One of the things people love most about the Lakeland, Florida area is the wonderfully temperate climate we experience here – nearly year ’round. The clear, blue skies and warm temperatures make for terrific vacations, and they’re even more enjoyable for those who decide to make this part of Florida their home.
Of course, such premium weather conditions are also terrific for flying, and the Lakeland area is blessed to have nearby one of the nation’s best air museums – Fantasy of Flight – located in Polk City, Florida.
Just minutes from Lakeland, visitors to Fantasy of Flight can see WW II era fighting machines like this P51C Mustang.
Located just a brief distance down I-4 from the downtown Lakeland area, Fantasy of Flight was Founded by Kermit Weeks, who established this vintage airplane museum as a natural extension of his lifelong passion for aviation and aircraft.
Fantasy of Flight provides Lakeland residents and visitors to the area with a chance to experience one of the world’s greatest collection of fighter planes, a first-class airplane restoration operation, and museum of aircraft history.
What makes this air museum really special is that many of the airplanes Kermit has restored are actually in perfect working order. In fact, Kermit even sets up flying time in some of these planes – including a vintage bi-wing barnstorming plane – for a reasonable fee.
So What Types of Planes Can You See at Fantasy of Flight?
Kermit has brought together a fine collection of vintage airplanes. A few you may see while on a visit to this aviation theme park include:
- North American P-51C Mustang
- Boeing B-17 Flying Fortress
- Mitsubishi A6M5 Zero
- Supermarine Spitfire MK16
- Valkyrie
Friends of ours who served in the military and visit Fantasy of Flight are often amazed when they see these class air machines up close. As Florida is a favored destination for retirees, a trip to see these historic airplanes may come up once in a lifetime. One thing is for sure, both casual visitors and serious aviation history buffs will agree that Fantasy of Flight is a must see Lakeland area attraction.
General Information for Fantasy of Flight
Hours of Operation:
Fantasy of Flight is open 10 am – 5 pm daily, excluding Thanksgiving & Christmas.
Phone: (863) 984-3500
Address:
1400 Broadway Blvd. S.E.
Polk City, FL 33868
Directions:
From Orlando/East/North
Go West on I-4 towards Tampa. Take the SR-559 exit – exit #44. Turn right toward Polk City & Fantasy of Flight. At the flashing red light, turn left. FOF will be less than a 1/4 mile down on your left.
From Tampa/West/South
Go East on I-4 towards Orlando. Take the SR-559 exit – exit #44. Turn left toward Polk City & Fantasy of Flight. At the flashing red light, turn left. FOF will be less than a 1/4 mile down on your left.