National Museum of the U.S. Air Force exhibits have included the famed “Memphis Belle” B-17 bomber from World War II.

Ohio is known as the Birthplace of Aviation. Ohio can claim the legacy of the Wright Brothers; astronauts Neil Armstrong and John Glenn; Jerrie Mock, the first woman to fly around the world; World War I flying ace Eddie Rickenbacker; the Tuskegee Airmen, who were based at Rickenbacker Air Force Base and many others. A number of museums display a wide variety of aircraft, both commercial and military.

Armstrong Air & Space Museum – The Armstrong Air & Space Museum celebrates the legacy of NASA Astronaut Neil Armstrong, the first human to step foot on the Moon. Numerous artifacts from Armstrong’s life and career as well as space-related exhibits and interactive displays are within the museum. 500 Apollo Drive, Wapakoneta (800) 860-0142.

Champaign Aviation Museum – The Champaign Aviation Museum has a number of restored aircraft, including World War II vintage B-17G, B-25J and C-47 aircraft on display. 1652 N. Main St., Urbana (937) 652-4710.

Crawford Auto-Aviation Museum – The Crawford Auto-Aviation Museum of the Western Reserve Historical Society holds a number of significant aircraft including a 1910 Curtiss Model E and a 1944 North American P-51K Mustang. 10825 E. Blvd., Cleveland (216) 721-5722.

Ernie Hall Aviation History Museum – The Ernie Hall Aviation History Museum is the legacy of early aviation pioneer and flight instructor Ernie Hall. The museum includes local, national and international aviation memorabilia that documents the development of aircraft flight. Fly-ins, historic aircraft rides and other special events are held periodically. 4033 N. River Road NE, Warren (234) 806-3008.

First Flight Lunar Module – The First Flight Lunar Module is a half-scale replica of the Apollo 11 lunar module that landed astronauts Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin on the moon July 20, 1969. The area is open and free to the public during daylight hours. Located at 2553 Parkman Road NW, Warren.

Historical Aircraft Squadron & Museum – The Historical Aircraft Squadron & Museum houses vintage military uniforms, memorabilia and equipment. It also houses the group’s restoration facilities for aircraft, vehicles and military equipment. Fly-ins, historic aircraft rides and other special events are held periodically. Hangar B, Fairfield County Airport, 3266 Old Columbus Road, Carroll (740) 653-4778.

Liberty Aviation Museum – The Liberty Aviation Museum houses a number of military and civilian aircraft, military vehicles and a PT boat, plus a Ford Tri-Motor. The Tin Goose Diner provides lunch and snack items. Fly-ins, historic aircraft rides and other special events are held periodically. Erie-Ottawa County International Airport, 3515 E. State Road, Port Clinton (419) 732-0234.

MAPS Air Museum – MAPS Air Museum is a working museum with many aircraft under restoration and preservation. Collection includes a B-26B Marauder, P-51 Mustang, F-100D Super Sabre, C-130 Hercules and many others. Fly-ins, historic aircraft rides and other special events are held periodically. 2260 International Way, North Canton (330) 896-6332.

Motts Military Museum – Motts Military Museum has exhibits from every war of U.S. involvement, from the American Revolution to 9/11 and the War in Afghanistan. Exhibits include a Bell UH-1 “Huey” helicopter flown in Vietnam and artifacts donated by Gen. Paul Tibbets, pilot of the Enola Gay that dropped the first atomic bomb on Japan in 1945. 5075 S. Hamilton Road, Groveport (614) 836-1500.

NASA Glenn Visitor Center – The Great Lakes Science Center is home to NASA Glenn Visitor Center, where you’ll find an awesome experience with galleries, interactive exhibits, fascinating artifacts and amazing NASA media. An actual Apollo Command Module is one of the world-class displays. 601 Erieside Ave., Cleveland (216) 694-2000.

National Museum of the U.S. Air Force – The National Museum of the U.S. Air Force is a world-class museum that has free parking and admission; fee for movies and special events. The museum houses more than 350 airplanes, aerospace vehicles and missiles – many of them rare and one-of-a-kind, along with thousands of historical artifacts and interactive exhibits including flight simulators. Complex includes museum store and café. 1100 Spaatz St., Dayton (937) 255-3286.

National Veterans Memorial and Museum, located in downtown Columbus, honors all veterans from all branches of the service, from all eras and from peacetime and wartime. The 53,000-square foot museum and 2.5-acre memorial grove was designated as the National Veterans Memorial and Museum by the U.S. Congress in June 2018. Located at 300 W. Broad St., Columbus (614) 362-2800.

Ohio Air & Space Hall of Fame — The Ohio Air & Space Hall of Fame and Learning Center (Ohio Air & Space) plans to house its interactive exhibits, displays, and artifacts at Port Columbus, where they will be accessible to students, educators, scholars and the public. The organization plans to restore the original Port Columbus tower into a museum and learning center.

Tri-State Warbird Museum – The Tri-State Warbird Museum’s collection includes a P-51 Mustang, a B-25 Mitchell and nine other vintage military aircraft, along with World War II exhibits. Fly-ins, historic aircraft rides and other special events are held periodically.  4021 Borman Drive, Batavia (513) 735-4500.

WACO Air Museum and Aviation Learning Center – Learn about aviation’s past, present and future at the unique WACO Air Museum and Aviation Learning Center. Based at an historic airfield, the museum houses vintage WACO aircraft and aviation displays. Also offered are hands-on educational aviation programs for school-age students, teachers and adults. 1865 S. CR 254, Troy (937) 335-9226.

Wright B Flyer – The public is welcome to view ongoing restoration work on a modern replica of the Wright Brothers’ Wright Model B Flyer, housed in a special hangar at Dayton-Wright Brothers Airport. Limited days and hours; no admission fee. 10550 N. Springboro Pike, Miamisburg (937) 885-2327.

Wright Brothers National Museum – The Wright Brothers National Museum is part of Dayton’s Carillon Historical Park, a 65-acre open air history museum that serves as the main campus for Dayton history. The museum has more Wright artifacts on display than any other place in the world, including the 1905 Wright Flyer III, the only airplane designated a National Historic Landmark, the first practical flying machine, and what the Wright brothers considered their most important aircraft. 1000 Carillon Blvd., Dayton (937) 293-2841.

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