Dayton Aviation Heritage National Historical Park

16 South Williams Street
Dayton, Ohio 45402

Phone
Wright-Dunbar Interpretive Center
(937) 225-7705
Huffman Prairie Interpretive Center
(937) 425-0008

WELCOME to Dayton Aviation Heritage National Historical Park

Three exceptional men from Dayton, Ohio, Wilbur Wright, Orville Wright and Paul Laurence Dunbar, found their creative outlet here through accomplishments and failures, and finally success. However, these men offered the world something far greater, they offered the world hope, and the ability to take a dream and make it a reality.

History

There are four National Historic Landmarks and a National Register Historic District located within Dayton Aviation Heritage National Historical Park. These include The Wright Cycle Company building, Hoover Block, Huffman Prairie Flying Field, 1905 Wright Flyer III, and the Paul Laurence Dunbar State Memorial. Together these sites tell the story of the lives and legacies of Wilbur Wright, Orville Wright, and Paul Laurence Dunbar.

The Wright Cycle Company Complex
The Wright Cycle Company complex consists of the Wright Cycle Company building and the Wright–Dunbar Interpretive Center (the restored Hoover Block) and the new Aviation Trail Visitor Center and Museum.

Wright Cycle Company
The fourth bicycle shop operated by the Wrights is the only building remaining as testament to their bicycle business. The Cycle Shop forms a part of the Wright Cycle Company complex. Designated as a National Historic Landmark in 1990.

Hoover Block
The brothers operated their second print shop here as Wright & Wright, Job Printers. The Hoover Block forms a part of the Wright Cycle Company complex. Designated as part of the West Third Street Historic District in 1988.

Huffman Prairie Flying Field
Retrace the footsteps and flight path of the Wright brothers. The Huffman Prairie Flying Field Interpretive Center helps to explain the Wrights’ accomplishments at Huffman Prairie Flying Field. Designated a National Historic Landmark in 1990.

1905 Wright Flyer III
The world’s first practical airplane built by the Wright brothers in 1905 and flown at Huffman Prairie Flying Field, is the centerpiece of the John W. Berry, Sr. Wright Brothers Aviation Center. Designated as a National Historic Landmark in 1990.