North Dakota’s aviation heritage can be experienced at several unique venues.
The Dakota Territory Air Museum in Minot strives to preserve the first thrills of humans taking to the air with a stunning variety of exhibits. On permanent display are more than two dozen civilian aircraft, from a 1928 Waco to a 1996 Wolf W11. There’s even a plane powered by a 55VW engine, as well as several military aircraft, some retired from the Minot Air Force Base. The facility also has a partnership with the Texas Flying Legends Museum, which means they occasionally receive such display gems as the last Japanese Zero and the fearsome Corsair. The museum welcomes groups, can arrange speakers, and offers event space.
The history of the skies is chronicled at the Fargo Air Museum with a variety of grounded and active planes, including a B-25 Bomber, the famed Huey helicopter and even a Polish Iskra jet. Another perk is the Frasca simulator, where visitors can experience flight without even leaving the ground. The facility can hold up to 450 guests, and planners can even reserve tarmac space if they wish for any attendees to fly in for the event.
Groups can go from where history is kept to where it’s being made at the University of North Dakota Aerospace in Grand Forks, home of the John D. Odegard School of Aerospace Sciences. The campus includes an airport, high-altitude chamber, air traffic control and flight simulators, and the center for regional weather observation. Planners can call ahead and make reservations for weekday tours.
