5 of the Best Plane Museums and Air Adventures in the U.S.

Since the Wright Brothers introduced their first powered aircraft to the world at Kitty Hawk in 1903, we have been fascinated with the idea of flight and going higher, faster and farther than ever before. From commercial planes to military jets to spaceships, there are several fun places across the U.S. where you can explore the history and progress of aviation. Grab your boarding pass and check out our list of five must-see plane museums and air adventures across the country.

Learn About the History of Flight

Discover thousands of aeronautical objects at the Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum in Washington, D.C. Some of the museum’s most popular collections include the 1903 Wright Flyer, Charles Lindbergh’s Spirit of St. Louis and various World War II aircraft. In addition, explore the history of air transportation in the U.S., learn how improvements in technology have revolutionized air travel and see how the flying experience has changed over the century at one of the country’s most popular plane museums.

Explore the History and Progress of Aviation

Get a load of the “Flying Pancake,” an experimental aircraft from World War II, on display at the Frontiers of Flight Museum in Dallas.

From a model of the Wright Flyer to the unique Flying Pancake, experience thrilling stories of aviation and spaceflight at the Frontiers of Flight Museum in Dallas. One of the more active plane museums in the country, it features the Apollo VII spacecraft, 13 historical galleries and more than 35,000 artifacts. Check the event calendar on their website to find out what the museum is up to before you go—it regularly holds events and special educational programs worth checking out.

Take a Tour of the Boeing Factory

The Future of Flight Aviation Center in Mukilteo, Washington, just 30 minutes outside of Seattle, is one of the country’s more unique plane museums. Visit hundreds of interactive exhibits and displays in its 28,000-square-foot Aviation Center Gallery, design your own airplane or attend kid-friendly workshops. Be sure to also allow enough time (and get your tickets early) to take a 90-minute tour of the Boeing Assembly Plant, located a short bus ride away. It’s the only publicly available opportunity to tour a commercial jet assembly plant in North America. You can watch as Boeing 747, 777 and 787 Dreamliner jets are assembled. On each tour, you’ll learn fascinating details about Boeing and its planes.

Watch the Blue Angels in Action

Every fall, the Marine Corps Air Station Miramar in San Diego hosts its annual Miramar Air Show, the largest military air show in the U.S. More than 700,000 people attend the three-day event to see an amazing lineup of military and civilian performers such as the world-famous U.S. Navy Blue Angels. Other past performers have included the civilian Patriots L-39 Jet Team, U.S. Navy Leap Frogs, U.S. Army Golden Knights and the Marine Air-Ground Task Force. When you’re not looking up at the air adventures in the sky, check out the more than 100 military and civilian aircraft on display, along with simulation rides and kids’ activities.

Have Fun in the Sun

The Sun ’n Fun International Fly-In & Expo at Lakeland Linder Regional Airport, about 30 miles from Tampa, provides plenty of family fun and entertainment. The annual six-day event, held every spring, is the second largest event of its kind in the world. Expect to see an array of jet teams, aerospace-related exhibits, educational forums, aircraft static displays, as well as daily and evening air shows. Kids can play pretend on the young-pilot campground. There are also evening events such as stargazing and night air shows. The event serves as a fundraiser for the Aerospace Center for Excellence, a 25-acre, 11-building campus dedicated to aerospace and STEM education.

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