We visited the Old Rhinebeck Aerodrome with family and friends, including a 4-year-old and a 2-year-old. It's a great weekend outing -especially on a nice weather day. I wasn't sure the kids would stay entertained through a two-hour air show, but they did (mostly!), and being outdoors definitely helped. The show itself was fun and laid-back, with a loose storyline, impressive stunts, and a nostalgic vibe. You can bring your own food and drinks, or grab something from the concession stand, which was reasonably priced. The small gift shop has cute souvenirs for kids, and the nearby hangars filled with old planes and vehicles were great to explore before the show started. The only downside was that it was a bit hard to hear the narration over the PA system, but it didn't take away from the experience. Overall, a charming, family-friendly day trip worth checking out. read more

The Aerodrome air show is a unique experience and only available on summer weekends. We came for a Saturday afternoon show and it's quite kitschy with old-timey music and a seasoned announcer. The show + museum access is about $30/pp. There are a couple of gift shops (one in the air field and one by the museum area), snack stands (CASH ONLY) with hot dogs, burgers, fries, etc., and a workshop. One con is there's no phone signal and no wifi on the premises so it is best to preload any maps if you're not familiar with the area and need gps. read more

See all

Super cool to see all of these planes in action at the Aerodrome air show. As well as other memorabilia, beautiful old cars and trucks. The staff does a great job of keeping it lively, and fun for the whole family. Only downside, it was HOT and HUMID and felt like we were melting. So spring or fall might be a better time to visit. read more

The Aerodrome is a wonderful combination of history and entertainment. I have no idea how many other places in the country have this significant of a display of airplanes and memorabilia from a century ago and more, but the only place I've ever seen more is the Smithsonian. Because just about everything there is open-air, they have been able to remain open in 2020, with guidelines noted on their website. Airplane rides are still available, but this year they had to reluctantly cancel their air shows. If you're driving around Red Hook and Rhinebeck, you can occasionally see some of their older planes flying. The air show is a combination of getting to watch vintage airplanes in flight with a little bit of corny comedy added. When air shows reopen, hopefully in 2021, and you're planning a visit, consider avoiding extremely hot days in the summer. When the temperature is in the 90s, it becomes very difficult for the oldest and lightest of the planes to gain altitude. One time that I was there when the temperature was about 95, one plane was barely able to clear the trees after takeoff. It only managed to fly maybe another 1000 feet before losing altitude and crashing into the nearby woods. The rest of that day's show was canceled, and the pilot had to be taken to the hospital. Consider a more comfortable day, or maybe one in early autumn as the leaves are changing color. read more

It's a bit noisy. It's a bit smelly. It's 100% awesome! World War I airplanes in the air! Biplanes, triplanes and a few "eindeckers". Pushers, pullers and even a tank! This museum is alive and well worth everyone's time. It doesn't glorify war, rather it celebrates flight and the men and women who were the pioneers. read more

See all

Although entry cost to the Sunday air show is not excessive, it is impossible to clearly hear the commentary. The audio system is unable to clearly deliver to the onlookers, and engine sounds on the airfield and above the runway make the commentary inaudible. It seemed, from where I sat with a few hundred others, there was just one loudspeaker positioned behind and some distance away. Old Rhinebeck Aerodrome with its exhibits and activities is an outstanding choice for a family visit. I don't understand why they don't seem to care at all about their inability to communicate via their audio system. Sitting through the air show was frustrating and annoying. read more

I grew up watching these planes fly over my backyard every summer weekend. Some days if you waved your arms long enough you would get a nod from Mr. Cole Palen (founder, and pretty much the reason most museums even have any of the WWI planes) or one of his many pilots would wave in good old fashion tipping the wings side to side. If you have never been here - you are in for a treat! Every Saturday is their heritage show - honoring the history of aviation especially for our WWI era planes. Replicas of the Wright Brothers and other US, Canadian, French and German planes can be found throughout 3 large hangars AND there are other flying replicas still in use! Just beware - seems most Saturdays there tends to be a "prisoner" on the loose. ;) Sundays look out for that Red Baron! He does certainly like to create mischief. You can also take a ride in these ol' beauties! $75/person irregardless of age (does not seem to be an age restriction). Flights last about 10 - 15 min. Seating for the shows is first come, first serve on good old fashioned planks of wool on cinderblocks. Bring your own folding chair if you wish just kindly don't block the pathways or other audience members views. There is a snack stand, standard fair food options - hot dog/hamburger/sausage. You could pack your own lunch - and hang out here. It does get hot though during the summer! Bring water, shades, wear hats, and sunblock! You can get souvenirs of your time here - and for those flying aces who are really interested in how this gem came to be - there is a great book called "The Old Rhinebeck Aerodrome" by E. Gordon Bainbridge. read more

See all

This is such a fun and well-run place in the gorgeous Hudson Valley. My dad recommended the airfield to me years ago and when my college buddy, who is a pilot, came to town I thought this would be a perfect outing. We met there when it opened so we could be among the first to sign up for the biplane ride. What an absolute thrill this was. My pal likes flying jets but he said this little jaunt to the Hudson and back was among the best. High praise. I was as happy as a dog in a car with a rolled down window. Great pilot who even did a lazy 8 to keep us honest. I was scared but in a good way. On the ground they have a stunning collection of early aircraft including replicas of the Wright Bros. Kitty Hawk machine and the Spirit of St. Louis. Also on site are early autos, many of them still operable. Be sure to walk through the museum's hangers. The one through the gift shop is stunning. read more

See all

This is a review of the Saturday summer/fall Airshow...a ONE OF A KIND experience. There aren't many activities that grandparents, parents and children can experience with equal enjoyment. There 'pioneer era' aircraft are a true national treasure. The 2-4p airshow is great. Well worth the $22 adult / $11 child entrance fee. For the photographer in the family, bring your kit and shoot away. If you arrive early you may be able to dress in period costumes and participate in the 'fashion show' and ride in the vintage cars matching that era. There are a few silly 'skits' that the kids will enjoy. The emcee/flight controller is great. Canteen food, ample shade and well maintained restrooms help. Field parking across the road. Def. use Waze or google maps, as the turn-off is sharp. Biplane rides are available for $125. Visit 'Holy Cow Ice Cream' a few miles away afterwards! read more

See all

Except for airshows involving several military demonstration teams, this is the one of the best airshows I have seen in North America (including Abbotsford and FHC Skyfair). Bi-planes, dogfights, aerobatics, a wonderful Piper Cub show and to see the world's only airworthy (100+ year-old) Bleriot fly is just a wonderful way to spend a sunny afternoon. One really great aspect of the show is these aircraft fly slow and have a very short turn radius, so you see a lot of flying close to the stage. It's difficult to see everything in one day and there are 2 different airshows on weekends. There is a separate museum and it's fun to talk to the techs and the pilots (often the same person) before the show. I learn something new every visit. read more

See all

The staff was very friendly. They have a number of older planes and quite a bit of memorabilia. However the facility is quite dated and looks neglected. The buildings where some of their older planes are are not climate controlled so you will see mice and other rodents in them. The planes are in various states of decay...but perhaps were nice at one time. The museum has much potential but looks like someone's forgotten collection which is no longer maintained. If you are in the area maybe stop by but it is not worth the trip. read more

This is an exciting place to visit, but we hope that your visit won't be quite as exciting as ours was, because we saw one airplane crash. The Rhinebeck Aerodrome is not a museum of static displays; it's a "working" museum. It has a wealth of old aircraft, many of them pre- and post-World War I, but most of them fighter aircraft from World War I itself. Most are replicas and many look a bit rough. Rhinebeck is not the Smithsonian. Relatively speaking, it's a shoestring operation. Nevertheless: It's a LOT more exciting to see replicas of these old aircraft fly than it is to see the originals parked or hanging from a wire in a building. Not all the aircraft are replicas. Some are originals and at least one, the Bleriot XI (the model wherein Louis Bleriot, in 1909, was first to fly across the English Channel), once was an original. Rhinebeck refers to it as a replica because, over the years, for one reason or another, most of it has been replaced. (It wasn't the same Bleriot XI that crossed the Channel: after he became famous, Louis Bleriot was able to sell some 200 copies.) From France, in addition to the Bleriot, there's also a Henriot, a Caudron, a Morane (with one wing falling off), a Demoiselle and an early Nieuport -- all very early aircraft -- and, to round out the French contingent with much more "modern" and powerful WWI models, a SPAD and a late model Nieuport. From Germany, from WWI, a Fokker DR-1 Triplane, a Fokker D-VII and an Albatross. From England, again from WWI, an AVRO 504k and a Sopwith Camel. From the United States, pre-WWI, a Curtiss model 5; from WWI, a JN-4 Jenny (built by the Curtiss Aeroplane Company of Hammondsport, New York); and post WWI, a Great Lakes Speedster. In addition, in a hanger, someone was building a Ryan Monoplane, a replica of the plane flown by Charles Lindbergh, from NY to Paris, in 1927. For those of you who are not familiar with the early history of aviation, these are famous planes. Still more aircraft, many of them less famous, were stored in dark hangers. In addition, there were French and American cars from the period and even a Renault light tank. As for the airshow, it is held at the Aerodrome every Saturday and Sunday, weather permitting, from mid-June through mid-October. When we visited, the planned show was to begin with stunt flying, followed by flights with some very early aircraft, then a simulated WWI dogfight and, finally, more stunt flying. First up was the Great Lakes Speedster for just a bit of stunting, to cut up some TP tossed from the cockpit. Next, the Bleriot, the Henriot and the Curtiss flew just a few feet off the ground before setting down again. Wing-warping, as on the Wright Flyer, banks and turns the Bleriot and the Henriot, and although the Curtiss had ailerons (Glenn Curtiss invented them), the wind was kicking up and the pilots weren't about to try a go-around of the grass field with those old designs and their 35 hp engines, etc. Then the AVRO 504k, an English trainer from WWI, went up. The pilot started a go around but the engine began to cough. At first, I thought it was just part of the show; but then the pilot pulled out of the pattern and moved to land any way he could, with the wind or even crossways to the field, so I knew he was in trouble. Cough, sputter; the plane slowed. Then: silence. "Get the nose down!" I thought, too late. The plane stalled, dropped and disappeared into the trees on the far side of the field. We heard the ugly crunch of its crash. Everyone waited anxiously for the news. It was good: the pilot was reported walking and talking. That was the end of the airshow and, for a time at least, of the AVRO. However, even this near-tragedy was a lesson in the early history of aviation. It recalled the spring of 1917, when the average lifespan of a fighter pilot on the Western Front was two weeks. Most did not succumb to enemy fire but to crashes rather like this one. They were quite mad; wonderfully, heroically mad. Rhinebeck also provides rides in a biplane, for hire: in a powerful and rather more reliable post WWI model. See also our review of the Hudson River Valley National Heritage Area. read more

See all

Love this place, been here a few times already and it never gets dull. It's a living museum of vintage and antique aircraft from the Golden age of Aviation and WWl. Many of these old and historic aircraft are restored and still taking to the skies. In addition to the vast array of aircraft and old radial engines and other things on display they have a nice collection of old cars and other ground vehicles. The best thrill however is the great airshow they put on. Biplanes and triplanes dogfighting in the air complete with the Red Barron, ground vehicles in chase, explosions and a damsel in distress! Really nothing like it anywhere. Excellent place to visit. read more

Old Rhinebeck Aerodrome - Radial engine and fuselage at Old Rhinebeck Aerodrome garyhellerphotography.com - Museums Near Me - Red Hook, New York

See all

Such a cool thing to do! Easy to order tickets online. Fun for everyone! The air show tickets are for 2-5 pm but the show was more like 2:15-4 pm which was actually more ideal since we had a toddler with us. The show is fun and entertaining. There are concession stands with snacks and sodas. You can bring your own chairs or sit on their plank-board benches (beware: they bend under pressure!). read more

The planes are meticulously kept. It was cool to watch them takeoff, maneuver and land. The story during the show is a bit drawn out- could have done without that part. Bring a seat if old wooden benches aren't comfortable for you. read more

Cole Palen's Aerodome Museum and Air Shows are so much fun for adults and kids alike. My daughter and I throughly enjoyed venturing through the museum which shows the exciting heyday of flight through the eyes of the pilots and their planes. The brave young men who thought nothing of hurling themselves through the sky in an open cockpit bi-wing airplane were amazingly courageous and impressive! We were so lucky as a country to have so many young barnstormers who led the country into aviation history. read more

See all

A great family friendly destination. Living museum of WW1 and classic aero planes. Weekly air shows several hangars full of rare aircraft and an impressive museum. read more

Completely in love with this place and would love to come back and see it during the air show which is only conducted during the weekend. Came here during a visit to Hudson, this place is dog friendly so we thought it will be a fun activity to do with our dog. She enjoyed it and so did we. There is no food here during the week, only on the weekend so if your coming during lunch time plan ahead. so much to see here. There is also a cute gift shop with an extremely friendly employee. Highly recommend!!!!! read more

See all

If you want to learn and experience aircraft history, go to Old Rhinebeck Aerodrome! It's a little off the beaten path but they have some great old planes in the museum areas with lots of historical info around, the staff was all super friendly. Additionally I would highly recommend staying for one of their air shows. The air strip is a big grassy field (which helps keep the temp down), there isn't a bad seat in the house, and they have fun with it! Some of the planes they fly and vehicles they drive around you'll be amazed are still even functional. Fun for the kids and very reasonably priced admission. Bring cash for the snack bars! read more

Growing up surround by airplanes in an aviation family, I've always heard about the Rhinebeck Aerodrome. My boyfriend, and good friend/fellow yelper Randy E. were easily persuaded of the necessity of our summer visit when I told them people were actually going to fly around in these antique planes. The Rhinebeck Aerodrome gives you the rare opportunity to witness history. It is incredible to see famous planes that you may have seen in pictures, on history channel, or in school, but actually flying! Air shows are every weekend during the summer (weather permitting of course). They showcase a variety of antique planes and cars from the U.S., U.K., Germany, and France. Check the website for a preview of what they will be flying the day you plan on visiting. Shows simulate dog fighting, perform a few tricks (like stalls), and explain what planes were used for and how they work . The atmosphere is very 1940s with oldies playing on the speakers and period dress is very popular. The nostalgia, with the beautiful Hudson River Valley backdrop is beyond relaxing as your taken to a simpler time. The food stands were great with surprisingly amazing hot dogs, but you can bring your own picnic as well. Picnic tables are set up and plenty of people had coolers for the air show. Bi-plane rides are offered at the very reasonable price of $75 per person complete with seriously cool aviator goggles. The Aerodrome is a gem, preserving these aviation treasures were they should be...in the skies. It's well worth the drive from the city. We made a day of it; catching the air show and grabbing dinner in the charming town of Rhinebeck. Perfect for a day trip out of the city and to a different era. read more

Coming from a huge ww1 fanatic, the aerodrome was a wonderful trip through history. The museum was excellently maintained and very informative. Me and my wife ate at the snack bar and were very impressed with the food,Worth 4 stars alone. We also got a chance to have a conversation with the snack bar owner Eugene, very charming young man. In conclusion, the Old Rhinebeck Aerodrome is truly a gem, and is a must see if you find yourself in the Red Hook area. read more

Stopped by on a Sunday and came upon the airshow featuring fully functional WWI planes, historic cars, music and a performance on the ground enacting a story around the aerial show, all in period costumes. Then topped it off with a biplane ride in the open cockpit D-25 over the Hudson River Valley during golden hour. It was magical! Also, bought the DVD about the history of the Old Rhinebeck Aerodrome in the gift shop - it was very informative and fun to watch. A day traveling back in time! read more

Oh Trudy Truelove! Sir Percy Goodfellow is after your heart, yet you have been kidnapped by The Black Baron! Maybe Pierre de Loop de Loop, the #1 pilot in all of France can assist in bringing you back to safety! With the blink of an eye I'm back to reality and far from the riveting plot lines that envelope the audience at the Old Rhinebeck Aerodrome. Ok, maybe there was a lot of sarcasm there but that shouldn't take away from the magic that the Aerodrome provides. In a day and age too enveloped by cell phones, smart phones, 3D movies, and other technological marvels it is nice to say you can still escape to somewhere like Rhinebeck and experience the old fashion wonders of its WWI air show. Outside of the air show you can experience a variety of vintage aircraft, both re-creations and originals. You may also tour several hangers of aircraft history and a gift shop that is sure to please any aviation enthusiast. If there is a pilot in your family or maybe you're just looking to get away from it all take the trip to the Old Rhinebeck Aerodrome. It's a little slice of Hudson Valley History that hasn't changed for years and is sure to stay that way for quite some time. read more

The Old Rhinebeck Aerdrome is a great symbol of aviation history. They have planes and emergency vehicles and a few old cars, dating back to World War 1 & World War 2. They also have a copy of the Wright Brothers' plane that comes every Saturday to show off their flying skills at an air show they produce. Air shows should happen every Saturday and Sunday, weather permitting. I would like to thank my brother, Bryan B., for helping me write this review. Bryan is an avid airplane fanatic. He is well versed on this place(being a volunteer for the last few months). He wants to be a pilot someday, and with his skills during a Young Eagles Day(at another nearby airport), I do see this happening very soon(and he's only 13 y.o.). He is also very well-trained in flying airplanes on several PC software versions including Microsoft Flight Simulator X, Microsoft Flight Simulator 2004, and Google Earth's Flight Simulator(egg on earlier versions). read more

Wow what a fun, unique and memorable experience! I like airplanes, but would not consider myself an aeronautical nut, but I found myself enthralled. Just some good old-fashioned clean American fun for the whole family. The air show is a full 2 hour (and they use every minute of those 2 hours) show that goes by very fast. For my show, we saw planes from the pre-World War I, World War I and between the two World Wars era planes. We watched one plane take off that is one of the oldest planes in the world still flying. We saw simulated dogfights, planes doing flips and some silly mock theater. We also saw cars of the era, like the Model T. It seems like it's getting harder and harder to find places to take the whole family that doesn't involve staring at a screen or playing a video game. Come to the Aerodrome, sit back and just enjoy being entertained. Then stop by the museum after and see some other planes and memorabilia from the era. I'm not going to post any videos because I don't want to spoil the site of seeing history come alive. read more

I have been wanting to attend one of these events for some time now and it did not disappoint. My boys, age 10 & 12 loved the air show. The pilots were all very friendly. Just be sure to bring bug spray as the bugs during the show were a nuisance. Fun had by all! read more

If a trip to ORA and a ride in a D25 open cockpit biplane are not on your bucket list, rewrite your list. In a word, superb!

The Old Rhinebeck Aerodrome is a treasure, especially for aviation enthusiasts. It is small enough to be intimate and large enough to be forever interesting. Their Saturday adn Sunday airshows have two different themes; the history of early aviation and WW1 aviation, respectively, so you can spend two days there and see different shows. Old Rhinebeck Aerodrome flies aircraft that are just on static display elsewhere because museum founder Cole Palen once told me that these air-planes were meant to fly, and not be tied to the ground. Once I saw Palen take an ancient Bleriot for what was supposed to be taxi demonstration. But due either to an unexpected gust of wind or Palen's desire, the aircraft took to the air. Unfortunately, it then had an unintended meeting with some shrubbery at the end of the runway, resulting in slight damage to the aircraft and none to the pilot. To put it simply, if you are in the area, visit the Old Rhinebeck Aerodrome. If you are not in the area, make it your business to visit the Old Rhinebeck Aerodrome. And while you are there, take a ride over the beautiful Hudson valley area in ORA's New Standard Biplane! read more

Where else can you see living aviation history like this. yeah the show is a little corny but the sound, the smell, the sight of these great aircraft fly is great to see. If you like airplanes you'll love this place. read more

Really great airshow. We missed the first hour and it was still entertaining. We had toddlers, so traveling and touring is always challenging considering nap times and meltdowns, but even the kids could appreciate the stunts. They were afraid of the fake gunshots, and played with dirt but got toy airplanes and overall it was a great time! Hope to go back when they can understand the performance. A really unique experience! read more

My grandson and I enjoyed the humor of the show and he learned a great deal about the planes used. Got nice models, etc., in the little store. Only bad feature = food is WAY over priced. read more

Wonderful adventure being in 1928 biplane flying . The air show was entertaining and visually breathtaking.

First off, I get that this attraction ( or museum etc) is "old". I get that it is outside, and there is grass, mud etc. But it's like they don't even try to keep up the grounds. Other than the area that the planes take off and land, they haven't mowed or picked the weeds in years it seems. The benches that you sit on to watch the air shows, are literally dangerous. They are old, broken and splintered pieces of wood that hover on cinderblocks. Be careful, because you might find yourself on the wrong end of one of those boards! The air shows themselves are just okay. Not really worth the money in my opinion. There is more talk and theatrics than actual airplane stuff. And don't be fooled into thinking the 2 shows they offer on Saturday and Sunday are that different. They are pretty much the same, just a couple of different planes. So you will have wasted your money for sure, if you buy tickets for both shows. And they do not tell you that the air show may be cancelled until 15 minutes before the show. So you are waiting and wasting time, only to find out the show was cancelled due to wind. I get the safety issue. I do. But it didn't stop them from giving $100 per person bi-pane rides in the "wind". Hmmm, me thinks they only want your money, and not worried about "your" safety. As for the "museum" that is included in the show ticket price, it will take you maybe 20 minutes, and good luck trying to read the very few signs that are there explaining what you are looking at. The signs were either so weathered, and faded, you couldn't read them, or they were so far behind the ropes, you couldn't read them, or there wasn't any. It is unfortunate that this "attraction" isn't what it should be. Maybe at one time it was great, but now it was just a huge disappointment. read more

Extremely memorable and fun - I didn't even know things like this still existed. We attended the 2-4pm weekend airshow (there's one on Saturdays and one on Sundays) and had a blast. Great old timey announcer, impressive planes and fun little plotlines. Make sure to visit the museum afterward and learn a bit about the early days of flight! We had a great time. read more

Cole Palen's Old Rhinebeck Aerodrome is pure magic. This place is a time capsule that takes you back to the golden age of aviation and before in a way that no other museum will. I've been coming here since I was about 9-10 years old. Now in my mid 30's it still hasn't lost it's appeal. Nowhere else will you see, hear, smell, and feel the experience of early aviation. And it's not just for aviation buffs. During the scheduled airshows, you are so close to the action that kids and adults alike will be in utter awe. The price of admission is a small price to pay to create a lasting memory that will never be forgotten. read more

Have lived in the area all my life and finally went to a show. Fortunately it also happened to be Steampunk day, which was a total blast. Great turnout of folks in fantastic gear just added to the whole experience. Unfortunately the wind conditions prevented some of the oldest planes from flying, which is the only reason I give it 4 stars and not 5 (Although it was not their fault and they did a great job with what did fly.) My advice is to go on the weekend for the airshow, take the guided museum tour and spend the $100 for the biplane ride. I'm going back for the next Steampunk day! read more

Great place to visit even if you aren't into old airplanes. In fact, if you don't find interest in old airplanes or airplanes in general there's got to be something wrong with you. read more

Today my friend and I took a step back into WWI, but before I begin to say how we did, I want to start from the very beginning. Eric and I are visiting his cousin, who currently resides in Rhinebeck, New York, from Norfolk, Virginia. We wanted to see as much of New York as possible, so we started right here in Rhinebeck. Google gave us a top 10 list of things to do while visiting the area and the Aerodrome instantly caught our attention. We drove down to the museum but found that it would be closed for the winter until May 2015. While stopped in front of the Aerodrome, we were greeted by one of the most aviation enthused personnel you will ever meet. Tim verified that they would be closed until May, but he offered to show us around while he waited on some maintenance personnel to complete some repairs. From the outside, you start with the hangars that spark your curiosity of what is stored in side. Walking inside, you instantly reminisce your childhood when everything was brand new and fascinating. It leaves you with an awe feeling and you start to fantasize what it was like to be a pilot in 1914. Tim thoroughly explained everything he knew about the magnificent flying machines that were resting in the hanger. Watching these planes on TV does not even compare to touching and smelling the planes and oil seeping from the engines. We were able to hear how the Aerodrome came to be and the tragic story of the owner, Cole Palen's first plane and founder of "Old Rhinebeck Aerodrome." From beginning to end, the museum was exciting to see and hear all the stories of each individual types of planes of the Aerodrome. If we were there during the summer time, we absolutely would have paid $75 to ride in a plane over the Hudson River. Thank you Tim, Carl, John, and the Aerodrome staff for giving 2 Marines on leave an experience we will never forget! read more