Naval Air Station Wildwood Aviation Museum

Naval Air Station Wildwood Aviation Museum

Naval Air Station Wildwood Aviation Museum
4.5
Speciality MuseumsHistory Museums
10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Monday
10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Tuesday
10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Wednesday
10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Thursday
10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Friday
10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Saturday
10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Sunday
10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
About
Naval Air Station Wildwood Foundation is a not-for-profit organization whose mission is to restore Hangar #1 at the Cape May Airport, Cape May County, New Jersey, into an aircraft museum honoring the Navy airmen who died while training during World War II. Hangar # 1 was listed onto the National Register of Historic Places in September of 1997. Naval Air station (NAS) Wildwood was commissioned on April 1, 1943. The site served as an active dive-bomber squadron training facility from 1943 to 1945. Aircraft stationed at NAS Wildwood included TBM Avengers, Douglas Dauntlesses, Vought Corsairs and Curtiss Helldivers. Forty-two airmen perished while training at NAS Wildwood during World War II. In June 1997, NASW Foundation purchased Hangar #1 at the Cape May Airport. The 92,000 square-foot all-wooden structure was in a state of disrepair and required extensive renovation. Under the stewardship of NASW Foundation, the hangar was listed on the New Jersey and National Registers of Historic Places at the National Significance Level. NAS Wildwood Aviation Museum now boasts over 26 aircraft displays as well as exhibits of military memorabilia, engines, photographs and more. Additionally, the Franklin Institute of Philadelphia has provided NAS Wildwood with a wealth of interactive exhibits that allow visitors to discover the science of flight. The museum also features a library, food vending area as well as a recently expanded gift shop. In its role as a community resource, NAS Wildwood Aviation Museum regularly hosts activities including fly-ins, aviation festivals, big band concerts, swing dances, veterans’ ceremonies, historical lectures, school field trips and senior tours.
Duration: 2-3 hours
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  • Preston G
    Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania7 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    An unexpected treat!
    We were simply on our way to a beach in Cape May when we searched for additional things to do and came across this historical gem. One of the coolest things there is an authentic dog tag making machine. For just $10 you can get your own set of personalized dog tags. The people are wonderful and it’s a terrific piece of US military history.
    Visited October 2023
    Traveled as a couple
    Written October 6, 2023
  • lovetotravel560
    Arnold, Maryland780 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Great, small naval history museum
    This is a wonderful, small museum of Naval aviation from WWII area. The hangar is the last standing wooden hangar of its kind. It houses various planes similar to those used to teach divebombing which helped win the battle of Midway and the war in the Pacific and end the war. 42 Naval aviators were killed in training. It is a gem. Thankful for the folks who have preserved this history and sacrifice of our military.
    Visited March 2024
    Traveled as a couple
    Written March 12, 2024
  • Navigator442153
    1 contribution
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    A great day with history.
    Spent the morning between taking photos and learning about South Jersey's role in training pilots during WWII. Great place for a family visit! Planes, vehicles, and a great gift shop. The knowledgeable staff are there to help and are very welcoming. Don't miss the movie!
    Visited March 2024
    Traveled with friends
    Written March 18, 2024
  • tompa49
    Downingtown, Pennsylvania195 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    You don't have to be an aircraft buff to enjoy this place
    My wife and I spent an after thoroughly enjoying the Naval Air Station. They have done a top-notch update of the old hangar. We enjoyed the variety of exhibits, aircraft, coast guard boats and period displays. Make sure you see the film on the training center. It gives an excellent description of the times.
    Visited April 2024
    Traveled with family
    Written April 13, 2024
  • Jacqueline Z
    1 contribution
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Amazing way to spend your Sunday morning
    My 4 year old son had the most amazing time. It was a great way to spend our Sunday morning. Also the staff member within the store was amazing. She explained to my son the different type of planes and figurines available.
    Visited April 2024
    Traveled with family
    Written April 29, 2024
  • Venture32100898045
    1 contribution
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Greatness!
    Truly great aviation museum. We enjoyed all,the artifacts,history,planes and getting to opportunity to sit in a few planes as well. Truly educational and a must see! I highly recommend this great place. I am so happy I made stories and posts on my instagram profile @_gigi_carlucci_
    Visited May 2024
    Traveled as a couple
    Written May 6, 2024
  • Jeff L
    1 contribution
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Naval Air Station Wildwood Aviation Museum
    Naval Air Station Wildwood Aviation Museum is an amazing place! It’s in a huge hangar with a number of authentic exhibits and many aircraft on display. Whether old or young you’ll really enjoy this special place. When there, say hello to Bethany and Mason who do a fantastic job welcoming and informing guests.
    Visited June 2024
    Traveled as a couple
    Written June 19, 2024
  • Ken L
    1 contribution
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    The highlight of our trip to Wildwood
    This visit was the highlight of our Wildwood vacation. It's a hidden gem that's full of history. There are historic planes, helicopters, and tons of other museum artifacts and stories that represent NJ's role and impact during WWII. We even discovered a picture of a friend's father, a Tuskeegy airman. Definitely a must see!
    Visited June 2024
    Traveled with family
    Written June 28, 2024
  • Robin L
    Adams, Massachusetts197 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    WW2 pilots trained here
    Wildwood was a place where WW2 pilots were trained. You start out with an informational film, and then go through the airport hangar which is filled with planes, drones, vehicles, displays with artifacts, uniforms, and all sorts of informational history and military displays. You can go inside the cockpit of a couple planes. It was all very good and makes you appreciate our military.
    Visited July 2024
    Traveled as a couple
    Written July 28, 2024
  • Alison M
    6 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Small but impressive aviation museum
    Small but impressive aviation museum. Allow 1 hour minimum; 1.25 to 1.5 hours is good for regular folks; 2 hours for enthusiasts. There isn't a lot of guidance: catch the moving intro movie and the small exhibition spaces (there was one exhibition on 1940s furniture and one on 1940s culture) all near the entrance. Lots for kids (and kids at heart) to enjoy.
    Visited July 2024
    Traveled as a couple
    Written July 30, 2024
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.

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

4.5
4.5 of 5 bubbles1,013 reviews
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bobkat111
monroe96 contributions
3.0 of 5 bubbles
Sep 2022
My husband loves Aviation museums, especially WWII. This was only 1 hanger of planes, not a lot, but some good old planes from WWII. Price was average to get in comparative to other Aviation Museums we have been too. I would rather recommend Wilmington DE Aviation Museum much bigger, and especially Virginia Beach Aviation Museum. It is huge. Several hangers and each double floors from Vietnam, Korea, WWI, and WWII. It is still an active airbase. Every 20 min or so you will feel the ground rumble and it sounds like an earthquake as they do their training maneuvers two to four planes at a time. They are so fast these jets that you can not catch them on your camera.
Written September 19, 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.

MoonDoggieDonna
Garfield134 contributions
4.0 of 5 bubbles
Jan 2020
My husband and I went here while visiting Wildwood off-season. It is not a very big museum, but they do have some very interesting aircraft and other wartime vehicles to enjoy. They also have a small gift shop with some fun items for both adults and children. You can also watch small aircraft take off from the airfield next to the museum hangar. Had a time couple of hours.
Written January 23, 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.

Karen J S
Wilmington, DE338 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Jun 2021
When visiting Cape May, we happened upon the museum via a "tourist map", an accidental thing. This museum was the highlight of our trip. It is remarkable in so many ways. We particularly enjoyed the Enigma Machine, the Coast guard section (especially the film about 911 and the boat lift off of lower Manhattan), the descriptions of particular fighter jets, the role of women in aviation, and the Tuskegee airmen. There is something for everyone at this museum. Children are welcome and so many experiences open to them. I'd recommend this remarkable museum to everyone. We plan to return and take our grandsons.
Written June 19, 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.
Thank you so much for visiting the Aviation Museum and also for the wonderful review. Please tell your friends and family and come back again soon!
Written July 20, 2021
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

shortmev
New York City, NY45 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Aug 2020 • Couples
Very well-done museum, especially for those interested in World War I and II. It was a very respectable tribute to American history and to the many national efforts that took place locally in the area. Interesting facts, things you didn’t know, planes and boats to see. There were no guided tours, which would have been nice. Self guided, lots of reading. The building was quite hot, and tough to wear the mask, but the area was totally covered and sheltered from the rain. A fair assessment of time would be 1 1/2 to 2 hours to spend there, of course you could spend a lot longer if you chose.
Written September 2, 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 Aviation Museum and the wonderful review. Please come again!
Written May 3, 2021
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

Dennis S
1 contribution
5.0 of 5 bubbles
May 2021
I visited the Museum with some first time visitors and we were all so impressed with the exhibits and the respect for their history. A special thanks to Joanie at the Gift Shop / Ticket sales. Her enthusiasm and knowledge made us feel welcome. Some young boys from the nearby neighborhood wanted to enter and I offered to buy their tickets but Joanie wouldn't take money but let them in instead with a scavenger hunt history questionnaire to be completed, great idea, thanks Joanie.
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Written May 24, 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.

Andrés Blanco
Carteret, NJ737 contributions
4.0 of 5 bubbles
Aug 2020
There's a lot to see and learn at this place. It can be a good experience for public of any ages. The facilities were clean and well maintained. Staff was polite and attentive plus all Covid-19 preventive guidelines are being follow.
Written September 14, 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 so much for visiting the Aviation Museum and the wonderful review. Please do visit again!
Written May 3, 2021
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

Amparo S
Edison, NJ5 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Jul 2021 • Couples
Museum is very educational and filled with so much history. Enjoyed our visit and learned so much about our military history as you travel back in time looking at the exhibits and reading about them. A must see.
Written July 24, 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.

Lee E
Delaware, OH19 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Aug 2023 • Solo
I recently visited NAS Wildwood because I'm always interested in aircraft and the history of the Greatest Generation of the 1940's. This museum is well worth the $14.00 admission. Their collection of aircraft and vehicles, all authentic, was certainly worth my time to examine, and I've seen a lot of WWII era exhibits. Learning about the training that took place during the war reminded me that our servicemen didn't just die in battle. During the 36 months NAS Wildwood was a training base, 42 men perished in training accidents. They also have many historical documents that were fascinating to read, for example, the part that German POWs played in providing labor around the base. Apparently they were cooperative and helpful, and were treated well. There were also several historical films that were of interest. I spent between 3-4 hours there and was glad I did. The hangar itself is interesting as it is the only remaining wood structure of its type. If you are interested in the history of this period, give NAS Wildwood a try.
Written August 19, 2023
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.

arubaphil
Kinnelon, NJ670 contributions
4.0 of 5 bubbles
Jun 2021
When visiting Cape May, my wife and I explored the Naval Air Station Museum. The day was very interesting as it began with a film about the history of the Air Station during WWII. The exhibits ranged from WWII fighter planes, jets, helicopters and many other aviation artifacts. This is a very interesting way to spend a few hours to experience WWII history and the brave members of the military that we should all be proud of. Definitely worth the visit.
Written September 15, 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.

Justin W
Hasbrouck Heights, NJ6,135 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Sep 2021
I have never been much on Aviation Museums with their big spaces and loaded with old planes but this museum was different. The museum showcased Cape May's part in WWII and the history around the area. I had not realized what a big roll it played in both the Navy and the Marines in the area and how the locals helped the war effort.

There were all sorts of planes and displays that you could climb into, many local members who made their careers in the service and how they participated in the war and an outdoor area to admire bigger planes.

Each of the smaller kiosks gave a smaller interpretation of the war effort including people socializing at the local VFW and on the Boardwalks of Wildwood and Cape May. They even had a 9/11 display with the movie "Boatlift" on the largest Marine evacuation of people off lower Manhattan on 9/11. That was fascinating.

It is really worth the trip out to the airport to see this important part of local history.
Written September 23, 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.

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Naval Air Station Wildwood Aviation Museum, Cape May

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