 |
Aviation and Flying
If your vacation has you, literally, in the pilot's seat here are some great reasons and resources for visiting North Dakota's skies!
- North Dakota has, on average, 300 VFR days per day.
- North Dakota has six airports with commercial air service, 89 public airports (72 of which have paved runways) and an additional 220 private airstrips.
- North Dakota has world-class FBO (fixed based operator) resources to support aircraft.
- North Dakota has wonderful scenery to reward the tourist-pilot.
|
Create a Flying Legacy in North Dakota
The North Dakota Aeronautic Commission, in association with the Airport Association of North Dakota and the ND Pilots Association, has created a fun and unique passport program to exploring North Dakota.
The Flying Legacy Program is free and has rewards. Passport booklets are available at airports and through the ND Aeronautics Commission. Each time you visit a North Dakota airport or aviation museum have your passport stamped. With the proper number of stamps, you can earn polo shirts, flight bags and even a jacket. There is no deadline for completing the program.
|
Aviator Must-Sees
North Dakota has a number of interesting attractions that aviators will want to make part of their trip plans.
Museums
- The Fargo Air Museum is filled with historic flyable aircraft including one of four flying Japanese Zeros, P-51 Mustangs, TBM Avenger, Corsair, L Birds and more. Plus interactive childrens' exhibits.
- The Dakota Territory Air Museum in Minot displays famous military and vintage aircraft including a Lockheed T-33, L-T-V, A-7 Corsair 2 and civilian aircraft like the rare 1934 Stinson Reliant AR5-A.
- The Hatton-Eielson Museum is the boyhood home of world-renowned polar aviator Carl Ben Eielson.
Historic Site
- The new Ronald Reagan Minuteman Missile State Historic Site near Cooperstown features a mission control facility, Oscar Zero, kept intact from its use during the Cold War. Visitors can tour topside and venture 60-feet below ground to tour mission control.
School of Aerospace Sciences
- At the University of North Dakota in Grand Forks, visitors can tour the John D. Odegard School of Aerospace Sciences and see flight simulators and air traffic control labs, as well as an altitude chamber. This is a renowned center for aerospace learning, atmospheric research, space studies and computer science applications with more than 1,500 enrolled students from around the world.
Air Force Bases
- The Grand Forks Air Force Base has restored aircraft on display at the front gate with tours available for groups or six or more. (Requiring a two week notice.)
- The Minot Air Force Base is home to the 5th Bomb Wing and 91st Missile Wing. Tours are available for groups of 10-45 people. (Requiring at least four weeks notice.)
|
Fly the Lewis & Clark Trail
Take your very own expedition by following the Lewis & Clark Trail in North Dakota. Airports and nearby Lewis & Clark attractions include:
- Bismarck - On-A-Slant Mandan Indian Village, Sakakawea Statue and North Dakota Heritage Center, Lewis & Clark Riverboat
- Washburn - Lewis & Clark Interpretive Center, Fort Mandan Historic Site, Knife River Indian Villages National Historic Site
- Garrison - Garrison Dam/Lake Sakakawea
- New Town - Three Affiliated Tribes Museum, Crow Flies High Butte
- Williston - Missouri-Yellowstone Confluence Interpretive Center, Fort Union Trading Post National Historic Site
Get the free North Dakota Culture & Heritage Trail Guide for information on these attractions and many more.
|
|
|
