CAF Missouri Wing
Home to the WWII bomber "Show Me," the Commemorative Air Force Missouri Wing is an all-volunteer organization dedicated to preserving and flying historic military aircraft from the World War II era. Based at the St. Charles County Regional Airport (Smartt Field) in Portage Des Sioux, Missouri, the Wing keeps history airborne — not behind glass, but running, flying, and open to the public.
Founded in 1981 in the St. Louis area, the Missouri Wing maintains a remarkable collection of airworthy warbirds. The centerpiece is its North American B-25J Mitchell bomber, "Show Me," delivered to the U.S. Army Air Forces in January 1945 and flown by the Wing since 1982. The B-25 was among the most versatile bombers of the war — famous for the Doolittle Raid and used in every theater for bombing, strafing, reconnaissance, and patrol. Alongside it, the collection includes a Grumman TBM-3E Avenger torpedo bomber (the same type flown by future president George H.W. Bush), a PT-17 Stearman biplane trainer, and an L-3S liaison aircraft.
The Wing's Air Power Campus offers an enriching, hands-on experience that highlights the contributions of military service and aeronautic engineering, serving as an educational platform to inspire future generations. The campus is open to the public every Thursday and Saturday, and private tours can be arranged for groups of eight or more. On-site you'll find a museum of WWII artifacts and memorabilia, plus a gift shop with aviation souvenirs for all ages — caps, t-shirts, hat pins, model aircraft, and more.
For the full experience, the Missouri Wing offers Living History Flight Experience rides, giving visitors the rare chance to fly in remarkable aircraft including the B-25J Mitchell bomber, the TBM Avenger, and the PT-17 Stearman. The Wing flies at roughly 15 airshows a year and hosts signature events of its own, including the annual Wings Over St. Louis and a popular hangar dance fundraiser with 1940s big band music. It's a one-of-a-kind outing for riders, families, and anyone who appreciates living history and the machines that made it.
Highlights
- B-25J Mitchell bomber "Show Me" — an 80-year-old airworthy WWII bomber and the Wing's centerpiece.
- A TBM-3E Avenger torpedo bomber, PT-17 Stearman trainer, and L-3S liaison aircraft.
- Living History Flight Experience rides in the B-25, TBM Avenger, and Stearman.
- A museum of WWII artifacts and memorabilia, plus a gift shop.
- Public open days every Thursday and Saturday; private group tours by arrangement.
- Signature events including Wings Over St. Louis and an annual 1940s hangar dance.
Visiting
The Air Power Campus is located at St. Charles County Regional Airport (Smartt Field), 6390 Grafton Ferry Rd, Portage Des Sioux, MO 63373. It's open to the public every Thursday and Saturday; private tours can be arranged for groups of eight or more. Flight experiences must be booked in advance and are subject to weather and aircraft availability. Hours and event dates can change seasonally, so check the official site before you go.
For current hours, flight bookings, and event schedules, visit cafmo.org
Good to Know Before You Go
- Public days are Thursday and Saturday — confirm hours before visiting.
- Flight experiences must be purchased in advance and depend on weather and aircraft availability.
- Private tours require a group of eight or more, arranged ahead of time.
- The Wing is an all-volunteer, nonprofit organization — admission, ride, and gift shop proceeds support its educational programs.
- As an active airfield, follow all posted signs and staff/volunteer direction around aircraft.
Find more venues here: https://www.illinipowersports.com/all-venues-listings/
Find more info about the CAF Missouri Wing here: https://www.cafmo.org/