National Museum of World War II Aviation
National Museum of World War II Aviation
National Museum of World War II Aviation
5
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, 5 Days a week (Tue-Sun) 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
Suggest edits to improve what we show.
Improve this listingFull view
What is Travelers’ Choice Best of the Best?
This award is our highest recognition and is presented annually to those businesses that are the Best of the Best on Tripadvisor, those that earn excellent reviews from travelers and are ranked in the top 1% of properties worldwide.
The area
Address
Reach out directly
Best nearby
Restaurants
178 within 3 miles
Attractions
129 within 6 miles
See what travelers are saying
- PatD5 contributionsA must for your visit to Colorado Springs. Best museum in the city, by far!!!If you like history, this is a can't-miss stop on your visit to Colorado Springs. This museum tells the story of how aviation played a vital role in winning the war. All the airplanes are restored to flying condition, and in the warmer months, do fly. If you're interested in seeing that, contact the museum for that info. We did a docent-led tour which we highly recommend. Only $5 more!!! Our docent, Ray, added so many details about what we were seeing - he is obviously very passionate and educated about WWII aviation. On site, one of the best airplane restoration companies are restoring other airplanes that will be in the museum one day. You can tour that too. Overall, an educational and inspiring visit!Visited March 2023Traveled with friendsWritten March 23, 2023
- Suzanne P1 contributionGreat day at the National Museum of WWII Aviation!We have a real treasure right here in Colorado Springs. I just had a wonderful tour of the museum by a great docent, Ray. He was a pilot and really knew many details about WWII airplanes. The tour was a great way to learn about the people, aircraft, and tactics that impacted the war. I highly recommend becoming a museum member so you can visit the museum often and take advantage of their monthly presentations!Visited March 2023Written March 24, 2023
- Scarlett F1 contributionWhat an asset to the Colorado Springs area and for travelers! So much to see!What a hidden gem!! Amazing history. Accessible exhibits. Kids can get up close and really engage with the planes and the history. Nothing is roped off. The weekend special speaking engagements (about once a month) are world class! I am always amazed at the questions the children ask at these presentations. The Docent's are miles beyond your average history teacher. Their knowledge is incomparable. If you live in the Springs do yourself a favor and get a membership. SO many cool functions and events throughout the year. Great for home schooled kids and people of all ages. If you are visiting Colorado Springs this is a must see museum. Huge museum. All of the planes are in working order. Right out near the Colorado Springs airport. We recently did a special tour with Docent Johnny. Absolutely wonderful!Visited March 2023Written March 25, 2023
- Alecia91401Los Angeles, California53 contributionsFantastic Museum!This museum is a must see for anyone interested in or wanting to learn about WWII's aviation history....or just anyone in general, really. The museum is so well done: lots of information/background about the war, alongside artifacts, personal stories of those who were there, and of course, the airplanes themselves. There are several hangars to visit as well. They also have a docent guided look at real-life restorations taking place. The staff are amazing as well - friendly and eager to share their knowledge with you. Highly recommend this museum.Visited March 2023Written March 29, 2023
- Richard HLitchfield, Minnesota154 contributionsGreat tourNick gave us a great tour. We stopped by not knowing what to expect and we were pleasantly surprised. There is more information available at the museum than you can possibly remember but we were able to absorb a lot great things about World War Two.Visited March 2023Traveled as a coupleWritten March 30, 2023
- Melinda R1 contributionIncredible Aviation ExperienceWe had such a wonderful time at this museum. We visited with our two young children and their grandfather, and we were all enthralled and impressed with our tour. Blair was our docent, and she was not only extremely knowledgeable about the aviation content, but she was also extremely patient, as our children asked question after question. We will absolutely return; such a gem in Colorado Springs!Visited April 2023Written April 2, 2023
- Danielle S4 contributionsNot just about planes!!!Amazing aviation history!! So much to read and see! Plan to spend all day or visit 2 days in a row. Definitely, take the two hour tour with Blair especially if you have kids. Blair is awesome at showing kids some of the coolest things on the planes. Wear comfortable shoes for standing instead of walking.Visited April 2023Traveled as a coupleWritten April 2, 2023
- Brent H24 contributionsAmazing history partnered with incredible craftsmanshipThey need to put out some more signs. Nothing on the main road, or the side of the building. After we finally found the place, it was a great visit. Got a tour of the restoration hangar. Guys were there working on vintage aircrafts, and ready to chat. It’s mind blowing how they retrieve aircraft’s from such remote locations, and in such terrible shape, and return them to the sky. I’m also a USAF vet. Nice to see all those old bombs and bullets on display. IYAAYAS.Visited April 2023Traveled with familyWritten April 8, 2023
- mapleRoseAustin, Texas794 contributionsJust go!!Outstanding docents make this place memorable, informative, worth the visit. I have little interest in airplanes, but love all the tidbits of knowledge gained. Most photos here are of airplanes, but there are also hundreds of displays about history that has affected the course of civilization. Just go!!Visited April 2023Traveled as a coupleWritten April 9, 2023
- J DayHuntington Beach, California4 contributionsNatl Aviation Museum A Gem & a Must SeeWe enjoyed our guided tour of the Natl. WWII Aviation Museum in Colorado Springs. Our guide Walt was very informative & enthusiastic about notable people, battles and the awesome restored airplanes. The 2-hr tour included a walk through the restoration firm West Pac. I preferred the history and planes over the restoration overview. Overall a gem and s must see.Visited April 2023Traveled with friendsWritten April 12, 2023
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Contribute
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
5.0
1,781 reviews
Excellent
1,656
Very good
103
Average
13
Poor
7
Terrible
3
piratesr1
Calabash, NC47 contributions
Aug 2021
What an amazing experience! I highly recommend the docent-led guided tours. They cost only $5.00 more than the self-guided tour but worth many times that amount. I believe they have three a day: 10:30, 11:30 and 1:30. There are multiple hangars of beautifully restored aircraft all of which are in perfect flying condition. You also get to see planes that are in the process of being restored. They have two planes that were buried in the ground in New Guinea. One has been fully restored flying condition, the other is in the condition it was found. But it’s all the human stories, that go along with the aircraft, that make this place so special. Our docent, Johnny, is a retired military pilot. What amazing stories he told! After hearing him talk about restoring dug up planes to full flying condition in a year or two, I asked him how big the staff is at the adjoining facility that does the restorations. He stunned me by saying the paid staff is eight people including owner, clerical, etc. Most of the work is done by volunteers! I cannot recommend this tour highly enough.
Written August 22, 2021
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.
kylerin
6 contributions
Feb 2020 • Family
We were grateful to have been able to catch up to a tour that Les had already begun. He was very friendly and shared brief bits on a variety of planes and exhibits within the museum. He did a nice job asking for questions and answering those questions. I think the value of our time at the museum was greatly enhanced by participating in the guided tour. There is so much to view and read, so it is nice to have someone share the highlights and provide “behind-the-scenes” type stories.
Our boys also enjoyed the simulator. Mr. Johnny was such an encourager as he guided our boys through the simulation. Our younger child is very reserved, but Mr. Johnny’s pleasant personality really helped our child feel comfortable.
Our family found this to be very enjoyable!
Our boys also enjoyed the simulator. Mr. Johnny was such an encourager as he guided our boys through the simulation. Our younger child is very reserved, but Mr. Johnny’s pleasant personality really helped our child feel comfortable.
Our family found this to be very enjoyable!
Written February 18, 2020
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.
Thank you for visiting the museum! We're so glad your entire family had an enjoyable experience. We'll be sure to pass along your appreciation to Les and Johnny! Hope to see you all again soon.
Written February 22, 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Lorna M
7 contributions
Aug 2021 • Couples
My husband, being a former naval aviator and history buff, wanted to go to this museum as we passed through Colorado Springs. We paid an extra $5 for the tour (not just entry to the museum) and I am so glad we did! The 2-hour tour was incredible! Our guide (Don Johnson) was very successful in his mission to walk us through the history of WWII and the impact that aviation had on its outcome. He was informative, interesting, and thought-provoking. We cannot recommend this place enough for an in-depth reminder of the bravery and grit of our WWII heroes!
Written August 14, 2021
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.
Sugarhill416
Laurel14 contributions
Oct 2019
While in Colorado Springs for a conference and vacation, I found the National Museum of World War II Aviation. My wife and I joined a family of four for a docent tour of the new large building (hanger) housing this museum. The displays were not yet all complete in October 2019 but the docent did a great job of first giving us background on the world history during WW II. He then gave us a tour of the aircraft displayed along with the photos and descriptions of aircraft. I think we were there nearly three hours and could have stayed longer. The time flew and we were surprised how long we toured.
Other personnel there offered information and the use of simulators. I would like to go back to visit and would encourage others to take advantage of this major museum opportunity. Open several days a week with an entrance fee. It is located near the Colorado Springs Airport.
Other personnel there offered information and the use of simulators. I would like to go back to visit and would encourage others to take advantage of this major museum opportunity. Open several days a week with an entrance fee. It is located near the Colorado Springs Airport.
Written January 12, 2020
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.
Thank you for visiting the museum! We're glad to hear you enjoyed your experience. Our graphics and completion have come a long way since October; we hope to have you back again soon to see all the progress we've made!
Written January 14, 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
chris s
2 contributions
Jan 2020 • Couples
My husband and I visited the museum and signed up for the 12pm docent tour. It was a great experience and our guide, Joe was very educated, fun, and easy to listen to. The history and the stories of the pilots who flew these planes was very detailed and really captured the group. You really get a unique look at the planes and the stories behind them at this museum, it is one of a kind! Again, Joe was really great, and I highly recommend this museum!
Written January 24, 2020
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.
Thank you for visiting, we’re happy to hear you enjoyed your time! We’ll be sure to let Joe know how much you enjoyed his tour. Hope to see you again soon!
Written January 28, 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Stephanie S
Colorado Springs, Colorado2 contributions
Jan 2020 • Family
We visited the museum for the first time today and it was very enjoyable. It was a perfect mix of a tour with our knowledgeable guide Matt and getting to look around on our own. This satisfied the adult craving for knowledge as well as the kids’ craving to go around looking at cool airplanes. We joined the tour after it started and Matt took the time after the tour was over to catch us up on what we missed at the beginning. I was so impressed by the volunteers throughout the building who offered their varying knowledge, guidance, and stories to visitors who would take the time to slow down and chat with them. Ed took my fidgety 9 year old son under his wing and showed him some vehicles up close on a one-on-one level which absolutely made our trip go from good to excellent.
Written January 4, 2020
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.
Thank you for visiting the museum! We're so happy to hear you enjoyed your experience. We'll be sure to let Matt know how much you liked his tour. We hope to see you again soon!
Written January 7, 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Joe G
2 contributions
Jul 2022 • Couples
Our docent was Arnie and he was wonderful! He was quite knowledgeable and patient yet kept us going at a good pace. It was fascinating to hear the histories of these planes and how they were used during the war. He also covered the pre-war period and how our country stepped up to the challenge of adapting industry to the war effort. The $5 docent tour also included a look behind the scenes at the extensive restoration of planes.
Although there were plenty of placards to read on a self guided tour, I’d strongly recommend splurging on the docent-led tour. Maybe you’ll be lucky enough to get Arnie-a retired Marine helicopter pilot and retired airline pilot.
We’ve been to lots of aviation museums and this one had so much info we had never heard before.
Although there were plenty of placards to read on a self guided tour, I’d strongly recommend splurging on the docent-led tour. Maybe you’ll be lucky enough to get Arnie-a retired Marine helicopter pilot and retired airline pilot.
We’ve been to lots of aviation museums and this one had so much info we had never heard before.
Written July 13, 2022
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.
Mere
Colorado Springs2 contributions
Jul 2022
Ray, our tour docent, used very effective interpersonal style and communication skill to guide both young and older adults through the historical presentation and authentic exhibition of WWII Aviation. The quality and quantity of restored planes on display, all of which are fully operational, is no less than spectacular. The skill and expertise of the restoration crew, which work behind the scenes, is impressive and inspirational. The instructor-led hands-on flight simulation at conclusion of tour is fascinating and exciting for all ages and worth the extra time and miniscule cost. We will be repeat visitors of the museum and scheduled live events!
Written July 3, 2022
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.
Jon Hilbert
Austin, TX5 contributions
Aug 2021
I've been to other museums with more aircraft, but none where the aircraft were so beautifully restored and displayed. The guided tour was DEFINITELY worth the extra $5 - our tour guide was very well informed and interesting to hear. It was also fun to get to see behind the scenes at some of the restoration work and facilities.
As a kid I built models of all of the aircraft we saw at the museum, but I had no idea how BIG some of the planes are. The fact that most (maybe all) of the planes on display are airworthy is incredible, since all of these planes are around 80 years old. Hope I'm still airworthy at that age!
As a kid I built models of all of the aircraft we saw at the museum, but I had no idea how BIG some of the planes are. The fact that most (maybe all) of the planes on display are airworthy is incredible, since all of these planes are around 80 years old. Hope I'm still airworthy at that age!
Written August 25, 2021
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.
edwardjc2018
Brooklyn, NY3 contributions
May 2022
If you're taking the time to go out of your way to visit this museum, please pay for a tour. I'm a HUGE airplane nerd who's poured over tons of books and anytime I go on one of these tours I still learn a bunch of stuff I never knew. Joe the Cobra Pilot was one of the best aviation museum guides I've had the pleasure of seeing.
If you see Joe, ask him about the time he sat next to a WW1 aviator on a plane and let him tell you the story.
The planes and exhibits are incredible and well worth the trip by themselves, but you are doing yourself a disservice by not visiting here and listening to these amazing stories about amazing people and an incredible time.
If you see Joe, ask him about the time he sat next to a WW1 aviator on a plane and let him tell you the story.
The planes and exhibits are incredible and well worth the trip by themselves, but you are doing yourself a disservice by not visiting here and listening to these amazing stories about amazing people and an incredible time.
Written May 27, 2022
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?
TravelnurseUSA
Spartanburg, SC633 contributions
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!
Danielle D
2 contributions
How much time would you recommend spending at the museum?
Kent M
6 contributions
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).
Madeline M
Jacksonville, AR1 contribution
How much does it cost?
Vernp
Colorado Springs, CO38 contributions
See are web site as prices are subject to change. Prepaid reservation made on line will save you $2 per person.
Madeline M
Jacksonville, AR1 contribution
How much does it cost?
Dman_DW
Denver, CO81 contributions
It is nice to leave a few bucks of donation on top of the cheap ticket price.
finca v
Platteville, WI6 contributions
What is the cost?
MuseumGalP47
Warner Robins, GA
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!
Cheri F
Anaheim, CA1 contribution
Can well-behaved dogs on-leash visit the museum?
FamilyGenealogy
Lutheran All Faiths Cemetery; Queens, New York39 contributions
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.
Denise W
Eaton, CO1 contribution
Would you recommend the tour for kids ages 3,6,7 and 12?
ALLISONKATE
2 contributions
If you call the museum there are special kid tours in the summer!
SueAx57
Ardsley, NY505 contributions
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!
Vernp
Colorado Springs, CO38 contributions
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
JanetRomer
Fountain, CO6 contributions
what is the price of admission
Mark W
Columbia, SC122 contributions
$8 for active duty military. Than $10 or $12 for everyone else.
20sFlapper
Denver, CO3 contributions
I have two small dogs that are traveling with us. Will we be able to tie them up outside the building in the shade?
Bill E
Denver, CO115 contributions
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.
Is this your Tripadvisor listing?
Own or manage this property? Claim your listing for free to respond to reviews, update your profile and much more.
Claim your listingNational Museum of World War II Aviation, Colorado Springs
Frequently Asked Questions about National Museum of World War II Aviation
- National Museum of World War II Aviation is open:
- Wed - Sun 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
- Hotels near National Museum of World War II Aviation:
- (1.03 mi) Radisson Hotel Colorado Springs Airport
- (0.43 mi) Select Suites Colorado Springs - Airport
- (1.54 mi) Hilton Garden Inn Colorado Springs Airport
- (1.04 mi) SpringHill Suites by Marriott Colorado Springs South
- (5.65 mi) The St. Mary’s Inn Bed & Breakfast
- Restaurants near National Museum of World War II Aviation:
- (0.44 mi) McDonald's
- (5.67 mi) The Melting Pot
- (1.08 mi) The Airplane Restaurant
- (1.73 mi) Sandy's Restaurant
- (3.34 mi) Amy's Donuts