Entering the last of the four airplane hangers, I could feel my mouth fall open as I stared at the presidential airplanes. Not one but four presidential aircraft. After a day of so many types of aircraft, seeing four large planes in one building with room to spare, my head spun. I had only a half hour before closing so I made my way up the steps and through the immaculately preserved pieces of American history.
Dayton, Ohio is home to the National Museum of the United States Air Force. In 2023, the museum celebrated its 100th anniversary. Home to the largest military aviation collection in the world, the NMUSAF covers 20 indoor acres and more than 350 vehicles and missiles plus thousands of artifacts. This museum is a must-see for anyone interested in aviation, history, or a resident of Ohio. Easily a full-day experience yet two days if you take the time to read the exhibits.
The museum begins with the early years of aviation from the Wright Brothers through space exploration. Follow along the development of planes, helicopters, and missiles including experimental aircraft hits and misses. Standing before a Blackhawk helicopter, an elderly gentleman approached and stated that he taught the pilots who flew them. In reverence, I listened to the 94-year-old veteran share his flying experience that began in the Vietnam War.
I toured the museum with a friend well versed in military aviation history so it was like having a personal docent. I saw many tours though and recommend taking one due to the size of the museum. There were several times I was lost in the cavernous buildings.
The following day I visited Carillon Historical Park. An open-air history museum, Carillon works with the National Park Service preserving the history of the Wright Brothers. Featuring the 1905 Wright Brothers Flyer III, the park showcases the development of the airplane.
I found the historical development of Dayton’s industry interesting beginning with the first cash register. There are so many different types of cash registers, while over 100 are on display, there are thousands more in storage. I stood in wonder at the sheer volume and beauty of a machine I took for granted.
The historical park is over 65 beautifully landscaped acres that include a train, living history demonstrations, historical buildings and a restaurant. This park is easily a full day from open to close.
What I Learned
The United States Air Force was established on September 18, 1947.
The 89th Airlift Wing’s President Airlift Group (PAG) operates and maintains Air Force One.
According to the 1918 company newsletter, NCR (Dayton’s largest employer) proudly lost more than 600 men when they joined the military in WWI.
The Great Flood of 1913 exhibit demonstrates the devastation and height of the flood waters in Dayton. The markers were well above my head.
Before You Go
The NMUSAF is free and open seven days a week except for major holidays. Plan to arrive at the opening and stay for the day. There is a cafeteria on the premises with a limited sandwich offering. There are over a hundred wheelchairs available for use by the public. If you have any physical limitations, I encourage you to use them. The museum is so large and by the end, I was quite exhausted. Most of the museum was one level and the second floor was easily accessible by elevator. Wear good shoes and plan to exceed your step count. For more information, nationalmuseum.af.mil.
Carillon Historical Park is $14 for adults; $12 for seniors and $10 per child. The museum is open daily with limited Sunday hours and closed for major holidays. Plan to be there when it opens and spend the day. There is a restaurant on the premises as well as a small cafe. The park is large and can be difficult in places for a wheelchair or limited mobility. Almost all the exhibits are easily accessible. Wear comfortable shoes! For more information, daytonhistory.org.