MUSEUM SPOTLIGHT

Opening June 10, 2024

Adults: $8.00
Senior Citizens (65+)/Veterans: $7.00
Students (6-17): $5.00
Children (Under 5): FREE

During World War II, the Ford Motor Company's plant in Kingsford built more Model CG-4A Gliders for the United States Army than any other company in the nation at less cost than other manufacturers. The glider featured in this museum is one of only seven fully restored CG-4A World War II gliders in the world. Exciting World War II footage of gliders in action and personal stories of glider riders and pilots help round out the story.

The "Heiserman," a small aircraft constructed by a local pilot, and a ¾-sized Piper Cub replica of the model used extensively during World War II round out the aircraft display. 

The military museum also contains an extensive collection of military uniforms from the Civil War through the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. Other memorabilia includes displays of World War II photographs, Nazi Germany artifacts, a restored World War II vintage Jeep, a 1930s Model AA Ford dump truck and a Model A Ford Tudor sedan.

Also on display is a wall of Military and General Plaques honoring those who served, along with the names of donors and individuals whose time and talents led to the establishment of this museum.

The restoration of the CG-4A glider - and the idea for a glider museum - began when a deteriorated fuselage frame was donated to the Menominee Range Historical Foundation. The glider frame was originally purchased by Olaf and Beatrice Blomquist of Iron Mountain, for $75 from the Ford Motor Company Plant in Kingsford sometime following World War II. The Blomquists sold it to their nephew, Vernon (Janie) Anderson of Metropolitan, in northeastern Dickinson County, where it was used as a play house and hunting camp.

The prized artifact was donated to the Foundation by the Andersons in 2005. Interest generated enough funds to make the restoration possible with enough money to also build a suitable museum to house the aircraft. The World War II Glider and Military Museum opened in July, 2011.