During your visit to Chanute Air Museum, explore the aviation museum’s exhibits including the museum’s collection of more than 40 aircrafts, many of which were once used for training purposes at Chanute and others on loan from the United States Air Force Museum. In the Museum Shop you can browse gift and souvenir items unique to Chanute Air Museum and Illinois aviation.
Exhibits
Life at Chanute
Explore life at Chanute over the years and the roles of various military and civilian organizations on base. Included in Life at Chanute are exhibits that depict a typical barracks scene on base and a recreated Commander’s Office. Additional displays explore the role the YMCA and American Red Cross had in maintaining morale at Chanute Air Force Base.
99th Squadron
Discover the story of the 99th Pursuit Squadron, from its beginnings at Chanute Field through its service in World War II Italy and beyond. 99th Squadron features over 1,000 square feet of displays with artifacts, photographs, model dioramas and integrated artwork that bring the story of the 99th Squadron to life.
AGE
Several types of AGE can be found on display in the Chanute Air Museum. See a C-26 Ground Power Unit, a Hobart Generator Set and MD-3 Ground Power Units used to generate electrical power during ground operations. Also on display is the museum’s MA-1A Gas Turbine Compressor, used to supply low-pressure air at high volume for ground support of an aircraft.
Flight Simulators
Several flight simulators and trainers made by Frasca International, Inc. of Urbana Illinois are on display in the Frasca Flight Simulators exhibit. Learn about the history of Frasca International, Inc. and see simulators and trainers made by the Illinois company.
Korea: The Forgotten War
Honor the American men and women who served during the Korean War. Korea: The Forgotten War showcases artifacts and memorabilia from the Korean War and includes a timeline of the war. Also on display are descriptions and photographs of USAF aircrafts flown during the period.
Minuteman
From the beginning of the Minuteman Intercontinental Ballistic Missile Program in February of 1961, to the closure of Chanute AFB in 1993, discover how all Minuteman maintenance training was conducted at Chanute in the Minuteman exhibit.
POWs and MIAs
Learn about the history of American prisoners of war and those listed as missing in action since the beginning of World War II. POW and MIAs features objects belonging to American POWs imprisoned in countries including Japan, Germany and North Vietnam.
Aircraft Collection
Over 40 military fighter, bomber, rescue, recon and cargo aircrafts are on display in Chanute Air Museum. Among the aircraft collection is a B-58A Hustler, the world’s first supersonic nuclear bomber; an American Aerolight Eagle; a Boeing B-52D Stratofortress, a long-range, subsonic, jet-powered, strategic bomber; a LGM-30A Minuteman I; a Lockheed C-130 Hercules; an A-4A Skyhawk, a small, carrier-based ground attack aircraft designed by the Douglas Aircraft Company in 1952; a Mong MS1 Sport; a Republic F-84F Thunderstreak; and a North American AGM-28A Hound Dog. Of particular importance is the museum’s reproduction of the Wright 1903 Flyer created by the Wright Flyer Project Team of Central Illinois.
Be sure to stop by the Chanute Air Museum Shop. Gifts and souvenirs including books, plane models and clothing unique to Chanute Air Museum and Illinois aviation are available to purchase.
Travel Tip
- In addition to its permanent exhibits, the Chanute Air Museum features temporary exhibits that examine the former Chanute Air Force Base and the history of Illinois aviation.