Joe Davies Heritage Airpark
Explore a vast collection of retired military aircraft, including the SR-71 Blackbird and NASA's Shuttle Carrier, all for free!
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more photo ops
Joe Davies Heritage Airpark
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more photo ops
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Explore a vast collection of retired military aircraft, including the SR-71 Blackbird and NASA's Shuttle Carrier, all for free!
"A fantastic place for all ages to learn about aviation history with no entry fee!"
Free Admission & Parking! 💰
Enjoy the entire airpark without spending a dime on entry or parking. Perfect for budget-conscious travelers!
Bring Your Camera! 📸
Capture stunning shots of these historic aircraft. The SR-71 and Shuttle Carrier are particularly photogenic.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
NASA's Shuttle Carrier Aircraft
Joe Davies Heritage Airpark
Witness the massive Boeing 747 that once carried the Space Shuttle. A truly iconic piece of aerospace history.
SR-71 Blackbird
Joe Davies Heritage Airpark
See the legendary Blackbird, still holding world speed records. A marvel of Cold War engineering.
Fighter Jet Collection
Joe Davies Heritage Airpark
Explore a variety of retired fighter jets, including the F-14 Tomcat and F-100 Super Sabre. Thrilling for aviation fans.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Free Admission & Parking
Best for Aviation Enthusiasts
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Free Admission & Parking! 💰
Enjoy the entire airpark without spending a dime on entry or parking. Perfect for budget-conscious travelers!
Bring Your Camera! 📸
Capture stunning shots of these historic aircraft. The SR-71 and Shuttle Carrier are particularly photogenic.
Great for Kids! 🧒
Children love exploring the planes up close. It's an educational and exciting experience for the whole family.
Read the Plaques! 📜
Each aircraft has a historical plaque detailing its significance and service. Learn about their amazing stories.
Tips
from all over the internet
Free Admission & Parking! 💰
Enjoy the entire airpark without spending a dime on entry or parking. Perfect for budget-conscious travelers!
Bring Your Camera! 📸
Capture stunning shots of these historic aircraft. The SR-71 and Shuttle Carrier are particularly photogenic.
Great for Kids! 🧒
Children love exploring the planes up close. It's an educational and exciting experience for the whole family.
Read the Plaques! 📜
Each aircraft has a historical plaque detailing its significance and service. Learn about their amazing stories.
Wear Comfy Shoes! 👟
You'll be doing a lot of walking around the airpark to see all the aircraft. Comfortable footwear is a must.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise Joe Davies Heritage Airpark for its impressive collection of historical aircraft and its free admission and parking. It's highlighted as a great educational spot for families and a must-see for aviation enthusiasts. Some wish for more interactive exhibits, but the overall sentiment is overwhelmingly positive.
"I always wanted to see this place it was a last minute decision but my son loved it. He got his SR71 Plush out of it. The SR71 has been retired since 1999 its amazing that this iconic aircraft still to this day since 1976 holds the world air speed record in its category. Yes its a great place for all ages and there is no fee for parking either."
Anthony Mcqueen
"Great collection and you can see the history through these planes. They have a good walkway for most of the planes they have."
Kervin Lau
"Historical plaque inscription:
Joseph "Joe" Potter Davies, Jr., was born in 1923 and joined the Army Air Corps in 1943. By the time he had finished training, World War II had come to an end, but he continued his military career. Joe married his wife, Audria, "Audie," in 1949, and they had four children: Jane, Joe III, Marilyn, and Diana.
In 1962, Joe moved his family to Palmdale to serve as the commander of Plant 42. He served as chief of the aeronautics manufacturing plant until 1967, when called to serve in the Vietnam War. Upon his return to the states, Joe was stationed at Lowry Air Force Base in Denver, Colorado, where he served the last of his 32 years in the military. He retired as a Lieutenant Colonel in 1973 and happily moved back to Palmdale.
The Joe Davies Heritage Airpark at Plant 42 was dedicated to him on February 7, 2008, for his multiple contributions to the Antelope Valley and his service to the aerospace and aeronautical industries. Joe loved the Antelope Valley and served three terms on the Palmdale City Council and on various civic and charitable boards and commissions. He was honored to have the park named for him and loved to give personal tours.
Joe said his time in the Antelope Valley was the happiest time of his life, and that his job at Plant 42 was the best job he ever had.
Joe passed away on September 7, 2016, just six weeks after his beloved wife Audie.
Our father was the most positive, generous, honest, and honorable man we have ever known! He became a highly loved and respected member of our community, and we could not be more proud. Our entire family is honored by the establishment of the Joe Davies Heritage Airpark. We loved our visits with him there. He seemed to have a personal story about every plane and knew every pilot.
We Love You Dad... Jane, Joe, Marilyn, and Diana"
Craig Baker
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Joe Davies Heritage Airpark is located in Palmdale, California. It's easily accessible by car, with ample free parking available on-site. Many visitors mention it's a straightforward drive, especially if coming from the Los Angeles area.
Yes, the airpark is about an hour's drive from Los Angeles, making it a feasible day trip for those exploring Southern California.
The airpark is generally open daily, but it's always a good idea to check the official website or local listings for the most current hours of operation before your visit.
Public transportation options to Palmdale exist, but direct routes to the airpark itself might be limited. Driving is the most convenient way to reach Joe Davies Heritage Airpark.
Yes, visitors consistently report that there is plenty of free parking available at Joe Davies Heritage Airpark, making it easy to access the exhibits.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
The best part? Admission to Joe Davies Heritage Airpark is completely free! There are no ticket prices, making it a fantastic budget-friendly attraction.
No advance booking is required. Since admission is free, you can simply show up and explore the airpark at your leisure.
Absolutely not! Parking at Joe Davies Heritage Airpark is also free, adding to its appeal as an accessible attraction for all visitors.
While generally open daily, it's recommended to verify the exact operating hours before your visit, as they can sometimes vary.
Yes, there is a small gift shop where you can find souvenirs related to the aircraft on display, which kids often enjoy.
🎫 ✈️ Onsite Experience
You'll find a diverse collection of retired military aircraft, including iconic planes like the SR-71 Blackbird, NASA's Shuttle Carrier Aircraft (Boeing 747), F-14 Tomcat, F-100 Super Sabre, and B-52 bomber. +1
Definitely! Kids are often thrilled to see these massive aircraft up close. It's a great educational and fun outing for families.
Yes, there are good walkways around most of the aircraft, allowing you to get a great view and take photos.
While not explicitly advertised, some visitors have mentioned that individuals associated with the park may share personal stories about the planes, especially if you engage with them.
The airpark honors Joseph "Joe" Potter Davies, Jr., a significant figure in Palmdale's aerospace history. It showcases aircraft flown, tested, designed, produced, or modified at the nearby United States Air Force Plant 42.
📸 📸 Photography
The NASA Shuttle Carrier Aircraft (Boeing 747) and the SR-71 Blackbird are standout subjects for photography due to their unique designs and historical importance. Fighter jets like the F-14 Tomcat also make for dramatic shots. 
Mornings generally offer softer light and fewer crowds, which can be ideal for photography. However, the aircraft are impressive in any light.
There are no specific restrictions mentioned for personal photography. You're encouraged to capture the impressive collection.
Drone usage is typically restricted at airfields and public parks for safety and security reasons. It's best to assume drones are not permitted.
You can get wide shots showcasing the scale of the aircraft, close-ups of cockpit details, and dynamic angles of the fighter jets.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Pro-tip: Encourage kids to read the historical plaques next to each aircraft to learn interesting facts. It turns a visit into an engaging educational adventure. Comfortable shoes are a must, as there's a lot to see on foot.
✈️ Aviation Enthusiasts
Take your time to appreciate the details of each plane and read the informative plaques. The airpark's connection to Plant 42 adds another layer of historical significance, appealing to those interested in the manufacturing and testing side of aviation.
💰 Budget Travelers
It's a perfect stop for a picnic lunch or a leisurely afternoon stroll. The educational value combined with the impressive visual display makes it a highly rewarding and cost-effective visit.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Legends of Plant 42
The airpark is named in honor of Joseph "Joe" Potter Davies, Jr., a respected commander of Plant 42 and a dedicated member of the Palmdale community. His contributions to the aerospace industry and his service to the Antelope Valley are commemorated by this collection. The personal stories shared by his family highlight his deep connection to the aircraft and the people who flew them, adding a personal touch to the historical narrative.
Exploring the airpark offers a unique opportunity to appreciate the evolution of military aviation. From the powerful bombers to the sleek fighter jets, each aircraft tells a story of technological advancement, strategic importance, and the brave individuals who operated them. It's a place where history buffs and aviation enthusiasts can immerse themselves in the legacy of flight.
Iconic Aircraft on Display
Another major draw is NASA's Shuttle Carrier Aircraft, a modified Boeing 747. This colossal plane was instrumental in transporting the Space Shuttle to various launch sites and landing locations. Seeing this massive aircraft up close provides a profound sense of scale and highlights the incredible logistics involved in the space program.
+1The airpark also boasts an impressive array of fighter jets, including the famous F-14 Tomcat, F-101 Voodoo, F-100 Super Sabre, and F-105 Thunderchief. These aircraft represent different eras of aerial combat and technological development, offering a comprehensive look at the evolution of military aviation.
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