Aviation Museums
If you're an aviation enthusiast these museums are worth checking out! With museums in every state, there is bound to be one near you!
Aviation museums offer a unique and fascinating insight into the incredible technological progress achieved in aviation since its origins. Although they often contain rare and preserved aircraft, they also aim to provide education, creating interactive displays with multimedia presentations. Aviation museums can be incredibly varied, offering many different experiences. Visitors might be able to see a historical aircraft suspended from the ceiling, explore significant artifacts related to iconic figures in aviation history. Further still, there are air shows and other special events to behold. Aviation museums make for an ideal day out for both aviation enthusiasts and those wishing merely for an entertaining, educational experience.
Helicopter Museums
Helicopter museums are an exciting learning experience for those passionate about aviation. These institutions have a variety of aircrafts from different eras, allowing visitors to walk through history and get insights into the development of helicopters throughout time. At these museums, one can find both working and non-working aircrafts; some may even be used for giving rides! In addition, many of these museums feature interactive exhibits that allow visitors to gain hands-on knowledge on how aerial apparatus is operated and maintained. A visit to a helicopter museum promises to be an informative and thrilling journey into the world of aviation history.
There are a few airplane museums solely dedicated to helicopters such as the ones below.
| Helicopter Museum | Location |
|---|---|
| American Helicopter Museums | PA |
| National Helicopter Museum | CT |
| Vietnam Helicopters Museum | CA |
Naval Aviator Museums
US Naval Aviation has a long and proud history. It began in 1910, when the first aircraft was purchased by the US Navy and has since grown to become one of the largest air forces in the world. Naval aviators take part in both offensive and defensive operations, providing air support for ground troops, delivering cargo and personnel around the world, conducting search-and-rescue operations, conducting surveillance missions, providing medical evacuation assistance and performing other vital tasks. Today's naval aviators are some of the most skilled pilots in the world due to their rigorous training regime which involves advanced cockpit techniques, navigation instrument knowledge and weapon systems proficiency. This training enables them to carry out their duties efficiently, often under extreme circumstance. There are a few museums dedicated solely to Naval Aviation. For the purposes of this directory, aircraft carrier museums have been included in this list.
The Lyon Air Museum in Santa Ana, California is a world-renowned museum that houses an impressive collection of over 100 vintage aircraft and vehicles. The museum was founded in 1985 by Major General William Lyon, a retired United States Air Force officer. The Lyon Air Museum is dedicated to preserving the history of aviation and educating the public about the science and technology of flight. The museum's collection includes aircraft from the Wright brothers to the Space Shuttle, and everything in between. The museum also has a number of interactive exhibits that are perfect for families and children of all ages. If you're interested in learning about the history of aviation, or if you're just looking for a fun day out, the Lyon Air Museum is definitely worth a visit.
The National Museum of the Marine Corps is a lasting tribute to U.S. Marines--past, present, and future. Situated on a 135-acre site adjacent to Marine Corps Base Quantico, Virginia, and under the command of Marine Corps University, the Museum's soaring design evokes the image of the flag-raisers of Iwo Jima and beckons visitors to this 120,000-square-foot structure. World-class interactive exhibits using the most innovative technology surround visitors with irreplaceable artifacts and immerse them in the sights and sounds of Marines in action.
The Museum is a public-private partnership between the U.S. Marine Corps and the Marine Corps Heritage Foundation. The Foundation was established in 1979 as a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization to support the historical programs of the Marine Corps in ways not possible through government funds. The Foundation supports the Museum's volunteer and educational programs.
The National Warplane Museum is a warbird and military history museum in Geneseo NY. Founded in 1994, the museum restores, flies, and displays vintage military aircraft from the World War 2, Vietnam, and Korean War eras. Don’t let the name fool you though, the museum also has many other items from military history on display, not just aircraft. The museum is also home to an annual airshow dubbed, “The Greatest Show on Turf”. The grass runway provides viewers with surreal scenes and nostalgic experiences transport them back to times when these historic aircraft frequently operated from grass runways. As always, we recommend giving the museum a call before your visit.
Aside from the museum and their airshow, visitors will be pleased to hear the museum operates warbird rides. Warbird rides are seasonal and visitors should call in advance to schedule a ride. The Museum operates the famous C-47 name W7 which can be seen operating around the northeast in various airshows or community flyovers.
Many may have visited the museum when it was called the 1941 Historic Aircraft Group or remember visiting the National Warplane Museum in Elmira, NY. Members from the museum split and established the museum down in Elmira NY. In 2013, the name National Warplane Museum was reacquired and the National Warplane Museum in Geneseo has been operating under this name ever since. The previous owners of the name National Warplane Museum have been rebranded as Wings of Eagles Discovery Center.
Located in the heart of Palm Springs, California, the Palm Springs Air Museum is a must-visit for all aviation enthusiasts. The museum boasts an impressive collection of aircraft and artifacts that showcase the rich history of aviation.
At the Palm Springs Air Museum, you have the unique opportunity to not just observe history, but to live it. Their Warbird rides put you in the seat of some of the most celebrated aircraft in history. Feel the rush of adrenaline as you take to the skies in our C-47 Skytrain or the P-51 Mustang. Every rumble of the engine, every moment of flight, immerses you in the unfiltered experience of our aviation past, offering an unparalleled perspective on the bravery and skill of the pilots who once helmed these incredible machines. Please note, these experiences are subject to weather conditions and availability, so we recommend booking in advance to ensure your spot.
At the Titan Missile Museum, near Tucson, Arizona, visitors journey through time to stand on the front line of the Cold War. This preserved Titan II missile site, officially known as complex 571-7, is all that remains of the 54 Titan II missile sites that were on alert across the United States from 1963 to 1987.
This one-of-a kind museum gives visitors a rare look at the technology used by the United States to deter nuclear war. What was once one of America’s most top secret places is now a National Historic Landmark, fulfilling its new mission of bringing Cold War history to life for millions of visitors from around the world.
45-MINUTE GUIDED TOUR
Go underground and back in time on the 45-minute guided tour. You’ll descend 35 feet into the missile complex, visit the launch control center, and experience a simulated launch of the missile. Then you’ll journey down the cableway to level 2 of the missile silo to get an up-close look at the Titan II missile itself. This tour lets you experience Cold War paranoia and American ingenuity while walking in the footsteps of the brave men and women who operated America’s largest land-based missile ever deployed.
*Note: Visitors who are not able to descend and climb 55 stair steps for the guided tour can still enjoy the surface portion of the missile site.
SELF-GUIDED TOPSIDE TOUR
Guests are encouraged to explore the surface of the complex after their tour of the silo. On the topside, visitors will see the alarm systems, known as tipsies, that secured the missile silo door, get to look at the engine up-close, and more. There is also a spectacular view of the missile from up above! Looking down into the 146-foot missile silo you will see the Titan II Missile standing tall as it did on Alert for over 20 years.
Description has been provided courtesy of the Titan Missile Museum
