54 mi. north of Cincinnati is the industrial town of Dayton, the home of the air pioneers the Wright brothers. On Old Wright Field (enter by Gate 28B) is the U.S. Air Force Museum, the oldest and largest museum of military aviation, with over 200 aircraft and missiles including a Wright Flyer and the Apollo 15 spacecraft. Near here is a monument to the Wright brothers. In Carillon Historic Park are reproductions of the Wright brothers' bicycle factory, one of their aircraft and the covered wagons and log cabins of the early settlers. In the Old Courthouse in Dayton are numerous relics and documents on the Wright brothers.
The Aullwood Audubon Center and Farm in Dayton is part of the National Audubon Society. The center is designed to protect birds, wildlife and habitat, and to educate and the public on these topics. The Aullwood Audubon Center features nature trails, and educational hands-on exhibits. Children and adults will enjoy the Farm, with animals and organic gardens. There is something going on here throughout the year. In February visitors can experience the Sugar Bush Walk and enjoy some syrup.
Carriage Hill Farm in Dayton is a working farm depicting life in the 1880s. Learn about pioneer life through demonstrations of old crafts and techniques related to farming. Also on site are hiking trails through wooded area, horseback riding through the Carriage Hill Riding Center, picnic shelters, cross-country skiing in the winter, and camping at the Redbud Campsite. For information on all these activities be sure to stop at the visitors center.
Hours:
10am-5pm; Sun:1pm-5pm
Always closed on: New Year's Day (January 1), Thanksgiving - USA (4th Thursday, November ), Christmas - Christian (December 25)
The Citizens Motorcar Company, America's Packard Museum in Dayton is located in a restored Packard dealerships and is the only one of its kind in America. Stop in at the museum to learn about the history of the Packard Company and to see products from the company's past. America's Packard Museum has been in operation since 1992.
Address: Citizens Motorcar Company, America's Packard Museum, 420 South Ludlow Street, Dayton, OH 45402-2605, United States
Phone: 1 (937) 226-1710, Fax: 1 (937) 224-1918
Hours:
12pm-5pm; Sun:1pm-5pm; Sat:1pm-5pm
Always closed on: New Year's Day (January 1), Thanksgiving - USA (4th Thursday, November ), Christmas - Christian (December 25), Easter - Christian
The Cox Arboretum and Gardens in Dayton is a 189 acres site with gardens, water, bridges, a Butterfly House, and beautiful natural areas. Some of the highlights include the Woodland Wildflower Garden, Rock Garden, Water Garden,
Stonewall Perennial Garden, Meditation Garden, Bell Children's Maze, and Conservation Corner.
The Cox Arboretum and Gardens also offers educational programs and a seasonal calendar of events.
The Dayton Art Institute maintains a comprehensive permanent collection and features a variety of temporary exhibitions. On the grounds of the Dayton Art Institute are a number of outdoor sculptures. Originally called the Dayton Museum of Fine Arts, the museum changed its name to reflect its focus on education as well as collection.
The institute is located in a beautiful 1930 Italian Renaissance style building listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
Address: Dayton Art Institute, 456 Belmonte Park North, Dayton, OH 45405-4700, United States
Phone: 1 (937) 223-5277, Fax: 1 (937) 223-3140
Hours:
10am-5pm; Thu:10am-9pm
Always closed on: New Year's Day (January 1), American Independance Day (July 4), Thanksgiving - USA (4th Thursday, November ), Christmas - Christian (December 25), Easter - Christian
Tips: Some special exhibitions may carry an admission fee.
The National Museum of the U.S. Air Force, located in Dayton, prides itself on being the "largest and oldest military aviation museum in the world". The museum explores the history of aviation and displays over 360 aerospace vehicles and missiles.
The museum offers free guided tours of the facility as well as a "Behind the Scenes Tour" that allows visitors to see restoration projects in the works. This tour does not allow young children.
Address: National Museum of the U.S. Air Force, 1100 Spaatz Street, Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, OH 45433, United States
Phone: 1 (937) 255-3286, Fax: 1 (937) 255-3910
Hours:
9am-5pm
Always closed on: New Year's Day (January 1), Thanksgiving - USA (4th Thursday, November ), Christmas - Christian (December 25)
The Sunwatch Indian Village in Dayton is a reconstruction of Fort Ancient Native American village. The region was inhabited by this culture as long ago as 1000 AD and archeologists working on the site in the early 1970s. Visitors can come here to see what Fort Ancient would have looked like during its time, as well as to relax and enjoy the scenery. Picnic shelters are available near the site.
The Sunwatch Indian Village is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
Address: SunWatch Indian Village / Archeological Park, 2301 West River Road, Dayton, OH 45418-2815, United States
Phone: 1 (937) 268-8199, Fax: 1 (937) 268-1760
Hours:
9am-5pm; Sun:12pm-5pm; Closed: Mon
Always closed on: New Year's Day (January 1), Thanksgiving - USA (4th Thursday, November ), Christmas - Christian (December 25), New Year's Eve (December 31), Christmas Eve - Christian (December 24), Easter - Christian
The Wegerzyn Gardens Metropark in Dayton is a natural oasis in the city. Here visitors will find wonderful gardens tended to by both city staff and volunteers. The gardens are a great place to visit throughout the year with blossoms in the Spring, Roses in the Summer, and the colors of Fall as the warmer weather winds down. Pleasant walking trails and benches make Wegerzyn Gardens Metropark a perfect place to linger.
Hours:
April 1 to October 31: 8am-10pm
November 1 to March 31: 8am-8pm
Always closed on: New Year's Day (January 1), Christmas - Christian (December 25)
The Wright Brothers Memorial in Dayton is located on the Wright-Patterson Air Force Base. The base is home to the Huffman Prairie Flying Field, where Wilbur and Orville Wright worked on building their aircraft and learned to fly. The actual Memorial can be found on Wright Brothers Hill, which overlooks the Huffman Prairie Flying Field. It was first erected in 1940 but rededicated in 1998 following some reconstruction.
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Carillon Historical Park, Dayton
Dayton
