National Museum of World War II Aviation
National Museum of World War II Aviation
National Museum of World War II Aviation
4.9
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Monday
Closed
Tuesday
Closed
Wednesday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Thursday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Friday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Saturday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Sunday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
About
The Museum's new 40,000 sq ft hangar is now open at 775 Aviation Way. Now on Winter Hours. Open Wednesday's through Sunday's from 10 AM to 5 PM. Visitors can walk around the museum on their own and hosts are available to answer questions. Two hour docent led tours are offered at 10:30 AM , 11:30 AM and 1:30 PM, and include a visit to WestPac, a private WWII aircraft restoration company.
Duration: 2-3 hours
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
Popular mentions
4.9
2,004 reviews
Excellent
1,880
Very good
103
Average
13
Poor
7
Terrible
3
Steve W
1 contribution
Jan 2025 • Family
What a great museum! Our docent guide Larry made it one of the best visits my son has had to any museum, he really went to great lengths to show us unique features of all the aircraft. The small extra charge of $5 for a docent-led tour is well worth it, especially if your tour guide is Larry!
Written January 13, 2025
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Stephen H
6 contributions
Sep 2024 • Couples
We had a great experience at the WWII aviation museum. Had no idea it existed and was referred by a friend. If you have any interest in WWII or aviation, this is a must see.
We took a 2 hour guided tour for only $5 and the docent (museum curator/tour guide) was exceptional and full of very interesting facts. Relatively new facility, very clean and packed with incredible exhibits.
We arrived 1 hour before the tour to look around and barely scratched the surface. Even after the tour, we plan to come back and spend about half a day to look at all the other exhibits. About 30 planes to look at and almost all are in flying condition, which is unique among aviation museums.
They have a flight simulator you can try, military vehicles and an amazing restoration shop and a gift shop.
Afterwards we had lunch at The Airplane restaurant which is 1/2 mile away. We ate inside of the fuselage of an old air to air refueling plane in an aviation based restaurant. The food &service was good and we would go back there again.
Made for a truly memorable day.
We took a 2 hour guided tour for only $5 and the docent (museum curator/tour guide) was exceptional and full of very interesting facts. Relatively new facility, very clean and packed with incredible exhibits.
We arrived 1 hour before the tour to look around and barely scratched the surface. Even after the tour, we plan to come back and spend about half a day to look at all the other exhibits. About 30 planes to look at and almost all are in flying condition, which is unique among aviation museums.
They have a flight simulator you can try, military vehicles and an amazing restoration shop and a gift shop.
Afterwards we had lunch at The Airplane restaurant which is 1/2 mile away. We ate inside of the fuselage of an old air to air refueling plane in an aviation based restaurant. The food &service was good and we would go back there again.
Made for a truly memorable day.
Written September 16, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Samantha L
1 contribution
Feb 2025 • Couples
Went for my boyfriend's birthday (he's the plane guy) and loved it! The website doesn't do it justice because this place is HUGE and there is so much that you don't fully get on the website. We did the plane simulation and he's an avid plane sim person and said it was incredible and wanted to go again and again (like a little kid). We got a guided tour (HIGHLY recommend Randy if he's there) and learned so much history as well as fun stories behind the planes there.
We are thinking this will be a yearly trip if possible (we live closer to Wyoming so 2+ hour drive one way) but was worth every ounce of traffic! 12/10!
We are thinking this will be a yearly trip if possible (we live closer to Wyoming so 2+ hour drive one way) but was worth every ounce of traffic! 12/10!
Written February 24, 2025
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
montanapescado
Albuquerque, NM1,592 contributions
Feb 2025 • Couples
A long time WWII aviation enthusiast, I have toured many air museums. Today's visit was easily my favorite. Part of that was the quality of exhibits, but mostly it was the amazing gioded tour. At just an extra $5 for a full 2 hrs, this incredibly informative and interesting tou r is easily the best tourist value I've encountered in some time. Out docent, Arnie, was excellent and while he kept me thrilled with military aviation geekery, he kept my wife who has zero interest in military aviation, engaged with fascinating history and human interest stories.
Honestly, I can not recommend this place highly enough, no matter your level of interest in the subject matter.
Honestly, I can not recommend this place highly enough, no matter your level of interest in the subject matter.
Written February 16, 2025
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
John B
1 contribution
Jan 2025 • Family
Visiting the National Museum of World War II Aviation in Colorado Springs was such a memorable experience, and having James Ronka as our docent made it even better. His passion and deep knowledge brought the exhibits to life, especially the stories behind the planes and the people who flew them.
The museum itself is incredible, with beautifully restored aircraft and artifacts that really give you a sense of the history. Seeing the Catalina, known as the “floating boat,” was a personal highlight. It’s amazing to know that this iconic plane, along with all the others at the museum, still flies! That detail truly sets this place apart.
If you go, I highly recommend taking a guided tour—there’s so much to see, and having someone like James to point out details makes all the difference. Wear comfortable shoes, and don’t miss the hangar tours. This place is a must-visit for anyone interested in history or aviation!
The museum itself is incredible, with beautifully restored aircraft and artifacts that really give you a sense of the history. Seeing the Catalina, known as the “floating boat,” was a personal highlight. It’s amazing to know that this iconic plane, along with all the others at the museum, still flies! That detail truly sets this place apart.
If you go, I highly recommend taking a guided tour—there’s so much to see, and having someone like James to point out details makes all the difference. Wear comfortable shoes, and don’t miss the hangar tours. This place is a must-visit for anyone interested in history or aviation!
Written January 4, 2025
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Aaron P
5 contributions
Nov 2024 • Friends
This place was incredible. You can't possibly take it all in during only one visit. We spent the extra $5 for the guided tour and it is highly recommended. Arnie really knew what he was talking about and was able to share personal knowledge about the aircraft.
During the tour I actually got chills listening to the stories that were told. It appeared to me that the museum and the owners of the aircraft really care about the connection these aircraft have to the veterans and their families.
I truly can't say enough about how blown away I was with this museum and their staff!
During the tour I actually got chills listening to the stories that were told. It appeared to me that the museum and the owners of the aircraft really care about the connection these aircraft have to the veterans and their families.
I truly can't say enough about how blown away I was with this museum and their staff!
Written November 17, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
lulu888
St. Louis1 contribution
Jun 2024 • Family
This museum has a truly spectacular collection of beautifully restored and still flown WWII aircraft—fighter planes, dive bombers, and even a wartime mail carrier. Also a massive hangar that serves as a workshop for expert restoration engineers and artisans. We saw several planes being meticulously restored and painted for an upcoming air show. The main building houses great artifacts and intricate historical models, too. Our kids loved the 15-minute simulator where they learned to fly and land a biplane. But the real treasure of this museum is its incredible volunteer docents. Our docent, Warren, is Vietnam veteran/pilot who possessed a wealth of technical knowledge and made the museum come to life with fascinating historical/tactical back stories and personal insights of famous battles and skirmishes. One of the best museum guides we’ve ever had. Spend the extra few dollars for the two-hour tour—it makes a good museum experience into an extraordinary one!!
Written June 29, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
810ernesta
7 contributions
Jun 2024 • Family
As a retired US Army and Law Enforcement Aviator, I have visited many aviation museums, to include both Smithsonian's, all across this country. I was extremely pleased and thoroughly enjoy my time at the National Museum of WWll Aviation. The display aircraft are all still flyable and are in pristine condition. The museum is laid out in a natural flow with world history and associated aircraft, the pilots and world leaders.
The museum is staffed with over 220 volunteers to include extremely knowledgeable tour guides. Their love and passion, not just of aviation, but for their museum, was evident with their detailed and professional presentation.
I would highly recommend anyone with the slightest interest in World War era aircraft, should come and be overwhelmed with this museum.
The museum is staffed with over 220 volunteers to include extremely knowledgeable tour guides. Their love and passion, not just of aviation, but for their museum, was evident with their detailed and professional presentation.
I would highly recommend anyone with the slightest interest in World War era aircraft, should come and be overwhelmed with this museum.
Written June 27, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
matthew s
12 contributions
Jun 2024 • Family
This is a gem among aviation museums. Pay the extra $5 for the guided tour - you get to see the restoration and fabrication shop in action. Our docent Mike was awesome and has forgotten more about flying than I'll ever know. Every plane on display has a valid N number and current annual - which is amazing. The people who run the shop and museum are literally a national treasure. The only drawback is that every air museum I go to from now on just got less impressive.
Competitor with Dayton for best air museum (as related to WW2) - if you get the guided tour.
Competitor with Dayton for best air museum (as related to WW2) - if you get the guided tour.
Written June 5, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Downroute9
Grimsby, UK25 contributions
Jul 2024 • Family
Great Tour with knowledgeable, enthusiastic guides.
I have visited the museum twice now, each time doing the free guided tour. This time our guide was Mike who was great. He really knew his stuff, had some great stories and invited questions.
Tip: Dk the flight simulator at the wnd of the Tour. Five bucks for 15 mins in the cockpit of a full sized working mock up of a biplane frame.
I have visited the museum twice now, each time doing the free guided tour. This time our guide was Mike who was great. He really knew his stuff, had some great stories and invited questions.
Tip: Dk the flight simulator at the wnd of the Tour. Five bucks for 15 mins in the cockpit of a full sized working mock up of a biplane frame.
Written July 9, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Are the interiors of the aircraft available to visitors? Can the aircraft interiors be explored by visitors?
Written July 25, 2023
As the other two posters have answered, the answer is that the interior of the aircraft were not accessible during our visit.
Please don't let this dissuade you from visiting though as we had a great time!
Written July 28, 2023
How much time would you recommend spending at the museum?
Written April 12, 2021
2 hours? Barely touches the highlights. There is a lot to see so plan on half a day minimum. The 2-hr guided tours start at 10:30, 11:30 and 1:30 and are only $5 extra. Highly recommended, you get a lot of insights from the expert "docents" (guides).
Written July 26, 2023
See are web site as prices are subject to change. Prepaid reservation made on line will save you $2 per person.
Written May 26, 2021
It is nice to leave a few bucks of donation on top of the cheap ticket price.
Written January 5, 2019
Adult $12.00 walk-in / $10.00 pre-paid
Child (age 4-12) $8.00 walk-in / $7.00 pre-paid
Seniors (age 65) $10.00 walk-in / $8.00 pre-paid
Military (active and retired) $10.00 walk-in / $8.00 pre-paid
WWII Veteran...No Charge!
Written February 17, 2018
Can well-behaved dogs on-leash visit the museum?
Written February 5, 2018
I haven't seen animals on either of my visits to the museum, so I'm doubtful. Your best bet is to call ahead and ask.
Written February 9, 2018
Would you recommend the tour for kids ages 3,6,7 and 12?
Written May 22, 2017
If you call the museum there are special kid tours in the summer!
Written June 10, 2017
Are the tours handicapped accessible? I am handicapped and will be using my electric scooter. Can the West Pac tour and the Display Hangar tour be combined? Would we have to book these separately? My husband and I are planning a visit to Colorado Springs the third week of June.
Thank you for your help!
Written December 17, 2016
Yes the tours are handicapped accessible and you can use your electric scooter. We also have wheel chairs and walkers. The Display Hangar has been relocated to main hangar so yes the tours can be seen at the same time and you only need to book the one tour.
We look forward to your visit.
Vern
Written December 17, 2016
$8 for active duty military. Than $10 or $12 for everyone else.
Written August 7, 2016
I have two small dogs that are traveling with us. Will we be able to tie them up outside the building in the shade?
Written July 13, 2016
probably not, the museum is on the tarmac of the airport and is in a very large hanger. Parking is on asphalt just not conducive to pets.
Written July 13, 2016
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