ATTENDEES
HOURS OF OPERATION
Showtimes for this year’s event are:
9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. – Thursday, September 10, 2026
9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. – Friday, September 11, 2026
9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m – Saturday, September 12, 2026
Demonstrations rides will be completed at the discretion and scheduling of the exhibitors.
ENTRANCE FEES
FREE!!!
AUTOMOTIVE AND AIRCRAFT PARKING FEES
FREE!
CAMPING
FREE!
SHUTTLE/TRANSPORTATION SERVICES
FREE!
To ease travel worries and save you money, the Midwest Aviation Expo Committee has arranged
for shuttle service between the airport and “The Strip” during the Expo hours.
Shuttles will run every half hour at peak times and every hour in mid-afternoon.
For those flying in, a special shuttle has been arranged to operate between the
transient/long term aircraft parking area and the main ramp.
The transient aircraft parking area shuttle will operate continuously all three days of the event.
Both shuttles are free!
ACCOMMODATIONS
Hotels:
Mt. Vernon, Illinois boasts over 1200 hotel rooms to fit any budget.
Perhaps the best feature is that all of our hotels are located
in the same area of our City within walking distance from one another.
The hotels are near two shopping areas, numerous chain restaurants, and an eight screen movie theater.
Imagine a mini Las Vegas Strip right here in the Midwest (without the gambling of course)!
For lack of a better term we will call it “The Strip”.
Our Preferred Hotels
145 North 44th Street
Mt Vernon, IL 62864
(618) 246-5201
CLICK HERE
FOR THE GROUP DISCOUNT LINK
OR
call Drury Hotel Mt. Vernon direct at (618) 246-5201
and ask for the Midwest Aviation Expo rate.
Cut off date to receive group rate: August 8, 2026
The rate for a room with (2) Queen Beds is $120 plus taxes on Wed. and Thurs.
and $126 plus taxes on Friday and Saturday.
The rate for a room with (1) King Bed is $185 plus taxes on
Wed. and Thurs. and $175 plus taxes on Friday and Saturday.
DoubleTree by Hilton Mt. Vernon
222 Potomac Blvd, Mt Vernon, IL 62864
(618) 244-7100
DoubleTree by Hilton Mt. VernonThe Standard Rate is $139 plus taxes
and includes a full buffet breakfast.
MAKE YOUR RESERVATIONS EARLY,
BOTH OF THESE HOTELS HAVE A TENDENCY TO SELL OUT!
The hotel will sell out, make your reservations now!
To view additional accommodation options,
please click here:
https://www.enjoymtvernon.com/plan-your-stay/hotels/
Camping:
For those seeking adventure, camaraderie with other campers,
or simply being outdoors, camping is available at the airport.
Campers usually prefer the beautiful lakeshore
shelter area to roughing it under an airplane wing.
The shelter area is closer to the bathroom and shower facilities as well.
Please be aware only four showers are available at the airport,
so this needs to be taken into consideration for all those considering camping.
Food:
No need to leave the airport.
The Bonnie Café is one of the area’s most popular restaurants.
The on-site restaurant offers a massive selection of reasonably priced
home-cooked meals, burgers, and all-day breakfast favorites.”
Over 70 restaurants are located in Mt. Vernon.
Many famous chains as well as local proprietors offer something for everyone.
COST OF LIVING
Southern Illinois is one of the most affordable areas in the country to work and raise a family.
This will be passed on to our Midwest Aviation Expo visitors via affordable goods and services.
Although the Midwest Aviation Expo Committee can not control prices charged at the chain restaurants,
we can promise affordable prices at the event site.
EVENT LOCATION
Mt. Vernon, Illinois is located near the southern tip of Illinois at the intersection of Interstates 57 and 64.
Arriving by automobile?
Mt. Vernon is just over one hour by ground from downtown St. Louis.
3 hours from Louisville, Kentucky.
4 hours from Nashville and Memphis, Tennessee.
4 hours from Indianapolis, Indiana.
4.5 hours from Chicago.
5 hours from Kansas City, Missouri,
and 7 hours from Columbus, Ohio.
Arriving by airline?
Mt. Vernon Outland Airport lost its Essential Air Service subsidy in 1999.
The loss of EAS meant the loss of commercial service to a fine airport.
However, there are nice options for arriving via commercial or
commuter airlines.
Airports to get you to Mt. Vernon Airport
Home of the Midwest Aviation Expo
Lambert St. Louis International Airport (KSTL)
1.5 hours from Mt. Vernon via rental car
Nearly all major airlines serve KSTL
All rental car agencies are located at KSTL
Bootheel Area Rapid Transportation B.A.R.T.
(B.A.R.T. can be reached at (573) 335-0844)
Evansville Regional Airport (KEVV)
1.5 hours from Mt. Vernon via rental car
Nice Airport, uncongested drive to Mt. Vernon
Most commuter airlines serve KSEW
Most rental car agencies are located at KSEW
Bootheel Area Rapid Transportation B.A.R.T.
(B.A.R.T. can be reached at (573) 335-0844)
MidAmerica St. Louis International Airport (BLV)
1 hour from Mt. Vernon via rental car
Located in Mascoutah (IL), St. Clair County
on Scott Air Force Base
Allegiant Airlines serves MidAmerica Airport
Direct flights to 12 destinations
Enterprise Rent-a-Car, call (618) 624-2811
Transportation Network Companies
Uber, Lyft, etc., download app from (BLV) website