National Museum of the United States Air Force Tours

Photo provided by Courtesy of the Office of TourismOhio, www.DiscoverOhio.com
Photo provided by Courtesy of the Office of TourismOhio, www.DiscoverOhio.com
Photo provided by Courtesy of the Office of TourismOhio, www.DiscoverOhio.com
Photo provided by Courtesy of the Office of TourismOhio, www.DiscoverOhio.com
Photo provided by Courtesy of the Office of TourismOhio, www.DiscoverOhio.com


From a replica of the Wright brothers’ original plane to high-tech stealth bombers, there are hundreds of unique aircraft to explore at this museum in Dayton, Ohio.

At the National Museum of the United States Air Force, see hundreds of rare and one-of-a-kind aircraft and missiles. Learn about the history of flight, along with people and machines that protect the United States from threats in the skies. The museum is located on Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, one of the United States’ largest working bases.

Visit the Presidential Gallery to walk among planes that transported presidents including Franklin Roosevelt, Truman and Nixon. The centerpiece of the collection is SAM 26000, which served as Air Force One for Lyndon Johnson’s s swearing in after President Kennedy’s assassination. This hangar is accessible only via the complimentary shuttle bus.

Learn about aviation military history in a series of chronological galleries. See a “Little Boy” bomb similar to that dropped by the B-29 Superfortress Enola Gay during World War II. Marvel at the only surviving XB-70 Valkyrie, a strategic 1960s bomber. See where air travel began, with a replica of the Wright brothers’ 1909 Military Flyer. Aircraft are interspersed with period uniforms, flight artifacts and weaponry.

Enjoy the challenge of a flight simulator ride. Pursue your mission as you battle enemy aircraft. Afterward, sit back and watch a riveting documentary in the 3-D IMAX theater.

Complete your visit with a free guided tour. Walk through aviation history on a Heritage Tour or see restoration processes in a Behind the Scenes Tour. In the second-floor Museum Shop, get a replica uniform or a flight souvenir. The adjacent Valkyrie Café offers refreshments.

The museum is open daily, except Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year’s Day. Admission to the museum is free but you’ll need to buy a ticket for the flight simulator and IMAX theater. Free parking is available on site. Be prepared for special security procedures for entrance.

Downtown Dayton is a short drive away from the museum. As one of Ohio’s largest cities, Dayton has a lively cultural scene and offers many options for dining and accommodations.

Befitting an institution dedicated to flight, the National Museum of the United States Air Force is just a few minutes’ drive from Huffman Prairie, where the Wright brothers famously tested the world’s first airplanes.

Plan a trip to see National Museum of the United States Air Force

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The Springs Motel
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Dayton Vitality Hotel

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Best Lodging Options Near National Museum of the United States Air Force

Comfort Suites Dayton-Wright Patterson

Comfort Suites Dayton-Wright Patterson

2.5 out of 5
5220 Huberville Ave, Dayton, OH
Comfort Suites Dayton-Wright Patterson
Dayton Air Force Museum Getaway! Close to WPAFB, Downtown, Wright State

Dayton Air Force Museum Getaway! Close to WPAFB, Downtown, Wright State

Dayton
Dayton Air Force Museum Getaway! Close to WPAFB, Downtown, Wright State
Country Inn & Suites by Radisson, Fairborn South, OH

Country Inn & Suites by Radisson, Fairborn South, OH

2.5 out of 5
3971 Colonel Glenn Hwy, Dayton, OH
Country Inn & Suites by Radisson, Fairborn South, OH
Tru by Hilton Beavercreek Dayton

Tru by Hilton Beavercreek Dayton

2.5 out of 5
3813 Colonel Glenn Hwy, Fairborn, OH
Tru by Hilton Beavercreek Dayton
Birch Hill Suites Dayton - WP AFB

Birch Hill Suites Dayton - WP AFB

2 out of 5
3845 Germany Ln, Fairborn, OH
Birch Hill Suites Dayton - WP AFB
Wingate by Wyndham Dayton - Fairborn

Wingate by Wyndham Dayton - Fairborn

2.5 out of 5
3055 Presidential Dr, Fairborn, OH
Wingate by Wyndham Dayton - Fairborn
Pet-Friendly Dayton Home w/ Grill, Walk to Park!

Pet-Friendly Dayton Home w/ Grill, Walk to Park!

Dayton
Pet-Friendly Dayton Home w/ Grill, Walk to Park!
Remodeled-Pet friendly-5 min to WPAFB and Downtown

Remodeled-Pet friendly-5 min to WPAFB and Downtown

Dayton
Remodeled-Pet friendly-5 min to WPAFB and Downtown
Top Dayton Listing! 5 min to WPAFB, AF Museum, UD!

Top Dayton Listing! 5 min to WPAFB, AF Museum, UD!

Dayton
Top Dayton Listing! 5 min to WPAFB, AF Museum, UD!
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Things to do near National Museum of the United States Air Force

During your visit to the National Museum of the United States Air Force in Riverside, Ohio, you can enjoy a variety of activities nearby, including live music, theater performances, and local festivals. One key attraction at the museum is the extensive walkway that allows you to explore the exhibits at a leisurely pace, making it a perfect spot for aviation enthusiasts and families alike to immerse themselves in the history of flight.

Shopping

At the National Museum of the United States Air Force, you can shop at the Mall at Fairfield Commons, located 3 miles away, featuring a variety of stores. The 2nd Street Market, 4 miles away, offers local goods and food. Puzzles Plus, a store 5 miles away, is great for unique gifts.

Recreation

Rose Music Center at The Heights offers vibrant concerts just 6 miles away, perfect for enjoying live music. Day Air Ballpark, located 4 miles away, provides thrilling sports events, while Kettering Field, also 4 miles away, is ideal for relaxation and wellness in a recreational park setting.

Adventure

Experience the thrill of motor racing at Kenworthy Motocross Park, located 15 miles away, where adrenaline meets adventure. For aerial excitement, try Start Skydiving, 23 miles away, and enjoy the rush of freefalling. Alternatively, take a scenic flight with Bella Balloons Hot Air Balloon Co, 24 miles away, for breathtaking views.

Nightlife

For nightlife near the National Museum of the United States Air Force, check out Hollywood Gaming at Dayton Raceway for a lively casino experience. Alternatively, enjoy a show at the Victoria Theater or Dayton Playhouse, both offering delightful cultural entertainment just a short drive away.

Find the best attractions near National Museum of the United States Air Force

While visiting the National Museum of the United States Air Force in Riverside, Ohio, you can also explore nearby attractions like urban parks and historic colleges. Family-friendly activities abound, offering outdoor adventures and cultural experiences. Don't miss the chance to visit the Air Force Museum, one of the top national museums, and delve into the fascinating world of aviation and space exploration during your stay.

  • University of Dayton: Located 5 miles from the National Museum of the United States Air Force, the University of Dayton is a historic institution with a rich cultural vibe. Explore its beautiful campus, which blends traditional architecture with vibrant student life, and enjoy various cultural events and activities that showcase the local arts.
  • Wright State University: Just 2 miles away, Wright State University offers a modern campus atmosphere with city vibes. The university is known for its innovative programs and community engagement, making it a great spot to experience contemporary college life and various events throughout the year.
  • Dayton Convention Center: Situated 5 miles from the museum, the Dayton Convention Center is a bustling event venue exuding business vibes. It hosts a variety of conferences, trade shows, and community events, providing a unique opportunity to connect with local and regional culture.

Best time to go to National Museum of the United States Air Force

The best time to visit National Museum of the United States Air Force is dependant on what kind of holiday you are seeking. July is its hottest month on average. At this time, visitor numbers are moderately high and weather is mostly sunny with light rain. January is its coolest month on average. At this time, visitor numbers are average and weather is mostly cloudy with light rain.

calendar iconCalendar Monthtemperature iconTemperaturerain iconPrecipitationmostly cloudy iconCloudinessoccupation rate iconOccupancyprice iconPricing
January28.4°F (-2.0°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageSlightly Low
February31.3°F (-0.4°C)Light RainMostly CloudyModerately LowSlightly Low
March41.7°F (5.4°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageAverage
April51.6°F (10.9°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageSlightly High
May62.6°F (17.0°C)Light RainMostly SunnyModerately HighSlightly High
June70.3°F (21.3°C)Light RainMostly SunnyModerately HighAverage
July73.8°F (23.2°C)Light RainMostly SunnyModerately HighSlightly High
August72.1°F (22.3°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
September66.6°F (19.2°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
October55.0°F (12.8°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
November42.6°F (5.9°C)Light RainMostly SunnyModerately LowAverage
December34.9°F (1.6°C)Light RainMostly CloudyModerately LowSlightly Low

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for National Museum of the United States Air Force

To save money on your visit to the National Museum of the United States Air Force, consider traveling between December and February when hotel prices are lower. Book your stay on a Monday for the best rates, and avoid Saturdays when prices peak. Use Expedia to compare prices and consider bundling your hotel, flights, and activities for additional savings. Joining Expedia's One Key membership can unlock exclusive discounts and earn OneKeyCash for future bookings. Don't forget to check for military discounts and the latest COVID-19 precautions when planning your trip.

  • The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The cheapest months to stay around National Museum of the United States Air Force are December to February, where the prices are slightly lower. This is in comparison to April to May and July, where prices are slightly higher.
  • The most and least expensive days on average to stay in a hotel: The least expensive day to stay around National Museum of the United States Air Force is Monday. The most expensive day to stay around National Museum of the United States Air Force is Saturday.
  • Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Utilize Expedia’s search tool to customize your travel preferences, such as budget, desired location, and preferred hotel type. To discover the best prices and deals, arrange the price filter from lowest to highest.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You can save money by combining your hotel stay near the National Museum of the United States Air Force with your flights and activities through an Expedia package.
  • Become a One Key member: Join Expedia's One Key membership program for exclusive discounts and deals on hotel bookings. You can also earn OneKeyCash to use on future selected hotels.