The National Museum of the U.S. Air Force in Dayton, Ohio

Are you a resident of the Dayton area dreading the thought of cabin fever this season? Perhaps you're planning a trip to western Ohio and in search of an interesting way to fill a day or two. My suggestion to you: The National Museum of the United States Air Force.

The Air Force Museum lies off I-675 in the outskirts of Dayton, Ohio on the southern edge of Wright-Patterson Air Force Base/Wright Field (there is no need to possess a military I.D. as the general public is welcome). The museum consists of three gargantuan aircraft hangars, a silo, several memorial hallways, two theaters, a gift shop, a café, additional exhibit rooms, and a large memorial park. Therefore you will need at least all day, if not all weekend, to view everything in detail.

Upon arriving through the gates and taking in the complex's sprawling lawn (a former runway) and imposing structures, you will find yourself in a large (fee-free) parking lot. Before you even enter the museum you are immersed in military history. The Memorial Park is a huge, open-air collection of hundreds of unique memorials, statues, and dedications. Throughout the day, a carillon-like device echoes across the property. This is the perfect serenade if you choose to have your lunch at the adjoining picnic tables.

When entering the museum's foyer, you are greeted with an information desk and an enormous gift shop and bookstore; full of any conceivable merchandise relating to military, space, and flight history-from trinkets and toys for a few dollars to original antiques worth several hundred dollars.

One of the most interesting sections of the museum is the first hangar-the gallery of the early years of flight. Orville and Wilbur Wright, the brothers credited for being the first in human flight, lived in Dayton. The original site where these flights took place still exists only a couple of miles from the museum. Naturally, The Early Flight Gallery contains many mementos from the Brothers' lives. This large room also includes several primitive airplanes and a large blimp hanging from the ceiling.

Another exhibit I found particularly touching was a small section devoted to Holocaust victims. An actual concentration camp "uniform" worn by a Jewish man (along with many other objects and presentations) stirs up powerful emotions. Just down the hallway a piece of the Berlin Wall is preserved.

On the lighter side, the museum contains memorabilia from several celebrities involved in military and war efforts. My personal favorite was that of the exhibit featuring Bob Hope. The Air Force Museum holds some absolutely amazing, one-of-a-kind pieces of legendary figures-both modern and historical.

The museum also possesses a hangar dedicated to aircraft and other objects (papers, clothing, gear, equipment, pictures, etc...) from the World War II and Cold War eras, and the Korean, Vietnam, and Gulf Wars. These enormous hangars contain hundreds of actual retired, full-size aircraft from all eras of flight and military history; including early attempts at flight, bombers (complete with the original war artwork), fighter jets, reconnaissance planes, and new prototypes. My particular favorite is a spectacular display of the B-12 Stealth Bomber (the black triangular craft that was considered "secret" in the 1990's and that prompted many false UFO reports).

There is a separate gallery (to which a shuttle bus runs on a first-come/first-served basis) that houses the Presidential aircraft. This includes the actual Air Force One that President Kennedy used and that carried his body after his death. See the information desk for schedules on the shuttle bus.

Some other special exhibits are a large flight simulator called Morphis, a walk-through of an actual cargo plane, and the National Aviation Hall of Fame, which contains memorials to the important figures in the development of flight. This exhibit also includes hands-on projects and demonstrations-a particular favorite of the kids.

Another special section is a silo which holds pieces from space flight history-including full-size, three-story tall rockets. There are plans to build a huge fourth hangar to house a larger space-flight gallery (possibly an actual retired space shuttle) and more recent flight innovations.

If you get hungry while taking in the sights, visit the Valkyrie café on the 2^nd floor near the entrance. While you're at the museum don't forget to check out an IMAX presentation. IMAX movies are specially-filmed and shown in theaters designed to give an almost virtual reality, sensory experience. Just recently, I viewed an awe-inspiring film about the Space Station that was actually filmed in space.

Perhaps the best thing about the National Museum of the Air Force is that it is admission-free (however, there is a small fee for the IMAX movie and Morphis ride). The museum is staffed by volunteers who are mainly military retirees who have experienced many of the featured past events and are able to give first-hand, expert information to curious children and adults.

At the Air Force Museum you will be immersed in an almost over-whelming experience-both physically and emotionally. Many people claim the museum is haunted; which is not hard to imagine considering the amount of energy, emotion, and tragedy associated with the objects of every era housed on the former flying field, next to a river that has been known to drastically flood, and surrounded by ancient Native American settlements.

There are many nearby lodging and dining accommodations (not to mention other Dayton attractions). The museum is located at 1100 Spaatz Street on Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio 45433 (from Woodman Drive turn onto Springfield Pike and then onto Bong Street, which will lead the directly to Spaatz/the museum parking lot). There are several signs directing visitors to the museum from every direction. For directions specific to you, use a free online service like Yahoo.com Maps.

The museum is open seven days a week from 9 am to 5 pm, and closed on major holidays. Before visiting you may want to get updated information or ask questions by calling (937) 255-3286 or by researching the museum's website listed below. Enjoy your trip to the amazing National Museum of the United States Air Force!