Ohio's Aviation Pioneers
It all began in 1903 in the Dayton, Ohio workshop of aviation pioneers Orville & Wilbur Wright. Ohio “Buckeyes” not only invented flight, but the state of Ohio has produced 25 astronauts. Ohio is known as the “Birthplace of Aviation” and the greater Dayton area is home to the National Aviation Heritage Area. This tour honors Ohio Pioneers of Aviation History.
Day 1
Arrive at the Neil Armstrong Air and Space Museum. Wapakoneta is the hometown of Neil Armstrong, the first person to walk on the moon. This museum takes visitors on a journey through aviation and aerospace history, chronicling Ohio’s contributions to the history of space flight.
Reservations required. Contact Delaney Fields at dfields@homegrowngreat.com to schedule your visit.
Stop for lunch in Piqua or Troy. Some restaurant recommendations can be found by contacting Delaney Fields at dfields@homegrowngreat.com or 1-800-348-8993 or by visiting www.homegrowngreat.com.
Our next stop is the WACO Air Museum and Learning Center and WACO Airfield. Exhibits depict the Troy company’s commercial and military aircraft production from the 1920s through WWII. In the 1920s WACO was the largest producer of aircraft in the world.
$7/person for WACO tour. Contact Delaney Fields at dfields@homegrowngreat.com or 1-800-348-8993 to schedule your visit.
Enjoy local shopping in our quaint downtowns in Troy, Tipp City or Piqua. Arrangements for dinner can be made at a local restaurant. Contact Delaney Fields at dfields@homegrowngreat.com or 1-800-348-8993 for assistance.
Day 2
The National Museum of the United States Air Force is the world’s largest and oldest military aviation museum. The museum uses both chronological and subjective layouts to tell the exciting story of aviation development from the days of the Wright Brothers to current stealth technology. The National Aviation Hall of Fame is also located inside the museum. You also won’t want to miss the presidential aircraft including Kennedy’s Air Force One.
The National Museum of the United States Air Force offers free admission and parking (an additional fee is required for the Digital 3D theatre and flight simulators). The museum is open seven days a week from 9 am to 5 pm. Contact 937-255-3286 for more information or to schedule a tour.
Lunch at The Valkyrie Café inside the museum.
Arrive at the Dayton Aviation Heritage National Historical Park in Dayton. During this visit, you will explore the Wright Cycle Company where the Wright brothers actually built their Wright flyers. In their Dayton, Ohio bicycle shop, they researched and built the world’s first power-driven, heavier-than-air machine capable of free, controlled and sustained flight.
Free admission.
http://www.nps.gov/daav/historyculture/wrightcyclecompany.htm
Carillon Historical Park, home to the Wright Brothers National Museum, celebrates the history of invention, transportation and pioneer life in Dayton and the Miami Valley. In Wright Hall, you will discover the 1905 Wright Flyer III, a National Historic Landmark. The national park unit at Carillon includes a replica of the last Dayton bicycle shop where the Wright brothers worked.
$8/adult and $7/senior. Contact Delaney Fields at dfields@homegrowngreat.com or 1-800-348-8993 to schedule your visit.
Depart for your hotel. Relax before enjoying an exceptional dinner in downtown Troy.
For information on restaurants and possible evening entertainment, please contact Delaney Fields at dfields@homegrowngreat.com or 1-800-348-8993. Or visit our website at www.homegrowngreat.com.