Going to the EAA museum in Oshkosh

[wwrw2007]

So I've been going to the EAA fly in for years but I have never been to the actual museum, I can't see looking at static air planes when there are so many in the air during the fly in. Anyhow how much time should I plan for it. Is there anything off the beaten path? Any input would be appreciated. Thanks.

[Dan K]

So I've been going to the EAA fly in for years but I have never been to the actual museum, I can't see looking at static air planes when there are so many in the air during the fly in. Anyhow how much time should I plan for it. Is there anything off the beaten path? Any input would be appreciated. Thanks.

I'm sure others in the area will add to this, but here's a few things to see at Oshkosh.

I'd plan for around 2-3 hours at the museum itself. Best time of year to visit is once the snow melts and vintage aircraft flights are taking place off the Pioneer Airport grass strip behind the museum. If you have kids along they can get a free Young Eagles flight off the same strip. Weekends are the best chance to see vintage flight operations out of Pioneer.

Off the beaten path: On the Northwest end of Wittman Airport is the Kermit Weeks/EAA maintenance hangar. I can offer no promises since they discourage the general public, but if you ask politely you may be offered entrance to examine the maintenance and restoration efforts going on up there. If interested I can probably put some directions together for you.

Another interesting spot is Basler Aviation's boneyard, located at the far Southeast corner of the airport (Intersection of Oregon St. and 35th Ave.). Lots of DC-3/C-47 carcasses (plus a few other vintage odds & ends) in various stages of disassembly.

[Pat Carry]

That is a very nice museum. The WW2 area called the Eagle Hangar has many excellant displays in addition to the aircarft. The first time I was there I spent over 2 hours in the Eagle Hangar just checking things out.

[wwrw2007]

Wow the Weeks restoration hangar would be pretty neat to check out. I will definetely have to try to see that. I am going on Saturday taking my kids down there for a day trip.

[mazdaP5]

XP-51 and the 1/72 scale USS Enterprise make the trip worthwhile.

[Matt Gunsch]

XP-51 and the 1/72 scale USS Enterprise make the trip worthwhile.

Don't forget the only original P-64, as well as Kermit's Mosquito

[Dan K]

Actually, we can all go. Just wait until the museum staff turns on the lights in the morning and have a look around via webcam.

http://www.airventuremuseum.org/webcam/

And for those attending Saturday: Be sure to wave at the camera.

[ww2John]

Be sure to go across the grass strip to Pioneer Airport behind the Museum for a look at more vintage/antique a/c and buildings.
A note to those of you who attend OSH but have never been to the museum - worth the effort - shuttle busses from the bus area to the museum & back - many talks and presentation at the museum throughout OSH - usually special exhibits, including art work, to see during OSH.
Its also air-conditioned - blessed relief during the heat - and shelter during the occasional frog-strangling thunderstorms...

[Zachary]

When are you going? I'm out of town until March 5th,but any time after that I could give you a grand tour of the museum since I work there.

Zack

[Dan K]

...
A note to those of you who attend OSH but have never been to the museum - worth the effort - shuttle busses from the bus area to the museum & back - many talks and presentation at the museum throughout OSH - usually special exhibits, including art work, to see during OSH.
Its also air-conditioned - blessed relief during the heat - and shelter during the occasional french-strangling thunderstorms...

Not to mention those great outdoor photo ops...



(Yes, Flyingheritage/HGUCSU/Wixlova/Sabredriver: The photo is mine. Taken in 2008)


...french-strangling thunderstorms???...