Visit the Arizona Commemorative Air Force Museum to explore an extensive museum packed with helicopters and combat planes. Its exhibits display all types of artifacts from World War II in a large hangar, with guns, artillery and medals among the highlights. Piece together regional history and find out how the people of Arizona pulled together and contributed to the war effort.
See how the working mechanics bring old and tired aircraft back to life, as you pass through the large hangar. Clamber inside the cockpits of the museum’s cargo planes and bombers and imagine yourself tearing through the skies on an important mission.
Make that dream a reality and book a trip on one of the unit’s seven genuine warbirds. Gift certificates are available to purchase this ride for a special person in your life. Soar above Arizona for 20 to 25 minutes, taking in the dizzying views of the mountains below.
Browse the array of fun and intriguing objects for sale in the gift shop, where you can purchase your very own bomber jacket. Trendy coats and other products are available for your dog too.
There is a fee to enter the museum, with discounts for kids and seniors. Toddlers can enter the site for free. Note that it opens daily from morning until late afternoon October through May and is closed on Mondays, Tuesdays and Sundays the rest of the year. The museum was inaugurated in 1978, with the aim of educating Americans about military aviation and gaining their support.
The Arizona Commemorative Air Force Museum is in the northeastern outskirts of Mesa, in central Arizona. Drive east from the center of Phoenix for 25 miles (40 kilometers) to arrive in about 30 minutes. While you’re in the area, make sure to see other nearby sights such as Usery Mountain Regional Park, Red Mountain District Park and the Alta Mesa Golf Club.
