Dayton Aviation Heritage National Historical Park

Dayton Aviation Heritage commemorates three exceptional men - Wilbur Wright, Orville Wright, and Paul Laurence Dunbar - and their work in the Miami Valley.

Through the invention of powered flight, Wilbur and Orville made significant contributions to human history. In their Dayton, Ohio, bicycle shop these two men, self-trained in the science and art of aviation, researched and built the world's first power-driven, heavier-than-air machine capable of free, controlled, and sustained flight. The Wrights also perfected their invention during 1904 and 1905 in their hometown of Dayton.

Paul Laurence Dunbar achieved national and international acclaim in a literary world that was almost exclusively reserved for whites. This gifted and prolific writer produced a body of work that included novels, plays, short stories, lyrics, and over 400 published phones. His work, which reflected much of the African American experience in America, contributed to a growing social consciousness and cultural identity for African Americans in the United States.

The park is a cooperative effort between the National Park Service and three partners, and it contains four separate sites. They are The Wright Cycle Company building and Wright brothers' print shop building; Huffman Prairie Flying Field; the 1905 Wright Flyer III; and the Paul Laurence Dunbar State Memorial.

22 South Williams Street
Dayton, OH 45407
(937) 225-7705 - Visitor Information

By Plane
The nearest airport is Dayton International Airport.

By Car
The Wright Cycle Company building is located west of downtown Dayton. From I-75 take the Third Street exit and head west. Turn left on Williams Street. The park is immediately on your left.

By Plane
The nearest RTA bus stop to The Wright Cycle company building is located at the intersection of West Third and Williams Street.

Getting Around
The four park sites are scattered throughout Dayton and the best mode of travel between them is a car.

Winter's average lows are 5 to 20 degrees F. and highs are 10 to 35 degrees F. Heavier clothing and layers are appropriate. Snow possible. Summer's average lows are 65 to 80 degrees F.and highs are 70 to 90 degrees F. Hot, humid weather is possible, as well as thunderstorms.

Here are some of the activities that are offered at Mount Rainier National Park.

• Educational Programs

Recommended Activities
Restored museum and exhibits operated by the National Park Service are located at The Wright Cycle Company building. Exhibits and visitor services are also available at the Paul Laurence Dunbar State Memorial and Carillon Historical Park. Self guiding facilities are available at Huffman Prairie Flying Field. Park is under development and currently has no visitor center.