MAPS Air Museum | Canton

The MAPS Air Museum (Military Aviation Preservation Society) is a highly regarded aviation and military museum located in North Canton, Ohio, near the Akron-Canton Airport. It serves as a dynamic educational center that preserves and showcases the history of military aviation, the people who built and flew the aircraft, and the stories of those who served.

🛩️ Aircraft Collection

MAPS Air Museum features over 50 aircraft, ranging from pioneering early flight designs to powerful Cold War-era and modern military planes. Aircraft are displayed indoors and outdoors, and many are restored or maintained by volunteers, including veterans and aviation experts.

Notable aircraft include:

F-16 Fighting Falcon – A multi-role jet fighter used extensively by the U.S. Air Force.

C-130 Hercules – A four-engine military transport plane known for its durability and versatility.

B-26 Marauder – A twin-engine WWII bomber.

F-105 Thunderchief – A supersonic fighter-bomber used during the Vietnam War.

AH-1 Cobra Helicopter – A Vietnam-era attack helicopter.

F-86 Sabre – A Korean War-era jet famous for its dogfights with the MiG-15.

MiG-17 Fresco – A Soviet fighter jet used in conflicts such as the Vietnam War.

Goodyear FG-1D Corsair – A WWII fighter manufactured in Akron, Ohio.

Bell UH-1 Iroquois “Huey” – A symbol of the Vietnam War, used for troop transport and medical evacuation.

Some aircraft are open for cockpit access during special events or guided tours, allowing visitors to see inside military planes firsthand.

🏛️ Exhibits & Displays

The museum features over 130 educational displays spread across several galleries and exhibit areas. These highlight aviation milestones, military history, and personal stories of service members.

Highlighted exhibits include:

Gallery of Heroes – Personal stories and artifacts from veterans, spanning from WWI through modern conflicts.

Medal of Honor Exhibit – Showcases Ohio’s Medal of Honor recipients with photos, biographies, and medals.

Tuskegee Airmen Exhibit – Honors the pioneering African American pilots who served during WWII.

Pearl Harbor Display – Includes relics from the USS Arizona and tells the story of December 7, 1941.

Women in Service Exhibit – Featuring “Rosie the Riveter” and stories of female service members and wartime workers.

Super Sabre Memorial Exhibit – Focused on the F-100 and the pilots who flew it.

Fallen Feathers Memorial – Commemorates Ohioans lost since 9/11 during the War on Terror.

🎓 Education & Community Engagement

MAPS is deeply committed to education and offers numerous programs:

Veterans Oral History Project: Captures first-person accounts of military service to preserve personal stories.

Youth Programs: Includes STEM learning opportunities, guided tours for school groups, and interactive displays.

MAPS Air Academy: A summer educational program offering hands-on learning in aviation history, science, and technology.

Scouting Programs: Offers merit badge support and aviation-related learning for Scouts and youth groups.

The museum also participates in Wreaths Across America, veterans' ceremonies, and remembrance events throughout the year.

📍 Facility and Visitor Information

Location:

2260 International Parkway, North Canton, OH 44720

Located near the Akron-Canton Regional Airport (CAK)

Hours of Operation:

Tuesday–Saturday: 9:00 AM – 4:30 PM

Sunday: 11:30 AM – 4:00 PM

Closed Mondays and major holidays

Admission Prices:

Adults: $15

Seniors (60+): $14

Children (6–12): $8

Children under 6: Free

Veterans: $2 off

WWII and Korean War veterans: Free admission

Parking:

On-site parking is free

Buses and RVs are accommodated with advance notice

Accessibility:

The building is wheelchair accessible, though climbing into aircraft is limited to able-bodied visitors

Staff and volunteers are available to assist

🛍️ Amenities

Gift Shop: Offers aviation-themed items such as apparel, books, scale models, patches, and unique memorabilia.

Restrooms and Seating Areas: Available throughout the museum.

Meeting Spaces and Event Rentals: Available for groups, veterans' reunions, and private events.

🎉 Events

MAPS Air Museum hosts annual and seasonal events, including:

Military Vehicle Show

Vintage Car Show

Veterans’ Day and Memorial Day ceremonies

Special educational weekends with guest speakers, reenactments, or cockpit tours

These events often include activities for families, food vendors, and expanded access to exhibits.

🛠️ Restoration Projects

MAPS has a full Restoration and Maintenance Hangar, where volunteers restore aircraft to historical accuracy. Guests can view ongoing work and interact with restoration specialists.

Some aircraft undergo complete overhauls, including repainting in historically accurate colors and replacing or recreating parts to match operational specifications.

✈️ Summary

MAPS Air Museum is much more than a display of old planes. It is a living tribute to the history of military aviation, deeply rooted in the stories of those who served. Whether you’re a history lover, aviation fan, student, or veteran, the museum offers a deeply personal and educational experience in an engaging and respectful environment.