Upstate New York has a rich history of aviation and there are many places to explore it. From aviation museums to historic sites, military bases, and fun events for the whole family, there is something for everyone to enjoy.
Old Rhinebeck Aerodrome, located in Red Hook, is a must-visit destination for aviation enthusiasts. This exciting venue hosts airplane shows and flying demonstrations on weekends, allowing visitors to witness vintage planes from the Golden Age of Flight (1900-1939) in action. The museum also features a remarkable collection of over 60 vintage planes, with a special focus on bi-planes. For those seeking adventure, open-air cockpit rides are available during the summer and early fall. The museum also boasts a collection of antique automobiles.
The Plattsburgh Air Force Base Museum, located in Plattsburgh, tells the story of the oldest military post in the United States and home of the Plattsburgh Air Force Base from 1954 to 1995. The museum highlights the importance of the base to the country and to Plattsburgh, especially during the Cold War when it was home to the Strategic Air Command and its bomber squadrons. Visitors can even sit in a “trainer cockpit” that was once used to teach pilots how to fly large bombers.
In Hammondsport, the Glenn H. Curtiss Museum celebrates the legacy of Glenn Hammond Curtiss, a pivotal figure in the development of America’s flight industry. The museum showcases a remarkable array of aviation history and exhibits across 60,000-square-feet, including a full-scale reproduction of the first naval aircraft and antique tools, boats, and fire equipment. Curtiss, who was born in Hammondsport, was a pioneer in airplane engine design, aircraft building, and set numerous speed records. He also made the first long-distance airplane flight in 1910, flying from Albany to New York City in about four hours.
The National Soaring Museum, located on a hill outside Elmira, celebrates the rich history of motorless flight. The museum offers a fascinating collection of gliders and sailplanes, and visitors can even schedule a flight in a motorless craft to experience the thrill of gliding over the Chemung Valley. The museum is also surrounded by beautiful scenery and nearby restaurants, making it a must-see in the Southern Tier.
The National Warplane Museum in Geneseo holds one of the largest warplane air shows in the Northeast. Visitors can tour the museum’s impressive collection of warplanes, including the famous “Whiskey 7,” a cargo aircraft that saw heavy duty in World War II and was in the lead strike on D-Day. The museum also offers plane rides, providing an unforgettable experience for visitors.
The Niagara Aerospace Museum in Niagara Falls highlights the regional history and impact of aviation in the Greater Niagara area.