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Something big just landed in Arkansas, literally. A fleet of jets from Singapore touched down in Fort Smith a couple of weeks ago, and for a moment, the eyes of the aviation world turned our way. But let’s be honest: the eyes I care most about belong to my second grader and his wide-eyed friends, who are suddenly obsessed with all things flight, and I’m not mad about it! (I blame the cool field trip!)
This summer, I’m embracing that wonder. We’re chasing airplanes, strolling through old hangars and enjoying enchiladas at airport restaurants. I know the cool mom clock is ticking, so while he still wants me around, we’re making the most of it with aviation-themed adventures all over Arkansas.
And, for the record, we balance airplanes with our obsession with nature, cars, dinosaurs, baseball and pirates. It’s a daily guess as to which is the featured adventure!
Aviation Destinations in Arkansas
Arkansas is more than just a good place for airplane lovers; it soars to the top. Thanks to its role in military training during World War II, the presence of scattered aviation academies, and a strong aerospace industry, our state is dotted with hidden gems that appeal to young aviation enthusiasts.
Arkansas Air & Military Museum | Fayetteville
Housed in a historic aircraft hangar at Drake Field, this museum hosts real planes, including Vietnam-era helicopters and racing planes from the 1920s. Some exhibits are interactive, and the vintage setting makes it feel like you’ve stepped onto a Top Gun movie set.
Highlights: Historic combat aircraft, open cockpit trainers, and walking through large aircraft
arkairmuseum.org
Wings of Honor Museum | Walnut Ridge
This museum honors the World War II Army Flying School that trained pilots at this site. You’ll find aircraft models, memorabilia and even stories of the women who served in aviation roles.
Highlights: WWII-era displays, personal stories, and interactive exhibits.
wingsofhonor.org
Aviation Cadet Museum | Eureka Springs
This museum, located in the Ozarks, honors the “Greatest Generation” of aviation cadets. It’s quirky and personal, filled with fascinating military flight gear, trainer aircraft and archival photos.
Highlights: WWII cadet stories, artifacts, a family-run passion project.
aviationcadet.org
Fort Smith Air Museum | Fort Smith
Tucked inside the terminal at Fort Smith Airport, this hidden gem shares the aviation history of the River Valley. It features uniforms, photographs, and models that celebrate the contributions of local aviation pioneers.
Highlights: A compact museum, ideal for brief visits, located within a functioning airport.
discoverfortsmith.com
Eaker Air Force Base Museum | Blytheville
Once a Strategic Air Command base, this museum narrates the Cold War-era story of airmen stationed in northeast Arkansas. Look for a B-52 on display and a wealth of local military aviation history. Make sure to check their open dates before you venture that way.
Highlights: Cold War history, massive aircraft on-site.
eakerairmuseum.org
Grider Field Aviation Museum | Pine Bluff
This airport-turned-training field was one of several used during World War II. Now, it features a museum with aircraft and aviation displays highlighting its wartime role in training more than 9,000 pilots.
Highlights: WWII pilot training history, a museum inside the airport terminal.
griderfield.com
Osage Park and Lake Bentonville | Bentonville
Osage Park and the adjoining Lake Bentonville paths connect to Bentonville’s Thaden Field, where planes take off and land just steps away. It’s a fantastic spot to watch aircraft in action while enjoying the park and exploring rehabilitation wetlands for wildlife. The new plane-themed playground is the perfect place to observe planes take off and arrive from the skies.
Highlights: Plane spotting, trails, nearby aviation-themed restaurant.
Visit Osage Park
Kindley Park | Gravette
A real T-33, on loan from the National Museum of the U.S. Air Force, is the showstopper at this city park. Kids can climb, run, and play right under a jet’s wing in the playground. The plane honors the life of WWI Ace Field E. Kindley, who lost his life in a plane crash but grew up in Gravette.
Highlights: Full-size jet in a playground setting.
gravettear.com
Carter Field Executive Airport | Rogers
Historic aircraft and a functioning runway make this a peaceful spot for aviation enthusiasts to see planes up close.
Highlights: Historic airplane displays related to the Vietnam War
rogersar.gov
Lindberg First Night Flight | Lake Village
Along the banks of Lake Chicot stands a historical marker highlighting the landing spot of Charles Lindbergh’s first solo evening flight. The then-unknown mail pilot took a low flight over the Mississippi in his first “after dark” ride and landed his plane near an abandoned golf course.
I will mention that Little Rock Air Force Base has a heritage park, but it’s only open to general access a few times a year. If this is on your bucket list, you may contact the Civilian Access Office for an opportunity to explore the grounds.
WW2-Era Training Fields in Arkansas
While not all have museums, several airports in Arkansas were once active training fields for World War II pilots. Visit the sites in:
- Hope – the Southwest Proving Grounds historic airport district is part of a National Landmark designated by the National Park Service. While it may appear that you are landing in a planter’s field, in 1941, the grounds featured the third longest runway in the U.S.. B-25s and chronographs were tested at this site for use during WWII, ensuring American troops’ safety and success.
- Helena’s Thompson-Robbins airport was initially built to train pilots for WWII through a civilian flight school. Today, the entrance and streets, as well as several of the hangars, remain in their original locations.
- Camden – along with the others, this airport trained WWII pilots on overflow from Kelly Field in San Antonio. Today, it hosts the SAU Tech Aviation program.
These airports often feature memorial markers or historical signage referencing their role in aviation history.
Arkansas Airport Restaurants Worth a Landing
- Louise at Thaden Field | Bentonville
Watch small planes take off while you sip coffee and enjoy brunch. - Grider Field Restaurant | Pine Bluff
Airport diner serving Southern food and aviation nostalgia. - The Cockpit Café | Rogers
Airplane-themed decor and solid comfort food inside the Beaver Lake Aviation building. - El Chefe | Springdale
Favorite Mexican bites and lots of plane-watching for young flyers. - Gaston’s White River Resort | Lakeview
Arrive by plane or car for a fine dining experience along the river with fly-in access. - Flying Fish | Little Rock, Bentonville
It’s not technically an airport eatery, but the vintage aviation decor and fish camp vibe make it feel like part of the theme.
Places to Learn to Fly in Arkansas
Arkansas has flight schools throughout the state for older kids, teens, or adults ready to take the controls. Here’s a quick list to explore:
- SAU Tech | Camden – aviation maintenance program
- Henderson State University | Arkadelphia – bachelor’s and master’s degrees in Aviation
- Summit Aviation | Bentonville – personal pilot’s certificate
- Flight Airo | Springdale
- Central Flight Services Flight Academy | Little Rock
- UCA Aviation Academy | Conway
- EAS Flight Training | Fayetteville
Whether it’s a jet engine’s roar or a prop plane’s satisfying hum, something about aviation captures kids’ imaginations (and maybe ours, too). If your family is ready for takeoff, Arkansas offers plenty of aviation destinations to fuel your adventure. Pack snacks, charge your phone for all the pictures and prepare to explore the Natural State from a new altitude.
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