Day-trip to Museum of Aviation in Georgia fascinating for both young and old. And it’s free!
The thundering sound of a USMC F-35 fighter jet streaking overhead will make visitors to the Beaufort area stop and stare, but residents only smile and remark with the motto that is emblazoned on the entrance of Marine Corps Air Station Beaufort: “The Noise You Hear is the Sound of Freedom.”
They know that a few moments of shattered quiet is a small price to pay for the security of a nation and for the military families who live and work in their community.
If you are a fan of flight, aviation history, or simply honoring our nation’s veterans, there is a world-class destination just a few hour’s drive from the Beaufort area that you will truly wish to experience. The Museum of Aviation in Warner Robins, Georgia, is a museum with indoor and outdoor exhibits, educational programs, and a venue for cultural and community events.
The Museum of Aviation opened in 1984 with 20 historic aircraft in an open field and a small facility to preserve the memorabilia of veterans. Today, the museum includes 85 historic aircraft and covers over 50 acres, making it the second largest aerospace museum of the U.S. Air Force.
When you visit the The Museum of Aviation, you will be greeted by several large aircraft, including an iconic F-15 “Eagle,” an A-10 “Warthog,” and a huge but graceful B-1 bomber. Located near Robins Air Force Base, the museum is host to historic aircraft of nearly every type of service, from fighters and bombers, to transport, training and other types.
From the moment you enter the Eagle Building you will encounter numerous historic U.S. Air Force aircraft, missiles, cockpits and award-winning exhibits. Some notable exhibits include a P-40 of the famous “Flying Tigers” of WWII, and the story of local hero Robert L. Scott, author of the wartime memoir “God is my Co-Pilot.”
Three other large hanger-sized buildings house full-sized B-29, B-17 and a legendary SR-71 “Blackbird” reconnaissance plane, at one time the fastest and highest flying military aircraft in service.
Throughout your tour, you will enjoy interactive educational exhibits on men and women in service, the history of Robins Air Force Base and the science of flight.
The museum offers guided tours that can provide information and access to aircraft and facilities not available to regular visitors. Other programs include group team-building and education through the National STEM Academy.
My family and I recently visited the Museum of Aviation in Warner Robins and spent a day exploring and enjoying the museum. With free admission and a few hours drive, it was well worth the time spent. The well-organized and large buildings allowed plenty of room for the numerous visitors, and the outdoor exhibits of parked aircraft provided endless fascination. The well-stocked gift shop provided souvenirs, cockpits allowed hands-on education, and our horizons were broadened.
Whether you are fascinated by the history of flight, are a veteran, or simply wish to know more to appreciate the service of so many, the Museum of Aviation at Warner Robins will be a most enjoyable visit.
Getting there
The Museum of Aviation is located at 1942 Heritage Blvd., Robins AFB, GA 31098, and is a little over 2 1/2 hours from the Beaufort area. It can be reached and enjoyed in a day, with plenty of nearby restaurants and other businesses to enhance your trip.
To get there, take I-16W for 2 hours to Exit 27, GA-358. Take GA-358 W for 4 miles and turn left onto SR-96. At 13 miles, turn right onto Old Hawkinsville Road for 1 mile and turn right onto US-129 N. The museum will be located on your right, just before the entrance to Robins Air Force Base.
Museum admission and parking is free. It is open year-round from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Saturday and closed on Sundays and federal holidays.
For more information on the Museum of Aviation, call (478) 926-6870, email information@museumofaviation.org, or visit https://museumofaviation.org.
This story was originally published June 20, 2022 at 10:22 AM.