When it comes to famous Dayton residents of the past, two of the best-known examples are Wilbur and Orville Wright, the inventors and aviators who created, built and flew the world’s first successful, powered, heavier-than-air airplane in 1903. Today, Dayton continues to celebrate the Wright brothers’ remarkable accomplishments in many ways, including the Wright Brothers Memorial, one of several locations that make up the Dayton Aviation Heritage National Historical Park. Read on to learn all about the Wright Brothers Memorial: what it is, where it is, and what you can learn, discover, and explore!
A Legacy of Flight in Dayton, OH
The Wright Brothers Memorial encompasses a park and a sculptural monument with a plaque, perched on top of Wright Brothers Hill in the northeastern corner of Dayton. Co-located at the site is the Huffman Prairie Interpretive Center. Thanks to its position atop the hill, the memorial overlooks the Huffman Prairie Flying Field. While the Wright Brothers’ first flight for their earliest plane–the Wright Flyer I– happened in Kitty Hawk, North Carolina, the Huffman Prairie Flying Field is where the Wright brothers truly learned to fly and conducted their developmental tests for the Wright Flyer III, considered the first practical aircraft. The grounds were once home to the Wright School of Aviation, where the earliest pilots were trained to operate these pioneering flying machines!
The Wright Brothers Memorial is located off State Route 444, making it easily accessible to other notable spots in Dayton, such as the National Museum of the U.S. Air Force™, Huffman Prairie Flying Field, and Wright State University, as well as numerous shopping and dining options.
What to Expect at the Wright Brothers Memorial?
The Wright Brothers Memorial is a public greenspace operated by the Dayton Aviation Heritage National Historical Park. Visitors are welcome at the park daily. The Huffman Prairie Interpretive Center tells the story of the Wrights’ pioneering efforts at nearby Huffman Prairie.
Year-round, visitors can take in unobstructed views of Huffman Prairie Flying Field, and admire the memorial statue honoring the Wright Brothers. The statue features a plaque that highlights their numerous aviation achievements. Owned by the United States Air Force since 1978, the monument has become the centerpiece of the annual Wright Brothers Day celebration. Every December 17th, the Air Force marks the anniversary of the Wright Brothers’ first flight with a ceremony that includes a presentation, a speech, and a flyover.
Wright Brothers National Museum
If you wish to learn more about the Wright Brothers’ inventions and how they shaped air travel, your next stop should be the Wright Brothers National Museum in Carillon Park, just 12 miles away. At the Wright Brothers Museum, guests can browse through the world’s most extensive collection of Wright Brother artifacts, including original photos of the brothers’ first flight, clothing items like Orville Wright’s tuxedo and suede Stetsons, and a restored version of the Wright Flyer III— the only airplane that’s been designated as a National Historic Landmark! The museum is also home to a replica of Orville and Wilbur Wright’s first bicycle shop and two of the remaining Wright-designed bicycles—the Van Cleve bicycles.
Learn more about the Wright Brothers and Dayton’s rich history by exploring our museums and historical attractions. Stay tuned to our events calendar for the latest happenings and celebrations that make Dayton a must-visit destination for aviation enthusiasts!
---------
Be sure to get your FREE Destination Dayton Visitors Guide and download the FREE Destination Dayton App for MORE about things to see and do in Dayton. For more information about Destination Dayton and the services it offers, explore our website or call 800-221-8235.
