Explore Aviation History at the National Museum of the United States Air Force

Living in Dayton, we sometimes take some of our most prominent attractions for granted. I hadn’t been to the National Museum of the United States Air Force (or otherwise colloquially known as the “Air Force Museum”) since 2017, and when they reached out to have me take a tour, I was excited to take another look. Come along for this exciting revisit, featuring special inside access to a few of the airplanes on display.

The Place

The first thing you notice about this museum is the size of it. It’s 4 airplane hangars full of airplanes, displays, exhibits, etc. totaling 1,000,000 square feet of space. Getting through all of it takes time and lots of walking.

The National Museum of the United States Air Force began in 1923 and has since grown to become the world’s largest military aviation museum.

The Planes & Exhibits

The Air Force may not have technically got its start until 1947, but this museum has collections stretching back to the Wright Brothers and before, which is fitting being that it’s in Dayton.

As you walk through the collections, you’re also walking forward in time. You start with the Wright Brothers but quickly the planes start to progress from World War I to World War II and beyond. It’s inspiring to learn more about how our military bravely fought fascism abroad all those years ago.

It’s not just the U.S. represented either. The museum features airplanes from other countries, which definitely helps give a fuller picture.

I had a chance to climb inside some of the planes and the first thing that always surprises me when I see inside airplanes from the past is how small they are. If I feel a little claustrophobic at 5’0” and with one or two other people in the plane, it’s hard to imagine how all of the people in these planes managed on long missions.

Even without walking around with someone who can get you inside access to these airplanes, it’s possible to get so up close with them. And experiencing the scale of these planes is really something.

I always love the missile gallery – it’s so wild to stand next to these enormous things in real life. There are two levels you can access to see them, and both offer unique vantage points.

It was really interesting to see the Air Force One plane that transported JFK. You can walk through this plane (it’s a tight squeeze however because it’s protected with plexiglass walls throughout). It was also renovated inside during the 90s, so it’s missing the 60s aesthetic that I bet looked amazing. I did really enjoy seeing what had the be the world’s largest fax machine though.

One thing that we noticed was that at some point, people stopped personalizing military planes. If you’re familiar with the Memphis Belle, for instance, you probably know it by the dual silhouettes of women – a blonde on one side and a brunette on the other. This seemed pretty common for a time.

But then personalization stops – or so it seemed until our guide, Ken LaRock, pointed out that the art just starts appearing in hidden parts of the planes instead.

Ken also shared all sorts of practical details of how a museum like this one operates each day that I would have never thought about otherwise. Like some planes leaking oil years after their last flights.

There are also several history sections like women in aviation and the Tuskegee Airmen. These sections add a lot of context to who flew these planes and what they endured to be able to fly. There was also a moving section on the Holocaust featuring items on loan for display from families in the Dayton area.

The NASA section is so interesting. They have the Apollo 15 Command Module Endeavour that still has the scorch marks from re-entering Earth’s atmosphere.

One of the biggest surprises at the museum is how there’s somehow something for everyone. Whether your interest is in the engineering side of airplanes or the history of their involvement in conflict or just the history of flight in general, there’s a plane or a section that will pique your interest.

The Details

Walking around 1,000,000 square feet can help you work up an appetite, so thankfully there’s a snack bar where you can get grab and go items and drinks. It’s overlooking the missile gallery in the third building.

There’s also a coffee-making robot near the gift shop! The gift shop sells commemorative t-shirts, jewelry, mugs, games, toys, and more all benefitting the museum.

The walking is no joke. Wear comfy and supportive walking shoes.

Also there is a lot to see – even at a decent clip, expect to be at this museum for a couple of hours. If you or your companions have a special interest in history, aeronautics, etc. you could expect to spend around 4-5 hours. And fun fact: They have 3,000 planes on loan to other facilities across the country.

Visiting the National Museum of the United States Air Force reminded me that it’s important to check out the attractions that bring people to your city. We’re lucky to have this amazing museum in our backyard – it’s a unique window into the past.

National Museum of the United States Air Force
(locals often call it the Air Force Museum)

Hours: Daily (closed holidays, check the website for details) 9 a.m.-5 p.m.
Cost: Free admission and free parking; snacks, drinks, and souvenirs available for purchase
Location: 1100 Spaatz St, Dayton, Ohio 45433
Phone: (937) 255-3286