Hill Aerospace Museum in Utah: What to Expect

I’ve been taking my kids to the Hill Aerospace Museum in northern Utah for many years. The free museum offers something for people of all ages. Visitors can see a Burgess-Wright Flyer, B-24 Liberator, F-16 Thunderbird, and a stealth SR-71.

Here’s what you can expect on your visit to the Hill Aerospace Museum near Hill Air Force Base’s west entrance. But before you go, download and print the official museum scavenger hunt!

Early Flight Through World War II Aircraft

After checking in at the front desk and signing the guest book, you’ll head to the first large hangar. Inside, you’ll encounter at Burgess-Wright Flyer. It was flown at one of the early “air shows” in Utah around 1910. Above it hangs a replica of the Wright Brother’s first flight plane.

Scattered throughout the hangar, and hanging from the rafters, are a wide variety of planes. Many of the planes are from World War II. The B-17 and B-24 Liberator are my two favorites – probably because my grandpa flew a B-24 in WWII and has an amazing story.

Beyond the planes, you’ll also find some helicopters and artifacts. A Willeys Jeep and ambulance are on display, as well as a helicopter similar to what was seen in the TV show M.A.S.H. A little shack guides you through some history of the Korean War.

After seeing the propeller planes of the 1900s, head down the long corridor to the Lindquist Stewart Fighter Gallery.

Modern Aircraft in the Lindquist Stewart Fighter Gallery

“I feel the need… for speed!” Some of the aircraft in the Lindquist Stewart Fighter Gallery travel at or above the speed of sound, like the F-101. One of the biggest draws is likely the SR-71 stealth aircraft. It’s long, sleek and black and seems to be a popular spot for people to grab a selfie.

Along the far wall, you’ll find an F-16, along with an F-16 Thunderbird. The Thunderbirds have performed at Hill Air Force Base multiple times in the last decade and are one of the hottest (free) tickets in town!

Beyond speedy aircraft, you can also catch a glimpse of WWII-era drones and some intimidating helicopters. Along the wall you’ll find displays about the Vietnam War, as well.

Once you finish exploring the second hangar, make your way back through the first hangar and out to the front of the museum for the next collection of aircraft.

Large Aircraft on Display Outside the Hill Aerospace Museum

The aircraft here are too large to be housed in a building. You’ll find a B-29 Superfortress, which is the type of plane that dropped the atomic bombs on Japan near the end of WWII. There are large cargo planes, as well as another stealth aircraft: the B-1.

The largest plane is likely the C-124. It stands magnificently just outside of the museum entrance. You can’t miss it.

Utah Aviation Hall of Fame, Gift Shop, Theater and Chapel

Just inside the museum you’ll find the Utah Aviation Hall of Fame. You can read about some of Utah’s historic airmen and women. For example, you can learn more about the Candy Bomber, Gail Halvorsen, who was born in Salt Lake City in 1920.

You can also watch short videos of airmen and women sharing their stories around aviation, in war and peace time.

Every Saturday at 1 p.m., pilots and other aviation experts share experiences in the museum’s theater. It’s known as Plane Talk. The stories shared are certain to fascinate young and old alike.

Across the street from the museum and outdoor aircraft is the chapel and some memorials.

The Details:

Address:7961 Wardleigh Road, Hill AFB, UT 84056

Cost: Parking and admission to the museum is free.

Hours: Monday – Saturday, 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

How Long: Plan on about one hour for your visit.

Website: https://www.aerospaceutah.org/

Phone:(801) 825-5817

Other out-of-state museums you may be interested in visiting if you enjoy the Hill Aerospace Museum include the USS Midway Museum in San Diego or the Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum in New York City.

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