National Museum of the US Air Force — Attraction in Riverside

National Museum of the U.S. Air Force

Overview The National Museum of the U.S. Air Force, located at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base near Dayton, Ohio, is the world's largest military aviation museum. Established to preserve and showcase the history and achievements of the U.S. Air Force, the museum offers an extensive collection of aircraft and artifacts that highlight the evolution of air power.

History The museum was officially opened in 1923 as the Air Force Museum, but it has undergone several expansions and relocations since then. Its current facility, which opened in 1971, has grown substantially over the years and continues to evolve as new exhibits are added and aircraft are restored.

Size and Facilities Total Area: The museum covers approximately 17 acres. Number of Aircraft: The museum boasts over 350 aircraft on display, ranging from early aviation pioneers to modern fighters and bombers. Runways: The museum itself does not have runways, but it is situated on an active Air Force base with access to runways for operational aircraft.

Special Attractions Exhibits: The museum's exhibits are divided into four main galleries: Early Years Gallery: Showcasing the evolution of aviation from World War I through the interwar years. World War II Gallery: Featuring aircraft and artifacts from the WWII era. Korean War and Vietnam War Galleries: Highlighting aircraft and equipment from these conflicts. Modern Flight Gallery: Focusing on the Cold War era and modern aerospace technology.

Aircraft: Notable aircraft include the B-17 Flying Fortress, B-24 Liberator, and the SR-71 Blackbird. The collection also features presidential aircraft such as the Boeing VC-137C "Air Force One" used by President Eisenhower.

Aircraft Simulation: The museum offers a variety of interactive experiences, including flight simulators that allow visitors to experience the thrill of piloting various aircraft.

Visit Timing Hours: The museum is open daily from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM, except for Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year's Day when it is closed. Admission: Entry to the museum is free, although donations are encouraged to support its ongoing operations and exhibits.

Special Features Restoration Center: Visitors can view ongoing restoration projects and see how historic aircraft are meticulously repaired and preserved. Educational Programs: The museum offers various educational programs, including lectures, workshops, and tours, aimed at enhancing understanding of aerospace history and technology.

Importance The National Museum of the U.S. Air Force is special not only for its vast collection but also for its role in preserving the history of American aviation. It serves as a vital educational resource, inspiring future generations by showcasing the achievements and innovations of the U.S. Air Force.

In summary, the National Museum of the U.S. Air Force provides a rich, immersive experience for aviation enthusiasts and history buffs alike. Its extensive aircraft collection, interactive simulations, and educational programs make it a standout destination in the realm of military...

Arriving at the museum is easy as the directions are right on target and the parking lot is quite large. It fills up quickly, so it may be a short walk to the entrance. While walking there, take a side stroll through the War Memorial Park. Once you get into the museum, stop by one of the information desks. The museum is free but please make a donation for a Souvenir Locator Map which is a helpful guide. There is a cafe and gift shop, but I saved those for the end of the tour. If you want to see one of the movies, the theater is right there as well. When you start going through the museum, they also create some dioramas with the aircraft. This helps to give you an idea of what you would have seen if you were there at the time.

Now great ready for a lot of walking as you have 4 hangers and a missile gallery to see. It is a progressive tour through the timeline of aircraft. In the first hangar, start to the right and see the Early Years Gallery (includes World War I). Across from there is the World War II Gallery. To get to the next hanger, you will walk through the National Aviation Hall of Fame. You will find a series of flight simulators on your right as you enter which you can enter (can't remember if a cost was involved). From there it is on to the Korean War Gallery (on right) and the Southeast Asia War Gallery (left side). Now you are half way through the Museum and there is still so much more to see.

The next hanger is the Cold War Gallery where you will find more of our modern aircraft. I was excited as I found the SR-71 Blackbird (there is another one in the next hanger too). There are some cockpit displays throughout that you can sit in and pretend you are a pilot. The kids seemed to really like this and I was jealous as I wanted to be a pilot too 🤣 They have a B-1B and a B2 bomber on display and the size of the B2 surprised me. Before the Missile Gallery, on the second floor is an eatery for those that need a recharge or break. This is also another way to see the Missile Gallery from a higher vantage point. On the other side you can also get an overview of the last hanger.

The last hanger has the Space Gallery on the right and then the Presidential Gallery on the left. Here they have a Space Shutter trainer you can walk through and a couple simulators to try your hand at landing. There are also displays of the space suits and capsules. There are several Presidential "Air Force One' planes and you can walk through them too. The only issue as it is a tight walking space since the sides are behind plexiglass walls. There are also some of the experimental and unique aircraft here too (Avrocar is just one). Even when done inside the museum, take a walk over to the left side. YOu can check out a F-15A before going to the 8th Air Force Control Tower. There are also several more planes to take a look at there in the Air Park.

I was by myself and was here for 6 hours at least looking at everything. For a family, this would be a full day of fun for the kids and a way to tire...

This is a great place to visit when you are in the Dayton, Ohio area. No matter what the age, everyone has fun seeing all the different airplanes, missles & 100's of other things displayed. We took our kids in the 1980's quite a bit. They & their cousins from Texas, Alabama, Georgia & Florida (as well as my siblings & parents in the south) loved so much going through the museum. I have not been there in many yrs, but they used to have videos you could watch, w/ chairs to sit & rest while watching. You can look for more info online but there's a theater, snack shops & a souvenir shop. We took my parents to the museum when they were in their 70's (several yrs ago) & they were in good health, so even though they walked slower than us, they were able to walk through. My dad, who was in the air force division of the Army in the 1940's especially loved seeing the uniforms & airplanes from WW 2. (see my pictures below of him +pics of my oldest granddaughter, standing on 1 of the planes at the museum in a1940's "Rosie the Riveter" outfit!). She LOVES anything vintage!) My dad & siblings were also in the military & traveled all over the world. My mom worked at the Pentagon in Washington DC, for generals, during the war, where many young people went to serve in various ways. My dad (from Tx & Al) & my mom (from Ok) met at church during the war in DC. Back to info on the museum, there is a LOT of walking, so if there's a person who has trouble walking, they'll probably need a wheelchair. I believe they provide those at the museum. If your family is visiting the area for a few days or overnight, there are tons of restaurants around (in Beavercreek, Fairburn & Dayton). Restaurants include-Chinese, Thai, Italian, Seafood, Mexican, Japanese, Indian, Mediterranean, American Family restaurants (like Golden Corral Buffet & Cracker Barrel) + many fast food Burger & Pizza places! Kids really love the museum! I have been to several other air force museums in America & other countries, but by far, WPAF Museum is the best & biggest one anywhere! I have many friends who've worked at the base & I remember in the 80's when our family ran outside to see the first Stealth Bomber fly over our house! That...