Ohio’s rich legacy in air and space exploration beckons adventurers and dreamers alike. From historic sites that honor legendary astronauts to cutting-edge centers of innovation, here’s a guide to 10 must-visit destinations for space enthusiasts, complete with essential details to plan your visit.

National Museum of the U.S. Air Force, Dayton

Begin your exploration at the world’s largest military aviation museum, which also delves into the vast reaches of space exploration. The Space Gallery is a highlight, featuring exhibits like the space shuttle, Mercury and Gemini capsules, and the Apollo 15 Command Module.
Address: 1100 Spaatz St, Dayton, OH 45431
Website: National Museum of the U.S. Air Force

Armstrong Air & Space Museum, Wapakoneta

This museum in Neil Armstrong’s hometown offers an intimate glimpse into the life of the first man on the Moon, showcasing artifacts from his space missions and personal life.
Address: 500 Apollo Dr, Wapakoneta, OH 45895
Website: Armstrong Air & Space Museum

John Glenn Astronomy Park, Logan

Named after the first American to orbit Earth, this park offers awe-inspiring views of the night sky through its open-air observatory and powerful telescopes. They’ve got regular programming and you couldn’t ask for a more scenic destination for a weekend under the stars.
Address: 20531 OH-664, Logan, OH 43138
Website: John Glenn Astronomy Park

Glenn Research Center, Cleveland

This NASA facility is a hub for aerospace research and development. NASA Glenn’s public tours are free and open to the public and they typically run on select Saturdays from April to November. You’ll need to register in advance, but once there, you’ll be able to walk-through one of Glenn’s unique facilities used to support Artemis and next generation aircraft, and hear directly from NASA researchers and engineers working in the facility.
Address: 21000 Brookpark Rd, Cleveland, OH 44135
Website: NASA Glenn Research

Observatory Park and Nassau Astronomical Station,

This 1,100-acre park encourages visitors to explore nature from the ground to the galaxies. There are plenty of hiking trails, which means you can find the perfect spot for a little stargazing at this incredible dark-sky spot. Near the park, visitors will find the Nassau Astronomical Station, where they can see the 36” Warner & Swasey telescope, which is one of the largest public viewing scopes in the state of Ohio.
Address: 1100 Spaatz St, Dayton, OH 45431
Website: Observatory Park

Great Lakes Science Center, Cleveland

This museum makes science engaging with its NASA Glenn Visitor Center, featuring space-themed exhibits and activities. From the Apollo Command Module to exhibits that showcase exactly how astronauts live aboard the International Space Station, the Great Lakes Science Center is a must-visit for anyone that considers themselves a space enthusiast.
Address: 601 Erieside Ave, Cleveland, OH 44114
Website: Great Lakes Science Center

COSI, Columbus

COSI’s “Space” exhibit and planetarium shows offer an educational and entertaining look at the universe and space travel. You can enjoy a larger-than-life experience when you take your seat in the planetarium.
Address: 333 W Broad St, Columbus, OH 43215
Website: COSI

Perkins Observatory, Delaware

Perkins Observatory is an educational and research center offering public programs that bring the wonders of the universe closer to home. It’s located just north of Columbus at Ohio Weslyan University in Delaware and the observatory hosts public events at least once per week.
Address: 3199 Columbus Pike, Delaware, OH 43015
Website: Perkins Observatory

Each destination offers a unique perspective on the past, present, and future of space exploration, grounded in Ohio’s rich history as a leader in aviation and space. Whether you’re touching a moon rock, peering through a powerful telescope, or standing in awe of the spacecraft that carried humans to new frontiers, these sites promise an unforgettable journey through the cosmos.