Oregon's Evergreen Aviation Museum in McMinnville
Home of Howard Hugh's Spruce GooseThe Evergreen Aviation Museum in McMinnville, Oregon houses the famous "Spruce Goose" designed by Howard Hughes during World War II. The HK-Flying Boat was a prototype to be used for transporting military equipment and troops.
wyzik, Creative Commons
The Spruce Goose is actually built out of birch, not spruce. It was built of wood to conserve on metals which were needed for other purposes during the war. This airplane is so big it is impossible to take a shot of the whole thing inside of the museum because you cannot get far enough away from it. It has eight engines, a wing span of 318 feet, and a tail that is eight stories high.
While the Spruce Goose is the main attraction of the museum, there are plenty of exhibits to keep the aviation enthusiast busy for several hours.
WireLiz, Creative Commons
Other exhibits are:
There are other aircraft including helicopters and reconnaisance planes. There is a cafe, farm store with wine tasting room, and an IMAX theater to visit. Groups of 15 or more can have group rates but must book two weeks in advance. There is good access for the disabled and wheelchairs are available for free.
Stu Seeger, Creative Commons
The Space Museum is in a separate building. Tickets for one or both museums can be purchased in several different combinations depending on where you want to spend your time. Allow at least two hours to see the Evergreen Aviation Museum.
The museums are open every day from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm and are closed Thanksgiving, Christmas, and Easter Sunday.
Address:
500 NE Captain Michael King Smith Way
Hotels in McMinnville:
Bed and Breakfast in McMinnville:
A Tuscan Estate Bed and Breakfast Youngberg Hill Vineyards and Inn
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