Lyon Air Museum - Santa Ana, California

Rodney K. H.

Small but mighty air museum on the field at Orange County John Wayne Airport KSNA. Immaculate restorations of B-17, B-25, A-26, C-47 and DC-3 plus a variety of smaller aircraft. Knowledgeable docents available to explain the history and technology of the collection.
Also includes a good sampling of WWII military ground vehicles from both sides and a few examples of period civilian automobiles.

ahn J.

Lyon Air Museum is a rare gem in Southern California where visitors can have an intimate experience with exhibits. The museum is not large but boasts an impressive collection of WWII aircraft, all of which are in excellent condition and even capable of flying. Originally a massive hangar, the museum has doors leading directly to the airport runway. Aviation enthusiasts will love the opportunity to photograph aircraft from the three major U.S. airlines. The museum also features many knowledgeable guides who are particularly friendly to children. Since the museum is housed in a converted hangar, it's best to visit on cooler days. Check Groupon for frequent discounts; for aviation lovers, this museum is definitely worth multiple visits.

Adrian C.

A lovely, and well maintained air museum that focuses a lot on WW2 history. The staff were wonderful, engaged, and informative. The front desk provided a "mission" for my two boys and they were given a prize for completing it, that was a really nice touch and kept them excited and interested for much longer than I would have expected.

Chandni M.

Really good place to know so much about the US air force history. If you are a motorcycle enthusiast, this place is so much for you, right from early evolution of motorcycles to how they finally evolved into what they are today and everything about the engineering and cosmetics has been collected and depicted here!
This museum is situated on the John Wayne airport so you’ll frequently see aircrafts taking off and landing. There is a small movie hall too which was plays short movies about the world war history, air force history, evolution of motorcycles etc. Every artifact has been labelled nicely so you can go through the read and know in depth of the significance of those artifacts/ elements displayed.

Jennifer M.

I am writing to express my utmost excitement and satisfaction with my recent visit to the Lyon Air Museum. The experience I had exploring the World War Two aircraft and automobile collections was truly thrilling.

I would like to extend my gratitude to Dennis, who provided me with a comprehensive introduction to the various World War Two aircraft on display. His knowledge and passion for these historical artifacts were evident as he shared with me the fascinating history behind each aircraft, how they operated, and their successful bomb missions.

I was particularly captivated by the detailed explanations Dennis provided regarding the inner workings of these aircraft. Learning about the intricate mechanics and engineering that allowed these planes to fly and carry out their missions was truly enlightening.

Moreover, the opportunity to witness these magnificent machines up close was an experience I will never forget. The attention to detail in preserving these aircraft is commendable, and it truly felt like stepping back in time to an era of great significance.

The automobile collection at Lyon Air Museum was also impressive. The vintage cars and motorcycles showcased the craftsmanship and style of the time, further enhancing the overall experience.

I would like to commend Lyon Air Museum for their dedication to preserving and showcasing these important pieces of history. The museum provides a valuable educational resource for visitors of all ages, allowing them to gain a deeper understanding and appreciation for the sacrifices made during World War Two.

Once again, I would like to express my gratitude to Dennis for his exceptional guidance and knowledge during my visit. His passion for these aircraft and their history truly enhanced my experience.

Thank you for providing such a memorable and educational visit. I will definitely be recommending Lyon Air Museum to friends and family, and I look forward to returning in the future.

v.

I visited the aerospace museum on a Sunday afternoon and it was pretty quiet. I used a Groupon deal for two tickets at $15, which was a good save since regular tickets are $14 each. The museum is on the smaller side but packed with interesting info. It's perfect for anyone who loves history, planes, and cars.

There's a fun interactive section for kids where they can sit in some of the cars for pictures. Just a heads-up, if it's a hot day, it can get a bit warm inside because of the big glass windows. Plus, you can hear planes taking off from the nearby John Wayne Airport, which is kind of cool.

My dad, who’s a Navy vet, would love this place. I’m definitely bringing him next time. All in all, it’s a neat spot to check out.

Katrina

Large, clean, open, well maintained hangar with a great selection of beautifully restored aircraft and land vehicles.

Staff are knowledgeable and happy to discuss exhibits or history that influenced the vehicles displayed.

Descriptions provided for each exhibit is a plus, and the information is clear, educational, and interesting.

Has an adorable small theater that shows historical films.
Bathrooms are very nice and clean.

Giftshop has plenty of unique gifts for beginners and experts of the air.

Desiree

This place was great...small but mighty. It's cool to be able and walk so close and see the planes, etc. There are some displays that you can even get in for pictures which made it fun. The docents are fantastic, friendly and full of information on the history of items as well as having their own personal stories about family members. Very important for the younger generations who didn't grow up around a living WWII Vet to see and hear these things in person as well.