F18 Anniversary - National Museum of Transportation

On September 19, 1995, E1 rolled out for all the world to see. Then, on November 29, 1995, the F/A-18 E1 Super Hornet made its first flight leaving from St. Louis, Missouri. Join us for 18 events as we commemorate the 30th Anniversary of the first flight of this historic piece of military might.

September 20th

McDonnell Douglas Day at the Museum

September 27th

Youth Aviation Day

Fold ‘N Fly Paper Airplane Project

Climb in E1 Cockpit for a Photo Op – $30
Advanced Reservations Required, Space is Limited – Sign Up Here

October 9th

Speaker Series: Up There With the Biggest – The Story of Ozark Airlines
Advanced Reservations Required, Space is Limited – Sign Up Here

October 11th

First Flight by a US President

F/A-18 Pilot Panel – 7pm – $30

October 12th

Celebrating 250 years of the US Navy

October 15th

Top Gun Instructor Panel – 7pm – $30
Kevin “Proton” McLaughlin, USN Retired, former Commander of Top Gun;
Technical Advisor – Top Gun: Maverick:

October 18th

Crayons & Cockpits: Coloring Contest Takes Flight at The National Museum of Transportation!

KIRKWOOD, MO — October 6, 2025 — Grab your crayons, fire up your imagination, and get ready for a day of high-flying fun at The National Museum of Transportation’s Crayons & Cockpits Coloring Contest, soaring into action Saturday, October 18 from 11 AM to 2 PM at 2933 Barrett Station Road, Kirkwood, MO!

This colorful celebration is part of a sky-high salute to the 30th Anniversary of the First Flight of the F/A-18 E1 Super Hornet, the very first Super Hornet—and yes, it’s parked right here at the Museum! On loan from the National Naval Aviation Museum in Pensacola, Florida, the iconic E1 first took to the skies on November 29, 1995, launching from St. Louis Lambert International Airport. Now it’s your turn to make some artistic history!

Here’s how it works:
Coloring sheets are ready for takeoff and available now at www.tnmot.org. Young artists ages 3–6 and 7–10 can enter in one of two age groups.

How to Enter:

Color at home and drop off your masterpiece at the Museum’s Welcome Desk during normal hours—just be sure it’s in before 2 PM on Saturday, October 18
OR
Join us on-site and color your way to glory during the event from 11 AM–2 PM on October 18

What do winners receive?
One winner from each age group will receive six (yes, SIX!) tickets to the Museum’s magical holiday experience:
Holiday Happiness…Always on TRACK — where Santa, reindeer, and breathtaking model trains bring the season to life!

Winners will be announced Tuesday, October 20 on the Museum’s website.

Bring your mini-Mavericks and pint-sized Picassos for a family-friendly event where aviation meets imagination! Whether your kiddo dreams of soaring jets or sparkly snowflakes, they’ll have a blast making their mark at this unforgettable celebration.

Fly in, color on, and celebrate 30 years of Super Hornet history—only at The National Museum of Transportation!

Learn more and download your coloring sheet today at www.tnmot.org

About the F/A-18 E1 Super Hornet
The E1 Super Hornet is the first of its kind, symbolizing a major leap in naval aviation. On November 29, 1995, it made its inaugural flight from St. Louis Lambert International Airport. Today, visitors can view this historic aircraft up close, proudly displayed at The National Museum of Transportation.

About TNMOT
The National Museum of Transportation is home to one of the largest and most diverse collections of transportation vehicles in the world. From trains and planes to automobiles and boats, TNMOT inspires curiosity, discovery, and a love for motion through the ages.

Coloring Contest Downloads
Coloring sheet – Ages 3-6 Coloring sheet – Ages 7-10

October 19th

Bygone AIRa (era!)
Ozark Airlines & TWA

October 22nd – November 9th

Legacy Letters Exhibit

November 1st

Military Vehicle Display

Engines, Airplanes & Answers! Full Throttle Fun at The National Museum of Transportation – November 1!

Military Vehicles • Classic Cars • WWII Plane Walkthrough • Trivia Night Fun

Kirkwood, MO — The National Museum of Transportation is kicking into high gear on Saturday, November 1 with a day packed full of vintage vehicles, wartime history, and brain-teasing trivia.

From 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., museum guests can enjoy:

Military Vehicle Display
Brass & Nickel Car Show
Walk-through of the C-47 Transport Plane — the aircraft that carried troops and supplies during WWII!

The Museum will be open 9 a.m. – 4 p.m., and all daytime activities are included with regular admission .

Trivia Night Takes Off at 6 p.m.

Hosted by the Museum’s Young Professionals Board, Trivia Night promises an evening of fun, laughs, and friendly competition.

Doors open at 6 p.m.
Trivia starts at 7 p.m.
Tables of 8 are available for purchase at https://tnmot.org/product/trivia/

Recognized by the Smithsonian Institution for having “one of the largest and best collections of transportation vehicles in the world”
Voted a Top 5 Outdoor Museum in the U.S. by USA Today!