See Historic Firsts at College Park Aviation Museum in Maryland
I’ve been to my share of aviation museums. There’s one a short drive from my house in Utah. I’ve been to ones in Oregon, California and New York. But the College Park Aviation Museum in Maryland is a unique treasure trove of historical firsts in the world of aviation. Plus, it’s a short metro ride north of Washington, DC, so it’s a great day trip from the nation’s capital.
The College Park Aviation Museum is perfect for families looking to explore and learn about the history of aviation… not just in the United States, but the world.
Here’s a rundown on why a visit to the College Park Aviation Museum will be worth your time.
Overview of the College Park Aviation Museum
After checking in at the front desk and paying my $5 admission fee, I was ready to start learning. Just past the lobby is a wall that provides the history of this airport, which I learned is the oldest continuously operating airport in the world. How is that possible in little old Maryland?
Well, after the Wright Brothers had their first flight in Kitty Hawk, North Carolina, they sought a government contract to build airplanes and train pilots. A small area in College Park, Maryland was identified as a spot for an airport, and it’s been in operation ever since (1909).
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The College Park Aviation Museum is a way of preserving that history, along with other milestones in aviation.
Just northwest of the museum is an active airport. The College Park Airport isn’t something large commercial airlines are flying into, but there are several small planes parked nearby.
Getting to the Museum from Washington, DC
Washington, DC, has a fantastic metro system. From my Marriott Metro Center hotel I grabbed my ticket and head to the Green or Yellow line. Heading north, they both go to the same spot.
Once aboard – just make sure you’re on the northbound train – find a seat and relax for the 20-minute ride north. You’ll want the College Park – University of Maryland stop.
Once off the train, head east (NOT west towards the bus stops or Kiss and Ride). There’s construction currently along the East area of the metro stop, but navigate through it to the main road and traffic light. Continue East, following the signs to the College Park Aviation Museum.
The museum is a short 5-10 minute walk from the metro stop. It’s pretty simple to get there, so no need to take a taxi or Uber.
What’s on Display at the Aviation Museum?
Besides the College Park Aviation Museum marking the world’s oldest, continuously operating airport, there are several other firsts on display at the museum. For example, the first open-cockpit plane to reach the North Pole (brrrrr!) and the first helicopter to achieve vertical flight are at the museum.
There are several other historic aircraft on display, including:
- 1941 BOEING A75N1/PT-17 “STEARMAN”
- 1924 BERLINER HELICOPTER NO. 5
- 1910 WRIGHT MODEL B REPRODUCTION
- 1916 CURTISS JN-4D “JENNY” MILITARY TRACTOR
- 1946 ERCOUPE 415D
For kids, the museum has several interactive exhibits that will engage their minds. I tried my hand at the flight simulator and soared high above the ground. I also spun a propellor, much like the old way of starting a plane’s engine with a priming spin.
One engaging exhibit allowed me (yes, I’m an adult… but a kid at heart) to climb into a small plane and take the helm. You could push the foot pedals and move the yolk, mush like flying a plane. It was a popular exhibit for all the other kids at the museum.
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I appreciate how the museum found hands-on ways to teach. It’s more engaging and memorable to visitors and makes this a fantastic, family-friendly museum.
Join a Guided Tour for More Learning
If you have flexibility of when you plan to visit the College Park Aviation Museum, check out their guided tour schedule. These free public tours are a great way to dive deeper into the exhibits and aircraft on display.
Here’s a short listing of a few tours they offer to give you an idea of what you can experience. But visit their website for a rundown on the tour schedule at the museum.
- African American Aviators
- Changes in Transportation Tour
- Exploring Airmail Tour
- Flying Through Books! Tour
- Military History Tour
- Women in Aviation Tour
The Details
Address: 1985 Corporal Frank Scott Dr, College Park, MD 20740
How long to spend: About one hour
Cost: General admission for adults is $5 per person. Seniors are $4 and children are $2. Infants one and under are free. Parking at the museum is free.
Hours: The museum is open Tuesday through Sunday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. It’s closed on Mondays, as well as major holidays.
Website: https://www.mncppc.org/1593/College-Park-Aviation-Museum
Phone: (301) 864-6029
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