Most People Don't Know There's A Little Apollo 11 Lunar Module Near Cleveland
By Nikki Rhoades|Published July 26, 2020
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Nikki Rhoades
Author
Nikki is a lifelong Ohioan with a love for literature. She holds a Bachelor's Degree from the University of Akron and has enjoyed publishing her written work since 2007. She has a love of travel and does so frequently, though she believes that home is where the heart is — she continues to work in and around Cleveland as a digital content specialist to this day, working on everything from commercial scripts and social media posts to grassroots marketing initiatives.
Surely, you’ve heard the jokes. Ohio has produced more astronauts than most other states, with locals logging more than 22,000 hours in space… so what is it about Ohio that makes locals want to leave the planet? While this joke has made its rounds for years now, there’s certainly something to be said about Ohio producing such dedicated, successful people. Perhaps there’s something about this area that inspires people to follow their dreams. This certainly seems to be the case of the First Flight site about an hour away from Cleveland. It was here that one of the most famous astronauts of all time first felt his feet lift from the earth, first felt the thrill of the sky. To this day, visitors find inspiration from the First Flight Lunar Module in Warren. Check it out:
Over in Warren, Ohio, visitors can spot a monument that's somewhat modest in size, but undeniably out of place.
Cleveland has played a bit of a role in the space race, thanks to The NASA Glenn Research Center at Lewis Field. However, Warren is a full hour away. What secrets could this spot be hiding?
The First Flight Lunar Module is a half-size scale model of the Apollo 11 Lunar Landing Module, the first vehicle to take humans to the surface of the moon.
This quote is one of many textual features at the site. Neil Armstrong went down in history when he famously said to his otherwise-earthbound species, "That's one small step for man, one giant leap for mankind." Purportedly, Armstrong said that this was "one small step for a man," but we earthlings simply missed the extra word.
Armstrong was just five years old on July 26, 1936 (and a mere ten days away from his sixth birthday) when his feet left the ground thanks to a Ford Tri-Motor airplane, which took off from the old Warren Airways.
There's definitely a certain sort of magic at this site to this day, and visitors can almost feel young Armstrong's excitement at his first flight to this very day.
Nearly 33 years later to the day, Armstrong made history as the first man to walk on the moon on July 20, 1969.
While this historic site definitely adds to the first man on the moon narrative, it also takes the time to honor another Ohio astronaut: Ronald Anthony Parise.
Ronald Parise was born in Warren in 1951. He found an interest in radio from a young age, a passion he'd take to space through NASA's Space Shuttle program. All in all, NASA has sent 25 astronauts from Ohio into outer space.
And, of course, the site takes a moment to pay homage to other U.S. veterans.
The First Flight Site is truly a fascinating local landmark. It reminds visitors to follow their dreams, inviting them to experience the majesty of this site every day between 10 a.m. and 5 p.m.
The incredible First Flight site is about an hour away from Cleveland, but it is well worth a visit. It’s a fascinating nod to Ohio’s out-of-this-world history, and it’s a site like no other. Have you ever visited this surprising spot? Tell us about your visit in the comments!
While you’re in Warren, you’ll want to add Dave Grohl Alley to your bucket list. This spot boasts the world’s largest pair of drumsticks!
