National Soaring Museum, Elmira

About National Soaring Museum

National Soaring Museum, perched atop Harris Hill just outside Elmira, New York, preserves the history of motorless flight through an extensive collection of gliders and sailplanes spanning from the late 1890s to the present day. Visitors explore vintage aircraft, soaring memorabilia, photographs, and archival materials that trace gliding's development from its earliest days through mid-century competitions and post-war culture. The museum's educational exhibits foster understanding of aeronautics and the science of flight. For those seeking hands-on experience, sailplane rides aboard a Schleicher ASK-21 High-Performance Sailplane are available through the adjacent Harris Hill Soaring Corporation. The museum also maintains the United States Soaring Hall of Fame, recognizing individuals who achieved the highest accomplishments in American soaring. Children age 6 and under are admitted free with a paid adult. Admission prices for other ages are published on soaringmuseum.org.