Naval Air Station Wildwood Aviation Museum: WWII Aviation History in Cape May, NJ

Searching for an unforgettable aviation museum in New Jersey or a family-friendly WWII attraction near Cape May? The Naval Air Station Wildwood Aviation Museum (NAS Wildwood) delivers an immersive step back in time inside a fully restored historic World War II hangar.

Located at Cape May Airport in Lower Township (Rio Grande area), this non-profit museum occupies the original Hangar #1, commissioned in 1943 as a U.S. Navy dive-bomber training base. During the war, thousands of pilots trained here before heading to the Pacific theater. Today, the massive 92,000-square-foot hangar honors those who served while offering hands-on fun for all ages.

Visitors can explore over 26 historic aircraft, including jets like the F-14 Tomcat, propeller planes such as the TBM Avenger and F6F Hellcat, helicopters (UH-1 Huey, OH-6 Cayuse), and more. Climb aboard many planes and cockpits, explore a real air traffic control tower, view rare engines (including a massive Pratt & Whitney jet engine), military memorabilia, 1940s artifacts, interactive flight simulators, and educational exhibits on aviation science and New Jersey’s military history.

Perfect for history buffs, plane enthusiasts, families, school groups, and veterans, the museum combines education with excitement in a spacious, walkable setting. It’s one of the top things to do in Cape May NJ and South Jersey, especially when paired with a beach day or Jersey Shore vacation.

Open daily from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM (closed Christmas Eve/Day and a short winter break). Free parking is available, and the hangar is not climate-controlled — dress for the weather.

📍 Address: 500 Forrestal Road, Cape May, NJ 08204 (Cape May Airport)
🕒 Hours: Daily 10 AM – 4 PM
🌐 Official Website: usnasw.org