Hi, all Larry Maden (N94109) here, and I live in Dayton, OH. I thought folks might make a more informed decision on the Aviation Trail if they had a little more info on it. The following link takes you to the "official" NPS Aviation Trail web site: http://www.nps.gov/daav/historyculture/theaviationtrailincguide.htm
The sites that actually have flight related exhibits are: Dayton History at Carillon Historical Park 1000 Carillon Blvd. Dayton Ohio 45409 937-293-2841 Hours: 9:30am - 5:00pm Monday through Saturday Admission charged Among the exhibits in this 65-acre park, is the John W. Berry, Sr. Wright Brothers Aviation Center which is part of the Dayton Aviation Heritage National Historical Park. The Wright Flyer III, flown at Huffman Prairie in 1905, is on exhibit. The Center also displays many Wright brothers personal artifacts. --This park is really nice.It has a restaurant on site; An entrance fee is charged. I'm a little prejudiced here, as my mother-in law is a docent in the aviation building! Associated with Carillon Park is: Hawthorn Hill 901 Harman Avenue Oakwood, Ohio 45419 Tours are available through Dayton History at Carillon Park. 937-293-2841 Hawthorn Hill was the home of Orville Wright from 1915 until his death in 1948. --This requires a separate bus trip. The City20of Oakwood, where it is located, restricted auto and bus traffic to the house. I've never been there, I hear it is nice if you enjoy seeing older houses with period furnishings. Huffman Prairie Flying Field Gate 16A on Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio 45433 937-425-0008 Hours: Thursday through Tuesday 8:00am to 6:00pm Subject to closure due to base operations. Free Huffman Prairie Flying Field is the world's first flying field. Here the Wrights conducted flying experiments starting in 1904. The flying field also became the location of their first flying school. Huffman Prairie is located on Wright-Patterson Air Force Base and is part of the Dayton Aviation Heritage National Historical Park. Huffman Prairie Flying Field Interpretive Center 2380 Memorial Road Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Dayton, Ohio 45433 937-425-0008 Hours: 8:30am to 5:00pm daily; until 6:00pm during summer months Closed: Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year's Day Free The Interpretive Center contains exhibits which focus on the development of the world's first practical airplane at Huffman Prairie in 1904 and 1905, and the brothers return in 1910 to 1915. Also on display are the accomplishm ents of Wright-Patterson Air Force Base. -- I've been to the the flying field many times as I used to walk and bicycle around the base when I was assigned there. I haven't been to the interpretive building, built since my retirement. A plus to this sight is the possibility of seeing C-5's and F-16's arriving and departing WPAFB. Nearby is the: Wright Brothers Memorial Wright Brothers Hill Kauffman Road and Route 444 Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio 45433 Hours: 8:00am to 8:00pm daily The Wright Brothers Memorial stands as a monument to the Wright brothers and their achievement of powered flight. Dedicated on August 19, 1940, the memorial overlooks Huffman Prairie Flying Field, where the Wrights conducted many of their experiments. The Huffman Prairie Flying Field Interpretive Center is also located at the site. -- I must admit to driving by this site hundreds of times, but never going in. It is on area B of WPAFB where I' have been many times,which offers great views (on a clear day) of Dayton and Area A of the base; more chances at C-5 and F-16 viewing, maybe. Downtown: First Wright Brothers Bicycle Shop Site 1005 West Third Street Dayton, Ohio 45407 This privately owned site is not open to the public. The Wright brothers' first bicycle shop was located at 1005 West Third Street in a building that was incorporated into the Gem City Ice Cream20building. This structure, which the brothers used in 1892, is currently being refurbished. --- Actually it is now open to the public. Admission is free. I've never been there, nor do I have word of mouth information. Sorry. ---Some may note the Waco museum. It is open on weekends only. --Sporty's Pilot Shop has a Saturday fly in with hot dogs. Short flight, longer drive from KMWO. ---It is my understanding that Kevin has two vans available for the Aviation Trail activity. If more than two van-fulls are needed, I have a school bus on call for the Aviation Trail trip and a bus lined up for the AF Museum trip on Friday. Obviously, the more lead time we have for any need we might have for additional buses would be better! ---Another issue is the Tattoo at the AF Museum on Friday evening. This activity will have a crowd of many thousands in attendance. There will be fly-by's of various AF aircraft (beyond F-16's and C-5's). There will be a free country music concert. It will end in the late evening and traffic will not be light. Expect a late night arrival back in Middletown. Also expect to sit in the sun for a long while at the Museum (seating not provided). I've been to one (minus the free country music) and it was hot as the blazes with almost no shade available and long periods of time spent waiting for something to happen. All in all, it was not a positive experience, but that was in my view with my pers onality (crowd adversive). While I can arrange a bus (at a cost) to attend it should folks want to attend, frankly, I would discourage attendance. Thanks for your attention, I know it was a long mail message. LGM
