History Taking Flight
Nampa’s Warhawk Air Museum
It all started with a couple of boxes of WWII memorabilia.
Today, that simple dream has grown into one of Southwest Idaho's most powerful cultural and educational attractions. The Warhawk Air Museum, is a 100,000-square-foot family friendly destination preserving more than 100 years of American aviation and military history. Experience the new Global War on Terror (GWOT) expansion and 9/11 exhibits.
Museum visitors can get up close and personal with the museum’s aircraft, including, including this P-51C Mustang: The Boise Bee.
A visit to the museum is a deeply personal experience. It does not simply showcase war memorabilia; it tells a story through immersive displays, interactive presentations, and deeply personal stories that allow guests to connect with the real people behind the uniforms. Many of those stories are about Idahoans whose impact extended far beyond this region.
Take, for instance, the story of Nat “Blackie” Adams, who rescued George H. W. Bush from Japanese capture and later became a Boise architect.
Or the adventures of Sam Pollard, whose portrait hangs next to his army uniform… it is easy to envision him wearing it when he captured 107 German soldiers during WWII.
Exhibits span World War I, World War II, the Korean War, the Vietnam War, the Cold War era, the Global War on Terror, and 9/11.
Both men come alive in the museum’s exhibits, bringing you closer to history and the personal journeys of these local heroes.
Walking through the museum makes you feel like your are in grandpa’s attic, seeing his WWII keepsakes, but without getting in trouble.
In addition to aircraft, the museum features a number of interactive displays.
At the heart of the Warhawk’s permanent collection are 11 historic aircraft made famous by war, including an F-86F Sabre Jet (Korean War), UH-1C Huey (Vietnam War), P-51C Mustang (WWII), and a replica Fokker DR-1 triplane (WWI). A rotating list of visiting aircraft are also on display.
All machines built with a purpose. And each a work of art in their own right.
Being so close to these fascinating, historic machines is enough to bring out anyone’s inner eight-year-old.
The airplanes are always ready to head out to the runway and take flight.
The museum’s Russian-made MiG-17 from the Vietnam era and MiG-21 from the Korean War era provide a rare look at the enemy’s combat aircraft. Studying them, it’s easy for your mind to wander to the American pilots who were brought down by these planes. To the sacrifices they made. And to the lasting impact of their efforts.
Beyond its galleries, the Warhawk Air Museum draws visitors from across the region, bringing aircraft and living history to life at the annual Warbird Roundup Airshow.
Whether you’re a history enthusiast, aviation fan, visiting with family, or just want to get inside and do something different, the Warhawk Air Museum offers a pretty powerful reason to visit. You won’t soon forget the stories once you exit the building.
Visiting the Warhawk Air Museum:
Location: Nampa Airport — 201 Municipal Drive
Group tours are available. Contact the museum for details.
Give yourself at least a couple of hours to see and experience it all.
The Warhawk Air Museum is a SWITA member — thank you for helping us promote the best of Southwest Idaho.
