. This historic cemetery is the final resting place of many notable figures, including the Wright brothers. The serene grounds and beautifully landscaped arboretum offer a peaceful environment to pay respects and contemplate the profound impact these individuals have had on the world.
Pro-tip: Scan the QR code at the burial site, where you will learn more about the Wright brothers as you pay your respects.
Mound Cold War Discovery Center
Explore a different facet of history at the Mound Cold War Discovery Center. This museum delves into the Cold War era, highlighting the role of the nearby Mound Laboratory in nuclear research and development. The exhibits are both educational and thought-provoking, providing a deeper understanding of this complex period in history.
Pro tip: Prepare to read. You’ll want to give yourself time to get through each exhibit and understand the story told there and the significant impact it has had on our history and even modern history-making.
Finally, conclude your tour with a visit to the Butler County Warbirds. This organization is dedicated to preserving and showcasing vintage military aircraft. Its collection includes several restored warbirds, and it often hosts events that allow visitors to see these magnificent machines in action.
Fun fact: Experience exhilaration at its finest in a personal aircraft ride in a 1943 Fairchild PT-19, where you will take to the skies with the wind whipping by you. Imagine those who have flown before you as you peer down below you to take in the beauty of the landscape around you.
Ohio’s rich aviation heritage offers an incredible journey through time, filled with inspiring stories and historic landmarks. Whether you’re an aviation enthusiast or simply curious about the history of flight, this air and space tour promises to leave you with a deep appreciation for the pioneers who took to the skies and changed the world forever. So pack your bags, bring your sense of adventure, and get ready to explore aviation history, right here in its birthplace.
Brandy Gleason is the CEO of Gleason Media, LLC. , chief writer at Gleason Family Adventure, and creator of the Ohio Road Trips Facebook group. She has written four books, 100 Things to Do in Ohio’s Amish Country Before You Die, and co-wrote the Ohio section of Midwest Road Trip Adventures and Midwest State Parks, 100 Things to Do in Ohio Before You Die.
These are just a sampling of the 34 sites that are part of the Ohio Air & Space Trail – a “Drive your own” statewide themed tourism trail where you can discover the stories of aviation and aerospace and the impact Ohioans have had on this important part of history.