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Aviation places between Wichita and the Boundary Waters

Sat Mar 26, 2005 12:20 am

If I was to go up to on vacation to the Boundary Waters in MN, with the starting point of my excursion in Wichita, KS (going by way of Kansas City), what avation museums/collections would be really easy (and quick) to visit? I would like to visit Anoka, The MN ANG Museum (does it have an O-47?), and the CAF wing in St. Paul. Is there anything else up there on the way? I'm driving a car to get there, just to let you know.

If its OK with you Mr. Rawson, I'd like to see your Helldivers.

Thanks...

Sat Mar 26, 2005 12:56 am

Sorry, no O-47 at the MN ANG museum. According to the latest newsletter, the MN ANG Museum has been notified that they may again be forced out of the alert hangar this spring. If this happens, the museum will again be closed to the public as happened after Sept 11, 2001.

There is quite a lot at Anoka but other than American Wings, most of it is with private owners. American Wings has Mohawks(7 according to the Mohawk Association), an L-19, L-39, S2F, and various aircraft on loan, I think there is still an N3N there.

There is also the CAF Lake Superior Squadron at Duluth International Airport, depending on your route, you may very well drive right past the airport. There are also a few aircraft on sticks in the area, but they are mostly at least a few miles out of your way.

Here are a few sites you may find usefull,

CAF Minnesota Wing
American Wings Air Museum
MN ANG Museum
CAF Lake Superior Squadron

Sat Mar 26, 2005 7:23 am

If you have time stop in topeka, the combat air museum has an 0-47 and if you let me know I would be happy to show you around our hanger with the AC-47, 0-2, and a C1-A Trader.
Spookyboss

Sat Mar 26, 2005 12:28 pm

There is lots of good stuff in Anoka, but the trick is to be there on a nice Saturday when everyone comes out to play. There are some real treasures in those private hangers on the east side.

In Kansas City I wouldn't miss seeing the Connie at the KC Downtown Airport (MKC Charles Wheeler Downtown, not the International Airport MCI). They have a really good website, which I can't remember. Air Transportation Museum, or something like that. Anyway it's a really fantastic museum, dedicated to air travel in the 40s-50s. And even though it's getting pretty busy with airshows if I'm in town you're welcome to come by the hanger and see the Sea Fury, and a few others.

Steve

Sat Mar 26, 2005 12:53 pm

Steve, what shows are you booked at this year? perhaps if we are going to the same show you can escort us!
Spookyboss

Sat Mar 26, 2005 2:40 pm

srpatterson wrote:In Kansas City I wouldn't miss seeing the Connie at the KC Downtown Airport (MKC Charles Wheeler Downtown, not the International Airport MCI). They have a really good website, which I can't remember. Air Transportation Museum, or something like that. Anyway it's a really fantastic museum, dedicated to air travel in the 40s-50s.
Steve
That would be this web site then...? http://www.airlinehistorymuseum.com/

T J

Sat Mar 26, 2005 3:09 pm

If you come up 29 through Iowa the Strategic Air Command Museum is 30 minutes west of downtown Omaha, Nebraska just across the NE/IA boarder.

http://www.sacmuseum.org

WELL worth the easy drive in my opinion. Tons of planes and historical artifacts.

Eric

Sun Mar 27, 2005 5:53 pm

spookyboss wrote:If you have time stop in topeka, the combat air museum has an 0-47 and if you let me know I would be happy to show you around our hanger with the AC-47, 0-2, and a C1-A Trader.
Spookyboss


I stopped by the Combat Air Museum last weekend while hobbyshopping in Topeka and Lawrence. Definately worth the stop-off. The O-47 appears to be in pretty solid shape and is an interesting beast to look at. They've got a pretty neat collection, but make sure you go in the Spring months. It was 70 degrees outside, but those hangers were awfully cold.

-Dante

Sun Mar 27, 2005 9:42 pm

"There is also the CAF Lake Superior Squadron at Duluth International Airport, depending on your route, you may very well drive right past the airport. There are also a few aircraft on sticks in the area, but they are mostly at least a few miles out of your way."

And to add to Dan's note, if you are going through Superior, don't forget to stop by the Bong museum to drool on their P-38 (s/n 44-53236). You can never see too many Lightnings, can you? :D

Steve :wink:
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