Top Flight Fun in Dayton
Nowhere else in the world but Dayton can you see the collection of amazing artifacts, experience the authentic sites, and learn the complete and compelling story of the Wrights and the invention of manned, powered fight. We've laid out some ideas to help you plan your trip in Dayton, the Birthplace of Aviation and So Much More!
Receive a Wilbear Wright Aviator Teddy Bear!
You could earn your very own Wilbear Wright Teddy Bear by visiting sites on the Dayton Aviation Trail!
Tour a minimum of 8 of the 17 amazing aviation sites listed in this brochure. Receive a stamp at the one required site, Wright-Dunbar Interpretive Center, plus a minimum of 7 of the remaining sites to qualify for the FREE "Wilbear Wright" aviator teddy bear.
*All sites are listed below Wright-Dunbar Interpretive Center is the first and required site, all the rest are listed alphabetically.
Day 1
Dayton Aviation Heritage National Historical Park
Begin your Top-Flight Fun at the only required Wilbear Passport stop: the Dayton Aviation Heritage National Historical Park’s free Wright-Dunbar Interpretive Center & Wright Cycle Shop. Call ahead for the latest opening schedules.
Historic Home of Paul Laurence Dunbar
Collect a stamp at the historic home of Paul Laurence Dunbar, a childhood friend of Orville and Wilbur Wright and the first internationally recognized African American poet and writer. Call ahead for the opening status.
Carillon Historical Park
Carillon Historical Park is a 65-acre open-air history museum that serves as the main campus for Dayton History. You will learn about the countless ways Dayton changed the world! OPEN!
Wright Brothers National Museum
The museum has more Wright artifacts on display than any other place in the world, including the original 1905 Wright Flyer III—the only airplane designated a National Historic Landmark. OPEN!
Culp's Cafe
Enjoy lunch on the grounds of Carillon Historical Park. Culp's Cafe serves soup, salads and sandwiches, ice cream and sodas.
Carillon Brewing Company
Savor foods that tell the stories of Dayton’s earliest immigrants that shaped the historic brewing industry—English, Germans, Irish.
Hawthorn Hill
From Carillon Historical Park, take a short drive to Hawthorn Hill, the Wright family mansion and get another passport stamp. Call ahead for tour days and times.
Woodland Cemetery & Arboretum
Get a stamp at the beautiful, serene, and hilly Woodland Cemetery and Arboretum, the final resting grounds of the Wright family.
Wright B Flyer
Take off for the Wright B Flyer, where you can take an actual flight in a Wright Brothers reproduced airplane. Get another stamp! Call ahead for opening status.
Dinner
You will find friendly dining options abound at Austin Landing and the Dayton Mall area, adjacent to the Wright B Flyer.
Discounts - National Aviation Heritage Area Boarding Pass
Now Boarding all parents, couples, veterans, and neighbors. There has never been a better time to visit one of the National Aviation Heritage Area’s museums and attractions. For a limited time, sign up for a free Boarding Pass and take advantage of discounts on admission, retail, theater experiences, and more.
Day 2
National Museum of the U.S. Air Force
The free National Museum of the U.S. Air Force is the world’s largest and oldest military aviation museum featuring over 340+ aerospace vehicles. A passport stamp location!
Valkyrie Café
The Valkyrie Café is on the 2nd floor above the Air Force Museum Store. Selections range from salads to pizza and everything in between. Seating capacity is currently limited to 120.
National Aviation Hall of Fame
Get your passport stamped at the National Aviation Hall of Fame which recognizes aviation pioneers. It is located inside the National Museum of the U.S. Air Force.
Huffman Prairie Flying Field
Take a short drive to experience the Dayton Aviation Heritage National Historical Park Hufman Prairie Flying Field Interpretive Center and obtain another stamp. Call ahead for opening status.
Engineers Club of Dayton
Dine at the Dayton Engineers Club, where inventors like the Wrights and Kettering (electric car starter and many patents) brainstormed and ate.
Wright Brothers 1905 Flyer
After dinner, take a photo in front of the Wright Brothers 1905 flyer statue next to the Engineers Club. Then, snap some shots of the rivers and downtown.
Congratulations!
You’ve collected over 8 stamps and earned your Wilbear Wright Aviator Teddy Bear! You may pick it up in person at the Wright-Dunbar Interpretive Center, or please mail your completed passport to:
“Wilbear Wright” c/o Wright-Dunbar Interpretive Center
Dayton Aviation Heritage National Historical Park
16 S. Williams St.
Dayton, OH 45402