New England Air Museum near Connecticut Trolley Museum

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See New England Air Museum

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The place

About New England Air Museum

New England Air Museum is an independent aviation museum at 36 Perimeter Road in Windsor Locks. It provides the strongest nearby transportation-history complement to Connecticut Trolley Museum: two distinct museums, two forms of mobility, and separate admission, parking, hours, and access conditions.

The current official visit page publishes daily hours of 9 a.m.-4 p.m., with last admission at 3:30 p.m. It lists adults at $23, youth at $13, seniors 65+ at $18, veterans with valid ID at $12, and children under 3 free. The museum closes on New Year's Eve, New Year's Day, Easter, Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve, and Christmas Day.

Three main hangars hold much of the aircraft and exhibit collection. Official collection pages feature the B-29 Superfortress Jack's Hack, Lockheed 10A Electra, Sikorsky VS-44A flying boat, Sikorsky S-39B amphibian, engines, uniforms, archives, and other regional and national aviation material. Simulator experiences can cost extra, outdoor Restoration Park depends on weather and closes in winter, and select cockpit openings are not guaranteed.

The museum publishes close accessible parking, wheelchairs at the admissions counter, a powered wheelchair subject to availability, wide hangar aisles, and accessible elevators. Aircraft interiors and some special-access experiences still involve narrow openings, steps, or mobility limits. Call before relying on a particular aircraft, cockpit opening, mobility device, or outdoor exhibit.

What stands out

See Jack's Hack

The restored B-29 anchors a large military-aviation story, while cockpit availability remains day-specific.

Compare Sikorsky designs

The VS-44A flying boat and S-39B amphibian connect Connecticut manufacturing and aviation innovation.

Explore three main hangars

Aircraft, engines, uniforms, archives, and changing exhibits make this a substantial stop rather than a quick photo detour.

Plan access by space

Hangar circulation is broadly accessible, while narrow historic aircraft interiors and steps require separate judgment.

Pair it with the train

Why it belongs in a Connecticut Trolley Museum trip

Ranked second because it is a substantial independent transportation museum about 4.7 miles straight-line and roughly 9.1 road miles from the trolley museum. For ordinary trolley days, the two museums' daytime hours overlap heavily; for Pumpkin Patch or Winterfest, use the air museum first and leave ample drive, meal, and check-in time. Do not assume a trolley ticket includes air-museum admission.

Before you go

Plan your visit

HoursOpen daily 9 a.m.-4 p.m.; last admission is 3:30 p.m.
ClosuresClosed New Year's Eve, New Year's Day, Easter, Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve, and Christmas Day.
AdmissionAdults $23; youth $13; seniors 65+ $18; veterans with valid ID $12; children under 3 free.
Core visitStandard admission covers the main museum exhibits and aircraft; allow time for three principal hangars.
Add-onsSimulator experiences may cost extra, and special programs or group arrangements have separate terms.
CockpitsSelect cockpit openings vary by staffing and day. Do not promise interior access to a pictured aircraft.
Outdoor displaysRestoration Park is weather-dependent and closed in winter; current outdoor placement can differ from archival images.
MobilityAccessible parking, loaner wheelchairs, a powered chair subject to availability, wide aisles, and elevators are published; aircraft interiors remain more restrictive.
Train-day timingVisit the air museum first when pairing with a later trolley event; keep separate admission and drive time in the plan.

Return to canal and rail history

Add Windsor Locks Canal Trail State Park

Add a seasonal paved towpath where the canal-to-rail transition is visible, while respecting its November 15 closing date and separate public entrance.

View the guide →

Useful answers

Frequently asked questions

What are New England Air Museum's current hours?

The official visit page publishes daily hours of 9 a.m.-4 p.m., with last admission at 3:30 p.m. Holiday closures apply.

What does admission cost?

Current listed rates are adults $23, youth $13, seniors 65+ $18, veterans with valid ID $12, and children under 3 free. Recheck before travel.

Which holidays is the museum closed?

The official page lists New Year's Eve, New Year's Day, Easter, Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve, and Christmas Day.

Is the air museum part of Connecticut Trolley Museum?

No. They are independent museums with separate tickets, parking, hours, policies, and visitor services.

Is the museum wheelchair-accessible?

It publishes accessible parking, wheelchairs, a powered chair subject to availability, wide hangar aisles, and elevators. Historic aircraft interiors can still require steps or narrow openings.

Can visitors enter the aircraft?

Some cockpits open on select days, but access varies by staffing, aircraft, steps, and safety. Contact the museum rather than relying on a gallery image.

Are simulators included?

Some simulator experiences have additional charges. Standard admission and any desired add-on should be checked in the current official visit information.

Does the outdoor Restoration Park stay open all year?

No. The museum says outdoor access is weather-dependent and the Restoration Park closes in winter.

How should I pair it with a trolley ride?

Use the air museum first for a later trolley event. For ordinary daytime trolley admission, compare closing times and leave enough drive and check-in time.

Trust and accuracy

Sources

Source checked 2026-08-15. This free guide has not yet been confirmed by the venue. Current hours, prices, services, and accessibility can change; confirm time-sensitive details directly.