Combat Air Museum
Explore two hangars of meticulously restored aircraft, with many offering walk-in access and cockpit views. A true aviation gem!
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Pleasant temperatures, fewer crowds
Combat Air Museum
Best Time
Pleasant temperatures, fewer crowds
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Explore two hangars of meticulously restored aircraft, with many offering walk-in access and cockpit views. A true aviation gem!
"A must-visit for aviation history lovers, offering up-close encounters with incredible aircraft."
🎯 Bring Water & Fans
Hangars aren't climate-controlled! Stay cool with water and portable fans, especially in summer.
👟 Comfortable Shoes Recommended
You'll be doing a lot of walking and standing to explore the extensive exhibits.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Historic Aircraft Hangars
Main museum hangars
Explore two hangars packed with meticulously restored aircraft from various eras of aviation history.
Walk-In Cockpits & Planes
Various exhibits
Get up close and personal by stepping inside select aircraft and exploring their cockpits.
The Red Baron Art Exhibit
Gallery space
View 80 stunning paintings by Thomas La Padula depicting the aerial victories of WWI ace Manfred von Richthofen.
Shenyang J-8B Display
Hangar
See a unique Chinese J-8B fighter jet, a piece of Sino-American aviation history.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Beat the Heat & Crowds
Accessibility & Exploration
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Bring Water & Fans
Hangars aren't climate-controlled! Stay cool with water and portable fans, especially in summer.
👟 Comfortable Shoes Recommended
You'll be doing a lot of walking and standing to explore the extensive exhibits.
👨👩👧👦 Kid-Friendly Fun
Kids love walking into planes and exploring cockpits. Free admission for under 4s!
✈️ Get Up Close
Many aircraft allow you to step inside and view the cockpit – a highlight for many visitors.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Bring Water & Fans
Hangars aren't climate-controlled! Stay cool with water and portable fans, especially in summer.
👟 Comfortable Shoes Recommended
You'll be doing a lot of walking and standing to explore the extensive exhibits.
👨👩👧👦 Kid-Friendly Fun
Kids love walking into planes and exploring cockpits. Free admission for under 4s!
✈️ Get Up Close
Many aircraft allow you to step inside and view the cockpit – a highlight for many visitors.
🖼️ Art Gallery Surprise
Don't miss the beautiful artwork, including the special exhibit on 'The Red Baron'.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise the Combat Air Museum as a hidden gem, highlighting the impressive collection of well-restored aircraft and the unique opportunity to walk inside many of them. The affordable admission and friendly atmosphere make it a highly recommended stop for families and aviation enthusiasts alike. Some note the lack of climate control in the hangars, advising visitors to prepare for temperature fluctuations.
"The Combat Air Museum in Topeka is a must-visit for anyone who appreciates aviation history. The aircraft on display are carefully restored and well presented — you can tell a lot of pride and effort went into preserving each one. The layout allows you to really get up close and take your time with every exhibit.
The staff was friendly and respectful, giving us space to explore at our own pace, which made the visit even better. Admission is fairly priced, and there’s even a discount for veterans. Parking is easy, though the facility isn’t fully wheelchair accessible in all areas.
Highly recommended for veterans and anyone with a love for aircraft and military history. It’s the kind of place you could spend hours in without realizing it."
Greg Obar
"My son absolutely loved seeing all the planes. He also enjoyed the flight simulator and the cockpits they had. They also had a helicopter outside that flew around. They have planes you can walk into as well which I thought was pretty cool."
Marcelline Baeman
"Beautiful place full of amazing planes and history! I’ve been coming to this museum off and on for decades and each visit feels fun and unique. Love the little models of the panes with a brief history of them and the beautiful art work in the gallery. The planes look to be in good condition considering their age and there’s a great variety! Thank you and all your volunteers over the years to give us a memorable experience and I can’t wait to come back again!"
MG
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Combat Air Museum is located at 7016 SE Forbes Ave, Topeka, KS 66619. It's easily accessible by car, with ample parking available. Many visitors arrive as part of road trips through the Midwest.
Public transportation options to the museum's specific location might be limited. Driving is the most common and convenient way to reach the museum.
If you're on a road trip, the museum is conveniently located off I-70, making it an easy stop. Consider combining it with other regional aviation attractions.
While not directly adjacent, you can combine a visit with other Topeka attractions or other aviation museums in the region for a comprehensive trip.
From Kansas City, take I-70 West to Topeka. From Wichita, take I-35 North to I-70 West. The museum is located off Forbes Field.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Admission is very reasonably priced, often around $7 per adult. There are also discounts available for veterans, making it an affordable outing for history buffs.
Yes, children aged 4 and under are often free, and there are typically discounted rates for seniors and veterans. It's always a good idea to check their official website for the most current pricing.
Advance booking is generally not required for general admission. You can typically purchase tickets upon arrival.
Operating hours can vary seasonally. It's best to check the museum's official website or call ahead to confirm their current hours of operation before your visit.
Parking at the Combat Air Museum is typically free and readily available for visitors.
🎫 ✈️ Onsite Experience
The museum boasts a diverse collection, including aircraft from World War I, World War II, Korea, Vietnam, and the Cold War. You'll find everything from vintage fighters to unique international aircraft like the Shenyang J-8B.
Absolutely! A major highlight is that visitors can often walk into select aircraft and explore their cockpits, offering an immersive experience.
Yes, it's highly recommended for kids! They love the hands-on exhibits, the ability to enter planes, and the general excitement of seeing so many aircraft up close.
No, the main hangars are not temperature-controlled. Visitors are advised to dress appropriately for the weather and bring water, especially during warmer months.
The museum features a special art exhibit showcasing 80 paintings by illustrator Thomas La Padula, depicting the aerial victories of WWI German ace pilot Manfred von Richthofen.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
The museum has a gift shop that includes an exhibit section with air conditioning, and sometimes offers snacks or drinks. However, dedicated dining facilities are limited. It's advisable to bring your own snacks or plan to eat before or after your visit.
While not explicitly stated, it's generally acceptable to bring water. For full meals, it's best to consume them outside the exhibit areas.
Yes, there are various dining options available in Topeka, a short drive from the museum. You can find everything from casual diners to more formal restaurants.
The gift shop caters to aviation enthusiasts, offering a range of aviation-themed items, models, books, and apparel.
The museum primarily has a gift shop with an exhibit section. Full-service dining is not a feature of the museum itself.
📸 📸 Photography
Yes, photography is generally allowed inside the museum for personal use. It's a great place to capture stunning images of historic aircraft.
While personal photography is permitted, commercial photography or flash photography that might disturb other visitors or damage exhibits may be restricted. Always be mindful of your surroundings.
The walk-in cockpits and the well-preserved aircraft in the hangars offer fantastic photo opportunities. The 'Red Baron' art exhibit also provides unique visual content.
Yes, you can photograph the aircraft exteriors from various angles within the museum grounds.
Drones are typically not permitted inside museums or on their grounds for safety and privacy reasons. Check with the museum directly for specific policies.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
+1Remember that the hangars are not temperature-controlled, so plan for warmer days by bringing water and perhaps a small fan. The museum offers a great balance of fun and education, making it a memorable outing for the whole family.
✈️ Aviation Enthusiasts
Don't miss the special art exhibits, such as the 'Red Baron' collection, which adds an artistic dimension to the historical displays. The detailed information provided for each aircraft allows for a deep dive into aviation history.
🎖️ Veterans and History Buffs
The meticulously restored planes and detailed historical context provide a powerful reminder of the courage and innovation in aviation history. The ability to explore cockpits and walk through aircraft offers a tangible connection to the machines that shaped history.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Aviation History at Your Fingertips
Beyond the main aircraft displays, the museum also features detailed informational plaques that provide context and history for each exhibit. This allows visitors to delve deeper into the significance of each plane, its role in conflicts, and the technological advancements it represented. The collection includes a unique Shenyang J-8B, a Chinese fighter jet, highlighting the museum's commitment to showcasing international aviation history.
Furthermore, the Combat Air Museum hosts special exhibits, such as the "Richthofen’s 80 Victories Illustrated" art collection. This exhibition features 80 paintings by New York illustrator Thomas La Padula, bringing to life the aerial combat exploits of World War I German ace pilot Manfred von Richthofen, 'The Red Baron.' This blend of historical artifacts and artistic interpretation offers a multi-faceted look at aviation's past.
Family Fun and Educational Value
With free admission for children under four and affordable entry for all, it's a budget-friendly outing. The hands-on nature of the exhibits ensures that kids remain engaged throughout the visit. Parents can appreciate the chance to teach their children about history and technology in a dynamic setting. The variety of aircraft ensures there's always something new and exciting for young minds to discover.
While the hangars are not climate-controlled, the excitement of exploring the planes often overshadows the temperature. Bringing water and perhaps a small portable fan can help ensure comfort. The museum's commitment to preserving these historical artifacts provides a valuable learning opportunity, making it a worthwhile stop for any family visiting Topeka.
Exploring Unique Aviation Artifacts
Visitors can also admire a variety of models and art, including the impressive collection dedicated to 'The Red Baron.' These artistic interpretations of aerial combat add another layer to the museum's narrative, appealing to those interested in both history and art. The attention to detail in the restoration of each aircraft, from vintage biplanes to more modern jets, is evident and contributes to the museum's appeal.
The ability to get up close and personal with these machines, including walking into them, sets the Combat Air Museum apart. It transforms a typical museum visit into an immersive journey through aviation's past, making it a memorable experience for enthusiasts and casual visitors alike.
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