EAA Aviation Museum
Explore the spirit of aviation innovation with experimental aircraft, hands-on exhibits, and free flights for kids.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more staff interaction
EAA Aviation Museum
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more staff interaction
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Explore the spirit of aviation innovation with experimental aircraft, hands-on exhibits, and free flights for kids.
"A fantastic time exploring, imagining, and socializing at the EAA Aviation Museum!"
🎯 Membership Value
Consider a membership; it's often cheaper than family tickets & offers great perks! :moneybag:
✈️ Young Eagles Flights
Kids 8-17 can get free plane rides! Arrive early for this popular program. :child:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Experimental Aircraft Collection
Explore a vast array of unique, homebuilt, and experimental aircraft, showcasing aviation innovation.
Young Eagles Program
Free airplane rides for kids aged 8-17, offering a chance to experience flight and even take the controls.
Interactive Flight Simulators
Experience the thrill of piloting with helicopter, plane, and hang-gliding simulations.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Plan for Experimental Aircraft
Membership & Family Fun
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Membership Value
Consider a membership; it's often cheaper than family tickets & offers great perks! :moneybag:
✈️ Young Eagles Flights
Kids 8-17 can get free plane rides! Arrive early for this popular program. :child:
⏳ Allow Ample Time
Plan for 2-4 hours to explore all exhibits and interactive displays. :clock:
⛈️ Weather Preparedness
If visiting during AirVenture, expect storms; pack accordingly. :umbrella:
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Membership Value
Consider a membership; it's often cheaper than family tickets & offers great perks! :moneybag:
✈️ Young Eagles Flights
Kids 8-17 can get free plane rides! Arrive early for this popular program. :child:
⏳ Allow Ample Time
Plan for 2-4 hours to explore all exhibits and interactive displays. :clock:
⛈️ Weather Preparedness
If visiting during AirVenture, expect storms; pack accordingly. :umbrella:
🛠️ Interactive Exhibits
Some interactive stations may be down; check with staff if unsure. :tools:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors praise the EAA Aviation Museum for its unique focus on experimental aircraft and its family-friendly atmosphere, especially the Young Eagles program. While some interactive exhibits may be out of order, the overall experience is highly recommended for its value and inspiring content.
"Different than other aviation museums we have been too. This is mostly experimental aircraft. There was a lot of interesting stuff to see however. This is a large museum and it's well put together. Prepare to spend at least two to three hours. Recommended."
Keith Jackson
"I'm not sure about visiting patterns, but on a windy, cool, November Sunday (during Packer game, I believe), all six of us had a fantastic time exploring, imagining, and socializing at the EAA Aviation Musuem. More people arrived by mid afternoon, which was helpful, as some experienced EAA-ers shared how to use some experiential activities—of which there were many, including helicopter, plane, and hang‐gliding simulations. In another fashion, my favorite part was interacting and learning from the staff 😊 We most certainly invested in a membership, despite the added bonus that it costs hardly more than our family's individual tickets 😏"
Michael Levandoski
"Overall we had a good visit... Cool planes and just the right amount of descriptions. Several of the interactive stops weren't working though. Not sure if it was cuz we got there right when we opened or if they were just down."
Jose Garcia
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The EAA Aviation Museum is located in Oshkosh, Wisconsin. It's easily accessible by car, with ample parking available. If you're attending EAA AirVenture, shuttle services are often provided from various parking areas and nearby accommodations. Check the official EAA website for the most current transportation details and directions.
Public transportation options directly to the EAA Aviation Museum can be limited, especially outside of major event periods like AirVenture. It's best to check local Oshkosh transit schedules or consider ride-sharing services if you are not driving.
Parking is generally available at the EAA Aviation Museum. During peak times, such as EAA AirVenture, extensive parking lots and shuttle services are organized. For regular visits, on-site parking is usually convenient.
Yes, if you are attending EAA AirVenture, Wittman Regional Airport (KOSH) is the home of the event and welcomes thousands of visiting aircraft. For regular museum visits, it's best to contact the museum or airport operations for specific procedures and landing information.
Yes, Oshkosh offers a range of hotels and accommodations. Many are located a short drive from the EAA Aviation Museum, and during EAA AirVenture, camping options on the grounds are also very popular.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Admission prices can vary, but a family ticket often costs around $37 for two adults and up to five children. Individual adult and child tickets are also available. Check the official EAA Aviation Museum website for the most up-to-date pricing and any special offers.
While not always mandatory for regular visits, purchasing EAA Museum tickets in advance can save time, especially during busy periods or special events. For EAA AirVenture, tickets are essential and should be bought well in advance.
Yes, discounts may be available for seniors, students, and military personnel. A family membership is also a cost-effective option for multiple visits or larger families, often costing little more than individual tickets.
The EAA Aviation Museum typically operates daily, but hours can vary seasonally and on holidays. It's recommended to check the official EAA Aviation Museum hours on their website before your visit to confirm opening and closing times.
The EAA Aviation Museum may offer reciprocity with certain museum memberships. It's advisable to check with your existing museum membership provider or contact the EAA Aviation Museum directly to inquire about their current reciprocity agreements.
🎫 ✈️ Onsite Experience
The EAA Aviation Museum primarily features experimental, homebuilt, and vintage aircraft, showcasing the spirit of aviation innovation. You'll find a diverse collection ranging from early aviation pioneers to modern experimental designs.
Absolutely! The museum is very family-friendly, with numerous hands-on exhibits and the highly popular Young Eagles program offering free flights for kids aged 8-17.
Yes, the EAA Aviation Museum offers interactive flight simulators, including helicopter, plane, and hang-gliding simulations, allowing visitors to experience the thrill of piloting.
Most visitors find that 2 to 4 hours are needed to fully explore the museum's exhibits and interactive displays. If you have young children, you might spend around 2 hours, while aviation enthusiasts could easily spend longer.
The EAA Aviation Museum is generally accessible, with ramps and elevators to navigate different levels. It's always a good idea to contact the museum in advance if you have specific accessibility needs.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Yes, the EAA Aviation Museum typically has a cafe or snack bar offering a selection of food and beverages. During EAA AirVenture, a wide variety of food vendors are available throughout the grounds.
Outside food and beverages may be permitted in designated areas, but it's best to check the museum's specific policy. Picnic areas might be available, especially during warmer months.
The cafe usually offers standard fare like sandwiches, snacks, and drinks. For more diverse options, especially during events, the surrounding Oshkosh area and the AirVenture grounds provide extensive choices.
Oshkosh has a variety of restaurants, from casual diners to sit-down establishments, located a short drive from the EAA Aviation Museum. You'll find options to suit different tastes and budgets.
Alcohol policies can vary. While the main museum cafe might not serve alcohol, certain areas or events, particularly during EAA AirVenture, may have licensed concessions. It's best to check the specific event details or museum policy.
📸 📸 Photography
Yes, photography is generally allowed inside the EAA Aviation Museum for personal use. However, flash photography might be restricted in certain areas to protect exhibits. Always be mindful of other visitors and avoid obstructing pathways.
The hangar interiors with the diverse aircraft collection offer great photo opportunities. Don't miss the chance to capture the Young Eagles program in action and the unique angles of experimental aircraft.
Photography is a huge part of EAA AirVenture! You'll have incredible opportunities to photograph a vast array of aircraft, from vintage planes to modern jets, both on static display and in flight.
Drone usage is strictly prohibited inside the EAA Aviation Museum and typically within the grounds of Wittman Regional Airport, especially during EAA AirVenture, for safety and security reasons. Always check current regulations before flying any drone.
A versatile lens, such as a 24-70mm or a 18-55mm kit lens, is great for capturing both wide shots of aircraft and details. A prime lens like a 50mm can be useful for portraits with aircraft backgrounds. Consider a polarizing filter for skies.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Plan for at least 2-3 hours, as kids will want to explore the various aircraft and try out the simulators. While some interactive elements might occasionally be down, the sheer volume of engaging content, combined with the potential for a free flight, makes it an excellent value. Consider a family membership if you plan on visiting multiple times, as it often proves more economical than individual tickets.
✈️ Aviation Enthusiasts
Beyond the static displays, the interactive simulators offer a chance to experience flight firsthand. If you're visiting during EAA AirVenture, the museum becomes part of an even larger celebration of aviation, with countless aircraft and events to explore. Even outside of AirVenture, the museum's unique collection makes it a pilgrimage site for those who appreciate the artistry and engineering of flight.
Budget Travelers
Consider purchasing a EAA museum membership if you anticipate visiting more than once or if your family size makes individual tickets add up quickly; it's often noted as costing 'hardly more than our family's individual tickets.'
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Spirit of Innovation: Experimental Aircraft
Exploring these aircraft offers a glimpse into the 'what if' of aviation. You'll see designs that pushed boundaries, experimented with new materials, and challenged conventional wisdom. The museum does an excellent job of contextualizing these aircraft, often providing details about the builders, their motivations, and the challenges they overcame. This makes the experience more than just looking at planes; it's about understanding the human drive to fly and innovate.
For those interested in the future of flight, the experimental aircraft association museum is a must-visit. It’s a place where the passion for aviation is palpable, and the spirit of 'build it yourself' is celebrated. It’s a refreshing change from more conventional aviation displays and offers a truly inspiring look at what’s possible when creativity meets the sky.
Young Eagles: Inspiring the Next Generation
The program is a cornerstone of the EAA's mission to promote aviation. It aims to spark an interest in aviation careers and hobbies by giving young people a direct, positive encounter with flight. The rides are typically 10-15 minutes long and are flown by volunteer EAA pilots who are passionate about sharing their love of flying. The museum often has dedicated days or weekends for these flights, making it a special event for families.
Beyond the thrill of the flight itself, participants receive a certificate and often a logbook to commemorate their first flight. This hands-on experience is invaluable for inspiring future pilots, engineers, and aviation enthusiasts. It’s a powerful reminder of the EAA's commitment to fostering a love for aviation across all ages.
Planning Your Visit: Tips from the Community
For families, the EAA museum admission is often highlighted as being very reasonable, especially with family membership options that can be more cost-effective than individual tickets.
Don't forget to check the EAA museum hours before you go, as they can vary seasonally. The EAA museum gift shop is also a great place to find aviation-themed souvenirs. Overall, the consensus is that the EAA Aviation Museum offers a unique and inspiring experience for aviation lovers of all ages.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit