DAYTON

Learn about our state’s rich aviation heritage, enjoy live music and great brews, and explore the nation’s largest paved network of multi-use trails.

By Macy Kile

Aviation Excellence

Dayton’s Aviation Trail was founded in 1981 to help promote the city and region’s aviation heritage. Each of the 40 sites on the trail illuminate why Ohio played such a pivotal role in flight. First-time visitors should begin their journey at the Wright-Dunbar Interpretive Center/Aviation Trail Visitor Center to learn about each stop and pick up an Aviation Trail passport. Those who get the passport stamped at eight of 17 listed locations can redeem it for an adorable Wilbear Wright aviator teddy bear.

While at the visitor center, be sure to check out the on-site Aviation Trail Parachute Museum. It offers insight into Dayton’s role in what has become a vital piece of gear for those heading into the skies. James Floyd Smith developed the first free-fall parachute with a ripcord, which was a precursor to today’s modern parachute, while working at Dayton’s McCook Field during World War I.

“Here, you can see a multitude of handson items and exhibits that are related to the use of parachutes … and the history of the first emergency free-fall parachute events,” says Randy Zuercher, curator of the Aviation Trail Parachute Museum.

Other sites along the trail include the WACO Air Museum in the nearby city of Troy, which was the nation’s largest producer of civil aircraft during the late 1920s and early ’30s. Visitors can view vintage aircraft and artifacts, take part in 100th anniversary celebration events and even book a flight in a WACO plane.

Make the Wright-Dunbar Interpretive Center/Aviation Trail Visitor Center your first stop when exploring aviation heritage (above). Levitt Pavilion Dayton hosts free concerts all summer long (opposite page).

Another special stop on the Aviation Trail is the National Museum of the United States Air Force, which is also celebrating its 100th anniversary. The museum opened in 1923, making it the oldest military aviation museum in the world. It’s also the largest on the planet, with over 350 aerospace vehicles and missiles as well as a vast collection of artifacts. Notable aircraft include the Boeing B-17F “Memphis Belle,” a legendary World War II bomber.

“[It] was the first heavy bomber to complete 25 missions over Europe and return back to the United States. That was a rare feat in World War II,” says Rob Bardua, public affairs manager for the National Museum of the United States Air Force. “Visitors can also walk through presidential aircraft and see how presidential travel has changed over the years.”

The four presidential planes that visitors can walk through include smaller ones used by Franklin D. Roosevelt, Harry S. Truman and Dwight D. Eisenhower, as well as the SAM 26000 jet that was used by eight presidents beginning with John F. Kennedy.

Music, Beer & Outdoor Fun

Levitt Pavilion Dayton brings a summer full of free concerts to the heart of the city. Since 2018, the downtown venue has hosted a concert series where all are welcome to bring a picnic blanket or lawn chair, choose a spot on the grass and relax to a variety of live acts scheduled throughout the summer. Food and drinks are welcome in the park, but there are concessions and food trucks available on-site as well. The concert lineup can be found at the Levitt Pavilion website.

Fraze Pavilion in nearby Kettering has outdoor concerts and community festivals scheduled throughout the summer. Touring acts from all genres make stops at this 4,300-capacity outdoor amphitheater. In addition, Fraze Pavilion also hosts the annual