The weather is getting warmer and Spring is upon us. That means summer is just around the corner, and travel plans may be on your mind. Whether you are looking into great vacations for the family or are looking for some Points of Interest near your next work trip, for aviation buffs everywhere our country has a lot to offer. From coast to coast, here are five aviation museums to put on your list to visit this summer.
Future of Flight Museum: Everett, Washington
For airplane enthusiasts in the Pacific Northwest, there are many great museums to choose from. From physics fanatics interested in learning the inner workings of engine propulsion, to children’s activities ranging from flight simulators and hands on building at “Maker Mondays,” the Future of Flight Aviation Center & Boeing Tour has a lot to offer. This museum is fueled by Institute of Flight, a nonprofit whose mission is to “ignite passion for the future of aerospace.” They offer a number of events and educational opportunities year round. Whether your kid is obsessed with airplanes, or you’d like an insider’s look at how 747’s are built, the Future of Flight Museum should be on your list.
Evergreen Aviation and Space Museum: McMinnville, Oregon
Located about an hour from Portland and 40 minutes from Salem, the Evergreen Aviation and Space Museum is another top notch aviation museum. Dedicated to cultivating education, preserving history, and recognizing the service of our veterans, this museum has a lot to offer. Their programs include STEM and aerospace outreach events, history of aviation talks, a number of field trips and science programs for students of all ages and more. Their tours are one of their most popular programs, including general group tours and private tours for groups of over 15 people.
Pima Air and Space Museum: Tuscon Arizona
If you’re in Tucson this summer, Pima Air and Space Museum is the place for you. A non-profit whose mission is to preserve aerospace history and cultivate the industry’s future through education, this 80-acre museum showcases over 300 aircrafts and 125,000 aerospace artifacts. From “Soarin’ Saturdays” where kids get to take on a number of STEM based projects, to the Arizona Aviation Hall of Fame, to speaker series featuring various voices in the air and space industry, the Pima Air and Space Museum has a lot to offer.
Smithsonian Air and Space Museum: Washington D.C.
Perhaps the most well-known aviation museum in America, the Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum should be on your list. With free admission and open 364 days per year, this museum is a great place to visit. From exhibitions and galleries covering history, spaceflight and more, to iMax movies, science demonstrations, a planetarium, this museum is fun and educational for kids and adults alike. Some of their popular points of interest include their museum tours, aviation story times, and a number of interactive flight simulators.
National Museum of the United States Air Force: Riverside, Ohio
If military aviation is your niche of interest, the National Museum of the United States Air Force is the place for you. They have a vast collection of aviation artifacts and a rich collection of documentaries and media recording various pieces of our country’s history. This is a great place for family weekend trips, school trips, or a place to simply fuel your passion for all things aerospace. They are currently showcasing a 100 year commemoration exhibit of World War I, which highlights technologies, service, and struggle of The Great War.
Whether you’re planning to take advantage of your vacation days this summer, planning a family trip, or are interested in learning about the history of aviation innovation in our country, there are many great options. To learn more about J&K Connectors, visit our website today!
Featured image courtesy of Pexels.com.
