Wings of the North Air Museum at Flying Cloud Airport will open its doors to the public for free on Saturday, Aug. 23, as part of a Volunteer Appreciation Day honoring those who helped at the group’s recent AirFair show.
The museum will be open from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., offering free hot dogs, popcorn (while supplies last) and tours. While airplane rides will be available that day only to AirFair volunteers, the group noted that those who help at next year’s event may be eligible for a ride at the 2026 appreciation day.
One highlight of the day will be the 1950 Aeronca plane that will be given away next month in Wings of the North’s annual sweepstakes. The grand prize winner, to be announced at the organization’s fall pancake breakfast on Saturday, Sept. 27, can choose the aircraft or $30,000.
Other aircraft on display will include a World War II BT-15 trainer undergoing restoration and expected to make its first flight in more than 70 years this fall, and a replica of the Spirit of St. Louis, the plane Minnesotan Charles Lindbergh flew across the Atlantic in 1927. The replica was displayed for many years in the main passenger terminal at Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport.
Wings of the North, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, preserves and shares Minnesota’s aviation history through its museum, aircraft restoration and education programs. Access to the museum is through Gate H of Flying Cloud Airport, a mile west of Flying Cloud Drive on the south side of Pioneer Trail.
More information is available on the museum website.
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