National Warplane Museum — Attraction in Town of Geneseo

The National Warplane Museum in Geneseo shines not just as a static display of warbirds, but as a living, breathing aviation celebration—and its annual Geneseo Airshow, aka “The Greatest Show on Turf,” is the crown jewel. Here’s a full-throated review: ✈️ The Museum Experience

Tucked into a grass-strip airfield just south of Rochester, the museum offers an intimate, hands-on experience with WWII, Korean War, and even replica planes—C‑47s, Corsairs, B‑25s, AT‑6s, Antonov AN‑2s, Staggerwings, and more . Unlike glossy airport-based museums, this one’s rugged charm and volunteer-driven spirit make it feel authentic and refreshingly personal .

Inside hangars you’ll find thousands of artifacts, narrative panels, evocative vintage vehicles and bomb‑disposal trucks—rich grounding for the airshow itself . Admission is modest ($10 adults, $4 kids), and friendly docents and volunteers are keen to share stories—many touching and often poignant—from the veterans among them. 🎆 The Airshow: A Full-Sensory Ceasefire

Held mid‑July (2025 dates are July 12–13), the show begins around 9:15 AM with gates opening and flying kicking off at 10:30 AM—running through early afternoon .

Highlights include:

Warbird Legends like FG‑1D Corsair, TBM Avenger, SB2C Helldiver—some of only three still flying in the US .

Precision aerobatics, from world‑class performers such as Rick Volker, Trevor Rafferty, Skipper Hyle and the late Rob Holland .

Modern military demos: the USAF’s F‑35A Lightning II and USN F/A‑18 Super Hornet, marking the first dual military jet demo for Geneseo .

Historical commemorations: reenacting Pearl Harbor with Tora! Tora! Tora! pyrotechnics, D‑Day C‑47 formations, and a B‑25 "Doolittle Raid" tribute .

What elevates this show is the grass‑strip runway—aircraft launch right from the turf, so low that you can feel the thunder and smell the exhaust. And between acts, you can walk up to parked warbirds and interact with pilots and crews—often no more than 20–30 feet away . 🌟 Why It’s Highly Recommended

Intimacy & Accessibility: Forget barricades and TV screens. Walk among legends. Chat with aviators. Authenticity abounds .

Rich historical context: Carefully curated exhibits and reenactments make this more than thrilling noise—it’s immersive storytelling.

Diverse aerial lineup: From piston-era connectors and precision aerobatics to cutting-edge jet demos—it’s a full spectrum of aviation.

Community vibe: Local tailgaters, veteran tributes (including dedicated tent and salute ceremonies at noon each day), and volunteer energy give it a heartfelt feel . 🌞 Insider Tips

Get there early (gates open 9:15 AM) to claim prime parking or tailgate viewing .

Bring a blanket, snacks, sun protection, and binoculars—there are plenty of vendors but being prepared is wise.

Book a ride: The museum offers rides in their own warbirds (like the C‑47, WACO, BT‑13) across airshow weekends and through October —it’s an unforgettable way to experience both the museum and the show. 🎯 Final Verdict For aviation enthusiasts, history buffs, families, veterans, or anyone seeking a vibrant, emotional, AND thrilling Sunday outing, the National Warplane Museum’s airshow in Geneseo is a no-brainer. It blends spectacular aerial feats with personal stories, grassroots charm, and real thunder-on-the-turf impact in a way few larger shows can match.

In sum: This small-town, big-heart airshow is highly recommended—a weekend where you don’t just watch...

We went for the annual airshow that they hold every year, but didn't enter the show as it was $100 per vehicle. We did a slow loop around where the event was though(by the museum and airstrip) and even in the few minutes we were there, it was amazing to see the planes up close.

They had a unique viewing experience allowing vehicles near the airstrip with their dedicated spaces (to be cognizant of the pandemic). The planes flew right above where the attendees were set up. There were the usual planes including the Whiskey 7 flying above and also a special show from a F-22 Raptor. Seeing the Raptor in the air was one of the coolest things I've ever seen, and the noise of the engines shook the entire village of Geneseo lol. The raptor completed several fly overs and did multiple aerial maneuvers that were completely breathtaking to witness (flips, flying upside down, ect.) The weather was rainy and had limited visibility for the last day of the event, so it was kind of the organizers to have the raptor fly in spite of the conditions. Hopefully next year the admission will return to the more affordable $20 a person. Other than the airshow, the museum is open year round and there are a few planes on the ground to check out up close. They also have rides in the good Ole Whiskey 7 which I hope to check out soon! If you are interested in history and incredible machines, this is worth a trip...

Worth going back every darn year! Aviation fanatics will enjoy this museum immensely. It is in the backyard of SUNY Geneseo. And students in the library can easily watch the aircraft at the National Warplane Museum. The day we arrived the B-17, was on the lawn, with mechanics working on the engines. I was obliviously standing behind one of those engines when a employee pulled me away, saying "Not the smartest place to stand." I was unaware they were going to start her up. They had no certified pilot that day. So they rolled the aircraft, with engines blazing, towards another part of the field. Just listening to the volunteers of the museum is quite thrilling, and entices you to do more research on your own of the aircraft on display. Working on those "Old," engines is a craft. Ya don't learn that in today's aviation schools, where ya plug-in a computer & a few silicon chips tell ya what to fix. The National Warplane Museum's Airshow, is quite spectacular & unique. Static displays of WWII aircraft and modern aircraft. Aircraft rides for those that pay the price. And air demonstration teams, such as the Thunderbirds and Snowbirds, have been to Geneseo. Definitely a great way to learn American History, and to get your kid(s), interested...