Scott Field Heritage Air Park

Located in southern Illinois, just 18 miles southeast of downtown St. Louis, is Scott Field Heritage Air Park, a small 4-acre park that is located just outside the gate to Scott Air Force Base.  The park is open to the public (free of charge) and displays six retired aircraft that commemorate the history and accomplishments of Scott Air Force Base.

Scott Air Force Base has a long history, first opening in 1917 as one of 32 Air Service training camps that were established after the United States entered World War I.  Over the years, the base has served many purposes, including training pilots, hosting lighter-than-air airships, training radio operators, and providing aeromedical evacuation, aerial refueling, and military air transport.  Currently, Scott Air Force Base is operated by the 375th Air Mobility Wing and provides air mobility operations through its fleet of C-21 aircraft.

The aircraft on display at Scott Field Heritage Air Park include the C-141 Starlifter, KC-135 Stratotanker, C-9 Nightingale, C-130 Hercules, C-140 Jetstar, and C-21 Lear Jet.  Walking paths wind among the aircraft, which are well maintained, and you can walk right up to the airplanes to see up close the details of their construction.

Small, simple, but nicely maintained, Scott Field Heritage Air Park makes a great place to visit on a pleasant day.  Pack some food for a picnic, wander among the airplanes, and contemplate the history of Scott Air Force Base and the far off places these aircraft have seen.  https://www.facebook.com/ScottAirPark

Until next time, keep looking to the sky and keep dreaming.

- Matt