the Strategic Air Command & Aerospace Museum, Nebraska
Aerospace Museum, Nebraska
Aerospace Museum, Nebraska
At some point in almost every person’s childhood, they dream of being an astronaut. Or if not that, then flying like a bird up in the sky, cruising at altitude and looking down at everything here on earth as though it’s nothing. The Strategic Air Command & Aerospace Museum in Ashland, Nebraska, is a little like a testament to that feeling—except it’s a dedication to the men and women who do it every day.
While specifically related to Cold-War-era planes, missiles, and spacecraft, the Strategic Air Command & Aerospace Museum is loaded to the sky with decommissioned military planes and other sky craft. Whether your former or current military, an air enthusiast, or simply a stargazer, there’s a little something for everyone here. And you’ll be in awe of some of these feats of modern engineering.
To call the collection of aircraft at the museum “expansive” doesn’t cover it. It’s massive—and not just because they’re planes. There are upwards of 30 different planes here, all displayed in different ways. With each plane, you’ll learn about the role of its type in various military practices, as well as the flight path of the individual plane itself.
Most of these planes are housed in one of two hangars. This protects them from the elements, and lets museum goers have the opportunity to enjoy them no matter the season. They range from bombers to cargo planes and various points in between. Even if military planes aren’t your thing, you can’t help but marvel at these birds when you get up close to them.
When you talk about military aircraft history, it’s not just planes we’re looking at. Missiles have long played a role in defense, and you’ll find a small collection of missiles and rockets as well. Don’t worry—they don’t pose a threat to anyone any longer. Now, they’re something to simply behold.
A total of seven missiles and rockets are on the grounds. You’ll see intercontinental ballistic missiles, aerial launch (as in, the type shot from planes), and even rockets designed to launch satellites into orbit. You’ll learn the difference between all the missile types, like surface-to-surface or surface-to-air, and the engineering it takes to make each one work.
There’s a lot of history associated with all of these planes, and as a museum, they're here to provide you with it. There are multiple traveling and temporary exhibits at the museum that change regularly, so repeat visits are always fun.
These exhibits cover a full range of topics. From specific wars (like the Korean War) and the planes used to fight in them to pilots and their stories to those who have fallen, you’ll learn a lot as you meander these exhibits. Don’t miss the exhibit on the Tuskegee Airmen.
The planes that come to the museum don’t always arrive in pristine shape. In fact, that’s rarely the case, as these planes have seen action. It takes time and hard work to get them back into the condition they need to be in before they’re put on display. That’s where the Restoration Gallery comes in.
These planes are often stripped of all of their paint, washed, reassembled for structural security, and then repainted. Most of this work is done by volunteers, and you may be able to get a glimpse at some of them putting in their time while you’re there.
What some consider to be the final frontier, space also plays a role in the Strategic Air Command & Aerospace Museum. Despite its lack of use in the military (so far, at least), space has always been a priority for our country since JFK pushed us to go to the moon. You’ll also find several key pieces of spacecraft that have played significant roles in our exploration.
You’ll find five particular pieces of spacecraft history here, including a trainer, a command module, and even a return vehicle. Some of these items are only on temporary loan. But as they move out, others move in. This section of the museum is sure to excite the would-be astronaut in all of us.
Some of the best campgrounds keep it simple, with the amenities you know you need. Pine Grove RV Park offers just that. A lodge has a big screen TV to catch the game. A large swimming pool is there to cool off. There’s wifi throughout the park, and all the sites have full utility hookups. Need to burn some energy? Check out the playground, sand volleyball pits, a tennis court, and an exercise room.
Just outside of downtown Lincoln is Camp A Way, where you can camp your way. There’s full park wifi and cable TV available, plus these spacious sites have full hookups. There’s a clean bathhouse, 24-hour laundry, and a pool and indoor spa. You can enjoy some games with the kids in the game room, or let them enjoy themselves in the arcade. Need to cool off? Enjoy some water wars and slip and slide with the family.
The large sites at Ashland RV Campground come with electric and water hookups, plus high-speed Wi-Fi, and a dump site at the exit. There are private restrooms and showers for when you need to get out of the RV and a laundry facility. The real amenities are what’s nearby. Downtown Ashland has tons to do, from art galleries to wine tasting to disc golf—or get even more outside with hiking and mountain biking trails and four golf courses. Whether you’re in the area for a few days or even a week, this campground gives you more than you’ll need to have fun.
Looking for a more rustic camping experience? Eugene T. Mahoney State Park can hook you up. The park sits on the Platte River but is still near enough to the city to provide you with plenty of amenities. It’s still a very modern park but offers the river and a wooded environment to enjoy your RV. The campsites sit on Owen Marina Lake and offer modern showers and drinking water. There are no hookups, but you will find a dump site and water filler station near the entrance.
Like any Kampground of America, West Omaha / Lincoln KOA is a hit among RVers. Specifically, it has a ton to do with its huge list of family-friendly amenities. There are hayrides, ice cream socials, tie-dying, and more activities to get everyone out and together. There are games, too, like the jumping pillow, zip line, gaga ball, and more sports. There’s also a large swimming pool and it’s close to other area attractions—you can even get a pizza delivered to the door of your RV.
Inside the Strategic Air Command & Aerospace Museum, you’ll find a small snack bar. Things like ice cream sandwiches and other small bites are available for purchase. It’s just enough to keep you going for a little midday pick-me-up. Otherwise, you may want to eat before you come, whether that’s at a local restaurant or a meal cooked up in your RV’s kitchen.
Ashland has several restaurants that will be sure to fill you up and sate your hunger. There are dozens of bar and grill types of places, serving up burgers, sandwiches, and different entrees. You’ll find a few unique quick-serve places offering sandwiches and fried chicken as well. The real beauty of the area is if you’re looking for something fresh and fine. There are a couple of lovely farm-to-table restaurants that are located right on a farm. It’s a great way to take advantage of Nebraska’s prairie land.
Don’t be afraid to get outside of the city when you go looking for good food. You’ll find roadside diners and other great places—including a few fine dining opportunities—all around you, even in places you least suspect. Otherwise, Ashland has plenty of restaurants to keep you well-fed.