The Old Rhinebeck Aerodrome Museum, located in the town of Rhinebeck, New York, is a great location for families and history buffs alike. With a variety of working WWI-era and earlier bi-planes, this museum is famous for its weekend airshows during the summer and early fall. Visitors of all ages will enjoy what the Old Rhinebeck Aerodrome Museum has to offer.
Best and Worst Time to Go to the Old Rhinebeck Aerodrome
The Museum is open daily from mid-June to October from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM and the airshows run every Saturday and Sunday during this time period, as well. The weekends are definitely the busiest time of the week due to the limited airshow runs. If visitors simply want to see the museum itself, it would be best to plan a weekday trip.
Must See/Do at the Old Rhinebeck Aerodrome
The airshows are simply a must-see. They start promptly at 2:00 PM on Saturdays and Sundays. From the safety of the ground, visitors can experience the thrill of an era long since past. The museum is also a great place to learn more about the history behind the planes and their uses, as well as the history of the Old Rhinebeck Aerodrome itself and how it came to fruition.
Admission to the Old Rhinebeck Aerodrome
Admission prices vary. During the week, museum only admission is $10 per person with children, teens, seniors, and military receiving special discounts. For the airshow weekends, admission rises to $20 per person with special discounts for different age groups and military.
Parking and Public Transportation to the Old Rhinebeck Aerodrome
Parking is completely free at the Old Rhinebeck Aerodrome Museum. There are not many public transportation options, but visitors wishing to take the train should take Amtrak to the Rhinecliff Train Station. From here it is about a 15 minute drive to the Aerodrome Museum.
Food at the Old Rhinebeck Aerodrome
There are no food vendors at the museum itself, but visitors are able to bring their own food and use the free picnic areas. The surrounding area offers a plethora of dining options. Both the towns of Rhinebeck and nearby Red Hook have great restaurants that cater to a variety of palettes. Taste Budds Café and Cancuns in Red Hook are local favorites while Rhinebeck offers such fare as Aroi Thai, Bread Alone, and Terrapin Restaurant among others.
Insider Tip for Visitors to the Old Rhinebeck Aerodrome
Visitors wishing for a truly one-of-a-kind experience can charter a bi-plane ride on the weekends. For $75 per person, visitors will be flown by an experienced pilot over the Hudson River and back in a restored 1920s era bi-plane. These rides run on weekends starting at 10:00 AM and can accommodate up to four passengers.
Author's bio: Krista Miller is a lifelong lover of local history. She has lived in Dutchess County for over 26 years and seeks out new historical landmarks whenever she has the time. She enjoys sharing her knowledge with friends and family.