Explore Flight on America 250-Ohio’s Air & Space Trail

From taking flight to escaping our atmosphere, the stories of those who helped defy the bounds of gravity are woven into Ohio’s history. America 250-Ohio’s Air & Space Trail spans more than 40 sites that highlight Ohioans’ contributions to aviation and space exploration, from the Wright brothers’ groundbreaking invention to astronaut Neil Armstrong’s giant leap for mankind. 

From large museums to small historic sites, the locations along the Air & Space Trail also highlight bits of history you might not know, like how automobile technology helped with breakthroughs in airplane engine development or the stories of pilots from our state who helped defend the nation during wartime. 

Since the dawn of the space program, 25 astronauts have hailed from Ohio, and more than 550 companies that support aerospace manufacturing are in operation across the state today. The Air & Space Trail invites Ohioans to explore that rich heritage and learn how these stories form an interconnected tapestry that began with aviation’s first steps and now encompasses work being done to take us deeper into space. From the boyhood home of an American hero to our capital city’s beloved science center, these spots offer a glimpse of what the Air & Space Trail offers.

Armstrong Air & Space Museum 
Neil Armstrong achieved worldwide fame when he set foot on the surface of the moon on July 20, 1969, but his beginnings are rooted in Wapakoneta. The Armstrong Air & Space Museum, which was completed in 1972 and built to resemble a futuristic moon base, tells his story by way of exhibits and artifacts, including his Gemini 8 capsule and a moon rock from the Apollo 11 mission. armstrongmuseum.org

Wright Brothers National Museum at Carillon Historical Park
Dayton inventors Wilbur and Orville Wright were self-taught engineers who created one of history’s most magnificent engineering marvels — the first manned, powered, controlled, heavier-than-air flying machine. See the original 1905 Wright Flyer III, the world’s first practical airplane in which the Wrights truly taught themselves how to fly. Other artifacts include two bicycles built by Wilbur and Orville Wright. daytonhistory.org

COSI
Experience the excitement of space travel through interactive exhibits. Discover the Kathy Sullivan Experience, honoring the first American woman to walk in space and her leadership in science education. Explore the John Glenn Experience, with a replica of the Freedom 7 capsule and authentic astronaut training artifacts. These exhibits celebrate the groundbreaking achievements of two Ohio-born pioneers and offer a hands-on journey into space exploration. cosi.org

Historical Aircraft Squadron
Founded in 1994 and housed in a hangar at the Fairfield County Airport, the Historical Aircraft Squadron invites visitors to explore wartime history by way of restored aircraft and other military vehicles as well as authentic uniforms and equipment. The Library and Research Center houses books and videos for those seeking a deeper exploration of aircraft history. The hangar also houses a restoration facility where dedicated volunteers work to restore historic aircraft and other vehicles. historicalaircraftsquadron.org

John & Annie Glenn Museum
John Glenn became the first American to orbit the Earth in February 1962 when his Friendship 7 capsule was launched into space. Explore Glenn’s life of service at the John & Annie Glenn Museum housed within Glenn’s boyhood home in New Concord, the town where he and his wife grew up. Tours showcase artifacts from Glenn’s childhood and career and offer insight into his early life. johnandannieglennmuseum.org

Crawford Auto-Aviation Museum
From the streets to the skies, Ohio has long been a center of transportation, and this museum in Cleveland’s University Circle showcases northeast Ohio’s role. Part of the Western Reserve Historical Society’s Cleveland History Center and founded in 1965, the Crawford Auto-Aviation Museum displays a nationally lauded collection of more than 160 antique automobiles, 14 airplanes and other vehicles that tell the story of the evolution of transportation. wrhs.org

Learn more about the Air & Space Trail by visiting america250-ohio.org.

Q&A With Tim Epperhart
Tim Epperhart has been flying planes for over 30 years, and his enthusiasm for aviation hasn’t dwindled. Although he takes to the skies less frequently now, the president of Butler County Warbirds oversees a museum in Middletown that holds a collection of historic aircraft and over 2,600 artifacts.  

What inspired you to become a pilot?
I fell in love with airplanes when I was about 6 years old. On a family trip to Lake Erie, we took a plane ride to one of the islands … Then, the ride back to the mainland was on a ’28 Ford Trimotor. … It was big, loud, it shook, it rattled, it smelled. It did everything an airplane needed to do.

Why is the mission of Butler County Warbirds so important to you? 
It goes back to me falling in love with World War II aviation back when I was a kid. … These guys gave so much, and then when they were done, they just came home and went back to work on the farm. … These people deserve to be remembered.

Why do you think that aviation history resonates with people so strongly? 
People need heroes and people to look up to as role models. When you have someone like that, it motivates you
to be better. That’s how it works for me.

For more information on Butler County Warbirds, visit bcwarbirds.com.

The America 250-Ohio publication was created in partnership with the America 250-Ohio Commission. For more information on America 250-Ohio, visit america250-ohio.org.