About

Founded in 1986, the Dakota Territory Air Museum has proudly evolved into a significant historical depository honoring the men, women and machines that have impacted the rich history of aviation.  Through displays and events that inspire, educate and entertain, the museum has become a viable and important historical resource for our region and the state of North Dakota. 

The plans laid out by the museum’s founders were that the museum would not only be a place to display military and vintage aircraft, but would become a place dedicated to passing on the rich and varied stories of our region’s aviation history.  In the short time since the museum’s beginnings, the founders and members have built a solid foundation, establishing a working museum with aircraft, restoration projects and have secured a leading role in the region’s promotion of all aspects of aviation.

Board of DIrectors

Don Larson, President

Rich Larcombe, Vice President

Mike Chilson, Treasurer

Warren Pietsch, Secretary

Larry Linrud

Jerald Burtman

Duane Haugstad

Gary Johnson

Jim Keller

Darrel Kerzmann

Derek Peterson

Jonathon Rued

Brian Sturm

Museum Manager

Jim Haff

Aircraft & Exhibits

Wright Flyer Hangar

A replica of the Wright Flyer in the Display Hangar is a good starting point for your visit!  There are models, memorabilia, mannequins, art work and artifacts that offer a glimpse into North Dakota’s early aviation years along with a view of national and international topics including Early Years of Powered Flight, Carl Ben Eielson and Minot’s Early Years, WWI and WWII, Minot Air Force Base, Minuteman Missiles, Women in Aviation, Commercial Aviation and more!

Flying Legends Hangar

The Flying Legends Hangar of the museum is home to a rotating fleet of iconic WWII military aircraft. The museum is grateful for the opportunity to showcase these magnificent warbirds that have been restored to flying condition.  It is our objective through this impressive display of military aircraft to preserve the history involved in protecting our nation’s freedoms, to honor our veterans and active duty military, and to inspire future generation of leaders.

Scott Nelson Gallery

A deep respect for World War II veterans and the era’s aircraft inspired North Dakota artist, Scott Nelson, to interview veteran aviators from North Dakota and to paint their heroic stories on canvas.  Each painting was a collaborative effort. Once satisfied with the depiction of their story, each veteran signed their painting to give it authentication.  Fourteen works of historic art hang in the Scott Nelson Gallery at the museum.

Oswin Elker Hangar

North Dakota native, Oswin H. Elker, served with distinction in WWII as a P-40 Warhawk pilot with the Flying Tigers.  He was shot down twice and escaped both times through enemy territory.  Oswin was impassioned with the museum’s mission.  His financial generosity after his passing resulted in the construction of the Oswin Elker Hangar.  The Oswin Elker Hangar is filled with civilian aircraft; everything from a replica 1910 Curtiss Pusher to a Learjet.

Restoration Hangar

The restoration hangar was the first hangar built for the airplanes and exhibits of the museum. As the museum expanded, this hangar has become the home for planes needing restoration.  One of the projects completed is now an airworthy 1929 Arrow Sport currently on display in the Elker Hangar.  The restoration hangar is also home to three antique firetrucks that served Minot’s past, aircraft engines and vehicles in various stages of restoration.

Outdoor Displays

The static aircraft displays on the museum grounds include the Spitten Kitten exhibit.  This exhibit includes three aircraft types flown by the 5th Fighter Interceptor Squadron while at Minot Air Force Base from 1960 to 1988.  The squadron got its name when given a pair of Canadian Lynx mascots named “Spitten” and “Kitten.”  Ground displays also include a C-47 Skytrain, and an A-7 Corsair once flown at Edwards Air Force Base and ending its career at Minot Air Force Base.

Check out our Gallery!

Military Type Aircraft Displayed Outside

  • The Spitten Kitten exhibit consists of the following three aircraft: Lockheed T-33 Jet Trainer (U.S. Air Force’s first jet trainer). This aircraft was the first jet assigned to Minot Air Force Base in 1957. Convair F-106 Delta Dart
  • McDonnell Douglas F-15 Eagle
  • Douglas C-47 (DC-3) World War II Transport. Many are still in service today.
  • L-T-V (Chance Vought) A-7 Corsair II

Flying Legends Museum Aircraft (These are WWII era flying “warbirds”; the Harvard is a trainer and the L-6 is a liaison, utility or observer aircraft)

  • P-51D Mustang “Dakota Kid II”
  • P-51D Mustang “Little Horse”
  • P-51C Mustang “Lopes Hope 3rd”
  • P-40E Warhawk
  • Spitfire MkIXc “Half Stork”
  • FG-1D Corsair “Whistling Death”
  • B-25J “Betty’s Dream”
  • FM-2 Wildcat
  • C-47/C-53 Skytrooper
  • P-40 Warhawk (under restoration for a static display)
  • Harvard Mk IV
  • Interstate L-6 Cadet (“Grasshopper”)

Civilian Aircraft

  • 1910 Curtiss Pusher (a replica built in 1964 for the movie The Great Race)
  • 1929 Waco 10
  • 1929 Arrow Sport
  • 1930 Arrow Sport Model F*
  • 1931 Waco QCF-2
  • 1932 Monocoupe 110 Sport Airplane
  • 1934 Fairchild 24 C8C
  • 1934 Stinson Reliant SR5-A
  • 1937 J-2 Taylor Cub*
  • 1937 Waco VPF-7
  • 1938 Monocoupe 110 Special Racer
  • 1940 Waco UPF-7
  • 1942 Piper J-3 Cub
  • 1945 Taylorcraft
  • 1946 Luscombe 8A
  • 1946 Piper J-3 Cub
  • 1946 Aeronca Champ
  • 1946 Ercoupe*
  • 1947 CallAir
  • 1947 Cessna 195
  • 1952 Beechcraft Model 18
  • 1958 Mooney
  • 1967 Starduster TOO
  • 1969 open-frame “Breezy”
  • 1969 Model 24B Learjet
  • 1972 Pietenpol Aircamper Experimental
  • 1974 Volksplane (powered by VW engine)
  • 1976 Jungster I Experimental
  • 1980 SGS 1-36 Sprite Sailplane
  • 1980 Cessna 185 “Polar Pumpkin”
  • 1980 Taylorcraft GJ Experimental
  • 1982 Varieze
  • 1984 Aviat Christen Eagle II
  • 1989 Rotorway Exec helicopter
  • 1996 Wolf W11 Boredom Experimental
  • Cessna 170
  • T-50 Bobcat*
  • Garnet Even homebuilt*
  • 2/3rds Cub Experimental
  • Rally 2B Ultralight
  • Piel Emeraude Experimental
  • Douglas DC-3/C-47 Cockpit (Cabin) Display
  • Cherokee II Sailplane*
  • Wright Flyer (full scale replica)

Also on Display

  • A Link Trainer
  • The Minot Airport Beacon which guided pilots in the Minot area from 1949 to 1993 (the beacon is operational).
  • The museum has secured numerous aviation photographs and a large collection of aviation literature and periodicals. There are models, memorabilia, mannequins, art work and artifacts that offer a glimpse into North Dakota’s early aviation years along with a view of national and international topics. Collections related to military aviation service flight gear and aviation’s role in the region’s agriculture and transportation needs are on exhibit.
  • Military jeeps
  • Old vehicles, including a 1917 Buick D45 and a 1924 Ford Model TT
  • Minot Fire Department trucks from ’20s & ’30s

*aircraft awaiting restoration

Location

100 34th Ave NE
PO Box 195
Minot, ND 58702-0195

Contact

(701) 852-8500
airmuseum@minot.com

Hours

OPEN: May 9, 2020 - October 18, 2020

M - S : 10am-5pm

Sun : 1pm-5pm

(other times by appointment)

Admission

5 & under Free
6-17 - $5
Adults - $10
Family - $20
Active Military - 50% Discount

School groups (and other groups) are welcome at any time of the year by appointment. Please contact us for more information.