Wings Over the Rockies Air & Space Museum in Denver

This museum is relatively new compared to some museums. Wings over the Rockies Air & Space Museum opened its doors in 1994 in a hangar built in 1939 on the Lowry Air Force base located in Denver Colorado. Lowry Air Force Base was closed in 1994. Lowry Air Force Base served this country for fifty-six years. Lowry is currently used for commercial and residential development and many of the original buildings are being utilized for current operations such as The Air & Space Museum. The museum is located at 7711 E. Academy Blvd and can be easily reached by using First Ave. off of Quebec St. or Fairmont Dr. off of Alameda Ave. You can't miss it with that gigantic B52 bomber parked in front of the museum.

Ever since the museum opened in 1994 I wanted to visit it. This call was the motivating factor that finally gave me enough reason to visit the museum. This also gave us a chance to reminiscence about the times spent at Lowry Air Force Base viewing the many air shows put on at the base. My wife and I arrived about noon and had no difficulty finding the place. Hours are ten to five Monday through Saturday and twelve to five on Sunday. Admission is nine dollars. Senior and children rates are lower.

Upon entering you are greeted by a volunteer and they hand you a map of the museum, give you a brief history and some highlights of the museum. There are over twenty-five planes in the museum located around the perimeter of the hangar and the center is basically empty space. The largest plane is a B-1A Lancer bomber. This bomber and the B52 parked outside are gigantic. It makes one wonder how planes this size is able to fly. There is also a selection of World War II aircraft, Viet Nam, and relatively newer aircraft. Near each aircraft is a podium that gives the history and specifications of the aircraft.

In addition to aircraft there is also a display of the Titan missile family. A space flight display is there with a small piece of lunar rock. Additional attractions consist of The Flying Tigers display, The Eisenhower Room, Colorado Air National Guard, Colorado Aviation Historical Society, and Wing's research Library. If you want to part with some more of your money there is also a museum store with different types of aviation souvenirs. They also offer space for special events in your life. They can accommodate groups of 300 to 3000. More information can be found at their website. (link)

We spent close to two hours roaming around the displays and could have easily spent more time if wanted to. Make sure you wear comfortable shoes that concrete floor does not get any softer. Restrooms are available and a pop machine. I did not see any food available. It was an enjoyable visit and I feel it was worth the admission.