Hickory Aviation Museum

I was so looking forward to my stop at the Hickory Aviation Museum located at the Hickory Airport in what used to be baggage claim. Admission is free as is parking in the lot. When you enter the airport, follow the hallway back to the museum.I was greeted at first then asked to sign the guestbook. From there I was on my own and felt like I was interrupting the groups conversation and not welcomed. Although they continued talking about medical conditions; whether they liked the menu at the reopening restaurant in the terminal; what they were going to eat for lunch, etc. It made it difficult to read the signage.The museum had many artifacts and memorabilia that provide insight on how flying has changed over the years and military history. One section is dedicated to Bill and George Preddy. A Wall of Honor was created for those who have died. Outside there are many aircraft to see. It would have been nice to get some background information and extra details while there but that might just depend on the volunteers that day.

We had a small amount of time before flying to our next destination and decided to stop in here. It's free!Really excellent little museum nestled inside what used to be a terminal at Hickory Regional Airport. Knowledgeable volunteer veteran staff work here and will happily guide you through giving tons of information. They will walk you around as long as you want and even take you inside one of the old planes. They have a lot of very interesting old warbirds all crammed into a small space. Apparently they are in the process of constructing a new museum elsewhere on the airport to eventually refurbish the aircraft and keep them out of the elements. Great experience, highly recommend stopping by. There is also a nice little restaurant right next door that we were unable to visit, but it was highly recommended.

An awesome hidden gem in Hickory. Their volunteers and passionate because they have lived a life in the military. The plane collection is fantastic and the volunteers are full of information!

This is a gem of a place for people interested in aviation and as I experienced, Mustangs! I visited the Museum for the first time when they were hosting the Snakes and Plane auto display where the cars (Mustangs) were on display among the planes. They have some really cool planes from the Blue Angels to some WWII planes and lots in between. Admission is free and it's right at the Hickory Regional Airport. There's also a little Cafe in the terminal building that I want to try on my next visit.

Cool unexpected spot! I was looking for something to do with a friend from out of town and happened to come across this place.They have a cool little museum inside with memorabilia from old fighters jets and different aviation related items.Outside they have several very cool planes. We really enjoyed looking at all the planes and seeing how they have changed over the years. It's small but I highly recommend it.

This place was such an unexpected gem! Buford and Bob were our tour guides and boy did they deliver! Buford has so much knowledge of the planes and history. He is also related or knows everyone, so he has some entertaining stories! This seriously is a must do if you are anywhere near the Hickory area! We can't wait to visit again one day!

My husband flew on the P3 Orion back in the 70's and was excited to be able to go onboard. Neat little museum, great volunteer staff located in a really nice town. Worth the trip!

Aviation museum is one of the better and small museums that I've been to. The docent here were very helpful and love to chat about the good old days and about the history of the aircraft on display.One special note here: this museum is the only one I have ever been to where you can actually touch each and every single one of the aircraft on display. They also have a mock up or perhaps a section off piece of a cockpit from a fighter jet, which the little ones would love to climb into. I can't recall if there was a charge or not, but it would appear that there was not, but they do have a contribution box and I was happy to oblige. We've spent a couple of hours there and wandered through the tarmac, where all of the planes were kept. One note: I was told that they have secured a better and larger piece of property with which to display their aircraft. One of those aircraft was one of the famed USAF Thunderbirds and you could see it across the runway. I'm sure they will have it on display so you can see that one too. I was also told that this may happen as early as the end of 2024. It's worth a look, even if you can't wait until then.