Take a journey through America's extraordinary and rich flight history at the Lyon Air Museum, where you can explore the role of the air fighters in World War II, as well as find out more about all kinds of other aircraft. Located in Santa Ana, Orange County, this is a great attraction for all the family.
Older visitors come here to reminisce and share their own stories from the war years, while young children from an entirely different generation will find themselves mesmerised by the fascinating flying machines and the history that each one of them holds. You can meet veterans volunteering here and ask them questions, as well as listen to their stories as they show you around the museum.
Founded by ex-U.S. Air Force Major General William Lyon, the museum is a major national attraction in its field. Among the highlights are the B-17 Flying Fortress known as Fuddy Duddy, a famous plane which had a starring role in films such as 'Tora! Tora! Tora!', the 1970 motion picture which recounted the story of the attack on Pearl Harbor. Dwight D. Eisenhower, who later became American President, was one of the plane's passengers.
There are also international planes on display, such as a Mercedes Benz Touring Wagon made back in the 1930s for the German army. This plane was sent to Adolf Hitler during the war and was used by him until the French army later seized it.
Situated on the west side of John Wayne Airport and just 10 minutes by car from the California coast and South Coast Plaza and 15 minutes from the heart of Santa Ana, the Lyon Air Museum can be reached by Orange County Transportation Authority buses. If you're driving, free parking is available in the grounds of the museum.
The aircraft you will see on display can still be flown, and at special events, you may even get to see some of these magnificent flying machines in the air. The museum is open every day except Thanksgiving and Christmas Day.
