31 Best Stops Between Columbus and Cincinnati (2024)

This is by far the greatest air museum I have been to!! Judging from the other reviews here or any where else, the place totally does not disappoint! You and your family definitely should spend a day and you'll see. It's FREE admission and parking. There's plenty of displays and definitely gives honor to the service men and women of the past and present. I would love to visit again! (When they open the Early Days of flight)

This place is huge and has so many planes! It's very informative of all the wars and how the planes came about. I really liked that it had places you could stop and watch a video of people speaking about their experiences. The air force one planes were tight! If you are claustrophobic I do not recommend :DThey were setting up for an air force dinner ball and everyone that came looked amazing!Gift shop had a lot of fun things you can purchase.

Massive museum with an extensive collections of planes from the beginnings of aviation until today.Definitely could spend days in there and still have material to read and learn.A great museum for any history, military or aviation buff.Lots of walking ( smart watch clocked 6 miles indoors!) so be ready for those distances.

Took my girlfriend here for a surprised trip and we had such a great experience. Since she's a teacher, she enjoyed reading all the history and facts about the planes and about the equipment used in the wars. I love how clean this place was and spread out so it never felt crowded. I recommend spending about 2 days here if you want to get the full experience and read everything. About 1 day if you just want to look at everything. Great gift shop and cafeteria too.

After 15+ years, I managed to return to this museum, and I was impressed by the changes. -including a new building.The museum covers flight from the earliest days all the way to current space vehiclesIf you go, wear comfortable shoes and bring a spare battery for your camera. The docents are helpful and know details of the exhibits. I do recommend making a donation and getting a site map so you can target sections to visit. I suspect I will find an excuse to return sometime soon.

The exhibits are great. I have visited twice before and would come back again to see the exhibits.The parking lot has two electric chargers with four parking spots. The charging is slower than my home charger but is at a decent charging rate of about 30 miles per hour.The food court is expensive. Cost about $50 for one adult and two kids for food and drinks.Most ridiculous is that there is NO water station anywhere in the museum. I understood that water fountains are not safe in this pandemic. However, at least the museum should put water bottle fill stations.Other than staying thirsty, your only option is to visit the cafe and pay $2.75 for a bottle of water.In the cafe, there is NO plastic recycling for the plastic package and the water bottles. As a public institution, the museum should do better on recycling.

This is such an awesome museum. They have so many airplanes to look at. If you are an airplane enthusiast set aside at least a whole day to spend here. There is so much history in this museum. They also have some simulators you can try out, those cost money. Be warned, the cafe is very expensive. If you can I recommend eating elsewhere. The gift shop is awesome and has all kinds of cool things to get.

This place is a great learning experience for anyone who wants to know about military or the planes involved and the aircraft in general. Seeing it up close is a beautiful thing because from TV or just photos you can't really tell the true size of this place as well as the aircraft inside. Very beautifully taken care of great summertime fun nice and cool on the inside. Great for the whole family! Definitely worth visiting!!! They even have a gift shop and a food area.

It was an amazing experience! The museum is so huge, and there are so many different aircraft to see! Lots of experimental and hard-to-find aircraft, and from so many different time periods. There is also a large collection of presidential aircraft which you can walk through and a missile collection. An outstanding collection that you could easily spend a few days looking at. Great place for history enthusiasts and aviation nuts. Would highly recommend.

Awesome place from start to finish! The lady at the beginning who helped show us things on the map that we wanted to see was VERY helpful. This is an incredible place for aviation enthusiasts, people interested in history, little kids amazed by big vehicles, etc. Everyone should try to make it here at least once. Even the bathrooms were good, the facility was clean, and the gift shop had lots of good quality fun things to choose from. We'll definitely be back!

You can get a sweeping view of Air Force and military aviation progress at the National Museum of the United States Air Force, the world’s largest and oldest military aviation museum. There are more than 360 aircraft and aerospace vehicles on display, many rare and one-of-a-kind. In addition, you’ll find thousands of historical aviation artifacts. If you love the Air Force, aviation or the military in general, you will want to visit. We have been to several service national museums and this one is one of the best. Highly recommend visiting. Would definitely suggest to plan to visit with 4-5 hours available. Museum admission and parking are free (fee for theater and flight simulators).

Such a wonderful experience!! I visited the National Museum of the U.S. Air Force on 30 November 2023. The Behind the Scenes Tour was aHHmazing! Our Tour Guide, Will McLaughlin, was fun, personable, polite, and very knowledgeable. I highly recommend taking a field trip for work, school, or with your family. You will not be disappointed. I had a great time!🇺🇲 ✈ 🎖️ 🦅 =★= 🪖

I had a limited amount of time to view the display. I was blown away by the size of some of the aircraft. You just don't have a true feel for some of these aerospace vehicles until you're standing right next to it. Service is great. The facility was very clean. I took advantage of their free mobility cart because of an injury. I would not have been able to view much of the displays but I was able to make it through all the buildings without being an excruciating pain which is a win-win for me. I highly recommend it.

Simply incredible, and FREE to enter. So many amazing planes. Probably the only place you can see 2 different SR71 models in the same museum. Some other favorites there were the YF 23, F 117 and the B2. The prototype planes were neat too. It took me about two hours just to look at everything and read maybe 15%. If you are near and have more than 2 hours you need to go

I had a great 3 hours in the museum. I wasn't expecting so many air and space craft. It took quite a bit just to walk around. I got an hour tour of hanger 4 from Dennis - and it was AMAZING. Dennis served in the Air Force so he had his own stories but was incredibly knowledgeable about the entire museum and each plane. Just a fantastic experience. A must see!

Free to get in!I recently visited the Air Force museum and was pleasantly surprised by the extensive indoor and outdoor exhibits they had to offer. The museum was filled with a lot of people, more than I had planned for, but it added to the energetic atmosphere of the place.The indoor exhibits were informative and well-curated, showcasing the history and advancements of the Air Force over the years. I particularly enjoyed the displays of vintage planes and helicopters, as well as the interactive exhibits that allowed visitors to get a hands-on experience of what it's like to be a pilot.The outdoor exhibits were equally impressive, with a wide range of aircraft displayed in an open-air setting. It was fascinating to see the different planes up close and learn about their unique features and capabilities.One thing to note is that weapons are not allowed on the premises, so be sure to leave those at home. However, this didn't detract from the overall experience, as the museum had plenty of other interesting things to see and do.Overall, I had a great time at the Air Force museum and would highly recommend it to anyone with an interest in aviation or military history. The exhibits were engaging, the staff was friendly and knowledgeable, and I left feeling enriched by all that I had learned during my visit.

Impressive sized museum with an extensive collection of aircraft throughout history. I spent about 3 hours here, and still more to see. I went on a free tour that was really informative and interesting. They offer various free tours in different sections. This is a museum for all ages and interests. Definitely recommend to go here.

This is hands down one of my favorite museums. I've been 4-5 times now and love bringing friends and family for their first time. The staff is fantastic and the tours are incredible. You could spend all day here and learn so much. It would be hard to fit everything into one day if you do all the tours. They are free and 100% worth it.

Lot of history and plenty of planes to see. It's definitely a place for all age groups, especially for those who love history and big planes. The place is huge so I'd encourage you to carry plenty of fluids. The entry into Air Force One was great, although it's not a newer plane. I would plan for a full day visit so you get ample time to see everything. Don't miss the theater show and be sure to check the show timings ahead of visit.

This place this incredible! To begin its 100% free! How can you beat that. Besides that this place is a history bombshell! Tons of history in this place beyond just military. They have stuff dedicated to the beginning of flight. Then they progress through flight throughout history starting with world war I moving to world war II then the Vietnam and korean war and moving to modern flight. The end is space flight and presidential planes. Awesome place. Interactive for kids and more information than you can take in for a single visit. Will have to return.

AWESOME experience! If you are a history museum fan, if you love airplanes, if you want to see the biggest collection of aero history in one place, you have to plan to visit!The museum is free to attend. They ask for a donation. Parking is free and plenty of it. We walked through all the hangers and spent the entire day at the museum (which is so easy to do because there is so much to see!!). There are free guided tours (see website in advance to see times and hangers) that give so much information about the planes and history. I was at this museum when I was a kid- it’s been over 30 years- and now my first time back with my own kids, it was way better and far exceeded my expectations! My husband who is military, my 10 year old son- all completely blown away at this gem of a museum!We will definitely be going back at some point! Worth doing again!Do plan to spend the whole day.Don’t forget the planes outside too!There is a cafe. Only water in clear bottles allowed. But if you pack a cooler there are covered shelters outside for a picnic lunch.

Wow. So much to see. I am sure we barely touched the surface. There were so many things to hear and read about. The museum is donation based only. There is a simulator you can pay to ride. We loved walking I. The old Air Force One planes. But the space is tight in those. Not really for the claustrophobic! Overall a great stop for us!

The Dayton Air Force Museum is an absolute must-visit for anyone with even a passing interest in aviation, history, or the U.S. Air Force. This museum is a journey through the evolution of aviation and the incredible achievements of the United States Air Force.Upon entering, you're greeted by an array of aircraft, from the early Wright Brothers' creations to the most advanced and iconic fighter jets of today. The collection is impeccably maintained, and the attention to detail in the exhibits is impressive.What sets this museum apart is its commitment to storytelling. The exhibits are not just about hardware; they're about the people, the missions, and the impact of the U.S. Air Force on our world. The personal stories, dioramas, and interactive displays engage visitors of all ages.The staff is knowledgeable, passionate, and always willing to answer questions or share anecdotes, adding depth to the experience. And the best part? Admission is free, making it accessible to everyone.Whether you're a history buff, a fan of aviation, or just looking for an enriching and enjoyable day out, the Dayton Air Force Museum delivers on all fronts. It's an educational and entertaining journey through the skies and beyond, leaving you with a newfound appreciation for the bravery and innovation that have shaped our world.

100% Awesome, probably the only government entity with a 4.9 ⭐ rating out of 23,000 reviews.This place is fantastic, it took me 4 hours and I wasn't able to see everything that I wanted. So much cool history and definitely a sense of pride as an American seeing where we have been and I'm curious what will be in the fifth hangar in the future twenty years from now!They definitely need a F16 and F35

Great place to visit. Free parking, free admission. You can donate whatever amount and get a map from them (optional). The have free double stroller to use indoors if needed for kids. You are able to walk through certain planes. Others have small co*ckpits a kids can climb into. Gift shop is pricy (not surprising for a free museum)

The fact this place is free is INSANE. It is massive, and has so many incredible aircraft’s, artifacts, and informative plaques. we only spent 2 hours here (only visiting the area and in a bit of a rush) could have easily spent 2+ more.it is so spacious! And packed for the brim with things to see. My husband is a history nerd and loved it all, they have very unique things here. Museum is very well kept and clean,and there is plentiful staff if you have questions.

This was the ultimate place to experience a total solar eclipse. I drove 1200 miles for the experience, and it was well worth it. This museum is inconceivably big, with huge galleries containing almost 400 planes. Curation of exhibits is first rate. One could spend days in there. And the parking and admission are free. An ultimate deal. Staff did a great job putting on a mega event for the eclipse of 2024.

A truly amazing and interactive journey through aviation history. They have it all and help you to journey through history. From the Wright brothers to Air Force One to the world’s fastest plane the SR-71 Blackbird. We spent the whole day here and still didn’t have enough time to see it all. I can’t wait to return again soon.

What can I say. The National Museum of the US Airforce is fantastic. I have wanted to go here for years, as it’s the only place in the world with a real flying saucer. To say I was impressed is an understatement. We have nothing like this in the UK and it puts every air museum I have been to, including in Washington DC to shame.If you like planes, this is one place you HAVE to visit. I went a long way out of the way when driving from Chicago to Niagara Falls to visit here and it was well worth it. Over 1000 planes, covering from the Wright Brothers; from just down the road; to the very latest F-22 and B2. Though it’s a shame the B2 isn’t real and not a very good mock-up.I would definitely recommend visiting here and its one of few places worthy of a special trip to see it. You can easily spend all day here.

It's a huge museum and very well maintained ed. We are surprised it is FREE entry. Ample parking, free again.It took us 3.5 hours to take a quick tour. There were many exhibits of real plane remains and stuff. Many movies playing every corner showing how the remains were collected and refurbished for display. We enjoyed. There were many other interactive stations, kids loved.Start from exhibits 3 if you have kids. They have virtual reality and other simulation rides. Some other engaging exhibits for children there.SUPER expensive food. Not worth it at all. A small slice of co-pilot pizza, charged at 8$. Way toooo much.

Such a fantastic museum. I grew up in this area and returned for a short weekend visit with my son - many great updates and so much history! Numerous hangars featuring different periods of history, it’s easy to spend a full afternoon here. It’s free to visit and well worth checking out if you’re in town.

This is a great place to visit to learn about aviation history and to get close to many historic planes. This museum has many one-of-a-kind artifacts, so it's definitely a place to visit. There is no admission fee, but you can leave a donation.

This is an amazing collection of aircraft. It starts with early flight with the Wright Brothers and other pioneers of flight right up to the present day. Piston engine and jets. It is all indoors and 361 aircraft. Organized by era it is marvellous to see. And amazingly it is free. Spend two days if you have the time! Highly recommended!

My visit to this museum was truly memorable and enjoyable. The extensive collection of presidential aircraft on display was both impressive and educational, offering a unique glimpse into the history of presidential travel. The exhibits were well-maintained and thoughtfully presented, making our walk through the museum a delightful experience. However, the only downside to our visit was the limited food options available at the museum's restaurant. Beyond just chips and small snacks, there wasn't much variety for a proper meal, which was a bit disappointing. Despite this minor inconvenience, the overall experience at the museum was fantastic, and I highly recommend it to anyone interested in aviation or presidential history. The staff was knowledgeable and friendly, adding to the positive atmosphere of our visit.

We had a great visit with an air force veteran. Most of the museum is accessible except for the space shuttle and Air Force One exhibits(the elevator to the upper level of the shuttle was out of order and the Presidential planes feature tight corridors you have to squeeze through). The Museum is well laid out and flows from one era of aviation to the next. Well worth the visit and you could definitely spend more than one day there to absorb everything there is to see.

Always a great experience! Lots of history with a chance to see aviation throughout time. This time the kids came at well (12 and 11, boy and girl) they both had a great time as well! Highly recommend...have to give a donation of any amount for a map of the place. Otherwise, free to enter and enjoy.

I hadn't been here since I was a kid! I came here for the eclipse to see totality on 4/8/24; the event was extremely well organized. While the museum was very busy, the only claustrophobic moments were entering the building and using the bathroom closest to the entrance.If you are anywhere in the Cincinnati-Dayton-Columbus area and you can take a day, visit this place. If you're an engineer in the aerospace industry, military, or just a huge fan of planes, this place will be heaven for you. Every important aircraft development in the history of the United States (and beyond) is included here.The place is huge and packed full of details; bring your best walking shoes and pace yourself. If you don't have an entire day, get a map and find your favorites, then focus on seeing those. We spent about 3-4 hours split up by the eclipse and still could have spent another couple of hours in the place.I left with a mix of feelings; it's a different experience when you're an adult. It has a way of getting your patriotism flowing; it is amazing what we can do when we put our minds to it. On the flip side of that, it is also frightening what we're capable of when we decide to do something; the missile gallery is a sobering reminder of this.