Attraction Guide: National Museum of the U.S. Air Force, Dayton, United States

National Museum of the U.S. Air Force Guide

Reach for the Sky: Explore Aviation History at the National Museum of the U.S. Air Force Guide

Prepare for takeoff at the National Museum of the U.S. Air Force, the world's largest military aviation museum, located in Dayton, Ohio. This awe-inspiring museum showcases the history of flight, from the earliest days of aviation to the cutting-edge technology of modern aerospace. With hundreds of aircraft and missiles on display, along with immersive exhibits and interactive displays, the museum offers an unforgettable experience for aviation enthusiasts of all ages. The National Museum of the U.S. Air Force traces its roots back to 1923, when the Engineering Division at McCook Field began collecting and preserving aircraft. Over the years, the collection grew, and in 1971, the museum moved to its current location at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base. The museum's mission is to preserve and present the history of the U.S. Air Force, and to inspire future generations of aviators and innovators. The museum's collection includes iconic aircraft such as the Wright brothers' 1909 Military Flyer, the B-29 Superfortress "Bockscar" (which dropped the atomic bomb on Nagasaki), and a wide array of experimental and operational aircraft from throughout the Air Force's history. Visitors to the National Museum of the U.S. Air Force can explore four main hangars, each dedicated to a different era of aviation history: Early Years, World War II, Cold War, and Modern Flight. In addition to the aircraft on display, the museum features interactive exhibits, flight simulators, and a giant screen theater. Don't miss the chance to walk through a replica of the Space Shuttle Atlantis' payload bay or to experience the thrill of flying a fighter jet in a simulator. While Dayton doesn't have a specific culinary tradition tied to the museum, the city offers a diverse range of dining options to suit every taste.