Winter Activities in Dayton, Ohio

Wintertime weather in Dayton, Ohio, can be hit or miss. If you’re not the type to be out skiing or sledding in the snow, the cold weather is a great excuse to visit some of Dayton’s unique historical museums. Take an educational day trip with your kids, spend some quality time with your friends, or meet up with someone new for an intellectual first date. Even if you don’t end up hitting it off with the company you bring along, at least you’ll go home having learned something new. Check out five of our favorite museums to visit in Dayton this winter.

The National Museum of the US Airforce

Located on 1100 Spaatz Street of the Wright Patterson Airforce Base in Dayton, the National Museum of the US Airforce is rated #1 out of TripAdvisor’s top 61 things to do in Dayton. It has a 5/5 star rating by almost 5,000 people who have stopped by for a visit. This museum offers more variety than you might initially assume, with an expansive location that can easily require several hours to take in. Whether you’re a military buff, interested in learning more about the Wright Brothers, are fascinated by astronauts and the space program, or enjoy exhibits on women in aviation, the National Museum of the Airforce provides a wide view on the history of air travel in America.

If you’re trying to get your steps in, be sure to wear your pedometer to this large facility. There’s plenty of walking to be done through the various exhibits, including tours of presidential planes from history. Films about D. Day, Apollo 11, and other aviation-related events are on display for viewing along the way. Two cafes are available if you need to stop for a coffee or snack break. The museum has free parking and free admission for all to enter. Before you end the day, don’t miss out on the gift shop where you’ll find unique items to remember your trip.

America’s Packard Museum – The Citizens Motorcar Company

Located on 420S Ludlow Street is America’s Packard Museum. If you’re into cars, this is a must-see destination in Dayton. Historic cars from 1903 to 1958 are available on display. The museum was founded in 1992 by Bob Signom, a local car collector and attorney. The Citizens Motorcar Company is the original name of the dealership on which the museum was built in 1917. For its “exemplary efforts” to preserve automotive history, the America’s Packard Museum is one of six museums to have been awarded the Society of Automotive Historians’ prestigious Bradley Award. It was also named one of the Top Ten Auto Museums in the United States by Car Collector Magazine.

Open every day from noon to 5 pm, the America’s Packard Museum is $6 for adults, $5 for seniors, and free for students. It’s closed on Christmas Day and New Years Day. They host private events at the venue, which can hold anywhere from 50-250 people. This dealership turned museum, is home to the largest collection of Packard automobiles and memorabilia of anywhere in the world. Educational programs are an integral part of their mission. Programs for students include interactive workshops on a variety of interesting topics. Skills like using a 3D printer for car parts and learning how to rebuild a generator are taught to students. For the people of Dayton, the America’s Packard Museum offers a glimpse into the world of previous generations who lived here.

Paul Laurence Dunbar House

Take a tour of the restored home of acclaimed writer and equality advocate, Paul Laurence Dunbar House. Having lived from 1872 to 1906, Paul Laurence Dunbar gained international notoriety for his work as a voice for equality for African Americans. Along with poems, he wrote novels, song lyrics, and short stories from his home in Ohio. Some of his famous neighbors included Frederick Douglass and Booker T. Washington. In 1936, the house was dedicated as a memorial to his legacy by the Ohio General Assembly. It was the first memorial in Ohio to honor African American History.

The bicycle that was gifted to Paul Laurence Dunbar by the Wright Brothers can be seen at his home museum. His literary works, along with the desk and chair where he did most of his writing, are on display at the museum. Personal belongings and original family furnishings offer a view back in time. While visiting this intimate historical site, read about Dunbar’s life at the visitor center, where panels showcase the story of his time in Dayton. Regular tours of the museum are available by the National Park Service Staff. The Paul Laurence Dunbar home can be found on 219 Paul Laurence Dunbar Street. It is open Fridays, Saturdays, and Sunday with no cost of admission. Next time you’re searching for something different to do in Dayton, this is a trip worth taking.

Dayton International Peace Museum

Searching for peace in Dayton? Look no further than this one-of-a-kind museum. The Dayton International Peace Museum was founded in 2004 to showcase nonviolent actions that have promoted peace around the world. It was inspired by the 1995 Dayton Peace Accords that ended the war in Bosnia. Today, the museum provides education to spread awareness of conflict resolution through peaceful methods. The hope of a more peaceful world in the future drives its founders to cultivate this inspirational collection. Different exhibits include a Gandhi photo collection, children’s room, and Peace Corps artifacts.

The museum is located within the Isaac Pollack House in downtown Dayton. The address is 208 West Monument Avenue, and the three-story structure was originally built in 1865. It’s a historic site in itself, having been listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The architecture style is that of the Victorian Second Empire, which was popular in the 19th century. For non-members, a suggested donation of $8 is encouraged to enter the museum, but not required. You can book an appointment to visit any day on Monday through Thursday, or visit during public hours from 10 am-5 pm on Friday through Sunday.

British Transportation Museum

The British Transportation Museum on 321 Hopeland Street is a museum that focuses on British built transportation being used in America. This niche non-profit organization includes a display of vehicles, an art gallery, a library, and conference rooms for programming. It’s housed in an unassuming, old warehouse, but full of gems for any car lover. They also have a collection of 15 bicycles of British Origin. The curator, Paul Strobe, is very knowledgeable and happy to share information on a guided tour of the museum.

Their current Go Restore Me project is restoring a donated MG-A coupe. At the end of October, The British Transportation Museum held its fourth annual Chili Cook-off Event. Various fundraising activities are always underway at the British Transportation Museum, including their annual British Car Show in Riverfront Park. Hours are limited, so it’s best to check their website or give them a call before you visit. You’ll see Bentleys, Rolls Royces, Mini Coopers, and many other classic British cars in various states of restoration and repair. A small gift shop is also available for interesting auto-related items. With so many unique places to visit in Dayton, there’s no reason to hibernate through the winter.