Western North Carolina Air Museum — Attraction in North Carolina

This is the museum I most wish I lived close to... but I get ahead of myself. It's small, but don't let that fool you. This place is jam packed with planes, gliders, models, memorabilia, and fascinating stories. The hangar is lovingly maintained by a dedicated group of volunteers. They are ridiculously knowledgeable and hospitable, and their passion about airplanes (past and present) is infectious. I could spend hours just listening to their stories.

It's easy to lose track of time taking it all in. There's plenty of well-restored and maintained aircraft, including a Sportfire (a functional, home-designed replica of a WWII Spitfire) and a 1970s autogyro that you can climb inside if you'd like.

They also have an impressive library of airplane-related books that I'd love to explore further if only I were local.

Admission is free, but I highly recommend donating so they can keep running (and maybe even expanding 🛩️). 12/10 stars 😉...

My 4 1/2 year old grandson loves anything mechanical, so I knew he would love this place. A whole hangar of planes, replica planes, vintage equipment, photos, pilot uniforms, etc. Many of the planes you are allowed to get inside. He loved sitting in the fighter plane replica with the top closed, so he could get the real experience! He looked around the cockpit, grabbed the stick, and said "this is GOOD!" The volunteer on duty was very knowledgeable and pleasant and answered all our questions. The museum is free to visit with donations, which we were happy to give. An interesting and fun place for...

Cute place off the beaten path hidden in a neighborhood. Admission is free, but donations are welcome as that is what keeps the museum open.

The gentleman who first greeted us was very funny, helpful, and informative. I could see and hear another man getting a thorough tour and explanation. All aircraft with the exception of one has flown and could fly again. Very cool.

This is the first air museum I have been in where I have seen oil trays with sentiments coming out of the aircraft. It makes it quite real feeling.

If you’re in the area, I would recommend...