Flying Heritage & Combat Armor Museum
Explore a stunning collection of meticulously restored WWII aircraft and combat armor, offering a free, immersive journey into military history.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more space
Flying Heritage & Combat Armor Museum
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more space
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Explore a stunning collection of meticulously restored WWII aircraft and combat armor, offering a free, immersive journey into military history.
"Probably the best WWII aircraft / equipment (and the best free admission) museum I've ever been to."
🎯 Free Admission Alert!
Enjoy this incredible collection without an entry fee! Just fill out a waiver for free access.
⏰ Arrive Early, Stay Late
The museum closes at 4 PM, so give yourself ample time to see everything.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Iconic WWII Aircraft
Main Hangar
Marvel at meticulously restored WWII warbirds like the P-51 Mustang and F-4U Corsair. Many are the last of their kind.
Ground Combat Vehicles
Main Hangar
Explore a remarkable collection of tanks and ground armor, offering a comprehensive look at WWII land warfare.
Missile Systems & Atomic History
Right Wing Exhibits
Discover fascinating displays on V2 rockets, atomic bombs, and other advanced missile systems of the era.
Interactive Command Station
Main Hangar
Engage with history by making decisions in simulated war scenarios at this unique, immersive exhibit.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Free Admission, Big Impact
WWII Focus with a Twist
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Free Admission Alert!
Enjoy this incredible collection without an entry fee! Just fill out a waiver for free access.
⏰ Arrive Early, Stay Late
The museum closes at 4 PM, so give yourself ample time to see everything.
✈️ See Them Fly (Rarely)
While not a regular occurrence, some aircraft participate in heritage flights. Check their schedule! +1
🗺️ Explore All Exhibits
Don't miss the right wing for additional expos, including missile systems.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Free Admission Alert!
Enjoy this incredible collection without an entry fee! Just fill out a waiver for free access.
⏰ Arrive Early, Stay Late
The museum closes at 4 PM, so give yourself ample time to see everything.
✈️ See Them Fly (Rarely)
While not a regular occurrence, some aircraft participate in heritage flights. Check their schedule! +1
🗺️ Explore All Exhibits
Don't miss the right wing for additional expos, including missile systems.
🤝 Chat with Staff
Volunteers and staff are incredibly knowledgeable and friendly. Strike up a conversation!
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise the Flying Heritage & Combat Armor Museum for its incredible collection of WWII aircraft and ground vehicles, especially given its free admission. The high level of preservation and the knowledgeable staff contribute to an immersive and engaging experience, though some note the museum's focus is primarily on WWII.
"Free admission! Had a great afternoon wandering around inside - tons of space and historical planes and tanks (some are the last examples left in the world!) Greg was great and I had a good conversation with him - super knowledgeable and friendly. Highly recommend stopping by if you have time."
Isaac
"Probably the best WWII aircraft / equipment (and the best free admission) museum I've ever been to. For a museum with free admission, both the variety and preservation level of the machines there are just astounding. If you're in the Seattle area, you owe yourself a visit. And please give yourself plenty of time, they close at 4pm!"
Dan Dai
"I was absolutely impressed. The museum is big, has a lot of unique airplanes. Don't miss the right wing with the additional expos! Fill out the waiver and get a free access."
Anna Solodova
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The museum is located at 3407 109th Street SW, Everett, WA 98204, near Seattle Paine Field. It's easily accessible by car, with ample parking available. Many visitors drive along I-5 and find it a convenient stop.
Public transportation options to Everett can be limited and may require multiple transfers. Driving is generally the most straightforward way to access the museum. Check local transit schedules for the most up-to-date information.
The museum is laid out in a restored hangar with distinct sections. Start with the main hangar for aircraft and tanks, then explore the right wing for specialized exhibits like missile systems.
Yes, there is ample parking available at the Flying Heritage & Combat Armor Museum, making it convenient for visitors arriving by car.
The museum is located near Paine Field, which also has aviation-related attractions. It's also a reasonable drive from Seattle, allowing for a day trip combining multiple sights.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
The museum offers free admission! You just need to fill out a waiver to gain entry, making it an incredibly accessible experience. +1
No, advance booking is not required due to the free admission policy. Simply arrive and fill out the necessary waiver.
The museum is typically open until 4 PM daily. It's advisable to check their official website for the most current hours, especially around holidays.
While not a regular occurrence, the museum sometimes participates in heritage flights. It's best to check their official schedule or social media for any announcements about flying demonstrations. +1
All exhibits within the museum are included with the free admission. The right wing with specialized displays like missile systems is part of the general access.
🎫 ✈️ Onsite Experience
You'll find a stunning collection of WWII-era aircraft, including iconic planes like the P-51 Mustang, F-4U Corsair, and Messerschmitt Bf 109. 
Absolutely! The museum boasts an impressive array of WWII ground combat vehicles, including various tanks and armored vehicles.
This interactive exhibit allows visitors to make decisions in simulated war scenarios, offering a unique and engaging way to learn about military history.
To fully appreciate the collection, plan for at least 2-3 hours. Many visitors find they could easily spend longer exploring all the exhibits.
Yes, the museum is very engaging for children, especially those interested in planes and tanks. The interactive elements can also be a hit.
📸 📸 Photography
Yes, photography is generally allowed for personal use. It's a fantastic place to capture images of historical aircraft and vehicles.
While personal photography is welcome, professional photography or videography may require special permission. Always be respectful of other visitors and the exhibits.
The main hangar offers great opportunities with the aircraft and tanks. The right wing's specialized exhibits also provide unique photographic subjects.
If the museum hosts any flying demonstrations or heritage flights, capturing those moments would be incredible. Keep an eye on their announcements for such events. +1
Focus on the details of the aircraft and vehicles, the scale of the exhibits, and any interactive displays for compelling shots. The F-4U Corsair opening its wings is a particularly striking visual.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Encourage your children to explore the exhibits and ask questions. The volunteers are often happy to share interesting facts. While the museum covers serious historical topics, the visual impact of the machines and the interactive elements make it an engaging and educational experience for younger visitors. Plan for at least a couple of hours to keep their attention span.
✈️ Aviation Enthusiasts
+1Beyond the aircraft, the museum's depth in showcasing related technologies, such as early missile systems, adds another layer of interest. The dedication to historical accuracy and preservation means you're seeing these machines as they were meant to be. Don't miss the chance to chat with the knowledgeable staff and volunteers who are passionate about sharing their expertise.
🎖️ Military History Buffs
The well-done displays and informative explanations provide great historical context, making it an immersive and engaging experience. The fact that admission is free makes it an exceptional value for the depth of historical content offered. Allow ample time to absorb the details and appreciate the preservation efforts.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Heart of WWII Aviation
+1Beyond the planes, the museum also houses a significant collection of ground combat vehicles. This includes a range of tanks and armored vehicles that played crucial roles on the battlefields of WWII. Seeing these machines up close provides a tangible connection to the scale and power of the war. The combination of air and ground assets creates an immersive experience, allowing visitors to understand the multifaceted nature of WWII warfare.
What sets this museum apart is not just the quantity but the quality and preservation of its exhibits. Many of the machines are not just static displays but are maintained in flying or operational condition, a testament to the dedication of the foundation and its volunteers. This focus on authenticity and historical accuracy makes for a deeply engaging and educational visit for any history enthusiast.
Beyond the Battlefield: Advanced Weaponry
Furthermore, the museum delves into the history and implications of atomic bombs and other missile systems. These sections provide crucial historical context, explaining the development, deployment, and impact of these world-altering weapons. The detailed explanations and artifacts offer a sobering yet essential part of understanding the latter half of the 20th century.
This broader scope, extending beyond conventional warfare to include the development of strategic weapons, makes the Flying Heritage & Combat Armor Museum a more comprehensive historical resource. It encourages visitors to consider the full spectrum of military technology and its profound influence on global events.
The 'Command Station' Experience
This immersive approach is a significant draw, particularly for those who enjoy engaging with history in a more dynamic way. It transforms the learning experience from simply reading about events to actively participating in them, albeit in a simulated environment. The 'command station' is a testament to the museum's effort to bring history to life and make it relatable to a modern audience.
Visitors often praise this feature for its novelty and educational value, noting how it provides a different perspective on historical conflicts. It's a memorable addition that complements the impressive collection of aircraft and vehicles, offering a well-rounded and engaging visit for all ages.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit