National Museum of the US Air Force Info
Amenities
Highlights
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Live performances
Accessibility
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Wheelchair accessible entrance
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Wheelchair accessible parking lot
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Wheelchair accessible restroom
Amenities
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Restaurant
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Restroom
Children
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Good for kids
Best WLM Reviews
The National Museum of the U.S. Air Force is an absolute treasure for anyone fascinated by aviation, military history, or advanced technology. The museum is packed with an impressive range of aircraft and exhibits, but what really sets it apart are the rare gems on display, particularly the SR-71 Blackbird and the B-2 Spirit bomber.
Standing next to the SR-71 is an unforgettable experience—this aircraft, with its sleek lines and reputation for being one of the fastest and highest-flying planes ever built, is simply awe-inspiring. The museum’s detailed exhibits really give you a sense of just how groundbreaking this aircraft was. And the B-2 Spirit is equally remarkable. This stealth bomber’s cutting-edge design is both imposing and fascinating, giving visitors a rare opportunity to see such a technological marvel up close.
One of the highlights of the museum is its extensive display of Intercontinental Ballistic Missiles (ICBMs). These massive missiles tell the story of Cold War tensions and nuclear deterrence, and it’s incredible to see them up close. The museum does an excellent job of explaining the historical significance of these weapons while keeping the exhibits accessible and engaging.
Overall, the museum is incredibly well-organized, with knowledgeable staff who are more than happy to share their expertise. There’s so much to see, from World War I planes to cutting-edge modern aircraft, and the interactive displays keep you engaged throughout. In my opinion, this is the best aviation museum in the world, and I’ll definitely be a repeat visitor. If you love aircraft or military history, this museum is an absolute must-see!
Highly recommend this place! My parents used to take me when I was younger and I always loved it! I think I even enjoyed it more now as a adult! Free admission too! They do ask for donations but the donations go right back into bettering the museum! Great time for sure! Allow pretty much the whole day to get through it especially if you want to read a lot of the information available there!
Free admission, making it accessible to all.
Perfect for aviation and military history enthusiasts; a must-visit for tourists.
Plan to spend at least half a day to cover major exhibits and immerse yourself in the experience.
Impressive collection of historic and modern aircraft, from WWII planes to experimental jets.
Educational exhibits covering aviation history, Air Force technology, and the role of air power.
Interactive displays make it engaging and family-friendly, enjoyable for visitors of all ages.
Arriving early is recommended to make the most of the visit.
Notable spots to visit include the Presidential Aircraft Gallery and the Space Gallery.
On-site cafes are available for breaks, so you can recharge and explore further.
My visit in July was memorable, with free access and a range of exhibits that made it worthwhile for both tourists and aviation enthusiasts.
If you love aviation and/or military history, you will absolutely love this national treasure. It's so extensive, so awesome in size, 19 acres packed with US air force planes, war histories & personalities from WW1 to the space age that you will be overwhelmed and exceedingly pressed for time.
On multiple road trips from Florida to Michigan, we drove right through Dayton, Ohio, north on Interstate 75 but never stopping. This time, we did, and man o' man we were blown away. It's absolutely huge. There are 19 massive halls, and we only managed to see three in two hours. Good thing the museum is free, because we plan on stopping there again on our way home next week. Even then, we will not have seen half of it. Yeah, it's that colossal. And the presentation is fantastic.
Absolutely loved the National Air Force Museum. I did not expect it to be as vast as it was along with how many A/C are there. I would highly recommend for any individual or family. They air and space sections throughout the museum as well as plenty of military Aircraft and space crafts. They have an assortment of WWII planes from the US as well as Japan and Germany. They have a holocaust section that's really nice but I just wish it were a little bit bigger with more detail. The gift shop is also really nice although a little pricey but it is a not for profit museum so you can expect to pay a premium. All in all absolutely beautiful and put together wonderfully. I give it 100 stars.
Best aircraft museum I have ever been to. They have not only examples of most aircraft, they have the original aircraft that participated in history. Very large museum. Beautiful displays. Not crowded like many. All aircraft in superb condition. Spend a whole day here if you are an aircraft buff or an Air Force veteran. Great gift shop. Most aircraft are inside very large hangers.
I am a huge fan of this museum. You could easily spend an entire day here, if not two! The fact that it is free is even better. Parking and entry are both easy. If you plan on staying an entire day it might not be a bad idea to bring lunch though as the food options are lacking. The staff are all incredibly nice as well.
As a side note, there are a few outdoor exhibits that people seem to forget about. If the weather is nice they are worth looking at.
The National Museum of the United States Air Force in Dayton is an absolute gem offering free admission, making it accessible to everyone. Housing over 360 aircraft and missiles, it stands as the world’s largest military aviation museum. The exhibits span from the early days of flight to modern stealth technology, featuring iconic planes like the SR-71 Blackbird, the B-17 “Memphis Belle,” and several presidential aircraft, including the SAM 26000 Air Force One.
The museum provides an enriching experience with interactive displays and detailed information, catering to both novices and experts. It’s family-friendly with activities for all ages.
The layout is intuitive with clear signage guiding you through aviation history. Facilities are clean and well-maintained, and there’s an on-site café for convenience. Plan to spend at least a full day to fully appreciate all it has to offer.
Quick Facts About National Museum of the US Air Force
Today
Opening Hours
| Monday | 09:00 AM - 05:00 PM |
|---|---|
| Tuesday | 09:00 AM - 05:00 PM |
| Wednesday | 09:00 AM - 05:00 PM |
| Thursday | 09:00 AM - 05:00 PM |
| Friday | 09:00 AM - 05:00 PM |
| Saturday | 09:00 AM - 05:00 PM |
| Sunday | 09:00 AM - 05:00 PM |
How to go there