National Soaring Museum — Attraction in Town of Big Flats

Absolutely amazing experience!!! I was nervous about soaring and wasn't sure I could get past my nerves, but thankfully I did! We got there early on a Sunday morning about a half hour before they opened as we had read it was first come first serve. We ended up being the first in line, but people quickly arrived behind us. The people running the office, selling the tickets and keeping everything organized, however young were outstanding. We were so impressed with everyone we met there. They were able to get more pilots in quickly because so many people had showed up. The pilots volunteer their time. My pilot was a retired United Airlines pilot who was wonderful. He explained everything that was happening, pointed out sights and kept making sure I was okay. We had a gorgeous day and you could see for miles and miles. We were up in the air about 20 minutes, it was exhilarating at relaxing at the same time. Since there is no motor it really is peaceful, soaring around, in and out of clouds - I didn't want it to end. It was an absolutely once in a life time experience! We were headed to the Finger Lakes via Corning and when I saw you could take glider rides at Harris Hill...well, how could we...

I visited the museum with my husband and two children. While there one of the employees proceeded to yell at my children, which I found unappropriate and unacceptable as a staff member. After she yelled down the stairs without addressing myself or my husband, she quickly walked away. I approached her on the matter as I was very upset that as a paying guest that we were treated so poorly. When I asked to speak with her, she responded very rudely "you will need to wait!" After I voiced my complaint, she proceeded to maintain her tone of disregard and lack of respect towards museum guests. She handled my complaint by dismissing it and declaring that my children were making noise the entire time we were there. I was unaware that guests were not allow to speak while there. She was a poor reflection on the facility and I was very upset and disturbed that a complaint was not received in a professional manner and I will certainly not be returning there again. When asked for her supervisors information, she refused to give it to me, another indication of her level of rudeness and disrespect. Not only towards me...

My brother and I visited the NSM on Friday, October 11, 2024, in the afternoon.

It has a lot of neat aircraft on preservation, some of which you can touch. There are some other preserved vehicles too (including a WWII-era buggy), and a lot of other artifacts related to soaring.

We enjoyed our time in the museum. If you're not in a hurry, you can wrap it up in about two hours, but otherwise, 1.5 can do. The place really gives the vibe of a "small town" museum, located on top of a quiet hill, and everything is well-done. You do need some understanding of soaring, though, to fully appreciate what you see. There is also a table with bench seats outside, if you'd like to eat (as we did with lunch).

The museum staff (Donald was one, Traff -- the director -- was the other) was very courteous, too. Of note, I can't speak for the rides -- we did not get them nor were we planning on them (though, I know they are not always available, as was the case when...