Discover the Historic Lakehurst Airship and Hindenburg Tour in New Jersey

The Lakehurst Airship Hangar Tour offers an extraordinary look inside Hangar One, one of the largest wooden structures in the world and the site where the Hindenburg disaster occurred in 1937. Visitors explore restricted military grounds with trained guides from the Navy Lakehurst Historical Society, gaining rare access to airship history, aviation engineering, and original crash-related locations.
Why it’s special: It is the only public tour in the United States that brings visitors to the exact place where the Hindenburg fell — inside an active military base rarely open to civilians.

History/Story of Lakehurst Airship Base

Established in the early 20th century, Naval Air Station Lakehurst became America’s center for rigid airship research, training, and operations. Massive airships such as the USS Shenandoah, USS Akron, and USS Macon were housed in the enormous hangars here. The most famous event occurred on May 6, 1937, when the German passenger airship LZ 129 Hindenburg burst into flames while docking, marking the end of the airship era. Today, the Navy Lakehurst Historical Society preserves this history through guided tours.

What You’ll See & Do

• Enter Hangar One, a colossal airship hangar built in 1921

• Stand on the precise spot where the Hindenburg crashed and burned

• View historical artifacts, photographs, and airship equipment

• See the mooring circle and learn how airships were launched and recovered

• Explore preserved military architecture, workshops, and archival rooms

• Hear detailed accounts of the Hindenburg disaster and airship innovations

• Learn about NAS Lakehurst’s continued role in naval aviation technology

Visiting Information

Hands-On Elements

This is a guided tour, but guests may view artifacts up close, walk through historic hangar spaces, observe original machinery, and stand at historically significant points on the airfield.

Photo/Video Policy

Photography rules vary because the tour is hosted on a secure military base. Photos are typically allowed only in designated zones. Guides will direct visitors on where photography is restricted.

Souvenirs & Extras

• Books on airships and the Hindenburg

• Historic photographs and aviation memorabilia

• Patches, pins, and Navy Lakehurst collectibles

Practical Info

Because the site is an active U.S. military installation, advance registration is mandatory, and government-issued ID is required for all visitors. Non-U.S. citizens must register well in advance and may face additional vetting. Tours involve significant walking inside large hangars and outdoor spaces. Expect a 2–2.5 hour experience.

Pricing

• Guided Hangar & Hindenburg Tour: approx. $10–$15 per person

• Special group tours or custom programs: pricing varies

• Souvenirs: individually priced

Nearby

• Joint Base McGuire–Dix–Lakehurst visitor areas

• Lakehurst town center

• Double Trouble State Park

• Toms River and Jersey Shore attractions

FAQs

Do I need a reservation?

Yes — tours require advance sign-up due to military security procedures. Walk-ins are not allowed.

Is the tour open to non-U.S. citizens?

Yes, but additional security screening and earlier registration are required.

Can children join the tour?

Children are allowed but must be supervised. Some areas may be restricted depending on base operations.

How much walking is involved?

Moderate to extensive walking inside giant hangars and across outdoor grounds.

Is this a working military base?

Yes — all visitors must follow base rules, remain with the tour group, and comply with identification requirements.