The National Air Force Museum is so large-scale, awe-inspiring and breathtaking it’s hard to sum up in a short sentence or even summary. Four absolutely humongous aircraft hangers make up one of what has to be one of the largest museums of any kind in the country. It’s one of the only museums I’ve ever been to where even one full day literally is not enough to simply take it all in. You will undeniably get fatigued by its immense scope and size – both physically and mentally. And this is a good thing. And the fact its free makes it even more of a national treasure. Me? I’m lucky. It’s less than 45 min. north up the freeway in Dayton, OH. But I highly recommend visiting it no matter where you’re from, and if you’re fortunate enough to be within an 1-2 hr. drive, I’d say go check it out soon!
You’re whisked from the Wright Bros. through World War II and other major battles, to space exploration, presidential aircrafts (which you can actually board!), and so much more. I thought it’d be fun to do a travelogue piece on it. Something integral to Review the World, that may get a little lost in the whirl of junk food, dollar store fare, freestyle walking videos, etc. is I’ve always wanted to champion being out and about in the world. That’s why we shoot a lot of our food reviews in neighborhoods, alleyways, parks, downtowns, etc. instead of inside a house. I mean Go! Road Trip a beloved travel series we did was all about exploring new to you places within 30-45 min. of our own front door! But I got a little creative with the concept for this article. The museum has so much to see, still images from my old iPhone 8+ didn’t seem like it’d really bring you, the viewer, into the world of the museum. And its funny how pictures you take rarely capture the moment or the place as you see it in your memory. So, with the help of modern technology, I’ve made this trip to the National Air Force Museum an illustrated journey. I think this will entice you, the audience, even more than standard pictures, to marvel at this truly magnificent place and consider making the trek and visiting yourselves. I aim to keep the text interruptions few and brief. Now swing by the vending machine, grab yourself a snack and bottled water, and let’s get going because this place is truly gigantic!
I didn’t take any pictures in the Early Years section. I’d like to say it’s because I wanted you to discover the origins of flight firsthand – but truth is the idea for this article didn’t take shape until a little later in my trip there! Sharing a link to a map of this marvelous museum for your own perusal and so you can follow along if you’d like.
The Memphis Belle a Boeing B-17F Flying Fortress used during WWII and one of the most famous combat aircrafts of all time. I’m going to track down the 1990 feature film about it now.
Stunning stained glass and my girlfriend Tiffany’s first cameo.
There are many vignettes like this one featuring mannequins and props etc. which as a museum nerd in general I always love.
I apologize I didn’t get a full plane picture as there was (and usually is) a crowd – but what you’re seeing is the “plane that ended WWII” Boeing B-29 Superfortress Bockscar and next to it a recreation of the “Fat Man” nuclear bomb that detonated over Nagasaki. The fact that this historical artifact of unfathomable importance is here and free to see is one of dozens, if not hundreds, of reasons this museum is so amazing.
You can board multiple aircrafts throughout the museum. It’s so cool to step aboard an aircraft and envision back when it caried brave soldiers and what they must have been thinking and feeling, etc.
P.O.W. section
There are two thoughts that always kick around in my head when I visit (this was my fifth visit total – unfortunately I didn’t find out about this place until a decade or so ago but I’m sure if I’d had visited as a kid I’d have even more of an attachment to it). The first is I just marvel at the ingenuity and engineering feat of all of these aircrafts. On a micro level, every bolt, screw, sheet of metal, rubber, glass, wood, all the levels in the cockpits, the massive engines (so many are on display), etc. like it’s incredible that humans have been capable of creating these aircrafts and bringing them to life from blueprints to soaring high in the skies.
The other thought I return to is how emotionally stirring it must be for people who have a family connection to any of the planes on display. Like if your grandfather or great grandfather flew missions in one of these aircrafts – I can’t imagine how powerful it would be to come see it firsthand and see it with your own eyes.
Some of the images you’re seeing currently are from the 2nd hanger where the Southeast Asia (Vietnam) War and Korean War sections are. Unfortunately, no pop culture wing where He-Man and the Masters of the Universe flying vehicles like the Wind Raider or Talon Fighter are on display. A lost opportunity.
RtW always one to note both the momentous and the mundane – had to capture one (of I lost count at 10) restrooms at the museum.
The Missile Gallery! This room is spectacular, and you crane your neck when you first enter as the ceiling as it must be 100 ft. tall.
Some miscellaneous shots I liked.
Cockpit -- how cool is that? Feel like I'm playing After Burner.
The Space section is dope. We were running out of time rapidly (the museum closes at 5PM) so didn’t board the gigantic space shuttle but you can see the entrance ramp to it on the right side of this picture.
Some more awesomeness in the Space section. Houston ... we don't have a problem.
Had to take a selfie to remember this day and who I was when I experienced it.
Presidential planes! You can actually walk through four of them including aircraft used by Presidents Roosevelt, Truman, Eisenhower as well as the Boeing VC-137C also known as SAM (Special Air Mission) 26000, which was used by eight presidents -- Kennedy, Johnson, Nixon, Ford, Carter, Reagan, George H.W. Bush and Clinton.
Presidential planes! You can actually walk through four of them including aircraft used by Presidents Roosevelt, Truman, Eisenhower as well as the Boeing VC-137C also known as SAM (Special Air Mission) 26000, which was used by eight presidents -- Kennedy, Johnson, Nixon, Ford, Carter, Reagan, George H.W. Bush and Clinton.
Eisenhower’s plane – I love this one. It feels of its era, very 1950’s, even the tweed-like curtains remind me of ones you’d find hanging in your grandparents’ kitchen.
Almost a mid-century modern feel to the Eisenhower's main restroom.
What an awesome day. What an awesome place. Soar your way to it as soon as you’re able 🛫
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