Dayton Aviation Heritage National Historical Park image

Dayton Aviation Heritage National Historical Park

Tourist attraction Park Museum Historic site National park

A National Register Historic District honoring American aviation pioneers, with exhibits & programs. People often mention Wright, Dayton, history, Brothers, shop, museum, flight, aviation, Dunbar, Paul,


Address

16 S Williams St, Dayton, OH 45402, United States

Website

www.nps.gov

Contact

+1 937-225-7705

Rating on Google Maps

4.70 (590 reviews)

Open on Google Maps

Working Hours

  • Tuesday: 9 am to 4 pm
  • Wednesday: 9 am to 4 pm
  • Thursday: 9 am to 4 pm
  • Friday: 9 am to 4 pm
  • Saturday: 9 am to 4 pm
  • Sunday: 9 am to 4 pm
  • Monday: 9 am to 4 pm

Featured Reviews


Frequently mentioned in reviews: Wright (26) Dayton (13) history (13) Brothers (12) shop (12) museum (12) flight (11) aviation (10) Dunbar (8) Paul (7)
Reviews are sorted by relevance, prioritizing the most helpful and insightful feedback at the top for easier reference.
  • 5/5 Adam V. 1 year ago on Google • 314 reviews
    This place was really good. Lots to see here. You have the Wright Brothers shop and museum. There's also the parachute museum. An ode to the famous poet of the area as well as the wonderful town that hosted it all. Lots of exhibits spread out across the area. The museum itself will take hours to explore. Don't forget to watch the film!
    5 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Brian D. 1 year ago on Google
    While in Dayton checking out the Museum of the US Air Force, decided to pop in here and check this out. So glad I did, this place was awesome to learn about the history of the area and the Wright Bros. It's amazing how far we have come since the humble day they changed the world. Make this a must stop. Maybe about and hour or so to go through and enjoy the historical information.
    5 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Daniel J. 9 months ago on Google • 24 reviews
    Nice little museum. The movie is wonderful. Bike shop is nice, explains what they did prior to aviation. There's a nice market across the street that has great food.
    4 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 Shane H. 9 months ago on Google • 319 reviews
    A friendly & helpful staff gave us a history lesson about the Wright Brothers & their journey to building the first planes. Definitely worth visiting if you are into history & aviation
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Cat L. 9 months ago on Google • 315 reviews
    This is one of my favorite national parks. There are a few units and passports stamps to visit and pick up if you are a stamp collector. I have very limited mobility and need an electric scooter to get around. Not only could I navigate the visitors centers, I was able to take a ranger guided tour to the Wright Brothers bike shop. The one are where we were disappointed was in that the Huffman Prairie was not open and wouldn’t open for a few days…after we had to head back to NJ. They had a nice gift shop and the visitor center movie was worth watching.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Kirsten Neus S. 5 years ago on Google
    Very cool museum. The park rangers were very knowledgeable and eager to share what they know and the exhibits are very interesting. I especially recommend the film about the Wright Brothers and the hands in exhibits that explain a bit about how they came up with their plane designs. There’s a gift shop, bathrooms and water fountain as well and no admission fee.
    3 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Praharsh M. P. 5 months ago on Google • 370 reviews
    Good spot to start the aviation trail (NPS). The ranger was a great guy who not only gave nice tour but also helped with recommendations for nearby spots to explore.

  • 5/5 Ron de L. 6 months ago on Google • 187 reviews
    This is a very good place to learn about how the Wright brothers built the first airplane. Their journey from when they were kids, to starting their printing press to opening a bike shop, the Wright brothers have persevered and overcame a lot before perfecting their airplane. Must visit for families with kids.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Pat P. 1 year ago on Google
    We loved seeing the early history of flight. So glad these places are preserved for future generations.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 See Joy E. 2 years ago on Google
    Great place with lots of historical information and collection of important unique things used for flight discovery. There are ranger guided tours too, for getting more information and they provide details of history and the things preserved over there. This place commemorates three important people Wilbur Wright, Orville Wright, and poet Paul Laurence Dunbar. There's a souvenir shop too. We visited here three years ago in summer.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Alan B. 1 year ago on Google
    We stopped in here to see this national park. It is very nice clean and well organized. Unfortunately we didn’t have a lot of time so we might have to go back. But the Rangers were friendly and were very informative
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Jonathan C. 1 year ago on Google
    Took my family here for a very educational adventure. The museum was really well done and fun to explore. There is a bonus museum all about parachuting. The original bicycle shop is still standing right across the street. Loved the stamps here for my Passport to the National Parks book!!
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Satyam S. 4 months ago on Google • 201 reviews
    Dayton Aviation Heritage commemorates three exceptional men—Wilbur Wright, Orville Wright, and Paul Laurence Dunbar—and their work to invent human flight. We visited this awesome visitor center in the month of December, 30, 2023. Dayton Aviation Heritage commemorates three exceptional men—Wilbur Wright, Orville Wright, and Paul Laurence Dunbar—and their work in the Miami Valley. Through the invention of powered flight, Wilbur and Orville made significant contributions to human history. In their Dayton, Ohio, bicycle shop these two men, self-trained in the science and art of aviation, researched and built the world's first power-driven, heavier-than-air machine capable of free, controlled, and sustained flight. The Wrights also perfected their invention during 1904 and 1905 in their hometown of Dayton. Dayton Aviation Heritage National Historical Park is a partner of the Paul Laurence Dunbar State Memorial. Paul Laurence Dunbar achieved national and international acclaim in a literary world that was almost exclusively reserved for whites. This gifted and prolific writer produced a body of work that included novels, plays, short stories, lyrics, and over 400 published poems. His work, which reflected much of the African American experience in America, contributed to a growing social consciousness and cultural identity for African Americans in the United States.

  • 5/5 John Z. 11 months ago on Google
    The Dayton Aviation Heritage National Historical Park is a captivating tribute to the pioneers of American aviation--the Wright Brothers. The exhibits and programs provide a comprehensive understanding of flight and the incredible journey of the Wright Brothers. Exploring the Wright Cycle Shop, where their aviation dreams took flight, is a highlight. The park's rangers are knowledgeable and passionate, offering valuable insights and engaging discussions. From the intriguing displays of parachutes and propellers to the rich aviation history showcased, the park is a treasure trove for aviation enthusiasts. Its educational value for kids is exceptional, inspiring the next generation of innovators. Whether you're a history buff or a family seeking an enriching experience, the Dayton Aviation Heritage National Historical Park is a must-visit destination that celebrates the remarkable achievements of the Wright Brothers and the world of aviation.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Sabrina E. 1 year ago on Google
    This was an excellent exhibit. The children loved the collaborative events of the inventions and writers in Dayton and the history of flight. The city of Dayton has much to be proud of based on the historical events and the think tank of diversity that lived here. I am glad we stopped at this museum on our travels through Ohio.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 Nathan B. 2 years ago on Google
    Nice museum displaying the Wright Brothers and Paul Laurence Dunbar. It was better than expected after travelling through the neighborhoods to get there.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Nathan Z. 6 months ago on Google • 141 reviews
    Admission is free. Cool exhibits. Not all are regards aviation. Paul Dunbar is an amazing person. The Wrights were also an amazing family. They were full of inventors. Thank God they existed or we'd still be trying to figure out controlled flight today, and not preparing to go build great cities on Mars.

  • 5/5 Mark S. 5 months ago on Google • 87 reviews
    A hidden gem. We visited here first, then the National Museum of the US Air Force. 10 year old loved it in that order. This Museum was the calm before the storm. The 10 year old said, "Wow, we went from the Wright Brothers to the moon in only 70 years!" Amazing observation. I highly recommend going here first before the Air Force Museum.

  • 5/5 Brian R. 9 months ago on Google • 59 reviews
    Today, our family took flight (historically speaking!) at the Dayton Aviation National Historic Park 🛩️. The whole crew - wife, son, daughter, niece, and nephew - were propelled into the fascinating world of Orville and Wilbur Wright, the visionary brothers behind mankind's leap into the skies. Every corner of the park whispered tales of their bicycle shop days and the groundbreaking experiments that set the stage for modern aviation. And let me tell you, the Jr Ranger Program is top-tier! Skillfully designed to engage young minds, it had our kids hooked from the get-go. The challenge booklets, interactive tasks, and badges added a sense of adventure to our visit. A special shoutout to the park rangers: their enthusiasm was infectious! Not only were they fountains of knowledge, but their upbeat and engaging approach made our experience truly memorable. The stories they shared at Huffman Prairie Flying Field painted such a vivid picture that we could almost see the Wright brothers taking off on one of their test flights. In summary, Dayton Aviation National Historic Park isn't just a lesson in history; it's a celebration of human ambition, dreams, and the sheer will to soar. Pack your curiosity and get ready for a day filled with fun and learning! 🌌 #FlightOfFancyWithFamily

  • 5/5 Tabitha W. 1 year ago on Google
    Wonderful visit. Affordable, Clean, well kept. Up to date amenities. Full of interesting exhibits. Great place to enjoy for all ages. Very Educational and memorable. It's worth it ! Friendly and well knowledgeable staff. I'd do it again.

  • 4/5 Jeff M. 1 year ago on Google
    it is a small museum packed with information. I learned from watching the video that the Wright Brothers used a catapult to launch their plane. The propeller design display was educational. I have a better understand why "wing warping" was important to early flight. When I visited in April, they had an enjoyable and informative parachutes' history exhibition. Allow time to visit the bicycle shop next door. I knew the Wright brothers repaired bicycles, but didn't realize they also manufactured bicycles. The parking lot is small, so parking could be a problem.

  • 5/5 Wendy S. 1 year ago on Google
    Lots of interesting information! I really enjoy learning about history, now as an adult. There's even a bonus parachute museum upstairs as well! The people working there are very nice and knowledgeable.

  • 5/5 Mike K. 2 years ago on Google
    We really enjoyed this site, lots of historical information about our countries exploration for Flight, and lots more. The park ranger was extremely helpful and knowledgeable about all things Wright Brothers and more. Thank you. MK

  • 5/5 Daniel D. 2 years ago on Google
    I really loved this museum! I learned a lot about Dayton and it’s history with the Wright Brothers! I highly recommend visiting if you’re ever in the area!

  • 5/5 Marta S. 8 months ago on Google
    Great spot, learned so much about the Wrights and Dunbar here.

  • 5/5 Kim R. 1 year ago on Google
    The staff was very helpful and the displays were interesting and well organized. We also visited the Wright brothers bike shop across the courtyard.


Call +1 937-225-7705 Open on Google Maps

Amenities


  • Accessibility
    • ✓️ Wheelchair-accessible car park
    • ✓️ Wheelchair-accessible entrance

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