National Aviation Heritage Area Welcomes NAHF’s 2024 Enshrinement Ceremony
The National Aviation Heritage Area is proud to support the National Aviation Hall of Fame as they host the 60th Annual Enshrinement ceremony on September 14, 2024 at the National Museum of the U.S. Air Force. The Heritage Area encourages event attendees to plan additional days in Ohio before and/or after the event to explore the region’s pivotal role in the history of aviation.
The enshrinement is based at the University of Dayton Marriott hotel. For attendees, we have included suggestions below based on distance from the hotel.
If you have one (1) hour of time to explore a heritage site:
Carillon Historical Park – This site is walkable from the hotel, and would be less than 5 minutes by car. This 65-acre open-air museum includes the National Wright Brothers Museum. Check their site for business hours and admission fees.
Woodland Cemetery & Arboretum – The final resting place of the Wright brothers and other aviation pioneers is a 15-20 walk from the UD Marriott hotel, and is a rigorous uphill climb. The drive to Woodland is less than 5 minutes.
Dayton Aviation Heritage National Historical Park – This National Park is free and welcomes visitors at 16 S. Williams St. See the 4th Wright brothers Cycle Shop and related exhibits. It is a 5 min drive from the hotel.
If you have 1 to 4 hours of time:
National Museum of the U.S. Air Force & National Aviation Hall of Fame – Located 15 minutes north of the UD Marriott hotel, explore the oldest and largest military aviation museum and take a pit stop inside to honor the legacies of America’s air and space pioneers at the National Aviation Hall of Fame.
Wright State Special Collections & Archives – Located in the Wright State University Library, the Special Collections & Archives has the world’s largest paper collection of Wright brothers material. This site would be a 20-25 minute drive and would require a parking permit obtained at the front desk.
WACO Air Museum – Located 30 minutes north of the UD Marriott hotel, the WACO Air Museum shares the history of the Weaver Aircraft Company (WACO). WACO was the leader in general aviation manufacturing through the 1930s and produced aircraft for the First and Second World Wars.
Wright B Flyer – Located 30 minutes south of the UD Marriott hotel, this organization builds and flies a look-a-like Wright brother aircraft. Please refer to their website for open days and hours.
Huffman Prairie Flying Field – Part of the National Historical Park, Huffman Prairie Flying Field is roughly a 30 minute drive from the hotel. See where the Wright brothers perfected flight and operated the Wright Flight School in the early 1900s.
If you have a full day:
In Urbana, Ohio, you can visit three sites at one location. Urbana is roughly 45 minutes by car from the hotel. Please note that each site maintains independent business hours. Please confirm your visit before traveling.
Champaign Aviation Museum
Mid-America Flight Museum – Restoration Hangar
Grimes Flying Laboratory
Armstrong Air & Space Museum – This museum is located 1 hour and 30 minutes from the hotel. Please plan accordingly. The museum celebrated the life and accomplishments of United States astronaut, Neil Armstrong, the first person to step on the moon.
General Resources:
Use the Heritage Area’s itinerary tool to build your route with driving instructions. Or explore the featured itineraries on the same page.
Consider reviewing the aviation sites in the Heritage Area. A downloadable brochure is available.
