United States Air Force Museum
Springfield Pike
Wright-Patterson AFB, OH
(937) 255-3286
The museum features some 300 aircraft and missiles over an area of more than 17 acres of indoor exhibit space. The displays reflect the history of aviation from the days of the Wright Brothers to the present age. An IMAX Theater presents space exploration and aviation films.
Wright-Patterson AFB
1250 Kittyhawk Center
Wright-Patterson AFB, OH
(937) 255-6321
Huffman Prairie Flying Field is at gate 12A on the Base. This is the field used by the Wright brothers for test flying and perfecting their planes. A re-creation of their 1905 hangar and their catapult launch device are on the site.
Dayton Art Institute
456 Belmonte Park North
Dayton, OH
(937)223-5277
The galleries are housed in an Italian Renaissance building and are extensive. There is a collection of African, American, Asian, and European art as well as photography, sculpture, furniture, and decorative art. The Experiencenter presents family oriented, participatory thematic shows. Guided tours are available.
Carillon Historical Park
1000 Carillon Boulevard
Dayton, OH 45409
(937) 293-2841
Open April thru Oct.
Tues.-Sat. 9:30am-5pm
Admission charged.
Carillon Historical Park's mission is to celebrate and preserve the history of the Miami Valley and illustrate how it leads to the future. The Park is a 65-acre outdoor museum with 24 exhibit buildings and structures, and is the site of the 57-bell Deeds Carillon, Ohio's largest. The highlight of the collections is the 1905 Wright Flyer III, the world's first practical airplane, and a National Historic Landmark.
Boonshoft Museum of Discovery
2600 Deweese Parkway
Dayton, OH 45414
(937) 275-7431
9am - 5pm
Admission charged
This museum invites exploration of the wonders of the world by combining play and learning. Interactive exhibits cover an area of covers 90,000 square fee. It contains a science theater, labs, and a three story climbing tower. There is also a child friendly village. A small zoo houses animal species native to Ohio. Planetarium and light shows are also featured.
Sunwatch Indian Village/Archaeological Park
2301 West River Road
Dayton, OH 45418
(937) 268-8199
Tues.-Sat. 9am-5pm, Sun. noon-5pm
Admission charged
SunWatch currently combines experimental archaeological research, including the reconstruction of the Fort Ancient structures in their original 13th century locations, with an interpretive center that exhibits many of the artifacts that have been recovered from the site. There is also a picnic shelter and picnic tables overlooking the village and are available for visitors to relax.
Aullwood Audobon Center and Farm
1000 Aullwood Road
Dayton, OH 45490
(937) 890-7360
Monday-Saturday 9am-5pm, Sunday 12-5pm, closed school holidays
Admission charged.
This environmentally based education center, wildlife sanctuary, and organic farm contains woods, streams, ponds, prairies, meadows, and hiking trails. Hands-on exhibits educate visitors about southwestern Ohio’s plant and animal life. Livestock are humanely tended and present another valuable lesson in the care and management of farm animals.
Carriage Hill Metropark and Farm
Highway I-70, Exit 38, 1 mile north on State Road 201, then .5 miles on E. Shull Road.
(937) 879-0461
Mon-Fri: 10-5; Saturday; Sunday: 1-5. Admission charged.
This is an 1880s working farm with draft horses, vegetable gardening and preserving of food, and a video presentation and interactive exhibits for the whole family.
Paul Laurence Dunbar State Memorial
219 N. Paul Laurence Dunbar Street
Dayton, OH
(937) 224-7061
Mon-Sat: 9:30-4:30. Sunday: 12:30-4:30. Admission charged.
The restored former home of poet, novelist, and civil rights advocate Paul Laurence Dunbar contains many of his personal belongings dating from the late 19th and early 20th centuries.