A 1944 B-29 Bomber Is Giving Rides This Week In Sioux Falls

The excitement continues to build for this weekend's airshow in Sioux Falls.

Power on the Prairie will fill the skies over Sioux Falls Regional Airport on Saturday and Sunday, July 18-19, bringing everything from military aircraft to high-flying aerobatic performances to thousands of aviation fans from across eastern South Dakota, southwest Minnesota, northwest Iowa, and beyond.

A true piece of American history rolled onto the runway at Joe Foss Field on Sunday, as the legendary B-29 DOC arrived in Sioux Falls ahead of the festivities.

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According to Dakota News Now, DOC isn't just another vintage airplane. It's one of only two airworthy Boeing B-29 Superfortress bombers left flying anywhere in the world. That makes every landing, and every takeoff, a rare event.

Built by Boeing in 1944, the massive bomber served the United States until 1956 before eventually being retired. After spending decades out of service, DOC underwent an incredible 16-year restoration, returning this historic aircraft to the skies for future generations to experience and enjoy.

If you hear a deep, unmistakable rumble over Sioux Falls early this week, there's a good chance it will be DOC making its presence known.

Chief pilot Mark Novak told Dakota News Now,

"Everybody always asks what it's like to fly. I tell everybody it's like a pickup truck on a gravel road. She's a big girl, a little squirrely. The ailerons, which we use to make turns, are 25 feet long. So when you're slow, and you make a turn, she sort of wallows a little bit. But once you get up above 180 to 200 miles per hour, she flies really tight."

That description alone is enough to make aviation enthusiasts excited. Imagine climbing aboard a living piece of World War II history that still flies more than 80 years after it was built.

Here's the deal, however: DOC won't be sticking around for the weekend airshow.

The historic bomber is scheduled to depart the Sioux Empire after Wednesday, July 15, as it continues its nationwide tour. That means if seeing one of the world's last flying B-29s is on your bucket list, the clock is ticking.

Even better, this isn't one of those "look, but don't touch" opportunities. A limited number of ride experiences are available, giving passengers the chance to fly aboard one of the most iconic military aircraft ever built. Ground tours are also offered, allowing visitors to explore the bomber up close and learn about its remarkable history.

Whether you're a lifelong aviation buff, a history enthusiast, or simply looking for a memorable family outing before Power on the Prairie takes over Sioux Falls this weekend, seeing the B-29 DOC in person is something you won't soon forget.

Get information on flight schedules, ride availability, and ground tours here.