Ohio might be known as the Birthplace of Aviation, but that doesn’t mean that Kentucky doesn’t also celebrate the art of flight. Kentucky has its own impressive aviation feats, from Willa Brown Chappell, the first African-American woman to be licensed as a private pilot in the United States, to Esther Mueller Ammerman and Mary Edith Engle, two Bluegrass pilots who served as Women Airforce Service Pilots, to decorated WWII pilot Herschel H. “Herky” Green. In Bowling Green, Aviation Heritage Park is an aviation museum in Kentucky that’s an engaging and immersive history lesson, and it makes for one high-flying day trip in the Bluegrass State! Come with me to witness this Kentucky hidden gem that’s a gravity-defying adventure. 

There's something about the art of flight that captures the imagination in a way no other form of transportation can.
Aviation Heritage Park/Facebook
Whether it's the romance and freedom that comes with taking to the open skies, the gravity-defying art of flying (and being a real-life super hero!), the sleek aircraft itself, or the fascinating history of American aviation, flying is undeniably alluring.
aviation heritage park
Aviation Heritage Park/Facebook
In Bowling Green, Kentucky, Aviation Heritage Park celebrates American aviation -- past, present, and future -- as well as Kentucky's contributions to the field.
Aviation Heritage Park/Facebook
This 12,750 square-foot living history museum is located outside and invites guests to come and immerse themselves in the art and history of aviation. It's open to the public daily and admission is free.
Aviation Heritage Park/Facebook

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There are even special events, like the annual Hangar Party, that invite guests to come and revel with fellow flight enthusiasts, in a real, honest-to-goodness airplane hangar. How cool, right?
Aviation Heritage Park/Facebook
From a kernel of an idea that a few Kentucky aviation enthusiasts had more than a decade ago, the dream for a museum honoring aviators from South-Central Kentucky was born. It would be a memorial to Bluegrass aviators, complete with historic aircraft and the sleekest and most celebrated flying machines.
Aviation Heritage Park/Facebook
Those who *know* airplanes will be in heaven at this amazing park, which includes stunning aircraft such as the NASA T-38 Talon, Bell UH-1 Iroquois (AKA the "Huey"), Grumman Panther F9F, and F-111 Aardvark.
Aviation Heritage Park/Facebook
Plaques at each of the featured aircraft offer details and explanation about these fascinating flyers.
Looking into the horizon, Aviation Heritage Park completed its 12,500 square-foot museum to enhance the experience and provide more context to Kentucky's place in the American aviation story.
aviation heritage park
Aviation Heritage Park/Facebook
Be sure to check the website (linked below) for the opening date and for more details about this new state-of-the-art museum space.

Watch this cool video by Vintage Aviation News for a glimpse inside this aviation museum in Kentucky. 

Have you visited this aviation park and museum in Kentucky? What a unique day trip! Aviation Heritage Park is open daily from 8 a.m. to dusk and admission is free.

Looking for more unique museums in Kentucky? How about a museum dedicated to the Corvette? Or here are some more cool things to do in Bowling Green KY that we recommend.

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AVIATION HERITAGE PARK & RELATED INFO

Melanie J. | September 12, 2023

Besides the Aviation Heritage Park, what are some more unique attractions in Kentucky?
There are lots of unique attractions in Kentucky and here are 10 of the best ones that we recommend:

  • Bowman Field, Louisville
  • Gorge Underground, Rogers
  • Kentucky's Stonehenge, Munfordville
  • Land of the Giants - Bernheim Arboretum, Clermont
  • Dinosaur World, Cave City
  • Hidden River Cave, Horse Cave
  • Louisville Mega Cavern, Louisville
  • Lost River Cave, Bowling Green
  • The Kentucky Castle/Versailles Castle, Versailles
  • Rabbit Hash General Store, Burlington


Be sure to read our previous article telling you more about unique attractions in Kentucky. 

Is Aviation Heritage Park the only Kentucky aviation museum?
The short answer is yes! But if you’re searching for more museums in Kentucky, here are a few that offer a unique adventure. 

  • National Corvette Museum, Bowling Green
  • Bluegrass Railroad Museum, Versailles
  • National Underground Railroad Museum, Maysville
  • River Discovery Center/Inland Waterways Museum, Paducah
  • Historic Railpark Train Museum, Bowling Green
  • Louisville Slugger Museum & Factory, Louisville
  • Kentucky Derby Museum, Louisville
  • Muhammad Ali Center, Louisville
  • Ark Encounter, Williamstown


Visit our website for more about Aviation Heritage Park as well as the unique museums in Kentucky.

What are some more day trip ideas in Kentucky?
If you’re searching for day trip ideas in Kentucky, then we’ve got you covered. These are the best day trips in Kentucky that belong on your bucket list.


Discover more by reading our previous article about these day trips in Kentucky.

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Featured Addresses
Aviation Heritage Park, 1825 Three Springs Rd, Bowling Green, KY 42104, USA