Upon first moving to Sioux City, for the first four years, I had never even heard of this museum. However, when I met my now husband, he gave me a tour of the FedEx terminal,
Upon first moving to Sioux City, for the first four years, I had never even heard of this museum. However, when I met my now husband, he gave me a tour of the FedEx terminal, and this is where I learned of the Air Museum.
Location and size
Positioned behind the FedEx terminal is the Mid-America Museum of Aviation and Transportation. Located in a 30,000 square foot building on the northeast corner of the Sioux Gateway Airport, this museum is positioned just 15 acres north of the airfield.
Opening in 2010, there is not much advertising for this amazing find we have here in Sioux City, and the signs to its entrance are practically hidden. If you are not particularly looking for the museum, it may be missed, but that would be a misfortune.
Museum Director, Larry Finley
I made my first visit in June of 2018. Early in the afternoon, I had the entire place to myself, and since there were no other patrons to draw the attention of the museum director away from me, I basically got a one-on-one tour.
Fun fact, the museum director, Larry Finley, was at an auction, and found the original blueprint of the Sioux City Army Air Base (AAB). He quickly purchased it, rolled it up in cardboard tubing, took it home, and analyzed it in amazement. How miraculous that the original blueprints fell into the hands of the museum curator!
History of the Sioux City Army Air Base
The Sioux City AAB was built in 1942 in response to WWII. I learned the base was a major training center for crew members flying bomber jets. Air force pilots from all over the United States would be sent here to learn how to operate these war machines.
Larry told me the cement under the base needed to be eighteen inches thick, and underneath that was a layer of hardcore base, and then covered in a layer of asphalt. More than 18,000 tons of dry cement was laid to support the stress of these heavy bombers. Approximately 2,000 pounds per square inch was the expected pressure the runways had to withstand.
So you can understand now, after the base was no longer needed, there was no foreseeable way of digging up these massive runways. In the 1950s and 1960s the base became a refueling station, a defense sector and even a radar surveillance station.
The 185th Iowa Air National Guard
Now, it’s the home of the 185th Iowa Air National Guard Refueling Wing, and the Sioux Gateway Airport, which was made famous after the United Airlines Flight 232 crash landed at the airport. Due to the efforts of numerous airmen and women, hundreds of lives were saved that fateful July day in 1989.
Colonel Bud Day
In 2002, the airport was renamed “Colonel Bud Day Field” after the Air Force Colonel George Everette “Bud” Day. A Sioux City native, Col. Bud Day is the only person to have ever been awarded both the Medal of Honor and the Air Force Cross.
Additionally, receiving some 70 medals and awards, Col. Bud Day is one of the most awarded servicemen in American history. A graduate of Morningside College, Col. Bud Day, fought during the second World War, Korean War, and Vietnam War.
Not just about planes
When you first walk in, you’re greeted by antique cars, WWI and WWII exhibits, and an informative Hindenburg crash exhibit.
Not only are you going to see aviation vehicles, you’ll also find vintage bicycles, an 1880 hearse, a 1959 Volkswagen Beetle, and even a DeLorean!
War stories
Throughout these WWI and WWII exhibits, you’ll read stories of native Sioux Citians who fought during these wars, and find memorabilia and artifacts brought home from the fight overseas.
As you finish walking through the WWI and WWII exhibits, you’ll walk past the R4360. This is the largest propeller-driven engine in existence.
The Martin field
You’ll learn about the Martin Field, which located in South Sioux City, Nebraska, is a privately-owned, public-use airport. Built in 1948 by local resident, Tommy Martin, this family-owned, local airport has been operating non-stop since. With instructor led flight classes and simulators, this would be a wonderful place to learn how to fly a plane. Just one more item to add to my bucket list.
The Skies above and beyond
Next you’ll find exhibits highlighting our quest to rule the skies above and beyond. You’ll learn about aviation history, and astronauts.
The Vietnam and Korean Wars are also featured, along with a Bell UH-1 Iroquois Helicopter. Known as “The Huey”, it was used in the Vietnam War, and was recognized for its versatility.
What are you wearing?
Throughout the entire museum you’ll see uniforms spanning every decade, and worn in every war. If you are wanting a narrated history lesson, there are multiple videos you can watch providing insight into the daily lives and struggles of Air Men and Women in combat.
The crash landing of Flight 232 on July 19, 1989
Finally, you’ll enter the largest exhibit at the museum centered around the Flight 232 crash landing. As I sat and listened to the short documentary in the exhibit, I learned that back in October of 1987, the Sioux Gateway Airport ran an emergency drill. Thinking a plane that size would never crash land in Sioux City, participants still went ahead with the planned drill, not knowing they were preparing themselves to be heroes less than two years later! That’s amazing.
Support for the “Air Museum”
There’s a lot to take in at the Mid-America Museum of Aviation and Transportation. Reading, listening, watching and examining history at your fingertips. Children will enjoy the hands-on exhibits, photo opportunities, and maybe even a souvenir at the gift shop after you finish your walk through.
Events
Take an afternoon stroll through this detailed museum, and keep updated on upcoming events via their facebook page (https://www.facebook.com/MAMATSiouxCity/).
For example, this past August the museum hosted WWII plane rides. Guests could ride in a B-29 Superfortress FIFI, an iconic bomber that soared higher than enemy planes, and brought an end to the second World War. Or they could ride in a T-6 Texan, a plane used to train airmen in combat, and how to strategically and defensively fly.
Also in August was the Big Band Dance, a Saturday night event brought to you by the Mearl Lake Orchestra, playing hits from the 1940s and 1950s.
Plan your visit
But, you don’t have to wait until there is an event to visit the Mid-America Museum of Aviation and Transportation. Visit their website (https://www.midamericaairmuseum.org/) for seasonal hours of operation. You may also call if you have questions: 712-252-5300.
2600 Expedition Ct
Sioux City, IA 51102