How can you live so close and not visit the famed Spruce Goose! Located at McMinnville airport this is the crowned jewel of the Evergreen Aviation & Space Museum. This isn’t your normal vintage airplane display – they have everything from SR71 to B17 to a Mercury Space Capsule, and many more.
In addition to the aircraft static displays the museum also boasts a 3D Imax theater with hourly showings of aviation movies. I’m not a big 3D fan but I’m not about to pass up F18 training or the last Hubble mission Imax style!
If that isn’t enough, a waterpark is planned to open in 2011 complete with a 747. If you ever wanted to jump out the emergency exit and go down the slide here is your chance! When the kids get bored drop them off at the waterpark and grab a sandwich at one of two cafes. There is enough here to occupy you all day and enough variety to interest everyone.
Airport Considerations
McMinnville airport is located about 25 miles south of Portland and a comfortable flight under 2 hours from Seattle. Detour slightly east of a direct course and get some sight-seeing of Mount St. Helens along the way. When you get there Cirrus Aviation has ramp parking and tie-downs available. Call the Museum for a free shuttle. If you want a meal before heading back, ask to borrow the crew car and try the Golden Valley Brew Pub. The standard courtesy is to put a few dollars gas in the car and top off the airplane in exchange for their hospitality.