Hickory Aviation Museum — Attraction in Hickory

Not only is it free (donations accepted), but it's amazingly well staffed by knowledgeable volunteers -- and it's growing. Our impromptu tour of the inside of their static displayed Navy P-3 Orion happened to be given by a former military instructor pilot on that aircraft, and was full of little tidbits from his personal experiences on the plane, making it that much more special. There are new exhibits being added or on loan from other museums (EA-6, F/A-18 legacy Hornet Blue Angels #5 Lead Solo, F-14 cockpit section, etc.), and there's a whole new building in the visioning phase (it's currently housed in Hickory's defunct former commercial terminal). As the museum's exhibits are outside, be aware that these planes are subjected to the elements 24/7, so many are in need of various levels of restoration, but nonetheless, it's an amazing place to get up close and personal with some special pieces of military history (especially from the Cold War period of the jet age) and spend an hour or two (or four, as we did). As a bonus, the outdoor exhibits also border an active taxiway, runway, and ramp area, offering great views of general aviation operations across the majority of the field. There's a gift shop and lots of models and other exhibits inside (old equipment, helmets, insignia, models, etc.) too. The restaurant was closed on the day we were there (a Sunday). Did I mention their volunteer staff is...

I had just moved to the area last year and stumbled upon this incredible museum.

Before visiting the museum, I had some coffee from the friendly ladies at the little cafe in the airport. Great atmosphere and good cup (or two or three) of joe.

Anyway, I walked over to the museum which didn't have any other visitors. I was greeted by a group of museum staff that showed me around and were really engaging. There is a ton of awesome historical items and truly in-depth displays. You could spend over an hour there and still not take in everything.

It was about 30 minutes or so before closing so I wanted to be respectful and not take up too much time. Little did I know, there was a whole aircraft park outside with planes I never in my wildest dreams expected to see there. The museum guide led me outside an onto the P-3 Orion; the fixed-wing route I could have gone as a Naval Aircrewman (but was chosen for the helicopter track instead). It was unbelievably well-preserved and my guide was full of facts and info while thoroughly answering my questions.

I walked around for a bit outside but rejoined the guide as he told me more about both the aircraft and their importance to military aviation. He also discussed his own aviation journey to obtain his private rating. I haven't been back in a while but I truly hope he's got his ticket and is...

I came from N.J. to Winston Salem then decided to take the ride to the Hickory Aviation Museum. The staff were amazing & the highly for me was going inside the P-3 Orion as I spent 5 years flying in it as a U.S. Naval Aircrewman. I haven't been inside a P-3 in 30 years and it smelt just the same (JP-5 jet fuel mixed with the natural scent of the interior).

I forgot to get the one gentleman's name that took me on board (he had a Vietnam Veteran hat on & a cast on his right arm if that helps). He was great to talk to and after I was done looking at the different aircraft I got to talk to some of the fellas working there for a few minutes which was fun.

The P-3 Orion was an anti-submarine warfare aircraft. It could hunt & kill Soviet submarines. There is no history of a kill, but a lot of time tracking their subs to make sure we knew where they were at all times - as much as possible.

I give Hickory Aviation Museum an A+ and would highly recommend you stop by to...