From warplanes to helicopters, there is no shortage of amazing places for aviation enthusiasts to explore and learn. Before heading out to tour any museums, remember to bring great shoes and allow enough time to take it all in. Some people who left reviews for some of these museums stated that they wished they had more time. Many visitors underestimated how much there was to see and explore.
While these museums are primarily known for their aviation, many also offer other exhibits. Most museums also offer special events and exhibits throughout the year, so check the websites before you visit. This list is only United States based museums, but stay tuned for more from other countries.
Pima Air and Space Museum – AZ
Located in Tucson, Arizona, the Pima Air and Space Museum offers a look at over 300 aviation marvels. There are indoor and outdoor exhibits and a variety of specialty hangars. The 390th Memorial Museum hangar showcases a variety of historical elements from the 390th Bomb Group.
Aerospace Museum of California – CA
The Aerospace Museum of California, located in North Highlands, California, features over 40 aircraft, including a fully restored Fairchild PT-19 and a Grumman F-14D Tomcat. Established in 1982 and formerly known as the McClellan Aviation Museum, it focuses on aviation history and STEM education, offering interactive exhibits and a flight simulator experience for visitors[2][4].
Yanks Air Museum – CA
Hundreds of vintage airplanes call Yanks Air Museum in Chino, CA home. Just a few of the notable planes on display include the P-40 Warhawk, F-86 Sabre, F-16B Fighting Falcon, F-15A Eagle and more! The flight team also puts on a show with their testing flights on the runway which kids will love.
San Diego Air and Space Museum – CA
Located in beautiful Balboa Park in San Diego, CA, the Air and Space Museum is home to a collection air and space crafts. From a Bell AH-1E Cobra Helicopter to a Chance Vought F4U Corsair, there is something for everyone to enjoy. Special exhibits and programs happen throughout the year. Travel + Leisure voted the museum one of the top 10 aviation museums in the country.
National Air and Space Museum – DC
Undoubtedly, it is the most well-known air museum on this list. The National Air and Space Museum is located in Washington, DC, and its exhibits show many of the “firsts” in aviation. There are aviation items from the Wright Brothers to space items like a pressure suit worn on Apollo 11. If space and flight interest you, this is the place to be.
Air Mobility Command Museum – DE
The Air Mobility Command Museum is located next to the Dover Air Force Base in Delaware. What makes this museum unique is that it is the only museum that focuses on the history of airlift and air refueling. Over 30 aircraft are on display and tell the stories of the history of humanitarian efforts in airlift and refueling.
National Naval Aviation Museum – FL
The National Naval Aviation Museum resides in Pensacola, Florida. It features over 150 restored aircraft from the Navy, Coast Guard, and Marine Corps. Some featured displays include the Dawn of Naval Aviation, the Korean War, and the Great War. There is even an NC-4, a flying boat that was the first to cross the Atlantic.
Fantasy of Flight – FL
Fantasy of Flight is located in Polk City, Florida, was started by aviation enthusiast Kermit Weeks. It has seasonal hours, so be sure to check before you go. The museum used to have a large hangar where a large collection would be showcased, but that is only used for restorations now. The museum still houses one hangar with approximately 25 aircraft. There are planes from WWI to the Golden Age and more to enjoy.
Museum of Aviation – GA
Located just outside Macon, Georgia, the Museum of Aviation is a place to immerse yourself in antique planes that were part of our military. From bombers to fighters, these aircraft have been essential to our history.
Pacific Aviation Museum Pearl Harbor – HI
If you are heading to Hawaii anytime soon, then the Pacific Aviation Museum in Honolulu, HI might be a must see. The museum spans two historic WWII-era hangars. Each is filled with aircraft, exhibits, and artifacts of the men and women who gave their lives for freedom. A newer addition is the newly restored Ford Island Control Tower.
Air Zoo – MI
The Air Zoo, located in Portage, Michigan, began as the Kalamazoo Aviation History Museum in 1977 and was renamed in 1999. It features over 100 historic aircraft, including the SR-71B Blackbird and an F-14A Tomcat, alongside interactive exhibits and amusement rides, making it a unique blend of aviation history and entertainment. The museum is also home to the Michigan Aviation Hall of Fame and offers an immersive experience with flight simulators and a 4-D theater.
Mississippi Agricultural Aviation Museum – MS
This museum, located in Jackson, Mississippi, features a unique display of planes that flew over Southern farms and plantations. It is part of the general Mississippi AG Museum, which features 39 acres and 44 unique exhibits that are all agriculturally focused. Explore the aviation museum, then enjoy the living farm, small town, and more.
Strategic Air Command and Aerospace Museum – NE
The Strategic Air Command and Aerospace Museum in Ashland, Nebraska, focuses on preserving and displaying aircraft and missiles from the Cold War era. Notable exhibits include a Lockheed SR-71 Blackbird, an Apollo Command Module, and various bombers like the B-52 Stratofortress and B-36 Peacemaker. The museum began in 1959 at Offutt Air Force Base and moved to its current 300,000-square-foot indoor facility in 1998, allowing for better preservation of its extensive collection.
War Eagles Air Museum – NM
The War Eagles Museum is located in Santa Teresa, New Mexico. Started in 1989, it offers one of Southwest’s most extensive aircraft collections from Vietnam and World War II. Explore over 40 bombers, fighters, helicopters, and more in the 64,000-square-foot display.
Cradle of Aviation Museum – NY
The Cradle of Aviation Museum, located in Garden City, New York, celebrates Long Island’s rich aerospace history. Visitors can explore over 75 aircraft across eight exhibit galleries, including notable displays like Charles Lindbergh’s Curtiss JN-4D Jenny and an unused Apollo Lunar Module. The museum also features a state-of-the-art planetarium and interactive exhibits, making it an engaging experience for all ages. Additionally, the museum highlights Long Island’s contributions to aviation and space exploration through various artifacts and educational programs.
Glenn H. Curtiss Museum – NY
The Glenn H. Curtiss Museum, located in Hammondsport, New York, is dedicated to the legacy of aviation pioneer Glenn Curtiss. The museum features a collection of over 20 aircraft, including notable examples such as the AEA June Bug (reproduction), Curtiss Model D (reproduction), and the JN-4D Jenny, among others, showcasing the evolution of early aviation technology. There are other vintage displays including bicycles, autos and motorcycles too.
National Museum of the US Air Force – OH
The National Museum of the United States Air Force is the premier place to visit if you are interested in the Air Force’s air history. Exhibits include missiles, the Cold War, the Korean War, and more. Over 350 vehicles and missiles are on display alongside thousands of historical items. The museum is located at the Wright-Patterson Air Force base outside Dayton, Ohio.
Western Antique Aeroplane and Automobile Museum – OR
Located in Hood River, Oregon, Western Antique Aeroplane and Automobile Museum is a museum filled with history the whole family can enjoy. The planes on display go as far back as 1902 and have been lovingly restored – and every one of them still flies. The museum also features smaller collections of autos, motorcycles, tractors and more.
Evergreen Aviation and Space Museum – OR
The Evergreen Aviation and Space Museum is probably best known for its Spruce Goose exhibit. The Spruce Goose is the largest wooden airplane ever built and lives out its days at this Oregon-based museum. But there is so much more to this museum. From the F-117 Nighthawk to the observatory, there is something for every air lover.
Lone Star Flight Museum – TX
The Lone Star Flight Museum, located in Houston, Texas, showcases over 24 historically significant aircraft, including a B-17 Flying Fortress and a P-51 Mustang. Established in 1985, the museum has a rich history, having moved to its current location at Ellington International Airport after suffering damage from Hurricane Ike in 2008. Notable exhibits include the Texas Aviation Hall of Fame, which honors influential figures in aviation from Texas.
Frontiers of Flight – TX
The Frontiers of Flight Museum, located in Dallas, Texas, was founded in 1988 and focuses on the history of aviation and space exploration. Notable displays include the Apollo 7 Command Module, a replica of the World War I Sopwith Pup, and artifacts from the Hindenburg airship, showcasing the rich aviation heritage of the Dallas/Fort Worth area. The museum houses over 200 models of World War II aircraft and various significant aircraft, making it a prominent destination for aviation enthusiasts.
Hill Aerospace Museum – UT
The Hill Aerospace Museum is located at the Hill Air Force Base in Utah and is a top-rated aviation museum. Their aircraft collection includes fighters, cargo, attack, and more. The museum features over 4,000 objects visitors can enjoy.
Steven F. Udvar – Hazy Center – VA
If you want to view a Concorde or a Blackbird SR-71, the Steven F. Udvar – Hazy Center has them. This museum is an extension of the National Air and Space Museum and is located in Chantilly, Virginia.
The Museum of Flight – WA
The Museum of Flight is located in Seattle, Washington, and received TripAdvisor’s top Traveler’s Choice award in 2023. The museum features many displays, including aircraft and spacecraft. Have you ever seen an Albatros D.Va or a Boeing CH-47D Chinook “My Old Lady”? Well, you can here.
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You should also consider the WAAM museum at Hood River< Or. It is certainly in the same category as the previous selections.
Hey Tom! Thank you – we will get that one added as well!