In case you were wondering, this is the same Lone Star Flight Museum that was previously in Galveston, TX. They moved out of the old facility due to size restrictions and concern over possible damage from hurricanes (they previously got hit pretty hard by Ike back in '08), and needless to say the new location payed off, as they avoided damage entirely when Harvey hit.
With that out of the way, on to the actual review.
The new $38M, 130,000-sqft facility located at Ellington Airport houses over 20 historical aircraft and dozens of aviation artifacts, and is leaps and bounds above the previous location. The staff is helpful and friendly, and they maintain the facility and the aircraft and exhibits excellently.
Admission is $14.95 for Adults, $12.95 for Seniors (65+) and Youth (12-17), and $9.95 for Children. Military discount of $11.95 is available for in person purchases (with valid ID) and is applicable for up to 4 tickets per visit. An AAA discount of $3 off is available as well. During the summer months, the museum offers $5 Museum Mondays. See website for special events and discounts.
Hours are Monday thru Friday 9a to 5p, and Sunday 12p to 5p. Holidays may affect these times, call ahead if you are unsure.
Upon entering the facility, you will find yourself in the central hall, consisting of admissions, a rotating gallery focusing on aviation heritage, the gift shop, and a flight simulation room (part of the museums aviation learning center), intended for STEM use, but open to public use Saturdays 11a to 3p, and Sundays 12p to 3p. At the end of the central hall, the museum splits into 2 wings, with the museums theater sitting at the end of the main hall.
Down the left wing you will find the Waltrip Hangar, containing a number of iconic aircraft, including a B-17 Flying Fortress, a B-25 Michell, a P-47 Thunderbolt, and a number of other aircraft ranging from civilian to military, as well as a number of aviation artifacts, including a series of early engines and propellers from the beginnings of powered flight. The left wing of the museum continues with a number of STEM-oriented classrooms that are used for fieldtrips and the likes, providing Houston-area children and schools a healthy and plentiful environment for learning about Aviation, Engineering, and how the two combine to affect our daily lives.
Down the right wing of the museum you will find the Heritage Hangar, housing the rest of the museums aircraft, of which include a 1940s era DC-3 Passenger Aircraft, an A-1 Sky Raider, a MiG-17 (on loan from another musuem; milaege may vary), a Vought F4U Corsair, an AH-1 Cobra, and a number of other aircraft, again, ranging from civilian to military, from all eras of flight.
At the end of the right wing, you will find the Galleries, consisting of the Texas Aviation Heritage gallery, the Flight Academy gallery, and the Texas Aviation Hall of Fame. Each of these galleries consist of a mix of in depth info boards, detailing a broad range of aviation subjects, and interactive stations, providing visual and hands on demonstrations of various flight mechanics and aviation topics, with each area specializing in a different set of fields. The Texas Aviation Heritage gallery, for instance, covers Texas' deep roots in aviation, while the Flight Academy covers all there is to know about the foundations of aviation and flight in general.
Tying in with the previous area, a number of info boards can be found within the 2 hangars, lining the walls and the hangar floor with plentiful information on the aircraft and aviation history.
Of special note before I conclude is that the LSFM's collection of aircraft has a very unique quality to it, in that the majority of the museums permanent aircraft are in flight ready condition, and that the museum regularly provides ride along flights, though prices and availability vary, please contact LSFM for further information.
All in all, the LSFM is a wonderful stop for anyone in the area, and will provide ample fun for all ages. Please check the museum out if you ever...
Read moreMy recent visit to the Lone Star Flight Museum for the Candlelight Event - From Bach to Beatles was a truly exceptional experience, and I wanted to share my thoughts about it. My mom and I traveled all the way from Katy, TX to Houston, TX for this event, and I can confidently say that it was worth every mile of the journey.
The Lone Star Flight Museum offered a unique and delightful two-in-one experience. First, we had the pleasure of attending the Candlelight Event, which featured music ranging from Bach to Beatles. The ambiance was simply enchanting, and it created a magical atmosphere that was perfect for a memorable evening with my mom. The musical performances were top-notch, and it added a special touch to the overall experience.
What made this visit even more special was the opportunity to tour the museum itself. The Lone Star Flight Museum is a treasure trove of aviation history, with a wide array of aircraft and exhibits that captivated our attention. Learning about the rich history of flight was not only educational but also incredibly fascinating. Mom and I took advantage of this opportunity to capture some fantastic pictures that will serve as lasting memories of our visit.
The museum staff were friendly and knowledgeable, and they enhanced our experience.
In conclusion, the Lone Star Flight Museum's Candlelight Event - From Bach to Beatles was a truly magical and educational experience. From the enchanting music to the captivating history on display, it was a memorable evening that my mom and I will cherish. I highly recommend this museum to anyone interested in aviation or simply looking for a unique and enriching outing in...
Read moreAn absolutely amazing experience. Featuring modern and vintage aircraft of all types as well as STEM driven hands on learning spaces the Lone Star Flight Museum will surely please the flight enthusiast, the kids, the history buff and anyone else interested in the history and science behind flight.
The aircraft on display are in absolutely beautiful condition and feature examples from pre WW 1 to the modern age. Each one has an informative description and history plaque.
In addition to the aircraft on display they have other historical items related to flying and past wars- all tastefully done and shown in context. Nothing sensitive or anything close.
They feature several flight simulators that can be used by adults and kids for no additional cost. In the main simulator room there are 10 hyper realistic simulators that can be used to learn basic flight mechanics and is open from 11-3. Kids under 8 must be with an adult co-pilot. Staff is on hand to help explain and use the simulators.
Also there is a beautiful art display with a focus on aviation and history that must be seen.
Staff is absolutely wonderful and informative.
Handicap accessible parking and building. Elevators are available. Changing tables in men’s and women’s restrooms.
Overall an excellent experience. Consider becoming a member if you intend to return as it offers discounts and special perks and access...
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