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National Historical Park · Ohio

Dayton Aviation Heritage National Historical Park

National Historical Park in Ohio. No entrance fee.

By The Green Adventures · Updated · How we check

TypeNational Historical Park
StateOhio
Entrance feeNo entrance fee
CampgroundsNone
Nearest national parkCuyahoga Valley (167 mi)
Closest airportDAY (10 mi)
A three-story brick building with tall green windows and a tall photo mural on the glass wall
The main entrance to the Wright-Dunbar Interpretive Center Photo: NPS / Tom Engberg

Dayton Aviation Heritage National Historical Park is a national historical park run by the National Park Service in Ohio.

In the park service’s words

Dayton Aviation Heritage National Historical Park was established to honor the lives and achievements of poet and author Paul Laurence Dunbar and aviation pioneers Wilbur and Orville Wright. Through perseverance and dedication Orville, Wilbur and Paul were able to overcome obstacles in their lives and leave their respective marks on history. Start your visit at one of our locations today.

From the National Park Service (public domain).

Things to do

  • Tour the Wright Cycle Shop (20 to 45 Minutes): The 4th bike shop that the Wright Brothers operated is a fixture of Dayton Aviation Heritage National Historical Park. Come see the bike shop where the Wrights fixed bicycles and refined their mechanical ingenuity to develop the world's first practical airplane.
  • Ranger Guided Tours of Dayton's National Park (30 to 60 Minutes): The park offers ranger guided tours during the summer months, typically from Memorial Day through Labor Day, at one or both of the visitor centers.
  • Exploring Huffman Prairie Flying Field (10 to 60 Minutes): Visit the site where aviation history was born, Huffman Prairie Flying Field. Visitors can explore the area and view a replica hangar that is similar to the one which the Wrights used to house their airplanes. A sprawling prairie also offers visitors a chance to stroll and explore nature too.

Fees and hours

Entrance fee: No entrance fee.

Hours: Mon Closed; Tue Closed; Wed 9:00AM - 4:00PM; Thu 9:00AM - 4:00PM; Fri 9:00AM - 4:00PM; Sat 9:00AM - 4:00PM; Sun 9:00AM - 4:00PM. The Wright-Dunbar Interpretive Center is located just west of downtown Dayton on South Williams Street, directly south of Third Street. Interpretive displays, interactive exhibits and the park introductory film are all available at the WDIC. A small gift shop is also on site and is stocked with souvenirs and books related to the Wrights and Paul Laurence Dunbar.

Getting there

Located in west-central Ohio, the park is easily accessible via I-70, I-75 or US Route 35. The main park visitor center, Wright Dunbar Interpretive Center, is located at S. Williams St. and W. Third St. in Dayton.

Airport City Drive to the park Straight-line miles Type
James M. Cox Dayton International Airport (DAY) Dayton, OH No road route 10 Regional
Cincinnati Municipal Airport Lunken Field (LUK) Cincinnati, OH No road route 50 Regional
Cincinnati Northern Kentucky International Airport (CVG) Cincinnati / Covington, KY No road route 59 Large hub

Drive times run from the airport to Zion Canyon Visitor Center, estimated with OSRM routing on OpenStreetMap roads at normal speeds; allow extra for traffic, stops and construction.

Miles are straight-line distances.

Visitor centers

  • Wright-Dunbar Interpretive Center: Mon Closed; Tue Closed; Wed 9:00AM - 4:00PM; Thu 9:00AM - 4:00PM; Fri 9:00AM - 4:00PM; Sat 9:00AM - 4:00PM; Sun 9:00AM - 4:00PM. The Wright Dunbar Interpretive Center is open from Wednesday through Sunday from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Starting in 2026, the park intends to expand daily hours and adjust to a 9:30 a,m. to 5:00 p.m. operation.
  • Huffman Prairie Interpretive Center: Mon Closed; Tue Closed; Wed 9:00AM - 4:00PM; Thu 9:00AM - 4:00PM; Fri 9:00AM - 4:00PM; Sat 9:00AM - 4:00PM; Sun 9:00AM - 4:00PM. Open Wednesday - Sunday. Closed Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day, and New Year's Day.
  • [Paul Laurence Dunbar House Visitor Center](): Mon Closed; Tue Closed; Wed Closed; Thu Closed; Fri 10:00AM - 4:00PM; Sat 10:00AM - 4:00PM; Sun 10:00AM - 4:00PM. The Paul Laurence Dunbar House Visitor Center is open from Friday to Sunday from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. The last tour occurs at 3:30 p.m.

Weather

The park lies in a humid continental zone with a generally temperate climate. Winters are mildly cold with average temperatures around 39 degrees (F). Summers are hot and humid with an average temperature around 74 degrees (F). Average annual total rainfall is just above 41". Snowfall in the winter is generally light with an average total snowfall of about 25".

From the National Park Service (public domain).

Know before you go

Drones are banned at almost every park site, and you may not take rocks, plants or artifacts. Pets must be on a leash no longer than 6 feet where they are allowed. Bring no firewood from home.

Nearby

The nearest national park is Cuyahoga Valley, about 167 miles away in a straight line.

Sources

Last checked 1 November 2026.

Frequently asked questions

Is there an entrance fee at Dayton Aviation Heritage National Historical Park?

No entrance fee.

Where is Dayton Aviation Heritage National Historical Park?

In Ohio. The closest airport with scheduled flights is James M. Cox Dayton International Airport, about 10 miles away.

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