Create Aviation Memories: Take a Trip to Wichita, KS and Visit the Aviation Museum after Landing at either the Cessna Airport or the Beech Airport.

When you think of epic aviation experiences, you probably think about visiting Ohio, “The Birthplace of Aviation,” or Kitty Hawk’s Wright Brothers National Memorial on the Outer Banks of North Carolina. Your first thought probably isn’t Wichita, Kansas, but the truth is that Wichita is home to the Kansas Aviation Museum, which is across the street from McConnell Air Force Base and down the road from Cessna Aircraft Field (CEA) and Beech Factory Airport (BEC). In fact, there’s so much aviation innovation going on in Wichita that it’s known as the “Air Capital of the World.”

Wichita, KS – How did the air capital of the world get its start?

Wichita, KS, got its start as the “Air Capital of the World” when Clyde Cessna signed a manufacturing contract in the city in 1916 to begin manufacturing airplanes. Today, Wichita boasts a supplier network of more than 450 businesses. The state supplies 35 percent of all the general aviation aircraft built in the USA, and Wichita is ranked number 1 in US manufacturing.

The Kansas Aviation Museum in the Historic Wichita Municipal Airport’s Terminal

The Kansas Aviation Museum is located in the terminal building of the old Wichita Municipal Airport. The airport terminal was built in the art-deco style, which started in France in the 1910s and became popular in the USA from the 1920s to the 1930s. Construction started on the property in 1930. The goal was to build an administration building. Unfortunately, by the end of 1930, work on the project had to stop due to budget constraints. Work wouldn’t resume until 1934, and the building was finally completed in 1935. In 1941, the upper part of the air traffic control tower was built, and by the mid-1940s, the Wichita Municipal Airport was one of the most popular airports in the country, with takeoffs and landings occurring every 90 seconds. However, the municipal airport’s boom-phase wasn’t to last.

In 1951, the US Air Force took over the airport in order to facilitate pilot training, and for the next 30 years, the terminal building served as Building One for McConnell Air Force Base. However, by 1984, the old Wichita Terminal building was no longer needed by the Air Force. The personnel moved out, and the building was officially abandoned.

The Historic Terminal Gets a Third Life: From Terminal to US Air Force Administrative Offices to the Kansas Aviation Museum.

Thankfully, the old historic terminal building would soon get a third life as the Kansas Aviation Museum. As it turned out, right around the time that the Air Force abandoned the building, the Wichita Aeronautical Historical Association was looking for a place to open an aviation museum. Through a series of deals, the city purchased the building, and the historical society has leased it from the city of Wichita since shortly after the purchase.

After an extensive cleaning and renovation, the Kansas Aviation Museum opened in 1991. The exhibits focus on the aviation history of Kansas. They have several one-of-a-kind airplanes and aircraft engines, as well as a trove of documents and books.

Kansas Aviation Museum Indoor Exhibits

The Kansas Aviation Museum has a plethora of indoor exhibits, including an introduction to how Wichita became the Air Capital of the World, a Rip Gooch Black Aviators Exhibit, and a Woman of Aviation Exhibit. The museum also boasts an Engine Room that explains the evolution of aviation innovation in engines and propellers. They also have several learning centers, including the Lattner Learning Center and the Boeing Science, Math, and History Learning Center. Of course, no aviation museum would be complete without exhibits depicting the history of Cessna aircraft and the history of Beechcraft.

Kansas Aviation Museum Outdoor Exhibits

The aviation history doesn’t stop inside the terminal. To see more airplanes and learn more aviation history, you’ll have to take a walk on the tarmac. The Kansas Aviation Museum is home to some amazingly unique and one-of-a-kind airplanes. The visitor favorite exhibits include a Cessna JPATS, a Boeing 727 from FedEx, a Beech U-B Queen Air, a Lockheed T-33, a Beech Starship, and two business jets, including a Cessna Citation and a Learjet.

Kansas Aviation Museum Spring Break Camp

The Kansas Aviation Museum hosts a spring break camp every year. The 2025 Spring Break camp will be held from March 17 through March 21. It runs daily from 10 AM until 4 PM, and children between the ages of 7 and 10 are welcome to attend. The camp allows children to learn about the history of flight and the science behind flying. They’ll be able to take part in STEM experiments and flight simulations while learning about aviation manufacturing. It’s sure to take your child’s imagination to new heights. Parents can sign their children up for the full week or just a single day.

Cessna Aircraft Field Airport (CEA)

Located slightly more than three miles away from the museum is the Cessna Aircraft Field Airport (CEA). This airport is privately owned by the Cessna Aircraft Company, but it’s open to the public. It was first activated in 1940. The airport contains one runway. Runway 17/35 is 3,873 feet long and 40 feet wide. The CTAF is 122.9. Wichita Approach and Departure can be contacted on 134.8, and clearance delivery is on 125.0. There is no control tower.

Beech Factory Airport (BEC)

Slightly further north from the museum and CEA resides the Beech Factory Airport (BEC). BEC was first activated in 1940. It is open to the public but privately owned by the Beechcraft Aircraft Company. It has one runway. Runway 01/19 is 8,001 feet long and 100 feet wide. The CTAF is 126.8. The UNICOM is 122.95. The airport does have a tower. Pilots can contact the tower via 126.8. Beech Ground is on 121.7, and Wichita Approach and Departure can be contacted on 134.8.

Visiting McConnell Air Force Base

While you’re in Wichita, don’t forget to visit the Air Force base. The McConnell Air Force Base visitor’s center is located on Kansas Street and is open from 7:30 AM until 4:30 PM, Monday through Friday. The base sometimes offers tours. It’s best to call to find out if a tour is available.

Enjoy the Rich Aviation History in Wichita, KS, Along with the City’s Lodging and Dining Options

The city started off as home to Cessna, Beechcraft and Learjet. Today, Wichita is home to Textron Aviation, Airbus Americas, and Bombardier. Fly into the Cessna Aircraft Field Airport or the Beech Factory Airport and spend the day at the Kansas Aviation Museum. Once you’re done at the museum, you may want to head over to the visitor’s center at McConnell Air Force Base. If you plan to stay longer than a day, you can choose from many different lodging options, including the Hilton Garden Inn Downtown, Country Inn and Suites, and Fairfield Inn and Suites. The city is also home to many dining options, including the Hill Bar and Grill, Coffee Daze, Andy’s Frozen Custard, Angelos Italian Foods, and AVI Seabar and Chophouse.

Needless to say, there’s plenty to see and do in Wichita. Fly in for some aviation fun, stay in one of the many hotels, and dine in one of the amazing restaurants. We’re sure you’ll make lasting memories.