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If you love everything about planes and space, today belongs to you. It's National Aviation Day and here are some very special places you can visit around the world where you can learn more and even simulate a flight!
The National Air and Space Museum
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One of the best aviation museums out there, this Washington, D.C. location is home to the 1903 Wright Flyer, Charles Lindbergh's Spirit of St. Louis, and the Apollo 11 Command Module Columbia. Imagine touching a lunar rock or looking at stars in the Albert Einstein Planetarium. There are tours and activities and the admission is free every day. The museum is also open every day except Christmas Day. Address: Independence Ave at 6th Street, SW; Washington, DC 20560; Phone: 202-633-2214.
National Museum of the U.S. Air Force
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Located at the Wright Patterson Air Force Base in Ohio, this museum also offers free admission. If you're in the mood for a little more adventure, try the Air Force Museum Simulators, a computer controlled simulator for the entire family. It gyrates on hydraulic lifts, and will give you the feeling like you're flying along. Want even more adrenaline-inducing fun? The 360° Interactive Simulator takes you as a pilot or gunner right into combat and you can choose to fly solo. Address: 10th St. & Constitution Ave. NW, Washington, DC 20560; Phone: 202-633-1000.
Intrepid Sea, Air, & Space Museum
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The Big Apple is home to this floating museum that is dedicated to the exhibition and interpretation of history, science and service as related to the aircraft carrier Intrepid, a National Historic Landmark. Examine original artifacts, view historic video footage and explore interactive exhibits. The USS Intrepid fought in World War II, the Cold War and the Vietnam War. There is also the Space Shuttle Pavilion, which showcases the space shuttle Enterprise, the prototype NASA orbiter that paved the way for America's successful space shuttle program. The British Airways Concorde, a record-breaking plane that flew across the Atlantic Ocean in 2 hours, 52 minutes and 59 seconds, is also on display. There's so much to see. They are also currently offering a Star Trek exhibition for fans to enjoy. Address: Pier 86, W 46th St & 12th Ave, New York, NY 10036. Phone: (212) 245-0072.
Hangar-7
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If you happen to be passing through Salzburg Airport, the second largest international airport in Austria, make sure to take a pit stop at Hangar-7, which is home to a collection of 25 historical airplanes, helicopters and Formula One racing cars, as well as to the Flying Bulls, a group that is passionate about historic aircraft and helicopters. Address: Salzburg Airport, Wilhelm-Spazier-Str. 7A, 5020 Salzburg, Austria.
Wright Brothers National Memorial
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This memorial, located on the outskirts of the Outer Banks in North Carolina, pays homage to the men who started it all, the Wright brothers. It's also in a National Park, which is perfect since the National Park Service celebrates their 100th anniversary this year. Here you'll see the dedication to Kitty Hawk and you can visit the spot where the Wright brothers first took flight and the locations where they landed. Address: Mile post 7.5 on U.S. Highway 158, Kill Devil Hills, NC. Phone Number: 252-441-7430.
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