A couple years ago we had the pleasure of visiting the Fagen Fighters WWII Museum in Granite Falls while on our camping trip to Upper Sioux Agency State Park (blog incoming.) It had been recommended to us by the staff at the park as many of their usual activities were unavailable due to an extensive construction project that was going on at the time. We took the flyer and thought it may take up an hour or two but it wouldn’t be more than standard local museum, a few interesting items but not too much, and boy were we wrong! This museum was huge and totally worth the price of admission, which is very reasonable, with lots to do and see, and many activities for your kiddos.
Visiting The Airfield and Museum
This museum is a little out of the way, you will enter at a sign for the Granite Falls Municipal Airport. The museum is located on the same grounds and feels a bit like you are going somewhere you aren’t supposed to be but don’t worry, you are on the right path! The entrance fees to the museum are very reasonable especially if you have young children as at the time of this writing those under 9 are free! Adults come in at $10 and a family can get in for $20. The hours are somewhat restrictive as they are closed two days a week and all holidays, but if you time things right, you could experience additional activities and even an airshow on certain weekends. I would recommend planning your visit for several hours or even longer if someone in your group has a strong interest in WWII.
All You Can See and Do
The museum is spread over a few hangers and couple of small outer buildings. There are multiple complete airplanes and military vehicles each with a detailed poster or exhibit full of information about the specific item or those like it and where they would have been used in the war. There are also several video and audio exhibits that are worth the time and give insight into the stories of those who served. We really enjoyed the detailed and extensive exhibits about the various aspects of the war covered in each exhibit. The library area was one of Hubby’s favorite areas and has an extensive selection of books about the war to enjoy, as well as many interesting displays. One of the most remarkable experiences was standing below some of the large bombers and realizing just how big they were. You see pictures of them in the movies and history books, but you don’t realize until you are standing next to them.
For The Kiddos
One very important part of the trip for us was teaching the kiddos about what we were looking at. We were able to talk to them about the airplanes and vehicles, but also about the causes of the war and what it was like for the people who lived through it. It was easier for them to understand some of the aspects having the things we were talking about right in front of them. There was also a few areas set up specifically for kids to play in or experience. This helped as W was on the younger side and need to get some energy out while spending so much time in a museum. B really liked learning about the people and what their lives were like. The boxcar exhibit was especially poignant for the boys as they were just beginning to learn about the Holocaust. Seeing the boxcars seemed to make it real for them. They both liked hearing from Hubby about the vehicles and how they have changed over the years and how they were different when he was serving. This museum is really great for kids as there is so much walking and so much to look at with all of the huge planes and exhibits to look at.
Worth Every Second
This was really one of our favorite museums of all time and we have talked many times since about going for another visit to see some of the additional areas and experience everything more fully. The kids had a blast and we were so impressed by the whole experience that we sat and talked for the staff for quite some time after to hear more about what they do at the museum. The gift shop was amazing as well and we really want to go back for some of their special events. So, have you been to this museum before? Are you planning a trip now? Let me know in the comments below!
