Naval Air Station Wildwood Aviation Museum
4.8(1.8K)google
4.6(58)yelp
KidsIndoorInteractiveHands-OnEducationalMilitaryAviation
Overview
The Naval Air Station Wildwood Aviation Museum is an aviation museum located at the Cape May Airport in Lower Township, in Cape May County, New Jersey, United States.
Practical Info
Every day10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Suggested Duration2-3.5 hours
Best TimeAn outstanding year-round aviation and WWII heritage oasis housed inside a massive, officially registered historic 1943 wooden aircraft hangar (Hangar No. 1). Visiting between 10:00 AM and 1:00 PM on a weekday morning is highly recommended; crisp daylight floods through the towering hangar bay doors, illuminating their vintage Boeing B-25 Mitchell and Grumman TBF Avenger planes.
Getting ThereSituated on the active flight line of the Cape May County Airport at 500 Forrestal Rd, Cape May. From the resort district, drive north on Route 109, turn left onto Breakwater Rd, head north on Hornet Rd, and turn left onto Forrestal Road straight into the giant hangar facility. The museum operates a massive, complimentary surface parking lot wrapping the tarmac.
Travel Tips
- Housed in an authentic, uninsulated WWII aircraft hangar; the vast corrugated steel building matches ambient outside temperatures, necessitating seasonal heavy layers or breathable attire.
- Direct cabin boarding of designated historical aircraft is permitted; cockpits contain sharp vintage rivets and narrow access steps, requiring strict parental physical spotting for minors.
- Route navigation directly to the peripheral runways of Cape May Airport (WWD); the venue features sprawling, cost-free surface parking fully optimized for high-clearance RVs and long trailers.
Reviews
Positive
- Housed inside a genuine, massive WWII aircraft hangar (Hangar 1), the authentic sense of historic space is uniquely impressive.
- Features a vast array of retired military planes, helicopters, and engines, with many cockpits open for visitors to sit inside, offering great interactivity.
- Highly child-friendly, with dedicated hands-on science zones, flight simulators, and aviation games, making it an excellent spot for kids.
- Provides ample free parking, and the interior is massive and flat, making it a perfect, weather-proof indoor alternative on rainy days.
Heads up
- Because the historic hangar is an all-wood structure, it lacks central A/C and heating, becoming roasting in summer and freezing in winter.
- Some placards are aged and faded; for casual visitors unfamiliar with aviation history, it lacks modern digital or multimedia guides.
- The location is somewhat remote, situated inside the Cape May Airport complex, making it difficult to reach without a rental car or driving.
- The on-site restroom facilities are basic and limited, leading to noticeable delays and lines when student tour groups arrive on weekends.