This Wisconsin Museum Has Over 200 Historic Aircraft And They're Truly A Sight To See

It might be difficult to believe, but one of the most important, interesting aeronautics groups in the US has roots right here in Wisconsin. The Experimental Aeronautics Association (EAA) was started in 1953 as a flying club of sorts. Since then, it has grown to international proportions, with 200,000 members and 1,000 chapters worldwide. While it was first a group for flying enthusiasts who built their own aircraft, it has since expanded to cover a wide array of aviation. The group eventually made its home in Oshkosh, where you can attend their yearly Air-Venture convention that attracts more than 10,000 planes and a half million people. Small Wittman Regional Airport becomes the busiest airport in the world over the course of the week-long event.

But the EAA is more than just their famous Air-Venture. There is year-round museum in Oshkosh that is home to more than 200 aircraft, many of which are vintage restorations. With tons of space and hangars dedicated to these amazing examples of flight, the EAA Museum is a must-visit Wisconsin attraction.

Facebook/EAA

You've probably driven past the EAA grounds a hundred times on I-41. You'll notice the planes outside or the gliders flying overhead and then the museum reflecting light a bit in the distance. This beautiful building holds so many flying treasures, from a replica of the Wright Brothers' first plane to tons of unique, one-of-a-kind and restored pieces that you can't find anywhere else.

Facebook/EAA

The first thing you notice when you enter is that there are planes and vehicles everywhere you look. This museum teaches you to understand that aviation doesn't always have to mean an airplane. You'll see gliders, ultralights and all kinds of other ways to take flight.

Advertisement

Facebook/EAA

Of course the EAA has a staff, but so much of what makes this group run is the passion of people obsessed with flight. The planes here are built or restored or cared for by some of the most passionate and knowledgeable people around. They preserve the history of flight for us all to enjoy. You will be blown away by the quality and quantity of aircraft you'll find here.

Advertisement

EAA

The North American P-51 Mustang was arguably the most successful - and most versatile - fighter of World War II. This plane is the only one of its kind on display. This particular plane is an XP-51, which was the last of the four prototypes built by North American Aircraft in 1940, and the first P-51 delivered to the U.S. Army Air Forces. The Museum also had a P-51D in the Eagle Hangar that was flown by EAA founder Paul Poberezny for many years.

Related Stories

You Won't Leave Empty Handed From This Amazing 78,000-Square Foot Antique Shop In Wisconsin

You'll Fall In Love With This Toy Train Barn Hiding In Wisconsin

The Museum Of Torture In Wisconsin Is Not For The Faint Of Heart

EAA

There is a replica Curtiss P-6E Hawk which was a first-line pursuit aircraft for the Army Air Corps in the early 1930s. It was the last of the fabric-covered biplanes used by the Air Corps. One of the most beautiful bi-planes ever built, there were only 46 ever made.

EAA

There are less than 30 de Havilland Mosquitos left and only four in the US. A pioneering combat aircraft of World War II, Geoffrey de Havilland's DH.98 Mosquito was all wood but not clunky and could carry impressive loads across great distances at incredible speeds for a twin-engine bomber.

EAA

Named for Billy Mitchell, who was an Army general raised in the Milwaukee area and who is regarded as the father of the United States Air Force, this B-25H Mitchell bomber is said to be the best medium-class bomber of World War II. Doolittle's raid in 1942 was carried out by 16 B-25 bombers. Mitchell is the namesake of Milwaukee International Airport and he remains the only individual for whom an American military aircraft design is named.

EAA

The list of impressive aircraft that were used in combat and are now housed in this massive museum goes on and on. There are aircraft used by many different countries in multiple different conflicts. The planes at the EAA Museum tell the story of the world for the past 100 years.

Advertisement

Facebook/EAA

Though the planes are some of the biggest and most impressive pieces at the EAA Museum, you'll also find paraphernalia, ephemera and all kinds of other pieces that help tell the story of flight, from commemorative Lindbergh items to a piece of the moon.

The EAA is the type of place where dreams are born, imaginations take flight and your learn to believe that anything is possible. Though full of turbulent history, the museum is also an homage to what is possible with curiosity, ingenuity and wonder. It takes imagination to think about what hasn't been done and work to accomplish it, but ultimately, the EAA is a group of dreamers. It's impossible to spend time at the museum and not feel swept up in the same sort of passion and desire to push boundaries and explore that Orville and Wilbur once had.

The EAA Museum is located at 3000 Poberezny Rd., Oshkosh, WI 54902. They’re open every day from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. with the exception of New Year’s Day, Easter Sunday, Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve Day and Christmas Day. Admission is $12.50 for adults, $10.50 for seniors over age 62 and active duty military or veterans, $9.50 for students age 6-17 and Free for children five and under. There is also a family rate of $31 that includes two adults and up to five children.

Find everything you need to know about this fascinating museum on their website. Head over to their Facebook page for jaw-dropping pictures from the Air-Venture and other amazing events.