Planning a guys trip to Portland can be tough. You want fun and unique things to do. The Evergreen Aviation and Space Museum fits the bill perfectly. This blog post will show you why it's a must-visit spot for your group. Are you ready for an adventure through aviation history with some of the biggest and most technologically advanced aircraft ever made?
Do You Like Road Trips?
- The Evergreen Aviation and Space Museum near Portland houses the Spruce Goose, the largest wooden plane ever built with a 320-foot wingspan.
- Visitors can explore interactive exhibits, touch moon rocks, watch plane restorations, and learn about aviation history from early flight to space exploration.
- The museum features a real Titan II missile, space artifacts from NASA missions, and rockets that tell the story of the Space Race.
- Group activities include wave pools, water slides, flight simulators, and tours of aircraft like the SR-71 Blackbird spy plane.
- Admission is $22, with guided tours offered twice daily. The museum opens at 9:00 AM and requires 3-4 hours to fully explore.
We visited the Evergreen Aviation and Space Museum as part of our Oregon road trip, checking out the new Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV. It was the perfect complement to the vehicle as it allowed us to see the merger of art and science.
Highlights of the Evergreen Aviation and Space Museum
The Evergreen Aviation and Space Museum offers a thrilling journey through flight history. Visitors can explore iconic aircraft and space artifacts that shaped our skies and beyond.
The Spruce Goose: A Marvel of Aviation History
The Spruce Goose stands as a true marvel of aviation history at the Evergreen Aviation and Space Museum. This massive wooden aircraft boasts a wingspan of 320 feet, making it the largest plane ever built.
Designed by Howard Hughes for World War II, the Spruce Goose made its only flight in 1947. This flying boat left a lasting mark on aviation despite its short time in the air. Visitors can now see this incredible machine up close in its own exhibit hall, which opened in 2001. The Spruce Goose is the museum's main attraction, drawing aviation fans from all over.
Its size and unique wooden construction make it a must-see for anyone interested in planes or engineering feats. The exhibit offers a rare chance to explore this one-of-a-kind aircraft and learn about its place in history.
Interactive Exhibits and Educational Displays
Interactive exhibits at the Evergreen Aviation and Space Museum bring history to life. Visitors can step inside a Mercury capsule or touch a moon rock. They can also watch experts restore old planes.
These hands-on experiences make learning fun for all ages, so this could be a great option for a father son trip as well. Educational displays cover topics from early flight to space exploration. One exhibit tells the story of Japanese American internment during World War II. Another shows how homebuilt aircraft work.
Guests leave with a deeper understanding of aviation and its impact on society.
The Titan II Missile and Space Exploration Artifacts
The Evergreen Aviation and Space Museum houses a real Titan II missile in a (replica) 30-foot-deep sunken launch silo. This massive rocket stands as a stark reminder of the Cold War era. Visitors can explore a control room linked to the missile, giving them a glimpse into the tense world of nuclear deterrence.
The space hall also showcases key artifacts from NASA's glory days. These include the Apollo 17 Lunar Module and a camera that flew to the Moon. Guests can marvel at displays covering the Mercury, Gemini, and Apollo programs, tracing America's journey to the stars. A replica V-2 missile sits alongside an authentic Redstone rocket as well.
The exhibits bring to life the daring feats of astronauts and the genius of rocket scientists. The museum offers a hands-on look at space exploration's greatest achievements, from Earth-orbiting capsules to lunar landers.
This Museum Is Perfect for a Portland, Oregon Guys Trip
The Evergreen Aviation and Space Museum offers a perfect mix of fun and learning for a Portland guys trip. You'll find cool planes, space gear, and hands-on activities that spark great talks and memories.
Exploring the Legendary Spruce Goose
Step inside Howard Hughes' magnificent H-4 Hercules, the largest wooden aircraft ever constructed, for an awe-inspiring walk-through experience. The sheer scale of this engineering marvel provides endless opportunities for discussion and discovery as you examine every detail of this one-of-a-kind aircraft that only flew once, for about a mile.
Racing in the Flight Simulators
Put your virtual piloting skills to the ultimate test in the museum's advanced flight simulators, where friendly competition reaches new heights. Keep track of everyone's scores as you attempt increasingly difficult maneuvers and challenge each other to master different aircraft, from WWII fighters to modern jets.
Investigating the SR-71 Blackbird
Standing before the sleek, otherworldly form of the SR-71 Blackbird, you'll gain a deep appreciation for this technological marvel that could outrun missiles during the Cold War. Share theories and stories about its classified missions while examining the innovative features that made this aircraft the fastest air-breathing jet ever created, capable of speeds over Mach 3.
Discovering Warbird History
Walk among an impressive collection of meticulously restored military aircraft spanning multiple eras, including rare WWII fighters and Cold War jets. The museum's collection includes everything from P-51 Mustangs to MiG fighters, offering fascinating comparisons of aircraft technology and design across different nations and time periods.
Taking Expert-Guided Museum Tours
The museum offers three distinct guided tour experiences that can transform your visit from great to unforgettable. Here's what each offers:
- The Spruce Goose Experience ($24/person) - This exclusive 15-minute tour gives you rare access to the Spruce Goose's flight deck and cockpit where Howard Hughes made his historic 1947 flight. Limited to 4 people per tour and typically sold out by noon, this behind-the-scenes experience can't be reserved in advance. Pro tip: Head straight to sign up when the museum opens at 9 AM to secure your spot.
- The Evergreen Experience (Free with admission) - Offered twice daily at 11 AM and 2 PM, this comprehensive two-hour tour is led by veteran docents and aerospace professionals who bring the aircraft collection to life. They share detailed insights about each aircraft's history, technology, and the people who flew them. The docents are also available throughout the day in both the Aviation and Space Museums to answer questions even outside of tour times.
- The Nighthawk Briefing ($5 with admission) - Perfect for stealth aircraft enthusiasts, this 30-minute deep dive into the F-117 covers its development, stealth technology, and combat history. Offered weekdays at 11 AM and 3 PM, your ticket helps fund the ongoing restoration of their F-117. Members get 20% off, but note this tour isn't available on weekends.
Tips for Planning Your Visit
Planning your visit to the Evergreen Aviation and Space Museum can make your trip smoother. Here are some tips to help you get the most out of your experience
- Plan at least 4 hours, the Spruce Goose in the Aviation building deserves an hour alone. Tickets can be purchased online, currently $28.43 (including fee) for Adults and $13.73 for ages 5-15.
- Hit the Spruce Goose first thing at 9 AM opening - not only is it the museum's crown jewel, but you'll get unobstructed photos and can climb into the cockpit without waiting in line. Most tour groups arrive around 10:30.
- Take the 11 AM docent tour if you're interested in WWII aircraft - several of the docents are retired military pilots who share incredible stories about flying these planes. They're especially knowledgeable about the B-17 Flying Fortress and P-51 Mustang.
A Must-Visit Destination for Men Who Love Aviation!
The Evergreen Aviation and Space Museum offers a unique blend of history and fun for any guys trip. From the massive Spruce Goose to space artifacts, it's packed with cool stuff to see and do.
Your group can explore planes, learn about space travel, and even catch a movie. This museum near Portland gives you a chance to bond over shared interests in aviation and space. Make sure to add it to your trip plans for an unforgettable day out with the guys.
