A day trip to three must-see museums for enthusiasts
Long Island is an ideal destination for military museum enthusiasts, looking to escape Manhattan for the day. Whether you’re a history buff, military enthusiast or just looking for something a bit out of the norm, the Cradle of Aviation Museum, the American Airpower Museum, and the Museum of American Armor are for you.
What separates the American Airpower Museum, and the Museum of American Armor, is that the majority of pieces on displays are working examples. Want to ride in a C-47? You can. Want to ride in an armored vehicle with simulated explosions? Of course!
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It’s rare to find airworthy aircraft these days, mainly because of the age and access to parts. WWII aircraft are now 80 plus years old.
I had the chance to visit all three museums over the course of several weeks, and one common thread stood out: the incredible volunteers. Their friendliness and deep knowledge embody what many admire about the United States. These dedicated individuals truly elevate the experience, with their engaging stories and impressive technical expertise, making each visit unforgettable. Let’s dive into what makes these museums so special.
Cradle of Aviation Museum
Located in Garden City, the Cradle of Aviation Museum is for anyone fascinated by the history of flight. This museum is home to over 75 air and spacecraft that highlight Long Island’s pivotal role in aviation history. From early biplanes to the lunar module, the exhibits span over a century of innovation and achievement.
It’s more hands on and geared towards children at times, but the space exhibits are something else. Long Island has long been a hub for producing space equipment, and you can see it right here.
1 Davis Ave, , Nassau County, 11530Highlights
The Planetarium
Immerse yourself in a celestial journey at the JetBlue Sky Theater, which offers interesting shows about our universe.
Grumman Gallery
Discover Long Island’s contributions to the Apollo moon missions with authentic spacecraft and artifacts. This really is epic and you can see the simulator the the infamous Apollo 13 crew trained on before they embarked on their ill fated mission. It’s only at the museum you learn how much of a contribution Long Island made to the space program. This was a personal highlight for me. To think how those guys who were involved in that near disaster, trained on the museum piece in front of me.
Interactive exhibits
Perfect for families and curious minds, these hands-on displays bring aviation technology to life. These include aircraft cockpit experiences with audio/visual displays.
American Airpower Museum
A short drive away in Farmingdale, the American Airpower Museum offers a unique experience where history comes alive. This working museum not only displays vintage aircraft but also operates many of them, giving visitors the rare chance to see historic planes take to the skies. Depicted below is the cockpit of an airworthy C-47, purchased from Israel.
Scenic flights on a range of different aircraft, occur several times a year, check the website for details. I was privileged enough to go on board, its worn, but it gives the C-47 authenticity. Like the amour museum, they also do historical reenactments, where you dress up as a paratrooper and zoom around in the C-47.
1230 New Hwy, , Suffolk County, 11735Highlights
Flight demonstrations
Check the museum’s schedule to witness these iconic planes in action. They have open days and joy flights.
Restored Aircraft
Marvel at the meticulously restored World War II bombers, fighters, and transport planes. The paintwork is near new on many. Some examples include the C-47, P-51, B-25, just to name a few. Outside there are a number of unrestored planes including F-111, A6 Prowler and A-10. The guides will walk you through the history and features of the aircraft if you ask. As an enthusiast, it made my day.
Immersive experiences
Step inside aircraft cockpits and explore the inner workings of these engineering marvels.
You can hop in a WWII gun turret from a B-25 and experience what the aircrew experienced. It rams home what it would be like as a gunner. Terrifying as an 18 year old over Europe, but that’s why veterans of the WWII era are called ‘The Greatest Generation.’ I wanted to get in, but sadly I’m a bit tall and a few too many hamburgers stopped me. Sigh.
I spent two hours here and that was a power tour. Volunteers will approach you and ask if you’d like a personal tour or self guided. I had a guy called George, and he just made the visit so worthwhile.
Museum of American Armor
Things that go boom! Again this museum has most of its collection in working order, which is very exciting. The equipment is in good order and it features an impressive collection of tanks, armored cars, and military equipment tells the story of American innovation and bravery.
Even if you don’t want to go in, there are plenty of items outside that are free for viewing. Check on the T-72, which for me was interesting given the experience in the Russia – Ukraine War (2022 – 2025). Duck underneath and you can see the welded escape hatch.
1303 Round Swamp Rd, , Nassau County, 11804Tip
It’s pay as you wish, but bank on $10 – $15 for adults. These items are rare and to see them operational, you’re getting your money’s worth.
Highlights
Operational vehicles
Many vehicles are fully operational, and visitors can often witness them in action during special events. They have a number of German WWII items I’ve never seen anywhere else, the KetternKrad and Goliath track Mine tankette. It was designed to be driven via remote control and detonate under Allied tanks.
Interactive exhibits
Explore the interiors of tanks and learn about their roles in historic battles.
Historical context
Displays provide in-depth narratives of pivotal conflicts, from World War II to more recent military engagements.
See more about the museum here. They also do reenactments with simulated explosions driving around in the armour. So if joining the Army is not an option and you like being frightened by loud explosions, this might be for you. If you have heard a WWII tank driving around, its an experience you won’t forget.
Tips
Transport
Once you get outside of Manhattan the public transport options disappear. To go to all three museums in one day, I would recommend driving a car. It’s faster and allows you to see other parts of Long Island in and around the area. They have some huge malls out there, Roosevelt Fields is just one.
Timing
Start your day early to make the most of your trip. My recommendation is to start at the American Airpower Museum, Museum of American Armor, then the Cradle of Aviation Museum last. Check open times as these are volunteer organizations and availability can change.
Final thoughts
If military history is your interest, these museums are for you. It might be ‘sell’ if you are accompanied by friends or family, but you can make it up to them with a visit to Roosevelt Mall. Bribery wins every time.
My viewing order, based on authenticity, access to exhibits, availability of time and ‘street cred,’ I would view these museums in this order, but it depends on your interests:
Connect or comment if you have any questions.
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Brett Williams
Brett Williams is the founder of Ylore Travel, a platform dedicated to making self-guided travel accessible to adventurers worldwide. With experience exploring over 50 countries and living in four, Brett’s passion for discovering new places and immersing himself in diverse cultures inspired the creation of Ylore Travel. Based in New York, he continues to seek out unique experiences and empower others to explore the world at their own pace.