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a close up image of a historic plane, looking over a wing. In the background is a row of windows.

Combat Air Museum

Military Aviation Museum

Forbes Field |  7016 SE Forbes Ave, Topeka, KS 66619

For nearly fifty years, the Combat Air Museum has been a staple attraction in Topeka, Kansas. Honoring military history from WWI to today, the Museum is home to over 45 military and combat aircraft, both original and historically accurate replicas. The museum houses one of the largest collections of WWI replicas in the Midwest.

Visitors can wander their way through a myriad of exhibits that delve into various facets of military aviation. Beyond aircraft, the museum's collection extends to flight gear, military uniforms, equipment, guns, missiles, other military artifacts, and a wide variety of artwork.  The museum offers a comprehensive look at the aerial aspects of warfare.

What makes the Combat Air Museum a unique experience is its location at Forbes Field - an active airfield. While visiting the museum, you may spot the takeoff of a refueling plane, a fighter jet, or  Army helicopters. 

a bright yellow vintage aircraft, with a propeller, and red band around the nose. A vintage military jeep is seen in the background.

47

Original or historic replica combat aircraft on display

1976

The year the Combat Air Museum was oranized

602

Hanger number the museum began in.

before you go

What to Know

COMBAT AIR MUSEUM

7016 SE Forbes Avenue Topeka, Kansas 66619

HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE TO TOUR THE COMBAT AIR MUSEUM?

It's recommended to give yourself between 1-2 hours. 

ACCESSIBILITY

When it comes to viewing the aircraft, a great deal of the museum is accessible. There are a few raised platforms to look into cockpits, and those only have stairs. Also, walking through the large surveillance plane outside requires going up 10-15 stairs. Watch for any narrow paths, or lower hanging wings, when walking amongst the displayes.

DOES THE COMBAT AIR MUSEUM HAVE GUIDED TOURS?

Groups of 10 or more can reserve a guided group tour. Individual guests and small groups are able to guide themselves through the two hangers on their own. A map is available at the admission desk.

DAY & HOURS

March- Dec:
Monday - Saturday: 9:00 am to 4:30 pm, and Sundays: noon to 4:30 p.m. (Tickets are not sold after 3:30 pm)

Jan 2nd - Feb 28/29th
Monday - Sunday: Noon - 4:30 pm (Tickets are not sold after 3:30 pm)

PARKING

There is a free parking lot next to the building. If this lot is full, there is extra parking across the street.

ADMISSION
  • Under age 5: Free

  • Children 5-17 yrs: $5.00

  • Adults 18 yrs & older: $7.00

  • Active Military in Uniform (or active military ID card): $5.00

Wander More

Where else
should you visit?

If you're interested in history, Topeka offers a variety of sites and museums, which tell the diverse stories of Kansas Capital City.

MUSEUM OF THE KANSAS NATIONAL GUARD

125 SE Airport Dr, Topeka, KS 66619

Also located at Forbes Field, this museum is less than a mile away. See a collection of military vehicles.

RITCHIE HOUSE

1116 SE Madison St, Topeka, KS 66601

Head downtown to learn of Topeka's role in the Bleeding Kansas era. The Ritchie House was also a site along the Underground Railroad.

CHARLES CURTIS STATE HISTORIC SITE

1101 SW Topeka Blvd, Topeka, KS 66612

Home to the United States' first person of color Vice President, and the only one of Native heritage. 

subdued warm light on an art deco architecture building.
GREAT OVERLAND STATION

701 N Kansas Ave, Topeka, KS 66608

Located in the NOTO Art District, the Great Overland Station  is a railroad museum housed in a historic Union Pacific depot.

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© Copyright Andrea LaRayne Etzel
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