The historic B-29 Superfortress bomber known as FIFI will be on display at the Arkansas Air & Military Museum in Fayetteville from August 26 to 30. This visit is part of the Commemorative Air Force’s AirPower History Tour, offering a rare chance for visitors to see one of the few remaining fully operational B-29 bombers up close.
The aircraft will be parked on the museum grounds at Fayetteville’s Drake Field, with access available daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Besides the static displays, visitors can tour the cockpit of FIFI, diving into the experience of what it was like to command one of these massive four-engine bombers during World War II and the Korean War.
Nearly 4,000 B-29s were built between 1944 and 1960, and the FIFI model has a storied history. It was acquired by the Commemorative Air Force in the early 1970s and painstakingly restored to flying condition—a feat that makes it one of the stars of the AirPower History Tour. On top of viewing the bomber, aviation enthusiasts can purchase flights aboard several of the aircraft visiting Fayetteville, giving an elevated perspective on the importance of these planes in military history.
The B-29 Superfortress played a pivotal role in the US military during World War II, known for its range, bomb load capacity, and advanced technology for the time, including pressurized cabins and remote-controlled gun turrets. Visitors at the Arkansas Air & Military Museum will not only get a look at the engineering marvel but also a physical connection to the pilots and crews who flew these machines in critical combat missions.
Fayetteville’s Drake Field will be buzzing with history and aviation enthusiasts during the tour. The presence of FIFI and other historic aircraft serves as a floating museum of America’s military aviation legacy right here in Northwest Arkansas. Whether you’re a longtime aircraft buff or just curious about what a B-29 looks like up close, this event offers a substantial piece of history that’s not often accessible.
The Arkansas Air & Military Museum, located near Walker Park, is no stranger to celebrating military aviation history. Adding the B-29 bombers to their lineup this week complements their existing collection while drawing attention to the ongoing efforts to preserve these historic aircraft for future generations. The museum grounds have hosted various exhibits before, but the visit from FIFI remains a highlight given the bomber’s rarity and condition.
For locals, this event is a reminder of the deep roots Fayetteville has in honoring and preserving military history, tying back to the community’s appreciation for veteran stories and the technology that helped shape the outcome of World War II and Korean War efforts. The AirPower History Tour, courtesy of the Commemorative Air Force, continues to travel the country to keep this heritage alive, choosing Fayetteville as a significant stop.
Admission to the museum and the aircraft display is available throughout the day, but those interested in flights aboard the participating planes should know that spots tend to fill quickly. The unique opportunity to fly in one of these vintage planes is as close as it gets to stepping back into history — with the added thrill of the open sky over Northwest Arkansas.
Visitors coming from neighboring Bentonville, Rogers, or Springdale will find the short trip to Drake Field worthwhile. It’s the kind of aviation event that can spark interest across generations, from high school students curious about aerospace to veterans appreciating the chance to see the aircraft they once served alongside in person.
Whether you stop by to tour the cockpit, snap photos, or take to the air, the B-29’s visit to Fayetteville adds a distinctive chapter to the region’s calendar this week. It’s a rare chance to experience a flying piece of history right here in Northwest Arkansas.
Source: Fayetteville Flyer
