Exploring Huffman Prairie Flying Field

When the Wright brothers returned to Dayton, Ohio after their historic first flights at Kitty Hawk, North Carolina, on December 17th, 1903, they looked for a suitable flying field closer to home. Their search took them to a prairie owned by Dayton banker, Torrence Huffman. It was here, at Huffman Prairie, the Wright brothers mastered the principles of controlled, powered flight and developed the world's first practical airplane. Learn more about the history of Huffman Prairie Flying Field. Today, Huffman Prairie Flying Field is located on Wright-Patterson Air Force Base. Visitors can view a replica hangar, similar to the one used by the Wright brothers. The area is also home to a beautiful prairie, teeming with wildflowers in the spring. Guests can take a stroll along the paths in and around the prairie. Huffman Prairie was designated a National Historic Landmark in 1990. Before you visit, we encourage guests to stop by the Huffman Prairie Flying Field Interpretive Center for more information about visiting the flying field and current operating conditions. As the area sits within Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, it is subjec to sudden closures or restricted access. You can also visit the Maps page to download a map to help guide you to the flying field.