Huffman Prairie Flying Field Interpretive Center
8:30am–5:00pm Daily
Closed Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year's Day
The Wright Cycle Company Complex
8:30am–5:00pm Daily
Closed Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year's Day
Daily Admission Fees
fees vary by facility
Dayton Aviation Heritage
The human imagination found its highest expression in three men from Dayton, Ohio: Wilbur and Orville Wright, first to fly a powered, heavier-than-air machine and creators of the practical airplane, and Paul Laurence Dunbar, who with his compelling new voice was the first African American writer to win high distinction in American literature. Dayton Aviation Heritage commemorates the lives and legacies of these three exceptional men and the history of aviation. The park is a cooperative effort between the National Park Service and four partners.
Plan Your Visit to Dayton Aviation
Schedule your trip around the activities, programs, and special events
Cultural Significance
Dayton Aviation Heritage consists of four units that tell the stories of Wilbur Wright, Orville Wright, and Paul Laurence Dunbar. At the various units you have the opportunity to experience the historically refurnished Wright brothers’ printing office, walk through an original Wright brothers bicycle shop, see the Wright brothers’ third airplane, follow Wilbur and Orville’s footsteps at the Huffman Prairie Flying Field, and experience Paul Laurence Dunbar’s last home. All of these sites are National Historic Landmarks or are listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
Educational Resources
Students can view and print information packets providing information for reports and school projects. Activities are also available and include a Junior Ranger booklet. Participants will receive a Junior Ranger certificate when the completed booklet is submitted to the park. Educators can download two curriculum guides — one for primary and one for secondary students.
Climate
Winter's average lows are 5 to 20 degrees F. and highs are 10 to 35 degrees F. Heavier clothing and layers are appropriate. Summer's average lows are 65 to 80 degrees F and highs are 70 to 90 degrees F. Hot, humid weather is possible.
National Historic Landmark, 1990
Dayton Aviation Heritage National Historical Park, October 16, 1992
Dayton Aviation Heritage National Historical Park, amended October 24, 2000
When the Wright brothers returned to Dayton after their historic
first flights at Kitty Hawk, North Carolina, on December 17,
1903, they looked for a suitable flying field closer to home.
That field was Huffman Prairie, also called Simms Station.
