For plane enthusiasts in the Metroplex, there simply is no better area to watch aircraft as they take off and land at Dallas - Fort Worth International Airport than at Founders' Plaza. The plaza was dedicated in 1995 as a tribute to founders who together made the airport a major economic stimulus with an international presence. The airport opened in 1974 and today ranks 4th in the world in terms of operations and 11th with passenger traffic. Here's why a visit here for a spectacular view of the airfields should be on your short list:

Founders' Plaza is located at 1700 N. Airfield Drive in Grapevine.

It is open to the public daily from 7:00 A.M. to 7:00 P.M. daily.

The plaza includes an observation area for plane-spotting with picnic benches, free telescopes, and control tower transmissions piped in.

Views are spectacular here by day!

But many enthusiasts love the night views here as well.

Since American Airlines is headquartered here, expect to see a lot of inbound-outbound traffic.

It is the world's largest airline when measured by fleet size, revenue, scheduled passenger-kilometers flown, and number of destinations served.

You simply won't find better view of Dallas - Fort Worth International traffic than right here!

The monument was built to represent significant facts about the airport here.

The four panels represent the four original passenger terminals. The 35-inch wide side panels represent 35 miles between Dallas and Fort Worth. The four center panels are bound on the top and bottom by horizontal bands symbolizing the Airport’s physical relationship between Highway 114 and 183. The total height of the center panel is 8.11-feet representing the 8.11 mile length of the Airport’s property. The overall thickness of the monument is 17.638-inches representing the 17,638 acres originally contained within Airport property.

This bronze statue of three children playing "airplane" adds to the appeal of the plaza area.

The plaza has historical information and references as well.

Plane lovers of all ages often come and spread out on the grassy area and have some outdoor fun while here.

Kids will be so close they can hear, see, and even feel the landings from the observation areas.

The plaza also has a seasonal fountain with plane washing fun for guests.

Have you visited this one-of-a-kind spot to watch the planes take off and land? Even if you aren't an airplane buff, it's pretty cool to watch the system work - even if you just spread out a little picnic blanket to watch the action overhead!