One of the first things Nia did when we arrived in Minnesota for our annual summer visit was to look up what aviation-related museums there were in the area. I would have guessed zero, but it turns out that I was very wrong! Yesterday we visited the first on her list, the Commemorative Air Force Minnesota Wing, a little gem in South St. Paul just off 494 and 52.
The museum was contained in a hanger and entirely focused on Minnesota’s WWII aviation history. There were loads of good display cases with uniforms and personal effects, as well as in-depth stories about Minnesotan Air Force Officers. The organization owns four WWII pilot training planes that they meticulously care for and cart around to various air shows throughout the summer. This is one of the two-seaters.
The pride and joy of the museum was clearly the “Miss Mitchell” B-25 bomber. This was the plane that pilots trained in, which is how it has remained is such good shape. However, there was an identical, REAL Miss Mitchell plane that was used in battle. I was told that even the drawings on the side were exact replicas and done by the same artist.
Here’s how many missions the Miss Mitchell flew in WWII. Wow, huh?
Was was unique about these planes vs other WWII aircraft we’ve seen was that they offer “History Flights” to the public at various points throughout the year (both at shows and from South St. Paul’s Fleming field). All four WWII aircraft offer 30 minute flights ranging in price from $125 to $495. Wouldn’t that make a great gift for a history lover? Nia is already scheming about when she can book one…
The other unique thing was that they let visitors climb into the B-25 and even go inside the gunner’s nose turret! Nia was beside herself with excitement. Here she is rooting around inside checking it all out.
What struck me most about the place was the vibe. There were no less than 25 retired and current aviation people there working on the planes and talking to visitors. Yesterday, in particular, they were preparing the plane to fly to Eau Claire, WI for the Chippewa Valley Air Show that’s taking place this weekend.
What struck me most was how happy they all looked. You could tell this was a tight community and that they all were committed to protecting these beautiful old planes and getting new generations interested in aviation. It made me really happy for Nia, thinking that these are the type of big-hearted people that could be her community in the future.
I can’t recommend Commemorative Air Force Minnesota Wing museum enough, just make sure you call before going to ensure the planes are there. Also, they are only open to the public a few days per week. There’s no cost to visit, just an opportunity to make a donation if you’d like. They also hold some big band historical dances at the hanger as well and those looked pretty darn cool too! Told you this was a gem, didn’t I??
