National Museum of the Mighty Eighth Air Force

National Museum of the Mighty Eighth Air Force is just n.e. of I-95 exit 102 at 175 Bourne Ave. The 90,000-square-foot museum engages visitors in the story of American air power from World War II through today. Features include a World War II era B-17 Flying Fortress, Memorial Gardens, Chapel of the Fallen Eagles, which honors the 26,000 Eighth Air Force members who died in battle during World War II. Also available are Escape and Evasion, a replica of an underground escape network for downed pilots, a research center with a more than 10,000-volume library and archives containing oral histories, period photographs and wartime journals.

Additional exhibits include the Tuskegee Airmen and the Fly Girls of World War II who provided fighter support and relief to Eighth Air Force bombers.

During the “Mission Experience” multimedia presentation, visitors can relive a day in the life of a B-17 crewman; the presentation uses actual footage of a Berlin bombing run. An interactive waist gunner exhibit encourages visitors to test their skills at aerial combat. Static aircraft displayed include a B-17 Flying Fortress, an F-4C Phantom, a B-47 Stratojet Bomber, a Russian-built MiG-17 and a PT-17 Stearman Kaydet bi-plane. Many of the museum's exhibits feature video monitors showing film footage from World War II as well as personal interviews with veterans. Food is available Mon.-Fri. 11-3.

Food is available. Time: Allow 2 hours minimum.