Take Flight With Fido at These Air & Space Museums

Posted by Billy Francis

Fido loves flying first class, but how’s your fast and “furriest” best friend’s knowledge of airplanes? Whether he’s a flight fanatic or doesn’t know a Concorde from a biplane, Fido can join you at these awesome, pet-friendly museums dedicated to the history of aviation in the U.S.

1. Pima Air & Space Museum

Tucson, AZ
“We’re cruising at zero feet right now. Photo by BringFido

As featured in the latest edition of our book, Ruff Guide to the United States, Pima Air & Space Museum is one of our favorite pet-friendly museums. You and your furry copilot can meander through six hangars and view almost 400 aircraft on display, including a Wright Flyer, a Boeing 787, and a Douglas A-26 Invader from World War II. Spend hours perusing the exhibits, learning about sea planes and amphibians, aircraft carriers, women in flight, and so much more. Included with your ticket is admission to the 390th Memorial Museum, which houses the last B-17 Flying Fortress flown by any branch of the US Military, and details the experiences of the 390th Bomb Group who were captured during World War II. Dogs are not allowed on trams or certain tours. Entrance fees start at $13.

Touch down for the night at Loews Ventana Canyon Resort. Don’t miss the pet room service menu offering delicious, one-of-a-kind items from the hotel’s Executive Chef.

2. Palm Springs Air Museum

Palm Springs, CA
“This is your captain, please keep all four legs inside the aircraft!” Photo by @hailtothechiefbulldog

Palm Springs Air Museum is home to one of the world’s largest collections of flyable WWII aircraft and from Korea and Vietnam. Friendly pets are welcome to get up close and “pawsonal” with the exhibits, thanks to the museum’s air-conditioned hangars being rope-free. Wander around 59 planes, snap some pictures (don’t forget to #bringfido) and dream of the next time you can take flight together. Entrance fees start at $10.

Make your landing at Avanti Hotel, where Fido will receive first class treatment with bowls, towels, sheets and treats.

3. Fargo Air Museum

Fargo, ND
“I’m more of a boat dog, myself.” Photo by Facebook.com/fargo.airmuseum

Hang out with your hound in two hangars full of incredible flying machines at Fargo Air Museum. This nonprofit organization promotes interest in aviation through education, preservation and restoration. What sets this museum apart from many others across the country is that a number of the exhibits actually take flight in the skies around Fargo. Highlights include the MQ-1 Predator unmanned drone to a replica of the Wright Brothers’ Flyer. Leashed dogs are welcome to join their owners inside the museum. Entrance fees start at $10.

You won’t need to reserve a long-haul flight to find a pet-friendly hotel. Candlewood Suites Fargo N Dakota State Univ is located next to the museum and offers a comfortable stay for you and Fido.

4. Naval Air Station Wildwood Museum

Rio Grande, NJ
“What airplane?” Photo by Tawana

Located inside a real World War II hangar, Naval Air Station Wildwood Museum invites you and your pooch to learn about aviation and military history. The museum is made up of 90,000 square feet of paws-on fun, including a diverse selection of aircraft and impressive engines, helicopters, jets and more. You can also check out what life was like during World War II and climb inside a real air traffic control tower. Entrance fees start at $14.

Avoid a red-eye flight with a night at Red Roof Inn Rio Grande.

5. Air Heritage Museum

Beaver Falls, PA
An exhibit awaits entry to the museum. Photo by Facebook.com/airheritage/photos

Air Heritage Museum is an indoor/outdoor homage to aircrafts great and small. Steeped in history, the aircrafts on display include a 1930s monoplane, military jets and impressive light transport. The museum also displays Japanese and German artifacts from WWII. Entrance fees start at $20.

Fido can recline without worrying about squashing others in the spacious rooms at Microtel Inn & Suites By Wyndham Beaver Falls.

6. South Dakota Air and Space Museum

Box Elder, SD
“Space - the final front ears.” Photo by @jdklev

South Dakota Air and Space Museum offers exhibits that will take you and your pup into the air and toward the stars. Showcasing over 30 vintage military aircraft from World War II to the modern-day B-1, this unique institution offers a glimpse into aerospace technology, Cold War history, early aviation, and more. Leashed dogs are welcome to join you on a trip down memory lane and into outer space. The museum is free to enter.

Stop to refuel at nearby Home2 Suites by Hilton Rapid City.

Ready for a Road Trip?

Life’s “ruff.” Photo by Linda Segerfeldt

The editors at BringFido have dedicated themselves to digging up the best museums and other dog-friendly things to do across the country. And we've assembled it all in our new book, Ruff Guide to the United States.

Now in its second edition, the book features over 365 of the best places to stay and play with your dog in all 50 states. Pre-order your copy today and save 50% off the retail price when you use the discount code SPACE.

Have you been to a pet-friendly museum with Fido? Leave a comment or tweet us @BringFido!