4234. Go to the National Museum of the United States Air Force in Dayton

 When finalizing our trip this summer, I realized we had several hours in Dayton. I wanted to go to the National Museum of the United States Air Force which Stacy recommended to me. The hubby easily agreed especially because they had a bomber he wanted to see.

The National Museum of the United States Air Force is located on Wright-Paterson Air Force Base. Even though it's on the base, you don't need to go through clearance to visit. It is open 9-5 daily and is free to visit. Of course you can add on photos and flight simulators but the actual museum is free. Donations are always accepted.

The museum consists of 5 airplane hangers full of airplanes, engines, missiles, and history displays of the Air Force. Each hanger covers a specific period in flight history starting with Wright Brothers and spanning into the Space era and current air craft. 

Both the hubby and I wanted to see specific air craft but we did go through each gallery. I have to admit the hubby did kind of race through the Early Years but to be fair we just came from the Dayton Aviation Heritage National Historic Park where we learned about the early days of flight. This just expands on that. I do love see all the old planes though.

One of the exhibits featured Billy Mitchell. He was an early military pilot. I finally learned the history of the man that General Mitchell International Airport is name for.

One of my favorite galleries was the World War Two Gallery. I loved seeing all the brightly colored warbirds as well as the artwork on some of these planes.

I did learn a few things about Richard Bong who apparently Bong Recreation Area in southern Wisconsin is named after. 

I also got to see the plane I was wanting to see. The Memphis Belle and learned more of her story.

Another of the highlights of the day was taking my picture in a real space suit.

As we moved through Korea and Southeast Asia War exhibits, there were more plans you could climb and see the insides of especially cargo carriers. 

The hubby was able to see Strategic Air Command Plane and more importantly the B2 Bomber. 

The Space Age Exhibit was no different than being at Kennedy Space Center except that the Space Shuttle was only a trainer not one that flew in space. 

After going through all those galleries, then you hit the Presidential Gallery where you can climb aboard several Air Force Ones. One from the Eisenhower Era and one from the Reagan Era. It was fascinating to see how technology improved over the years.

We saw a lot of aircraft. We saw everything we came to see. Most people spend all day there, we did the entire museum in about 2 hours. So if don't think you have enough time, you do. Go in with a game plan and focus on what interests you. But if you have all day to spend there and enjoy reading exhibits (which we really do not), you definite should. Either way, if you are in Dayton the National Museum of the United States Air Force is a must see.