The Michigan Flight Museum, located in Belleville, Michigan, is a premier aviation museum dedicated to preserving the history of aviation, especially as it pertains to the United States’ military and industrial contributions. Situated on the grounds of the historic Willow Run Airport, it offers a mix of static displays, interactive exhibits, and the chance to experience flight in historic aircraft.
Michigan Flight Museum former Yankee Air Museum
Willow Run Airport
47884 D Street
Belleville, Michigan 48111
+1 (734) 483-4030
Tuesday – Saturday 10:00 – 16:00
Sunday 11:00 – 17:00
Admission fee
Gift shop
From North & South – From I-275: Exit 20 – Ecorse Road, Turn West, Turn Left onto Beck Road. Turn Right on Tyler Rd. Turn Left on 3rd St. (First Stop sign.) Follow road around south side of field to Hangar 2.
From East – From I-94: Take the Willow Run Airport exit to Tyler Road. Turn right on Tyler. Hangar 2 will be to your right as you enter the airport.
From West – From I94: Exit 185 – Michigan Ave/Willow Run Airport exit. Go past the first stop light to the west access road exit, then look for Tyler Rd. Turn left on Tyler. Hangar 2 will be to your right as you enter the airport.
Aircraft collection
| N896U
N7340C 159212 66-16006 44-85829/297400/K/E 55-0677 N6813D/59876 N7813B 56-2317 24171 N8704/44-76716 N4913R/13R 152933/604 141311/15 42-56081 N445NA/140443/45 51-8786 52-1426 63-7555 163485/4 56-235 NX3774/33634/148-9C 53-1060/FU-060 152881 51-9501 52-7421 57-5793/NJ 77-452 69-6193/DM – | Armstrong Whitworth 650-101 Argosy
Beech AT-11 Kansan Bell AH-1J Super Cobra Bell UH-1H Iroquois Boeing B-17G Flying Fortress Boeing B-52D Stratofortress Consolidated PB4Y-2 Privateer Convair C-131B Samaritan Convair TF-102A Delta Dagger de Havilland DHC.4 Caribou Douglas TC-47D Skytrain Douglas DC-6B Liftmaster Grumman A-6E Intruder Lockheed EC-121K Warning Star Lockheed C-60A Lodestar Lockheed P2V-7 Neptune Lockheed T-33A Shooting Star Martin RB-57A Canberra McDonnell Douglas F-4C Phantom II McDonnell Douglas F/A-18C Hornet McDonnell NF-101B Voodoo North American B-25D Mitchell North American F-86L Sabre North American YOV-10A Bronco Republic F-84F Thunderstreak Republic RF-84F Thunderflash Republic F-105B Thunderchief Stinson V77 Reliant Vought Corsair II Waco CG-4A glider |
The Michigan Flight Museum has a small fleet of flying aircraft and a collection of static display aircraft indoors. They also have a collection of old necessities the soldiers carried with them when they were out on the battle field.
Key Highlights of the Michigan Flight Museum:
- Historic Aircraft Collection:
- Restored and preserved aircraft from World War II, the Korean War, the Vietnam War, and beyond.
- Notable planes include:
- B-17 Flying Fortress (“Yankee Lady”): A beautifully restored bomber from World War II.
- B-25 Mitchell (“Yankee Warrior”): A medium bomber used in iconic missions like the Doolittle Raid.
- C-47 Skytrain: A military transport plane with a storied history.
- Fighters like the F-4 Phantom and A-4 Skyhawk.
- Willow Run Legacy:
- The Michigan Flight Museum is on the site of the historic Willow Run Bomber Plant, where thousands of B-24 Liberators were produced during World War II, earning it the nickname “The Arsenal of Democracy.”
- Exhibits showcase the incredible industrial effort and contributions of “Rosie the Riveters.”
- Rosie the Riveter Guinness Record:
- Willow Run is where the original “Rosie the Riveter” worked, inspiring the cultural icon. The museum proudly participates in events honoring this legacy, including Guinness World Record attempts for the largest gathering of people dressed as “Rosie.”
- Hands-On Displays:
- Interactive exhibits delve into aviation technology, the science of flight, and the personal stories of those who served.
- Kids (and adults!) can enjoy simulators and hands-on educational activities.
- Flight Experience Rides:
- Visitors can book rides on historic aircraft like the B-17 Flying Fortress or the C-47 Skytrain. These flights offer an incredible opportunity to experience history in the air.
- Air Shows and Events:
- The Michigan Flight Museum hosts the Thunder Over Michigan Air Show, one of the largest in the U.S., featuring modern and vintage aircraft, aerobatic displays, and historical reenactments.
Tips for Visitors:
- Plan your visit around one of the flight experience days for a truly unforgettable experience.
- The Thunder Over Michigan Air Show is a must-see if you’re in the area during the event.