Richard I. Bong Veterans Historical Center — Attraction in Superior

This is a true gem of a museum. I figured this would be something only a WW2 geek like myself would enjoy but even I was surprised by how well this museum is furnished and maintained. It was immaculately clean and well kept. A large and open gift shop and a lot of information about the area for local eateries and attractions, it is in-fact a local tourist information center as well as a historical center. Richard I Bong was America's top flying ace and this museum certainly does him justice. Normally I would find the various weapons, the recreated P-38 Lightning fighter interesting, but there is more to this museum that includes movies and activities including a portion of the museum dedicated to our efforts in Vietnam and Korea, all with oral testimonies from local vets. It's a very special museum that's both professional but also very personal as these are not just our national heroes, but they're local as well. They have a fantastic collection that includes some surprising artifacts you wouldn't expect this museum to have. While the artifacts were outstanding, I must say my favorite part was simply getting to know more about this wonderful American and Wisconsin native Major Bong, and his lovely wife Marge. It's a wonderful museum curated and cared for by a wonderful staff....

If you find yourself near Duluth you should definitely pay a visit. If you're not in the area...then by all means get in the area and pay a visit! Obviously a tribute to the greatest ace of WWII and the P-38 as well. I left with a far greater understanding of the great deeds (medal of honor recipient, etc...) and symbolic importance of R. Bong.

Lots of news clippings, info cards and props to view...be sure and take your time and read them...it's cool!

There's a restored (I don't think to flying condition though) Lockheed P-38 Lightning (with beautiful image of Marge on the side) in the lower floor (2 stories) of the building. The aircraft is beautiful and a very impressive restoration project! There's also several areas to watch some really cool video footage as well. The set-props are really well laid out and give a good idea of being in the Pacific theater.

A real enjoyable visit for sure! Be sure and pay a visit to one of America's...

Richard I. Bong Veterans Historical Center in Superior, Wisconsin. Housed in a structure intended to resemble an aircraft hangar, it contains a museum, a film screening room, and a P-38 Lightning restored to resemble Bong's plane.

Richard Ira Bong (September 24, 1920 – August 6, 1945) was a United States Army Air Forces major and Medal of Honor recipient in World War II. He was one of the most decorated American fighter pilots and the country's top flying ace in the war, credited with shooting down 40 Japanese aircraft, all with the Lockheed P-38 Lightning fighter. On May 29, 1941, he enlisted in the Army Air Corps Aviation Cadet Program. One of his flight instructors was Captain Barry Goldwater (later a U.S. Senator from Arizona).

He died in California while testing a jet aircraft shortly before the war ended

Photo by: Rossy Rey (July.24) /...