About 40 minutes from the heart of downtown Salt Lake City, Utah, is one of the best aerospace museums in the world. Located near the military institution of the same name, the Hill AFB Museum features a variety of artifacts, a stunning assemblage of aircraft, and a collection of knowledge you can’t find anywhere else. This is a great place for aviation enthusiasts, history lovers, and anyone looking for something entertaining to do. The Air Force Museum at Hill AFB is also a great place for getting kids excited about engineering, aerospace, and other important STEM-related careers. There’s plenty to do and a lot to see, so having a game plan is advised. We’ve got you covered with this great overview to maximize your trip.

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Hill Air Force Base: In-Depth Welcome Center

The Hill AFB Museum Soars in the Hearts of Visitors

There’s a reason the Hill AFB Museum has stellar online reviews. This place is amazing! Its close proximity to the air base, Great Salt Lake, and Salt Lake City means that it’s a great place to visit for a variety of communities with plenty of other sights and sounds to offer nearby. This, of course, is all on top of the world-class level of artifacts, aircraft, and exceptional knowledge of the exhibits and staff who work there. The Hill AFB Museum aircraft and their crew have called its current location home since 1991, though it was originally opened in 1986 and founded in 1981. More than 5 million visitors have come from all over the world to view its collection of more than 70 aircraft and thousands of artifacts. Visitors can enjoy educational courses, various events year-round, and the stunning aircraft and pieces of history that adorn the facility all around. Before you go, here are some important pieces of information to help you plan your visit for a more enjoyable experience:

• The Hill AFB Museum hours are 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., Tuesday through Saturday. The museum is closed on Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve, Christmas, and New Year’s Day.
• You can find the Hill AFB Museum at 7961 Cottonwood Street, Building 1955 Hill AFB, UT 84056.
• Admission is free; however, donations are always welcome and help maintain the facility.
• Food and drink are not allowed. During warmer months, however, water in clear bottles may be acceptable.
• Pets are off-limits.
• While there is no specific parking for large vehicles such as buses, the west side of the building is the best option when spaces are available.
• Public transportation can get you close to the facility by using Utah Transit Authority (UTA) on Routes 470 and 640.
• Wheelchairs and electric scooters are available in the Hadley Gallery, though the quantity is limited.

For more information, you can contact the museum at

1 (801) 825-5817

, and when you visit, don’t forget to stop by the Hill AFB Museum gift shop for a souvenir!

What Airplanes Are at the Hill AFB Museum?

The Hill AFB Museum’s airplane collection is extensive. There are many different planes, including the fighters, bombers, cargo planes, and even historic airplanes from previous generations. Here are some of the notable aircraft you’ll be enjoying when you attend:

• Fairchild Republic A-10A Thunderbolt II
• Rockwell B-1B Lancer
• Boeing B-17G-90-DL Flying Fortress
• Boeing B-52 G-100-BW Stratofortress
• Douglas C-54G-1-DO Skymaster
• Fairchild C-119G Flying Boxcar
• Lockheed NC-130B Hercules
• Boeing KC-135E Stratotanker
• Lockheed C-140B JetStar
• Northrop F-5E Tiger II
• General Dynamics F-16A Thunderbird
• Curtiss P-40N-5-CU Warhawk
• Republic F-105D Thunderchief
• Lockheed F-117 Nighthawk

Of course, there are many other types of airplanes available that have their place in military history. Such aircraft include surveillance planes such as the North American Rockwell OV-10A Bronco, historic training aircraft like the Boeing-Stearman PT-17 Kaydet, and others, including the Piper L-4J Grasshopper. But the Hill AFB Aerospace Museum is more than just planes. Various other types of aircraft will be available for viewing. We don’t want to spill everything, but here are some additional aircraft you can look forward to viewing during your visit:

• Bell HH-1H Iroquois
• Sikorsky MH-53M Pave Low IV
• Piasecki CH-21C-VL Workhorse

Flight has evolved many times over its relatively short history, but the Air Force Museum near Hill AFB does a great job of showcasing its various stages and providing those in attendance the opportunity to see these engineering marvels up close and personal.

Stunning Aircraft Like You’ve Never Seen Before

A trip to the Hill AFB Museum can’t be replicated. You’ll be able to see important aircraft that have helped forge history and keep America and its allies safe over the years. The stories of heroics and the stunning process of making everything happen are what keep visitors coming back for more and more. Whether you have been before or are just learning about the exhibits, we highly suggest you plan a day you won’t soon forget!

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