Aviation Trail, Inc.
A non-profit corporation
in partnership with the
National Park Service
to promote Aviation Heritage
in the Dayton region
Home of the largest
private parachute collection.*
Trail Sites &
Wilbear Wright
®
Check with each site before travelling:
Visiting days and hours vary for the sites on the Aviation Trail. Each individual site sets its own visiting schedule, which may sometimes fluctuate. Changes may occur on a day-to-day basis due to circumstances. Before traveling to a site on the Aviation Trail, please be sure to verify that site’s status by calling the number shown in the site’s listing on the site listings below, and by checking the site’s own website or other contact information. (Links and contact information are shown in these descriptions).
The Dayton Aviation Trail is a self-guided tour of selected, aviation-related sites open to the public. The Trail was established in 1981 by Aviation Trail, Inc., an all-volunteer, not-for-profit corporation whose mission is to preserve and promote the Dayton's area's unique aviation heritage, starting with the invention of the airplane by Wilbur and Orville Wright. That heritage continues on to today's aerospace projects of the future now under development at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base. Tour a minimum of eight of the 17 amazing aviation sites listed below using the passport brochure. Receive a stamp at the one required site, the Wright-Dunbar Interpretive Center (Site #1a), plus a minimum of seven of the remaining sites to qualify for the FREE "Wilbear Wright" aviation teddy bear!
To receive a valid stamp the visits must be made during the prevailing visiting hours for each respective site. Some sites are not open every day and have limited hours. To check the visiting days and hours for each site see the contact information in the site descriptions on this page. (The printed Wilbear passport brochure also includes QR codes for contacting each individual site). To qualify for a Wilbear your passport must have a stamp for each of the 8 qualifying sites - submitting a photograph of a site location will not qualify. So please call each site ahead and make sure the site is open to avoid arriving on an off-day or off-hour and missing the opportunity to receive a stamp.
Aviation Trail, Inc. 2022-2023*
* Wilbear offer good while supplies last.
This “Wilbear Wright®” Program has been extended until June 30, 2024. The current brochure shows an end date of Dec. 31, 2023, but this has been extended accordingly.
"Wilbear" Program Rules
Visit 8 of the 17 Aviation Trail "Wilbear" sites
and receive a “Wilbear Wright®” teddy bear FREE!
• One required site: Site #1a - Wright-Dunbar Interpretive Center
• One passport brochure stamp per person per site visit
• Passport form must be filled out completely (postal and email address) and all 8 qualifying sites must have a stamp (no photos)
• One free “Wilbear Wright®” teddy bear per person
To claim your bear in person:
Take the completed Passport (8 stamps minimum) to any of the following distribution sites:
• Site #4 Dayton History (Carillon Park)
• Site #9 Wright “B” Flyer
• Site #11 WACO Air Museum
• Site #12 Armstrong Air & Space Museum
• Site #13 Champaign Aviation Museum
• Site #15 Tri-State Warbird Museum
• Site #16 Butler County Warbirds
To receive your bear by U.S. Postal Service:
Send completed Passport and a $7.50 check for shipping and handling to:
Aviation Trail, Inc. • PO Box 633 • Wright Brothers Branch • Dayton, OH 45409
(Allow 2-3 weeks for delivery)
See Trail Sites
1 through 17 below
(The “Wilbear” Sites)
These 17 Aviation Trail sites make up the “Wilbear Trail” and are part of the passport system where visitors can collect stamps to earn a Wilbear Wright teddy bear. But there are other area locations that are officially designated as Aviation Trail sites by Aviation Trail, Inc. Even though there is no “visitor stamp” involved, they offer a chance to learn more about the rich aviation history of the area. A few of these sites are highlighted on the “Additional Sites” page. CLICK HERE to visit that page.
Download and print a passport brochure with a small map using the button above, or pick one up at one of the participating sites
Download a larger
map of the "Wilbear"
Trail Sites
A larger (8 1/2 x 11) map of the trail sites can also be downloaded by clicking the image above, or by CLICKING HERE.
*Suggested starting points are indicated with an orange asterisk * on site listings.
• Start your tour at one of the four Wilbear Headquarters* where staff is available to get you started with site information and travel directions.
• The Wright-Dunbar Interpretive Center (Site #1a) is required to qualify for a Wilbear.
A small Wilbear picture appears in the listings below with each location where you can get your passport stamped.
* Wilbear offer good while supplies last.
This “Wilbear Wright®” Program has been extended until June 30, 2024. The current brochure shows an end date of Dec. 31, 2023, but this has been extended accordingly.
Trail Site Descriptions
Sites 1 - 17
The "Wilbear" Sites
CLICK on the photo next to each site listed below to see more information on that site.
*
Required Wilbear Site*
1a. Wright-Dunbar Interpretive Center and Aviation Trail Visitor Center
16 South Williams Street
Dayton, OH 45402
(937) 225-7705
The Wright-Dunbar Interpretive Center is located in the Hoover Block building part of this complex. The Aviation Trail Visitor Center is in the Aviation Trail building. Wilbur and Orville Wright had a job printing business in a second floor corner suite of the building from 1890 - 1895. One of their printing clients was Paul Laurence Dunbar, a former classmate of Orville Wright, and later an internationally known black poet. The name of the interpretive center reflects this special relationship. The exhibits tell about the lives of the three men and about the West Side neighborhood in which the building is located. The Hoover Block/Wright-Dunbar Interpretive Center is a unit of Dayton Aviation Heritage National Historical Park.
1b. Aviation Trail Parachute Museum
16 South Williams Street
Dayton, OH 45402
(937) 225-7705
The Aviation Trail Parachute Museum is located on the second floor of the Aviation Trail Visitor Center. The Museum tells the story of the development of the free fall parachute from its invention at Dayton’s McCook Field after World War I, up to the vital role it plays in safely landing today’s spacecraft.
The time line around the soffit of the exhibit space highlights significant events in the history of the parachute. The Museum also includes interactive exhibits, artifacts, historic photographs and text. The museum maintains what is considered one of the most comprehensive private parachute collections in the world, with research materials permanently housed at Wright State University Libraries Special Collections and Archives.
1c. The Wright Cycle Company
16 South Williams Street
Dayton, OH 45402
(937) 225-7705
This building is one of only two original Wright brothers' buildings still standing at their original locations in the West Side neighborhood where Wilbur and Orville lived, worked and invented the airplane. The other is the nearby Hoover Block building (Site 1a). The building was saved from demolition by Aviation Trail, Inc. before it was acquired by the National Park Service after the Dayton Aviation Heritage National Historical Park was created in 1992. The Wright brothers occupied the building from 1895 to 1897, manufacturing bicycles on the first floor and operating a job printing business on the second floor. During this period, Wilbur and Orville also took their first steps on the road to inventing the airplane, their Flyer I, in 1903.
2. Paul Laurence Dunbar House Historic Site
Dayton Aviation Heritage National Historical Park
219 North Paul Laurence St.
Dayton, Ohio 45402
(937) 225-7705
https://www.ohiohistory.org/visit/museum-and-site-locator/paul-laurence-dunbar-house
Explore the life, times and creativity of an author and poet laureate at the vanguard of African American literature by visiting the restored home where Paul Laurence Dunbar lived his last years.
3a. Wright Brothers Memorial
2380 Memorial Road • Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio 45433
(937) 425-0008
The memorial is located at the top of Wright Brothers Hill, overlooking the Huffman Prairie Flying Field where Wilbur and Orville conducted tests of their early flying machines in 1904 and 1905 and where the Wright School of Aviation operated a flying school from 1910 to 1916. A plaque on the stone wall surrounding the plaza around the Memorial lists the names of the 119 pilots trained at Huffman Prairie.
The Interpretive Center’s exhibits focus on the Wright brothers’ experimental flights at Huffman Prairie Flying Field in 1904 and 1905, and on The Wright Company’s flying school at Huffman Prairie from 1910 to 1916. The Interpretive Center also covers the history of Wright-Patterson Air Force Base from its beginnings at McCook Field in Dayton during World War I, up to its contributions to the aerospace projects of the future.
3b. Huffman Prairie Flying Field Interpretive Center
2380 Memorial Road • Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio 45433
(937) 425-0008
*
3c. Huffman Prairie Flying Field
Gate 16A off Route 444
Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio 45433
(937) 425-0008
After their historic first flights at Kitty Hawk, North Carolina, on December 17, 1903, the Wright brothers continued the development of their invention at Huffman Prairie field in 1904 and 1905. Later, the Wright Company operated a flying school at Huffman Prairie from 1910 to 1916. Today, the field remains much as it was when Wilbur and Orville Wright flew their experimental airplanes over Torrence Huffman’s pasture.
4. Carillon Historical Park
1000 Carillon Historical Park
Dayton, OH 45409
(937) 293-2841
*
$ Entrance Fee
Among the attractions at this unique, 65-acre outdoor museum is the original 1905 Wright Flyer III, the world's first practical airplane. The Flyer III, housed in Wright Hall, was restored under the personal direction of Orville Wright. Wright Hall is flanked by the Wilbur and Orville Wright Wings and is connected to a replica of the bicycle shop in which the Wright brothers built their 1903 airplane. These buildings comprise the John W. Berry, Sr. Wright Brothers National Museum at Carillon Historical Park, a privately owned and operated unit of Dayton Aviation Heritage National Historical Park.
5. National Museum of the United States Air Force™
1100 Spaatz St, Dayton, OH 45431
(937) 255-3286
*
The world's largest military aviation museum features more than 360 aerospace vehicles and missiles from the beginnings of military flight to today's stealth technology. Thousands of personal artifacts, photographs and documents further highlight the people and events that comprise the Air Force storyline. Tour the 19 acres of indoor exhibit space and see noteworthy aircraft such as the only permanent public exhibit of a B-2 stealth bomber, and the B-17F Memphis Belle™, one of the most recognizable symbols of World War II, and board the space shuttle exhibit and four of nine presidential aircraft. While at the museum you can ride a flight simulator, enjoy a 3D movie, eat in one of the two cafés, and shop in the museum store. Open 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. daily. Free admission and free parking.
6. National Aviation Hall of Fame
P.O. Box 31096
Dayton, Ohio 45437
(937) 256-0944
1100 Spaatz St. • Dayton, Ohio 45433
The Hall of Fame is co-mingled with the National Museum of the United States Air Force (Site 5). The National Aviation Hall of Fame has been adding up to five inductees each year since 1962. The exhibits in the Learning and Research Center tell the story of the history of American aviation with the emphasis on the aviation pioneers who made major contributions to its development. The Harry B. Combs Research Center includes a wall with the portraits of each of the enshrinees, as well as interactive access to information about each of the individuals. Other attractions include interactive exhibits and displays organized around the theme of notable eras in the history of aviation in the United States.
7. Hawthorn Hill
(Tours provided by Carillon Historical Park)
1000 Carillon Blvd.
Dayton, OH 45409
(937) 293-2841
$ Entrance Fee
Wednesdays and Saturdays by advance, prepaid reservation
Experience the Oakwood mansion that Orville Wright called home for nearly 35 years. The home of the man who invented flight and changed the world is available for educational tours. Tours are by reservation.
8. Woodland Cemetery and Arboretum
118 Woodland Avenue
Dayton, OH 45409
(937) 228-3221
Wilbur and Orville Wright, their parents Milton and Susan, and their sister Katharine are buried in the Wright family lot in Section 101. Their friend, poet Paul Laurence Dunbar, and his mother Matilda, are buried nearby in the same section. Lorin Wright, brother to Wilbur and Orville, and his family are also located at Woodland in Section 122 in a lot near the pond. The Lookout, the highest natural point in the city, provides a panoramic view of downtown Dayton. Download our mobile app for self-guided tours and maps showing the locations of the graves of prominent Daytonians.
10. Wright State University
3640 Colonel Glenn Highway
Dayton, Ohio 45435
Special Collections and Archives
Paul Laurence Dunbar Library
(937) 775-2092
Wright State University, named for Wilbur and Orville Wright, is home to the world's largest Wright brothers' manuscript collection. Housed in Special Collections and Archives, it includes the Wrights' own technical and personal library, family papers, letters, diaries, financial records, genealogical files, awards, certificates, medals, albums, recordings, and technical drawings, as well as over 4,000 photographs documenting the invention of the airplane and the lives of the Wright Family. The Archives also holds over 400 additional aviation history collections. A full scale replica of the Wrights' 1903 Flyer hangs in the library atrium and selected items from the collections are on exhibit in the Archives' Reading Room.
11. Historic WACO Field and Airplane Museum
1865 S. County Rd. 25A
Troy, Ohio 45373
(937) 335-9226
$ Entrance Fee
The WACO airfield is a working airfield reminiscent of the grass airfields of the 1930s and 1940s, the approximate era (mid-1920s to World War II) during which the airplanes built at the WACO factory in Troy dominated the civilian airplane market. The WACO Airplane Museum includes aircraft, artifacts, historic photographs and other exhibits related to the WACO Aircraft Company and the aircraft it produced. In addition to the museum, the airfield buildings also house a Learning Center, vintage aircraft restoration area, reference library and gift shop. Also, one section of the airfield is available for radio-controlled model airplane flying throughout the year.
12. Armstrong Air & Space Museum
500 Apollo Dr.
Wapakoneta, Ohio 45895
(419) 738-8811
$ Entrance Fee
Opened on July 20, 1972, the Armstrong Air & Space Museum chronicles Ohio's contributions to the history of aeronautics and spaceflight. Located in the historic hometown of Neil Armstrong, the first person to step foot on the Moon, the museum is also home to a number of world-class artifacts including the original Gemini VIII spacecraft, two of Armstrong's NASA spacesuits, and an Apollo 11 Moon rock. Not a static museum, but features numerous interactive exhibits and other audio/visual elements. Be sure to check out the Astro-Theater, where visitors can watch a 25-minute documentary on the Apollo 11 Moon landing.
13. Champaign Aviation Museum (CAM)
1652 N. Main St.. • Urbana, Ohio 43078 • 937- 652-4710
www.champaignaviationmuseum.org
Open Tuesday - Saturday 10 am - 4 pm
Free Admission, Donations Appreciated
With a reputation as a center of excellence for the restoration and maintenance of World War II era aircraft, CAM honors our Veterans and their families while educating the public about the experiences of past generations that flew in combat. CAM offers visitors a rare, hands-on opportunity to learn about aviation history and to engage with Museum volunteers as they restore the B-17 Champaign Lady Flying Fortress. Additional aircraft at CAM include an operational B-25 Champaign Gal, F-24 Fairchild, Stinson 10A, and C-1A Mudflap Girl, and on static display a C-47 Skytrain, A-26 Invader, and Beechcraft Model 18.
14. Grimes Flying Lab
1636 N. Main St.
Urbana, Ohio 43078
Located at Grimes Field in Urbana, the "lab" is a Beech 18 that served the U.S. Air Forces as a C-45 and was modified to a C-45H as a test bed for aircraft nighttime lighting systems. The aircraft was a valuable tool for engineers who worked for Warren G. Grimes - the father of aircraft lighting - before and during World War II to advance developments for safer flight at night. Grimes produced his first airplane lights in his garage in 1933 and by World War II his company had grown to produce lighting for military aviation. Besides memorabilia from Grimes' life and Grimes Manufacturing Co., historical and modern aircraft lighting products are displayed.
15. Tri-State Warbird Museum
4021 Borman Drive
Batavia OH 45103
(513) 735-4500
www.tri-statewarbirdmuseum.org
Entrance Fee
A historic aviation museum dedicated to remembering those who fought for our freedom, and honoring those who made the ultimate sacrifice.
The Tri-State Warbird Museum was formed in 2003 and opened to the public in 2004 with a commitment to preserve the aircraft of World War II, educate visitors on America’s role in WWII, and to honor the veterans who fought and whose who made the ultimate sacrifice.
Since Museum’s 24,000 sq. foot. hangar and 5,000 sq. foot. museum display space at the Clermont County Airport has opened over 1.5 million people have toured the facility and/or seen the restored aircraft gracing the skies at airshows around the country.
Continuing to grow, the Tri-State Warbird Museum aircraft collection now consists of nine significant WWII aircraft with additional acquisitions planned for the future. The Museum seeks to play a significant role in educating local youth about American history.
Butler County Warbirds, Inc.
16. Butler County Warbirds, Inc.
2351 Wedekind Drive.
Middletown, Ohio 45042
513-702-3062
www.bcwarbirds.com
Butler County Warbirds Inc., a not-for-profit corporation, was formed for the purpose of educating and entertaining individuals of all ages on the historical importance of aviation while America was at war, and to celebrate our heroes through the preservation of their aircraft and memorabilia as we share their stories.
We're located at the Middletown Regional Airport. The museum display is open to the public on Saturday and Sunday 10 AM - 5 PM and admission is free. Flight experiences can be reserved in our '43 Fairchild PT-19 Trainer. Experience flight in this historic WWII aircraft which trained many of the WWII aces and bomber pilots of the 1940s. Reservations or additional information can be obtained via email : tim@bcwarbirds.com, or telephone (513) 702-3062.
9. Wright "B" Flyer
Dayton-Wright Brothers Airport
10550 Springboro Pike (Rt. 741)
Miamisburg, Ohio 45342
(937) 885-2327
The Wright “B” Flyer is a flyable look-alike of the world’s first mass-produced airplane, manufactured in The Wright Company factory in Dayton from1910 to 1911. The look alike was built by a group of local aviation enthusiasts and the airplane is housed in a hangar that is similar to the Wright brothers’ 1910 hangar at Huffman Prairie Flying Field.
17. Sinclair National UAS Training and Certification Center
Sinclair College • 444 West Third Street • Dayton, Ohio 45402
(927) 512-4900 •uascenter@sinclair.edu
http://uas.sinclair.edu/
Located on the Sinclair College Dayton Campus in Building 13, the Sinclair National UAS Training and Certification Center and Aviation Technology facilities lead the nation in Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS) and traditional aviation training and education, applied research and development, consulting, and STEM outreach. The site’s Wilbear stamp and additional information about the facility and programs are available at a kiosk located in the first-floor lobby and free parking is available in Lot K off Perry Street. Visitors can complete a self-guided tour of the glass-walled facility during normal college hours, which are posted on the primary college website at www.sinclair.edu.
