Arizona Commemorative Air Force Museum — Attraction in Mesa

This museum blew away my expectations. There was so much to see and I spent a little under 3 hours here. Outside, there's plenty of parking, along with accessible spots. (Note though for going inside to see the planes' interior there are no accessible ramps)

I loved the plane decorations as you walk in with the propellors spinning in the wind, like pinwheels and the exterior was just so clean and well-maintained. Inside, you first pass by the gift shop with comfy jackets and cute souvenirs ($8 model planes and $2 smaller model planes- very affordable). Then, after you pay your entry fee, you can go to town and see the old planes.

The first main room is huge! There are planes hanging from the ceiling, planes parked inside, and even old war vehicles like Jeeps. They also have glass displays as well and even artifcats from back then (like old engines and combat uniform). Throughout, there are so many informative signs explaining every exhibit. It was all so interesting to read. Further, there are TV screens with short videos playing to give more context.

I agree with the below reviewers on how what's nice about this museum is being able to get up and close to the planes and vehicles. You can even look inside them (though to get inside most of them - it is an extra fee)- but just the regular admission already allows you stand up right next to the plane (or you can climb up stairs) and you can peer right inside- how cool is that!

In the connecting hallway that follows, there's a movie room so you can learn more about the history. There's also more glass displays and information on evolution of war planes, as well as info on training. This is also where the restrooms and water fountains area.

Next, you'll enter their "maintenance hangar" where there's even more displays to read and see, as well as actual planes that you can walk right up to. In this area, there were two planes that you can enter without the extra fee. It was so fun to walk inside and feel like you are transported back in time.

Finally, you can walk outside and there's two more planes. While those are sealed off, you can still walk near and under them to peer in.

Super super cool experience and I'd definitely recommend to come here...

This museum reminded me of the National Aviation Museum of World War II in Colorado Springs, though that one felt a bit more impressive due to its larger size. However, here we got to step inside several planes without needing to pay the extra $12 pass, which was a nice bonus. By the last two hours, the crowds thinned out, and we had the place almost to ourselves, making it a much more immersive experience.

The highlight of our visit was the free guided tour. The guide was not only knowledgeable about WWI and WWII aircrafts but also had a knack for explaining their mechanics and evolution in simple terms. For the first time, I truly understood how planes work and how their designs changed over time. The addition of helicopters to the collection added a nice variety.

Another favorite was the theater room, where video clips of planes in action during wartime gave a compelling look into their historical significance. It brought the stories and exhibits of the aircraft to life.

If we return for one of their flight experiences, it’s great to know that admission is separate and won’t need to be repaid. I’d definitely recommend this museum to anyone interested in aviation or WWI and WWII history—it’s both educational and hands-on, offering a truly...

The Arizona Commemorative Air Force Museum is an incredible site for preserved military equipment. Everyone involved in maintaining the museum and planes are amazingly friendly, knowledgeable, and accommodating. My wife and I booked a flight with their B-17G “Sentimental Journey”. Every step of the process was easy with no hassle at all. I truly can’t emphasize enough that everyone involved with the museum and flight were very professional, knowledgeable and kind. The flight itself was a once in a lifetime experience for me (although I may book another flight in the future). This location is the only one I am aware of in the continental United States that allows you to fly in a genuine B-17G. If you or a family member have any interest in flying in any of the planes in their lineup, I would highly encourage you to seize the opportunity to do so. The individuals that keep this museum and the planes running are truly some of the most passionate people I have met and I recommend stopping by for a visit any chance you can get! Thank you to everyone involved with the museum and flight, my visit will be one I remember for the...