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

Price found within the past 48 hours. Click for updated prices.

Comfort Inn & Suites Dayton Northwest - Englewood

$341

per person

Nov 13 - Nov 15

found 1 day ago

Roundtrip non-stop flight included

Des Moines (DSM) to Dayton (DAY)

7.8/10 Good! (1,000 reviews)

Clean, close to Highway, comfortable.

Reviewed on Jul 29, 2025

Mills Park Hotel

$422

per person

Nov 13 - Nov 15

found 1 day ago

Roundtrip non-stop flight included

Des Moines (DSM) to Dayton (DAY)

9.8/10 Exceptional! (769 reviews)

Hotel was very clean. Restaurant had healthy choices. We were disappointed in the hours. Hours were 8-2 while we were there were only able to eat breakfast there. Wish there was Yellow Springs memorabilia available at the gift shop.

Reviewed on Oct 7, 2025

Dayton Vitality Hotel

Downtown Dayton

$393

per person

Nov 13 - Nov 15

found 1 day ago

Roundtrip non-stop flight included

Des Moines (DSM) to Dayton (DAY)

8.6/10 Excellent! (22 reviews)

The rooms were very clean, do not like the barn door on the bathroom, doesnt seem like you have privacy. Parking was difficult to figure out, staff was nice except for the oerson sending trxts messages. A text said i had a qr code to open, i replied back that there was no code, response sounded as if they were irritated with me. When we arrived the one of the ladies standing there was helpful the other with long hair was annoyed, she heard our name and rolled her eyes. I actually DID NOT have the code, so I was right. The keyless entry can be a lottle confusing. All in all we would stay there again.

Reviewed on Oct 5, 2025

Reviews of National Museum of the United States Air Force

4.8

Top Destination

5 - Excellent

267

4 - Good

3 - Okay

2 - Disappointing

1 - Terrible

4/5 - Good

Verified traveler

The food options are awful at the museum. I have a very restricted diet. But, they don't allow any food or drink to be brought in. The cafes there have VERY minimal choices. So, if you spend a long day there you have to leave and return if you want a decent meal. I do appreciate that they don't charge a fee to get into the museum. And the museum itself is AMAZING. It is huge and takes a full day just to see everything. If you want to read some of the info you will need another day there.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler

I can't recommend this museum highly enough. It's better than the two air museums in Washington DC. We wore ourselves out walking for two hours and still didn't see everything. I'm definitely going back the next time I'm in the Dayton area!

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler

Besure to go to the Main Gate. Google Maps does not necessarily take you to the correct entrance to the Base.

5/5 - Excellent

Great, free place for kids and adults.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler

Start with hangar 4 (Air Force Ones and space) and work your way forward. Allow at least a full day to see everything at a decent pace. My husband and I were there for over 5 hours and we still didn't see everything. The cafes had good food - a little expensive but considering there wasn't an admission fee and the profits went toward the maintenance of the building - it wan't too bad. Husband loved the hot dogs they served there. They also have motorized chairs for people with mobility issues.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler

Wear good walking shoes and plan to be there all day. Best airplane museum we have been to and we have been to many.

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

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

At the National Museum of the United States Air Force, visitors can enjoy a variety of activities nearby, including live music, theater performances, and vibrant festivals. These attractions provide a lively atmosphere, making it an excellent destination for entertainment and cultural experiences while exploring the rich history of aviation.

Shopping

The Mall at Fairfield Commons is a lively shopping center just 3 miles from the National Museum of the United States Air Force, offering a variety of stores and entertainment. For local flavors, check out the 2nd Street Market, 4 miles away, or Puzzles Plus, a unique store located 5 miles away.

Recreation

Experience live performances at Rose Music Center at The Heights, just 6 miles from the museum, offering vibrant entertainment. Enjoy a thrilling game at Day Air Ballpark, 4 miles away, perfect for sports enthusiasts. For some laughter, visit Dayton Funny Bone Comedy Club, also 6 miles distant, ideal for family fun.

Adventure

At Kenworthy Motocross Park, located 15 miles from the museum, experience thrilling motor racing in an adventurous atmosphere. Bella Balloons Hot Air Balloon Co, 24 miles away, offers breathtaking scenic flights. For adrenaline seekers, Start Skydiving, situated 23 miles away, provides exhilarating skydiving experiences.

Nightlife

The nightlife near the National Museum of the United States Air Force is vibrant, featuring venues like Victoria Theater and Dayton Playhouse, both offering a blend of culture and entertainment just 5 miles away. The Dayton Theatre Guild, located 4 miles away, adds to the romantic and family-friendly atmosphere.

*Distances are measured in a straight line; actual driving distances may vary depending on the route.

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

When visiting the National Museum of the United States Air Force in Riverside, Ohio, you can explore a variety of attractions nearby, including entertainment arenas, urban parks, and historic colleges. This destination is perfect for families and culture enthusiasts, offering outdoor experiences and aviation museums. Consider staying close to the museum for easy access, and enjoy nearby attractions within a short drive to enhance your trip.

University of Dayton: This historic university, located 5 miles from the National Museum, offers a rich cultural experience with its beautiful campus and vibrant arts scene. Visitors can explore museums, galleries, and enjoy student performances, giving a taste of collegiate life.
Wright State University: Situated 2 miles away, this modern university features contemporary architecture and a lively atmosphere. It’s known for its innovative programs and diverse student body, providing a dynamic city vibe perfect for exploring cafes and local events.
Dayton Convention Center: Located 5 miles from the museum, this event venue hosts various conferences and exhibitions. With its business-oriented environment, it’s a hub for networking and professional gatherings.

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 dependent 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 Month	Temperature	Precipitation	Cloudiness	Occupancy	Pricing
January	28.4°F (-2.0°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Average	Slightly Low
February	31.3°F (-0.4°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Moderately Low	Slightly Low
March	41.7°F (5.4°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Average	Average
April	51.6°F (10.9°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Slightly High
May	62.6°F (17.0°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Moderately High	Slightly High
June	70.3°F (21.3°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Moderately High	Average
July	73.8°F (23.2°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Moderately High	Slightly High
August	72.1°F (22.3°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Average
September	66.6°F (19.2°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Average
October	55.0°F (12.8°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Average
November	42.6°F (5.9°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Moderately Low	Average
December	34.9°F (1.6°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Moderately Low	Slightly 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 during the off-peak months of December to February when hotel prices are lower. Book your stay on a Monday for the best rates, and explore Expedia for affordable hotel options by sorting prices from lowest to highest. Look for package deals that combine flights, hotels, and activities for additional savings. Join Expedia's One Key membership for exclusive discounts and earn OneKeyCash for future bookings. Don't forget to check for military discounts to maximize your savings.

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: Expedia’s search tool enables you to choose your budget, desired location, and additional preferences. You can organize your results to display prices from lowest to highest, making it easy to find the most affordable hotel options right away. Additionally, you can refine your search by hotel category—selecting the Eco-certified filter will showcase sustainable and environmentally-friendly hotels available for booking.
Consider bundling your trip: You can save money by combining your hotel stay for the National Museum of the United States Air Force with your flights and activities through an Expedia package deal.
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.

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National Museum of the United States Air Force Tours

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Visit National Museum of the United States Air Force

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.

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

Comfort Inn & Suites Dayton Northwest - Englewood

Mills Park Hotel

Dayton Vitality Hotel

Reviews of National Museum of the United States Air Force

4/5 - Good

5/5 - Excellent

5/5 - Excellent

5/5 - Excellent

5/5 - Excellent

5/5 - Excellent

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

Check availability on hotels close to National Museum of the United States Air Force

Comfort Suites Dayton-Wright Patterson

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

Country Inn & Suites by Radisson, Fairborn South, OH

Tru by Hilton Beavercreek Dayton

Birch Hill Suites Dayton - WP AFB

Microtel Inn & Suites by Wyndham Dayton/Riverside OH

Wingate by Wyndham Dayton - Fairborn

La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham Fairborn Wright-Patterson

Courtyard by Marriott Dayton Beavercreek

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

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

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

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

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