Minnesota Air National Guard Museum

Can you imagine a museum housed in former F-89 hangars? The Minnesota Air National Guard Museum is just that. It’s located at the Minneapolis-Saint Paul Joint Air Reserve Station in Fort Snelling. This museum isn’t just about static displays. It’s about the living history of the Minnesota Air National Guard. The museum was officially dedicated on July 22, 1984. It was founded by the 133rd Tactical Air Guard Historical Foundation. The Minnesota Air National Guard Museum’s journey hasn’t always been smooth. After the September 11th attacks, the main exhibit gallery was disassembled and stored. The hangars were needed to house F-16s from the 179th Fighter Squadron. Thankfully, the museum reopened in 2004, continuing its mission to preserve the Minnesota Air National Guard’s legacy. The Minnesota Air National Guard Museum also faced a challenge in 2007. A Lockheed A-12, on loan from the National Museum of the United States Air Force, was transferred to the George Bush Center for Intelligence. This sparked a significant dispute, as the Minnesota Air National Guard Museum argued they met the loan program requirements and had a strong connection to the aircraft. Despite their efforts, the A-12 was moved. Today, the Minnesota Air National Guard Museum houses an impressive collection. You can see a variety of aircraft. These include a Beechcraft C-45 Expeditor, a Bell UH-1H Iroquois, and even a MiG-15. The museum also features a replica of a Curtiss Oriole, which replaced a replica destroyed in a 1970 crash. The Minnesota Air National Guard Museum offers a glimpse into aviation history. It’s a place where you can connect with the stories of the men and women who served in the Minnesota Air National Guard.