Visit the Frontiers of Flight Museum in Dallas
On my journey to see all the historic American space capsules scattered across the United States, I found one at a museum in Dallas, Texas. I know Houston and the Johnson Space Center is considered the hub of NASA in Texas, so I was surprised to learn the Frontiers of Flight Museum in Dallas housed the Apollo 7 capsule.
Scattered throughout the museum are several aircraft that represent historic milestones of flight history. Learn more about the areas of the Frontiers of Flight Museum so you’ll know what to expect. And if you’re like me, as soon as you learn there’s a space capsule there, you’ll make sure this place is at the top of your “Things to do in Dallas” list.
Tickets and Directions to the Frontiers of Flight Museum
Admission tickets to the Frontiers of Flight Museum can be purchased when you arrive at the museum. The only time you need to purchase tickets in advance is if you have a large group. Large groups consiste of 10 people or more, and there are discount admission tickets for those larger groups.
Ticket prices range from $12 (for adults) to $9 for youth (ages 3-17). Seniors (age 65+) are $10, while children under three are free. Active duty military and first responders (with ID) receive 50% discount on admission. There are other discounts available for K-12 educators in Texas, Gold Star Families and military families.
The museum is open Monday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. On Sunday, it’s open from 1-5 p.m. The museum is closed on New Years Day, Thanksgiving Day and Christmas holidays. It may also be closed for private events, so be sure and check their website before your visit.
There is free parking available at the museum. If you’re driving, the entrance is a little tricky. I say that because my UBER driver missed the entrance road and we had to make a U-Turn. You’ll want to use the University Blvd entrance off of Lemmon Avenue, then follow the access road south to the parking lot.
Apollo 7 Space Capsule and Astronaut Artifacts
When you enter the Frontiers of Flight Museum, there are a few ways you can begin your journey. For me, I went straight to the space travel area. Standing in all its glory is the Apollo 7 space capsule. Why is this a new frontier and on display at the museum? Well, this was the first manned mission of the Apollo program that flew in space.
The re-imagined Apollo capsule fixed flaws that had caused the death of three Apollo astronauts 18 months earlier. And after a successful launch in October 1968, mankind was one step closer to reaching the moon. This capsule was the start of a new frontier.
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In addition to the capsule, there is a space suit from astronaut Donn Eisele, some glove molds from Neil Armstrong (first person to walk on the moon), and many other artifacts. The museum did a great job of displaying these artifacts and allowing you a view into the space capsule itself.
And don’t miss the large rocket engine hanging from the ceiling. Can you imaging how much thrust comes out of that thing to launch a rocket into space. It’s crazy!!
The Wright Brothers and the Blue Angels
After learning all about the Apollo 7 capsule and looking inside it, head to the wooden airplane hangar to continue your journey through the museum. You can learn about the Wright Brothers and the early frontiers of aviation.
I’m fascinated by the steps these pioneers took to try and do something that up until that time we for the birds. There’s a lot of history to be learned when it comes to the evolution of aviation. You can even check out information on airships and hot air balloons.
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As you continue along the row of history, you’ll come to a blue F/A-18 Hornet, which you’ll likely recognize as an aircraft for the Blue Angels. I’ve only seen videos of their performance, but it’s cool to walk right up to the jet and see it up close.
Don’t forget to look up throughout your visit. There are many planes and other vehicles of flight hanging from the ceiling.
Aircraft in Military History – WWI, WWII and Beyond
After exploring the Blue Angels jet, head across the hangar/museum to begin a journey through military history and the role of aviation in iconic battles.
I’m always drawn to the planes of World War II. My grandpa was a B-24J Liberator co-pilot with the Fifteenth Army Air Force based in Italy. So I always look for information about his WWII experience so I can better understand what he experienced.
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I was also fascinated by an exhibit about the women pilots of WWII you don’t hear much – if anything – about their role in the Army Air Force during the global conflict, so I was glad to read more about their involvement. So many amazing stories of people from all walks of life.
As you make your way along the exhibits, you’ll learn about the aircraft and the people who flew them. Don’t rush through this area so you can learn about the past.
Don’t miss the Chance Vought V-173 “Flying Pancake”. It’s a really unique-looking plane and is bright yellow.
Exhibits on the Second Floor
Once you’ve explored everting in that initial ground-level of the Frontiers of Flight Museum, head to the upper level. There are stairs or an elevator to get you there.
The second floor has a couple of historic exhibits. I was intrigued by the area dedicated to Braniff International, mainly because of the unique uniforms they had on display for the flight attendants. One uniform included a bubble head covering resembling an astronaut. Oh, the crazy days of the 60s. 😉
The other exhibit is all about the Golden Age of flight. Learn all about some iconic and historic flights from the early years of aviation, including Charles Lindbergh’s famous flight.
Those are the two main exhibits on the second floor, but you can follow the walkway to the other side of the museum you’ve yet to explore.
Commercial Aviation – Southwest’s 737 “The Spirit of Kitty Hawk”
When you get to the other end of the museum, you’ll see a commercial airliner sticking through the glass walls of the building. Climb up the stairs and explore the interior of a Boeing 737-300 Southwest Airlines known as “The Spirit of Kitty Hawk.” You’ll likely be surprised when you get to the back of the plane and see a vehicle on display in the back.
If you want to get a closer look of the pilot’s seat in a Boeing 737-200, locate the nose of another plane that has a set of stairs taking you right up to the cockpit. You can look through the plexiglass door to see all the buttons, switches and controls of the airplane.
There are some other exhibits in this area that share more about Southwest Airlines at Dallas Love Field – the active airport just on the other side of the museum walls.
Another exhibit area at this end of the museum are a few flight simulators. They aren’t active and are just displays to see what they look like. So don’t climb inside.
Indoor Playground and Outdoor Planes
If you have young kids with you, they may not enjoy reading the displays to learn about the variety of planes and history at the Frontiers of Flight Museum. But they will love running around a little indoor playground.
Have your kids climb the control tower for a full view of the playground. Maybe they want to crawl into an airplane or just run circles. Either way, the playground is a great spot for young kids to get some energy out.
If the weather is nice, venture outside to see the planes that had to be stored outside. There are small and big planes on each side of the museum. You can’t climb on them or sit in the cockpits, but it’s always fun to look at different planes.
The Details
Address: 6911 Lemmon Avenue, Dallas, Texas 75209
How long to spend: Plan on about 1-2 hours.
Cost: Adults are $12; Youth (3-17) are $9; Seniors (65+) are $10 and children under three are free.
Hours: Monday through Saturday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Sunday 1-5 p.m.
Website: https://www.flightmuseum.com/
Phone: (214) 350-3600
DISCLOSURE: I received one complimentary admission ticket to the Frontiers of Flight Museum for the purpose of review. All opinions are my own.
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