For enthusiasts of military history, vintage aircraft, and the thrilling stories of flight, there’s a hidden treasure nestled in the Great Smoky Mountains: the Tennessee Museum of Aviation in Sevierville, TN. Often described as a “living” museum, it offers a unique opportunity to step back in time and explore the fascinating realm of flight.
Located on the Gatlinburg Pigeon Forge Airport (GKT), the museum’s unique position allows vintage aircraft to sometimes perform unscheduled flight demonstrations, truly bringing aviation history to life. The facility itself is impressive, spanning 50,000 sq ft, including a 35,000 sq ft hangar and a 40,000 sq ft aircraft ramp.
The foundation of the museum is its collection of airworthy Warbirds. This collection includes a diverse range of aircraft such as trainers, fighters, helicopters, jets, and amphibious aircraft, guaranteed to satisfy the interest of any “Warbird” fan. Some of the specific aircraft mentioned in the sources include:
- Republic P-47D Thunderbolt (“Wicked Wabbit” and “Hun Hunter XVI”)
- North American T-28B Trojan
- Douglas A-1H Skyraider “Lieutenant America”
- Beech SNB
- Lockheed T-33 Silver Star
- North American Rockwell OV-10 Bronco
- Grumman HU-16E Albatross
- Beech T-34B Mentor
- Mikoyan-Gurevich MiG-17 and MiG-17F
- Mikoyan-Gurevich MiG-21
- Sikorsky UH-34G
- 1902 Wright Glider
- Douglas A-4 Skyhawk (Cockpit Section)
- North American B-25 Mitchell (Cockpit Section)
- Beech-18 (Cockpit Section)
- North American P-51D Mustang
Beyond the magnificent aircraft, the museum features an Exhibit Gallery filled with historic artifacts, uniforms, aircraft models, and hundreds of aviation memorabilia tracing aviation and military history. A particularly touching exhibit is the Faith and Courage exhibit, which pays tribute to U.S. Military Chaplains from World War II through the present. You can also explore an exceptional 52-foot “Wave Wall” that traces significant milestones in aviation history, including timelines of Military Aviation and Tennessee’s contributions. The museum serves as Tennessee’s official repository and archive of aviation history. The professionally designed displays in the Exhibit Gallery offer hours of exploration for aviation enthusiasts and history buffs.
For those unable to visit in person right away, the museum is also working to bring a large percentage of its exhibits and memorabilia to an online virtual format, though the online gallery is currently a small fraction of their collection. Some items available to view virtually include a USS Arizona relic, a Field Communion Kit, Evel Knievel’s Skycycle X-2 Replica, and a Link Aviation C-11B Instrument Trainer.
If you’re planning a visit, here are the key details you need to know:
- Location: 135 Air Museum Way, Sevierville, TN 37862.
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General Hours:
- March 1 thru November 30: Tuesday-Saturday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
- December 1 – February 28: Tuesday-Saturday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
- Closed: Sunday & Monday
- Last Admissions are sold 45 minutes before closing.
The museum is also a unique venue for groups, such as reunions, club meetings, or business meetings. They welcome the opportunity to host group outings, providing ample space for socializing among the restored Warbirds. As an independently operated non-profit foundation, private events and group tours help support the museum’s day-to-day operating expenses.
- Group Tour Hours: Tue-Thu-Fri-Sat – 10:00AM-4:00PM.
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Group Requirements (for discount):
- 25+ Guests Required.
- 14–Day Advance Notice for Self-Guided tours.
- 21–Day Advance Notice for Guided tours (Guided tours not guaranteed on Saturdays, which are self-guided only).
- 1-Payment Required for the Group (cash or credit card).
Whether you’re a dedicated Warbird fan or simply interested in exploring history and aviation, the Tennessee Museum of Aviation offers a fascinating and insightful experience. It’s a great way to spend several hours, offering a deep dive into the aircraft, artifacts, and stories that shaped military and aviation history.