Visit Frontiers of Flight Museum

Frontiers of Flight Museum
#29 of 100 things to do in Dallas

Dallas, Texas is home to a world-class aviation and space museum that will delight visitors of all ages: the Frontiers of Flight Museum. Located at the southeastern corner of Dallas Love Field Airport, this Smithsonian-affiliated museum spans over 100,000 square feet and houses more than 30 aircraft and space vehicles, 13 themed galleries, and roughly 35,000 historical artifacts . The museum chronicles the history of flight, beginning with the earliest hot air balloons and the Wright brothers’ first airplane, and continues all the way through to modern space exploration. The museum is dedicated to preserving aviation artifacts and is set up in chronological order, making it easy for visitors to follow the evolution of aviation .

The Frontiers of Flight Museum was made possible by George Haddaway, a publisher of Flight Magazine and an aviation historian. He donated his collection of artifacts to the University of Texas, which was later transferred to the University of Texas at Dallas (UTD) in the late 1970s. In 1988, UTD worked with Senator Kay Bailey Hutchison, Jan Collmer, and William E. Cooper to establish the museum as a non-profit organization. With the help of the City of Dallas, the museum officially opened to the public in June 2004 .

Whether you are an aviation enthusiast, a parent looking for an educational family outing, a veteran seeking a walk down memory lane, or a tourist with a few hours to spare, this guide provides everything you need to know for a memorable visit.

Key Details at a Glance:

• Address: 6911 Lemmon Avenue, Dallas, TX 75209 

• Phone: (214) 350-1651

• Official Website: https://flightmuseum.com

• Admission: Paid; free for children 2 and under; special discounts for military, educators, and first responders 

Hours & Ticket Prices

Opening Hours 

Closed: Easter Sunday, Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, and New Year’s Day. The museum also closes early on select dates for special events; check the official website’s “Visit” page before your trip.

Ticket Prices

Discounts & Free Admission:

• Blue Star Museum: Free admission for military families from Armed Forces Day through Labor Day .

• Gold Star Families: Free admission .

• Educator Discount: Free admission for current, badged Texas educators (public/private/charter schools) with ID .

• Southwest Airlines Employees: Free admission for employee + three guests .

• JSX Employees: Free admission .

• Dollar Days: Look for special $1 admission days for families in need .

Exhibits & Activities: What You Will See

The museum is arranged in chronological order, allowing visitors to see the evolution of aviation. Guests enter the left section of the museum, beginning with the “Early Dreamers, Early Flyers, and Balloons & Airships” section, and continue through the eras of World War I, World War II, the Cold War, and Modern Air Power .

The museum features a collection of aircraft from across the history of flight, including the only Vought V-173 “Flying Pancake” prototype in existence. Other highlights include an F-18 Blue Angel, the original Apollo 7 Command Module (one of the few flown capsules you can see up close), and an SR-71 flight simulator. The museum also displays a commercial airplane that guests can walk inside to examine historical artifacts .

Additional displays cover the history of Southwest Airlines, the history of Love Field, the Golden Age of Aviation, and the story of the Hindenburg. A particularly exciting new exhibit, featuring an interactive digital experience, has been created to celebrate the life of Bessie Coleman, the first Black person to earn a pilot’s license. The exhibit includes educational programs and a Curtiss “Jenny” aircraft hanging prominently from the museum’s hangar ceiling .

👨‍🖥️ For Adults: Aviation History & Unique Artifacts

1. Iconic Aircraft: Adults will appreciate seeing the legendary SR-71 trainer, the unique V-173 “Flying Pancake,” and an F-18 Blue Angel up close .

2. Space Artifacts: The Apollo 7 Command Module and a moon rock sample are must-see items .

3. Southwest Airlines History: The museum offers a deep dive into the history of this iconic Texas airline, including an actual 737 plane to walk through .

4. Knowledgeable Staff & Volunteers: The museum is staffed by passionate volunteers, many of whom are veterans. They are known for providing rich, detailed information about the aircraft on display .

5. Runway Viewing: The museum’s location at Love Field offers fantastic views of planes taking off and landing, especially from the second-floor windows .

👧 For Children & Families: Hands-On Fun & Learning

1. Children’s Play Area (Discovery Area): The museum features a dedicated, airplane-themed children’s play area on the first floor. This is a fantastic spot for young children to burn off energy in a safe, interactive environment . Amenities include a climbing structure and a play area where kids can hear air traffic control .

2. Full-Scale Southwest 737: Families can walk inside a real 737 plane and explore the cabin and cockpit .

3. Interactive Exhibits: Many of the displays are interactive, especially those related to commercial aviation, making the experience engaging for younger visitors .

4. Educational Programs: The museum offers year-round educational programs and events, including “Spring Break” activities and sensory-friendly days for families with members who have sensory needs .

5. Outdoor Aircraft: Don’t miss the outdoor exhibits! Guests can see an F-16, A-6, UH-1, F-105, and F-80 aircraft on the museum’s grounds .

Parking & Getting Here

🚗 Parking

The museum offers ample, free, lighted, and secure parking for up to 370 cars, with overflow parking available .

• Address for GPS: 6911 Lemmon Ave, Dallas, TX 75209 .

• Accessibility: The museum is fully accessible, with accessible parking, entrances, and restrooms. There are dedicated, staff-led ‘Sensory-Friendly Days’ for visitors with sensory needs .

🚆 Public Transportation

• The museum is located at Dallas Love Field Airport. It is accessible via DART bus routes (particularly the 524 and 550) that serve the airport.

Accessibility

The museum is committed to providing a welcoming experience for all guests.

• Wheelchair Access: The facility is fully accessible .

• Accessible Parking: Designated spaces are available in the parking lot .

• Service Animals: Are welcome.

• Sensory-Friendly Days: The museum holds special “Sensory-Friendly Days” for visitors and their families who have sensory needs .

Tips for Your Visit

1. Check the Calendar: The museum closes early or is closed to the general public on select days for private events. Always check the official “Visit” page for up-to-date closure information .

2. Plan for 2-3 Hours: Visitors typically spend about two hours exploring the full museum .

3. Chat with the Volunteers: The red-vested volunteers are a wealth of knowledge. They often offer the most fascinating insights that you won’t find on the signage .

4. Explore Inside and Out: Make sure to walk around the perimeter of the building to see additional aircraft on display outside .

5. Don’t Forget the Second Floor: Upstairs, you’ll find exhibits on the Golden Age of Aviation, Braniff Airlines, Love Field history, and the William W. Browning Gallery featuring paintings of aircraft .

6. Bring Your Camera: Photography is encouraged! Capture the unique “Flying Pancake,” the Apollo 7 capsule, and the view of the Southwest 737.

Stay Connected:

Follow the Frontiers of Flight Museum for the latest news on new exhibits, events, and special offers.

• Official Website: https://flightmuseum.com

• Facebook: Frontiers of Flight Museum

• Instagram: @flightmuseum

• X (Twitter): @FlightMuseum

If you have any experience with this place, please share it with us in the comments below!

Frontiers of Flight Museum, 6911, Lemmon Avenue, Dallas, Dallas County, Texas, 75209, Statele Unite ale Americii