Little known Lyon Air Museum Tucked Away by John Wayne Airport

The Lyon Air Museum is discreetly located directly next to Orange County's John Wayne Airport at 19300 Ike Jones Road, in Santa Ana, and it is a genuine treasure. It was founded by retired Major General William Lyon, who also happens to be the founder of William Lyon Homes. This museum contains fully restored and flyable aircraft, vehicles, and related memorabilia, all with a primary emphasis on World War II.

Lyon Air Museum - 19300 Ike Jones Road, Santa Ana, Ca. 92707

All of the aircraft on display are phenomenal, but the B-17 Flying Fortress is possibly the most significant due to it notoriety. It has been portrayed in several movies including Twelve O'clock High (1949) and Memphis Belle (1990). The one on display at the Lyon Museum is named the "Fuddy Duddy," and it looks great!


Boeing B-17 Flying Fortress

The Flying Fortress is large and nearly impossible to capture in one photo. Needless to say, it is an awesome sight!

Boeing B-17 Flying Fortress 

The Douglas C-47 Skytrain was used by the allies as troop transports, towed gliders, and dropped paratroops. In the opening hours of D-Day, C-47's dropped 13,000 paratroops into occupied France.


Douglas C-47 Skytrain

Here is the Douglas DC-3 Flagship Airliner sporting colors for American Airlines.

Douglas DC-3 Flagship Airliner

The North American B-25 Mitchells were medium range bombers used in the Doolittle Raid over Tokyo during WWII.

North American B-25 Mitchell

There are many classic cars sprinkled throughout the Lyon Museum along side the planes. Most of the cars belong to Mr. Lyon and are periodically rotated within his vast collection.

North American B-25 Mitchell with Classic Car

The Douglas A-26 Invader, "Feeding Frenzy."


Douglas A-26 Invader

Hitler's touring Mercedes was outfitted with folding seats so he could stand and greet the crowds, various compartments for pistols, and of course bullet proof windows. Ah, the spoils of war!


1939 Mercedes Staff Car

Overall, these are just a few samplings of the Lyon Museum. It really is a relatively unknown attraction in Orange County and worth a visit if you are in the area. It is awesome that Mr. Lyon has created this museum to share these treasures. Thank you sir!