The history of American aviation milestones is written large all over Upstate New York.
Here are several places to explore the history of flight. The list includes aviation museums, historic sites, military bases, fun places and events for the whole family, and some pretty impressive planes themselves.
Old Rhinebeck Aerodrome in Rhinebeck, NY. A museum with many vintage early aircraft and flying demonstrations weekends. Richard Berkowitz | Getty ImagesRichard Berkowitz | Getty ImagesOld Rhinebeck Aerodrome (Red Hook)
“Oh, those daring young men in their flying machines!” The Old Rhinebeck Aerodrome is a must-visit destination for aviation enthusiasts of all ages. This exciting venue hosts airplane shows, flying demonstrations and many other public events. Visitors can explore more than 60 vintage planes from the Golden Age of Flight (1900-1939), with a special focus on bi-planes. There is nothing like seeing these two-winged machines darting across the sky in the Hudson Valley.
For those seeking adventure, open-air cockpit rides are available during the summer and early fall. In addition to its impressive aircraft collection, the museum also features a remarkable array of antique automobiles.
Address: 9 Norton Rd., Red Hook
Plattsburgh Air Force Base Museum tells the story of the oldest military post in the United States and home of the Plattsburgh Air Force Base from 1954 to 1995. Oct. 21, 2024. Sunny Hernandez | ahernandez@nyup.comSunny Hernandez | ahernandez@nyup.comPlattsburgh Air Force Base Museum
The city of Plattsburgh in Northern New York has a long and illustrious history as a key element in the air defense of the United States. A military base had been in operation here since 1814, making it the oldest in the U.S. What was once the U.S. Air Force Base is now the Plattsburgh International Airport. During the Cold War, Plattsburgh was home to the Strategic Air Command and its bomber squadrons. Today, a museum is located here that tells the story of the importance of the base to the country and to Plattsburgh. Of special note, when visiting the museum, you have a chance to sit in a “trainer cockpit” that was once used to teach pilots how to fly large bombers.
Address: 31 Washington Rd., Plattsburgh
Glenn H. Curtiss, “The Father of Naval Aviation,” is celebrated by his hometown of Hammondsport with the Glenn H. Curtiss Aviation Museum. Visitors will get to see a full-scale reproduction of the first naval aircraft, along with a number of antique tools, boats and fire equipment. Stefani Reynolds for NYup.comStefani Reynolds for NYup.comGlenn H. Curtiss Museum (Hammondsport)
The Curtiss Museum, one of the premier aviation museums in the Northeast, celebrates the legacy of Glenn Hammond Curtiss (1878-1930), a pivotal figure in the development of America’s flight industry. Born in Hammondsport, Curtiss was an innovative pioneer who designed airplane engines, built aircraft, set numerous speed records, and contributed to the development of bicycles and motorcycles. He held U.S. Pilot’s License No. 1 and made history with the first long-distance airplane flight on May 29, 1910, flying from Albany to New York City in about four hours. For this achievement, he was awarded a $10,000 prize by Joseph Pulitzer.
The Curtiss Museum, located in the Finger Lakes wine region in Hammondsport, is packed with aviation (and motorcycle and automobile) history and exhibits across 60,000-square-feet. You will know you have arrived when you see the hulking form of a Curtiss C-48 Commando World War II transport plane near the museum driveway.
Address: 8410 Route 51, Hammondsport
The National Soaring Museum at Harris Hill near Elmira,N.Y. is an aviation museum working to preserve the history of motorless flight. Many gliders on display from different eras. David Lassman | syracuse.comDavid Lassman | syracuse.comNational Soaring Museum (Elmira)
The National Soaring Museum, located on a hill outside Elmira, celebrates the rich history of motorless flight. The area has been a hub for national soaring competitions since the 1890s. The museum offers a fascinating collection of gliders and sailplanes. As an added bonus, visitors can schedule a flight in a motorless craft, zooming out from the edge of Harris Hill and gliding over the Chemung Valley with the only sound being the whisper of the air whooshing by. It’s Southern Tier experience not to be missed.
Address: 51 Soaring Hill Dr., Elmira
A World War II-era P-38 Lightning, of the type flown by Paul Stobnicke during World War II, at the National Warplane Museum in Geneseo, N.Y. Photo courtesy of Jamieson R. SteeleJamieson R. Steele | Provided photoNational Warplane Museum (Geneseo)
This museum in Geneseo holds one of the largest warplane air shows in the Northeast. At past shows, the “Memphis Belle” bomber has been a standout attraction. Parachute drops over the field consistently draw crowds, and warplanes are displayed throughout the airport grounds, with pilots and crew on hand to answer questions from visitors of all ages. The nose art on the planes is a popular backdrop for selfies. Visitors can also schedule plane rides for an unforgettable experience.
The most famous plane in the permanent collection of the museum is the W-7, known as “Whiskey 7.” This cargo aircraft saw heavy duty in World War II and was in the lead strike on D-Day. The plane still wears its “invasion stripes” on its wings.
Address: 3489 Big Tree Lane, Geneseo
Niagara Aerospace Museum (Niagara Falls, NY)
Western New York played a key role in the development and manufacturing of military planes over the last century. Located at the Niagara International Airport, this museum highlights the regional history and impact of aviation in the Greater Niagara area. Among the historic planes on display is the “Miss Lend Lease,” a P-39 Airacobra fighter plane that represents the more than 4,770 aircraft sent to aid Russia during World War II. The plane is exhibited as it was found, buried in a frozen lake within the Arctic Circle in 2004. Also featured is the Bell-47, the first U.S. commercially licensed helicopter.
The museum’s collection isn’t limited to aircraft. Of particular interest is the lunar ascent engine, which was used to launch astronauts off the moon’s surface for their return from the Apollo missions. This engine was manufactured in Western New York.
Address: 9990 Porter Road, Niagara Falls, NY
A view of the Buffalo and Erie County Naval and Military Park Wednesday, May 13, 2015, in Buffalo, N.Y. File photo | syracuse.comFile photo | syracuse.comBuffalo and Erie County Naval and Military Park
This urban military park, located at Buffalo’s waterfront, just a short distance from downtown, is largest inland naval park in the United States. It honors all facets of military history with massive exhibits of wartime ships and planes. Visitors can tour the USS Little Rock, the USS The Sullivans, the USS Croaker (submarine), and other military equipment such as tanks and missiles. Wartime aviation is represented by a Navy FJ-4B Fury Jet, a USAF F-101 “Voodoo” Fighter Interceptor Jet, a UH-1 “Huey” Helicopter—which became a symbol of U.S. involvement in Vietnam with over 7,000 used in the conflict—and more. The park is surrounded by beautiful scenery and nearby restaurants, making it a must-see on your next visit to Buffalo.
Address: 1 Naval, Marina Park South, Buffalo
Sampson Memorial Air Force and Naval Museum (Romulus)
The Sampson Military Training Base opened in 1942 as a naval boot camp. Recruits trained here and went off to fight in World War II. After the war, the base was closed and repurposed. With the onset of the Korean War, the base was reactivated as the United States Air Force Training Command. Sixteen thousand Air Force cadets trained here for the Korean War. A total of 411,000 Navy and 330,000 Air Force personnel completed their training at the Sampson installation. The base closed in 1956 and now serves as a museum. Housed in an original base structure, the museum retains the original “brig” and features countless items that reflect the base’s role as a major training facility during two wars.
Address: 6096 Route 96-A, Romulus
Griffiss Business & Technology Park in Rome, New York, sits on the site of the former Griffiss Air Force Base, which closed in 1995. This retired B-52G bomber, named “Mohawk Valley,” is on display in the park. It is owned by the National Museum of the United States Air Force. Photo taken April 22, 2025. Rick Moriarty | rmoriarty@syracuse.comRick Moriarty | rmoriarty@syracuse.comGriffiss Business and Technology Park (Rome)
The sight of a B-52 bomber in flight is truly awe-inspiring. This legendary warplane boasts Herculean dimensions: it is 160 feet long, has a wingspan of 185 feet, can fly at speeds of 650 miles per hour, carry 10,000 pounds of bombs, and weighs 100 tons when empty. Have you ever seen one up close? You can in Rome, N.Y., where a majestic B-52, dubbed “The Mohawk Valley,” is on display at the former Griffiss Air Force Base, now an office complex. The plane began its patriotic duties during the Vietnam War and flew 32 combat missions during Desert Storm. With 31 years of service and after flying more than 12,000 hours, the Mohawk Valley came home to retire here in Central New York. Accessibility to the plane is complete.
Visitors have full access to the plane, allowing them to wander around its body, take selfies under its mighty wings, and even peek inside through an opening in the bottom. People of all ages will enjoy seeing this iconic U.S. warplane up close and personal.
Address: 584 Phoenix Dr., Rome
Wings of Eagles Discovery Center (Horseheads)
A must-see. One of the largest collections of warplanes in New York. Hands-on discovery center for the young ones. Make this a whole-day event for your family. There is a cafe for lunch. The incredible list of warplanes on display in the 25,000 square-foot exhibition hall includes such fighters as the Grumman TBN-3E (Avenger), McDonnell F-4B (Phantom II), Grumman 5-14A (Tomcat), as well as the famous Bell UH-1H Helicopter (Huey)
Address: 339 Daniel Zenker Dr., Horseheads