Fans of “Warbirds” should head to the Tennessee Museum of Aviation to see historic aircraft, watch flight demonstrations, and explore thousands of artifacts used in military aviators’ wartime missions.
The museum, located at Gatlinburg Pigeon Forge Airport, will fascinate everyone-airplane buffs, military history fans, or kids who simply like planes. Here are seven reasons to add this museum to your Smokies vacation.
1. Get Close-Up Views of Historic Aircraft.
Aircraft range from the Wright brothers’ 1902 glider to a Russian supersonic jet fighter, all displayed where you can inspect them in detail. See helicopters, fighters, jets, amphibious aircraft, flight training simulators, and more.
2. See What Military Aviators Wore and Used Every Day.
See uniforms, weapons, vintage maps, and other items aviators used in training and combat. The collection also includes aircraft models, veterans’ personal memorabilia, and more.
3. Discover Chaplains’ Wartime Heroism.
“Faith and Courage” is an exhibit spotlighting chaplains who served in World War II, Korea and Vietnam. The exhibit includes a field communion kit and a chest filled with hymnals used by troops. Maybe one of your family’s veterans held a hymnal you’ll see right here.
4. See a Relic from the USS Arizona.
Japan’s sinking of the USS Arizona at Pearl Harbor shocked the country and sparked America’s entry into World War II. The museum displays a piece of the ship’s deckhouse and an exhibit explaining its significance.
5. Watch a Thrilling Flight Demonstration.
Vintage aircraft soar into the sky for breathtaking flight demonstrations. These incredibly engineered machines, piloted by experienced flyers, will amaze all ages. Demos are usually unscheduled, so check with the museum and ask if there’s a flight that day.
6. Find Out How Moviemakers Film Inside Aircraft Fuselages.
Ever seen a movie showing the interior of an airplane and thought, “How’d they film that?” This exhibit takes you inside the movie business to show how filmmakers shoot aircraft.
7. Enjoy a Day Off the Beaten Path.
The museum offers a relaxing, informative break from the crowds in downtown Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg. Step into history for a few hours at the Tennessee Museum of Aviation.
Book your Pigeon Forge cabin on our website now and add this great museum to your vacation plans!
