Gatlinburg is about an eight hour drive from here, so we try to break up the trip. This time we decided to make a stop in Dayton at the National Museum of the U.S. Air Force.

This place was super cool! Admission is free, maps are donation only, there is a cafeteria on site operating at half capacity, and a huge gift shop at the exit.

The food was reasonably priced, and was pretty decent for museum food. The portions were a nice size for lunch, not too big but not too small either. Its upstairs, right as you walk in.

This is the perfect place to have a field trip. It is chock full of history and science alike. We turned it into homeschool lessons, starting at the early days of flight, working our way through WW2, and to today’s advancements in space travel.

Honestly, there is so much to see and do. I believe we stayed for about three hours, but easily could have stayed longer if time allowed. Seriously, its something like 19 acres… just indoors! Its was four huge hangers full of over 350 planes, space stuff, missiles, etc.

The museum wasn’t crowded, so social distancing wasn’t a problem. All staff, volunteers, and visitors wore a mask. Most interactive things were closed off and those that were not were disinfected before and after each use. The flight simulator, vr things, and totems in the gift shop all require payment, currently they are only accepting cards or other contact less payment.

For more information on the museum, becoming a volunteer, group outings, etc., please check here.

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