TROY, OH (May 9, 2024) – America 250-Ohio, the official state commission leading Ohio’s celebrations for America’s semiquincentennial in 2026, revealed today the launch of the Ohio Air and Space Trail. This trail marks the inaugural installment of six experiential trails slated to connect historic sites across the state as part of America 250-Ohio’s “Trails & Tales” program.
The Ohio Air and Space Trail comprises more than 30 sites scattered throughout Ohio, commemorating the state’s profound contributions to air and space exploration over the past century. These sites, categorized under various trail themes such as Innovation, Birthplace of Aviation, and Space Exploration, pay homage to renowned Ohio aviators like Neil Armstrong, John Glenn, and the Wright brothers, alongside other pioneers in the field.
Among the notable locations featured on the trail are the National Museum of the U.S. Air Force, the International Women’s Air & Space Museum, and the Armstrong Air & Space Museum. These sites, along with others, offer visitors an immersive journey into Ohio’s aviation legacy.
Mackensie Wittmer, Executive Director of the National Aviation Heritage Area and America 250-Ohio Commission Member, emphasized the significance of Ohio’s role in air and space history. “From the Wright brothers’ groundbreaking flight in Dayton to Neil Armstrong’s historic moonwalk, Ohio has been at the forefront of aviation and space exploration,” Wittmer stated. “The Ohio Air and Space Trail invites visitors to discover and appreciate the remarkable achievements of Ohioans who shaped the course of history.”
The Ohio Air and Space Trail marks the inaugural initiative of America 250-Ohio’s Trails & Tales program, which aims to establish five additional thematic trails over the next two years. Further details regarding these trails will be disclosed in the forthcoming months.
For more information about the Ohio Air and Space Trail, including a complete list of participating sites and interactive maps, visit the newly launched website ohioairandspace.com.
About America 250-Ohio Established by the Ohio legislature on March 1, 2022, America 250-Ohio Commission (AM250-OH) is tasked with planning, developing, and coordinating Ohio’s commemoration of the 250th anniversary of the founding of the United States. Through various initiatives and events, America 250-Ohio aims to highlight Ohio’s profound impact on the nation’s past, present, and future. For more information, visit America250-Ohio.org.
