500 Apollo Drive
Wapakoneta, OH 45895
Museum Hours:
WED-SUN 10 am to 5 pm
Dive into the incredible stories of Neil Armstrong, Ohio’s daring pioneers of flight, and the innovative manufacturers who helped launch the space program. From the early Space Race to the cutting-edge advancements of today, discover how Ohio helped shape the story of space exploration!
Accessible from dawn to dusk, the museum itself sits on 16 beautiful acres and is designed to resemble a futuristic moon base. Upon arrival, guests are greeted by the iconic F5D Skylancer and the record-setting Learjet 28 Longhorn, two aircraft flown personally by Armstrong himself. Be sure to check out our Gemini and Apollo spacecraft mockups. Don't miss the chance to sit inside the Gemini capsule for an out-of-this-world photo opportunity!
The museum features many one-of-a-kind artifacts including the Gemini VIII spacecraft, Neil Armstrong’s Gemini and Apollo spacesuits, the Aeronca Champion, and an Apollo 11 moon rock. This is also no static museum; there are several interactive exhibits, audio/visual elements, and free simulators. The 56-foot dome in the center of the museum houses the Astro Theater which shows a complimentary 30-minute documentary on the Apollo 11 mission.
On March 16, 1966, Command Pilot Neil Armstrong and Pilot David Scott made history in the Gemini VIII spacecraft by making the first-ever orbital crewed docking with the Agena Target Vehicle. A thruster malfunction triggered a dangerous spin, but Armstrong’s swift actions restored control. The museum is proud to display the Gemini VIII spacecraft in the Early Space Gallery.
While on their historic Apollo 11 mission in July of 1969, Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin collected lunar samples to bring back to Earth to be tested, including the one our museum has on display. This sizable chunk of vesicular basalt serves as a tangible reminder of humanity's most daring and heroic journey beyond Earth and our unyielding hunger for exploration and knowledge.
The Apollo A7L spacesuit is one of the most recognizable garments from history. It served as a crucial component for NASA's lunar landing missions. Crafted with precision and ingenuity, the tailored garments were designed to endure the toughest possible conditions. Our A7L suit on display is just one of several suits designed specifically for Neil Armstrong during the Apollo Program.
The Infinity Room has been an exhibit at the museum since opening in 1972. This stellar room has been described as one of the neatest spots in the museum. The room feels like you can touch the stars as you walk through the twinkling passageway. The spot has even been a wedding proposal location for some couples!
The museum is also home to Neil Armstrong's Gemini G4C spacesuit, worn during the historic Gemini VIII mission. This 34 pound garment was a vital piece of equipment during Armstrong's first space mission. It is equipped with an array of life suport systems and is still an iconic piece for America's early space programs.
Situated outside on the museum's north lawn are full-scale mock-ups of the Gemini and Apollo space capsules. Guests even have the opportunity to sit in the Gemini mockup and feel what it was like to be an early astronaut. Truly an out of this world experience for any space lover.
Neil Armstrong flew this Learjet 28-001 in February of 1979 to set five aviation world records. This particular aircraft is also a trend-setter, it is the first commercial jet to utilize winglets in its design, an industry standard. Only a handful of these amazing jets are left today and because of FAA noise regulations, many can no longer fly above the continental United States.
One of only two left in existence, this F5D Skylancer was flown by Neil Armstrong to help create the abort launch maneveur for NASA's experimental spaceplane program, Dyna-Soar. The craft is one of four on site flown by Armstrong.