[1][2] The Grissom Air Museum was started in 1987 when aircraft were moved to an area outside the northern main gate from a location on base.

[3][failed verification] Its fortunes began to decline in 1992, when the Air Force announced that six airplanes at the museum would be transferred to other sites.

[4] Less than a year later, a feasibility study suggested that the museum needed new leadership and additional funding.

[47][48][49] The entire Grissom Air Reserve Base and aircraft display are visible from the top of the five-story Cold War-era Observation Tower.

[50] Events on location include the Open House, Armed Forces Day Celebration, GUS Fly In, and Warbird Cruise-In.