What happens when a former Women Airforce Service Pilot and a WWII veteran decide the world needs a better way to honor the history of flight? You get one of the most thrilling, action-packed museums in the entire Midwest. The Kalamazoo Aviation History Museum was founded in 1977 by former Women Airforce Service Pilots (WASPs), Sue Parish and WWII pilot Preston “Pete” Parish. What started as a passionate personal mission has since grown into something far grander — a Smithsonian-affiliated powerhouse that blends aerospace history with genuine, heart-pounding fun.
Voted the “Best Place to Take Out-of-Towners” and “Best Place to Spend a Day with Your Family” three years in a row, the Kalamazoo Air Zoo features more than 100 rare and historic air and space artifacts, amusement park-style rides, Full-Motion Flight Simulators, a newly renovated Quonset hut-style Missions Theater, as well as historical exhibits and educational activities. Whether you’re a die-hard aviation buff or just looking for an unforgettable afternoon, this place consistently delivers more than expected.
Incredible Aircraft You Won’t See Anywhere Else
The Air Zoo holds many historical and rare aircraft, including the world’s fastest air-breathing aircraft, the SR-71B Blackbird. The museum also houses an XP-Ascender, a 1940s prototype fighter aircraft. These aren’t dusty relics behind velvet ropes — they’re dramatic, larger-than-life machines that command the room and stop you mid-step.
In December 2020, the Air Zoo acquired an F-117A Nighthawk on loan from the United States Air Force — the first stealth fighter to be donated to a non-governmental museum. That single fact alone makes a detour to Portage worth every mile. Many of the antique planes housed here are still airworthy, adding a living, breathing quality to the collection that most museums simply can’t match.
Rides, Simulators & Theater Experiences
With the 3D HD Full-Motion Flight Simulator, you can take control of a plane and do stunts, experience a dogfight over the Pacific, or battle robots — and it’s one of the most advanced flight simulators in the country, projecting 360 degrees with full-motion action including barrel rolls and high-speed maneuvers. It’s the kind of experience that leaves your hands shaking and your face grinning.
Among its other attractions is a 180-degree theater that projects a simulation of a B-17 bombing mission during World War II, plus various amusement rides including flight simulators of a rocket trip to Mars, a U.S. Navy F/A-18 Hornet (a former Blue Angel aircraft), a stunt biplane, a hot air balloon, and a U.S. Navy F-14A Tomcat that served aboard the USS America. The sheer variety here is staggering — there’s something for every age and comfort level.
The theater moves with you as you experience being dropped into the middle of a WWII bombing mission or breathtaking star trails traveled by NASA astronauts — all from your seat. From May through September, you can even take a real Bi-Plane Ride with the museum’s own bi-plane expert, Waldo Wright. That seasonal biplane experience alone is something you’ll be telling friends about for years.
Exhibits That Tell Stories Worth Hearing
An interactive Air Zoo original timeline celebrates the exciting contributions of more than 50 outstanding women across more than 100 years of aviation and space exploration history. The museum also hosts the Black Wings exhibit, created by the Smithsonian, honoring African American contributions to aerospace and aviation. These aren’t afterthoughts — they’re vivid, thoughtfully designed experiences that give fuller meaning to the story of human flight.
The Guadalcanal Memorial Museum is a multi-sensory and immersive exhibit on the battles of the Guadalcanal Campaign of World War II. The museum also features the Michigan Aviation Hall of Fame and the Wild Weather Exhibit, which examines the science of severe weather including the destruction of tornadoes and flying through a hurricane. The breadth of topics covered here — from military history to meteorology — is genuinely impressive.
The Live WWII Restoration Program
The Air Zoo is the proud home to a nationally recognized restoration program. The Restoration Team consists of more than 80 volunteers who dedicate their time to restoring WWII aircraft rescued from the bottom of Lake Michigan after more than 65 years — and this experience takes place on the exhibit floor, where all guests are welcome to interact with the team and get an up-close experience with the aircraft. Watching skilled craftspeople breathe new life into a sunken warplane is nothing short of mesmerizing.
Atmosphere & The “Century of Flight” Mural
From the moment you walk through the doors, you’re transported. The sheer scale of the place is impressive, with colossal aircraft suspended from the ceilings as if caught mid-flight. The energy is palpable — this is not a hushed, tip-toe-through-the-gallery kind of museum. It buzzes with life.
The main entrance holds the world’s largest hand-painted indoor mural: “Century of Flight” by aviation artist Rick Herter, a 25,000-square-foot tribute to the history of flight. Stretching an astonishing 800 feet wide and 32 feet tall, it wraps you in aviation history before you’ve even reached the first exhibit — a jaw-dropping welcome that sets the tone for everything to come.
The Air Zoo provides two exciting and unique centers on its campus for visitors to explore and discover aviation, engineering, science, technology, math, and art. Both centers are included in general admission, are open 360+ days a year, and are easily accessible by car or a 5-minute walk. A free shuttle also runs between the two facilities, making it easy to take in everything without rushing.
Other Considerations
How’s the pricing? Some visitors note that certain attractions may require additional fees, but the overall value for the admission price is considered good. Tickets can be purchased online in advance or at the door, and the best part — admission purchased online is not date-specific and can be used at any time. That kind of flexibility is genuinely handy for trip planning.
Is it good for families with young kids? Absolutely. There’s a toddler room, rides for kids, and the museum itself suits all ages. The youngest visitors have dedicated spaces to play and explore, while older kids and adults can dig into the history and simulators. It’s a genuinely rare attraction where a multi-generational group all walks away happy.
How much time should I plan for? Give yourself and your family at least 4–5 hours to do the experience real justice. With two full centers, multiple exhibits, rides, simulators, and the live restoration program, it’s easy to lose track of time in the best possible way.
What about parking? Both centers have free parking for convenience. No parking headaches here — just pull up and head inside.
Any military or service discounts? As a Blue Star Museum partner, the Air Zoo offers active duty military — including the National Guard and Reserve — and their families free access from Armed Forces Day through Labor Day. Discounts are also available for police and fire personnel, purchased at the door.
Air Zoo Aerospace & Science Museum
📍 6151 Portage Rd, Portage, MI 49002
Website: https://www.airzoo.org
