Boonshoft Museum of Discovery
The Boonshoft Museum of Discovery is a high-energy, mind-stimulating scientific journey. Children can learn about air, water and motion at Science Central and get a bird's eye view at the Tree Top Pavilion. Wild Ohio is an indoor zoo where animals native to Ohio reside, and EcoTrek allows parents and children to explore a variety of environments. Journey around the universe in the Caryl D. Phillips Space Theater and gaze at the stars from the Apollo Observatory. 2600 DeWeese Pkwy., 937.275.7431.

United States Air Force Museum
More than one million visitors a year gravitate to the United States Air Force Museum, the oldest and largest military aviation museum in the world. This museum houses more than 300 aircraft and missiles, plus Wright Brothers' memorabilia, World War II artifacts, the Apollo 15 capsule and thousands of personal artifacts such as diaries and medals dating from the early 1900s to the present. 937-255-8046.

National Aviation Hall of Fame
The National Aviation Hall of Fame is attached to the United States Air Force Museum. The Hall features interactive exhibits emphasizing scientific and historical contributions to air and space pioneers. An induction ceremony is held each year to recognize outstanding aviators in the U.S. Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, 937-256-0944. Call for hours.

Wright B Flyer
The Wright B Flyer is a flight-worthy replica of the world's first mass-produced airplane, designed by Orville and Wilbur Wright to correct earlier flight problems. The B, built by a group of aviation aficionados, is housed in a hangar at the Wright Brothers Airport. With reservations. visitors can take a short flight into the air above the airport's runway. Contributions are accepted and go toward maintaining the hangar and aircraft, both of which are manned entirely by volunteers. 10550 Springboro Pk., Miamisburg, 937-885-2327.

Dayton Aviation Heritage National Historical Park
On Oct. 16, 1992, Congress established the Dayton Aviation Heritage National Historical Park to honor the legacy of three exceptional Miami Valley citizens: Wilbur Wright, Orville Wright and Paul Laurence Dunbar. The innovative Wright Brothers and Dunbar, a gifted African-American writer who achieved international acclaim, were boyhood friends. The park encompasses The Wright Cycle Company shop, operated by the Wright Brothers from 1895 to 1897. The shop is a restored building containing period bicycles and machinery. 22 S. Williams St., 937/225-7705.

Dunbar House State Memorial
The Dunbar House State Memorial is the restored site of Paul Laurence Dunbar's home, which he purchased for his mother after he achieved success. The home contains original furnishings and Dunbar artifacts, such as a bicycle given to him by the Wright Brothers. 219 N. Paul Laurence Dunbar St., 937/224-7061.

Carillon Historical Park
The 65-acre Carillon Historical Park, an important repository of local history, houses the 1905 Wright Flyer III, the world's first craft capable of controlled flight. The park is currently undergoing a major expansion that will include two new exhibit areas in Wright Hall. 2001 S. Patterson Blvd., 937/293-2841.

Old Courthouse & Montgomery County Historical Society Museum
Inside the Old Courthouse & Montgomery County Historical Society Museum are exhibits highlighting the history of Dayton and Montgomery County. An old NCR cash register and reminders of the Wright Brothers and other prominent Daytonians are some of the treasures on display. The restored Downtown structure dates to 1850 and is one of the finest examples of Greek Revival architecture in the country. 7 N. Main St., 937/228-6271.

Woodland Cemetery
Woodland Cemetery and its ornate headstones offer a different look into Dayton's history. Some of the city's leading citizens lie in rest here, including the Wright, Patterson, and Kettering families; Paul Lawrence Dunbar, African-American poet laureate and close friend of the Wright Brothers; and Erma Bombeck, beloved author and nationally syndicated columnist. The headstone of the recently deceased Bombeck was delivered to the cemetery in August, 1998, and weighs nearly 29,000 pounds.

SunWatch Indian Village
SunWatch Indian Village is a reconstructed Native American village that re-creates the Fort Ancients' way of life. More than 800 years ago, the Fort Ancient tribe settled along the banks of the Great Miami River and created an elaborate wooden counterpart to England's Stonehenge. Posts placed the middle of their village told, in nature's words, of the passing of time. SunWatch Summerfest and other celebrations bring Native American storytelling and music to festival-goers. 2301. W. River Rd., 937/268-8199.