The Museum of Flight is an unexpected treasure that caught me off guard. An impressive collection with over 150 aircraft and 25,000 smaller objects, I am sure there is something to catch everyone’s attention.
It seemed everywhere we turned, we saw a record-breaker or a new (for its time) creation. There was a multitude of different planes, from the fastest, to human-powered, and to ones flown on by former presidents Eisenhower, Kennedy, and Johnson. Even rocket scientist hubby saw things he had only ever heard about before.
The most unique opportunity is a 30-minute shuttle trainer tour of an actual Full Fuselage Trainer (FFT). that was used by NASA astronauts to prepare for a Space Shuttle flight. There is more on this, plus photos below.
To be honest, I intended to stay for about 90 minutes. Four hours later, even I was still captivated, learning, and enjoying every moment. Huge planes hang overhead side by side with smaller ones, flight simulators allow visitors to fly (most for an extra fee), spacecraft link us to outer space, and the signage connects the craft to key moments in history.
A few of the really cool airplanes at the Museum of Flight, Seattle
Reserve your entry tickets in advance.
The world’s fastest and highest-flying
This particular Lockheed M-21 Blackbird is the sole survivor of its type. It is still the world’s fastest and highest-flying air-breathing production aircraft, the Blackbird series has cruising speeds of more than Mach 3 and the ability to fly at over 25,500 m (85,000 feet).
It’s pretty impressive for planes conceived almost 50 years ago. This one, built in 1963, has an interesting history, including the CIA and drones. Read more about it here.
A human-powered plane
In 1979, the human-powered Gossamer Albatross successfully crossed the English Channel. The plane on display is the Gossamer Albatross II, built to identical specs as a backup plane, and used in some of NASA’s testing.
The first Airforce One jet
How often do we get to get on board Air Force One? Yet there it is, the first Airforce One sits in the Museum of Flight’s Airpark. Entering from the rear, we walked first through the press quarters, then the “flying oval office.”
It’s a modified Boeing 707 used during the Eisenhower, Kennedy, and Johnson administrations.
The world’s first fighter plane
This Caproni Ca.20 is the world’s first fighter plane. It is an original, an Italian fighter from 1914, and the oldest in the Museum of Flight collection.
Go inside the Full Fuselage Trainer (FFT) used by every NASA Space Shuttle astronaut
The most unique opportunity is a 30-minute shuttle trainer tour of the Full Fuselage Trainer (FFT). Every NASA astronaut who flew on the Space Shuttle used this FFT.
The cargo bay (in the photo just below), is open to the public. However, getting inside the FFT crew compartment requires a special tour. Be sure to check restrictions before you book. Tours are limited to six people per session, have lots of restrictions, and require an extra fee.
We joined a tour and got to go inside the Space Shuttle trainer crew compartment of the FFT. Just like the astronauts, we crawled in through the small, round hatch.
The space inside began to feel quite small after only a few minutes. I can’t imagine being in there with six other astronauts for multiple days (NASA would never have selected me for astronaut training).
- Inside the Space Shuttle trainer crew compartment of the FFT.
- And to answer the question on everyone’s mind – this is the “dreaded” toilet on the FFT. Lack of privacy seems to be the least of its drawbacks.
Still more cool things at the Museum of Flight, Seattle
The original Boeing Factory – the Red Barn
Nicknamed the “Red Barn,” the original Boeing Factory has been a part of the museum since 1982 and now is home to Boeing memorabilia and other interesting documentation, including original letters from the Wright brothers.
There’s a huge WWII Gallery
And, just for fun, in late October, the museum converts its trench area in the WWII exhibit to a “Museum of Fright.”
Aviation Pavilion
The Aviation Pavilion opened on 25 June 2016 and was nearly completed when we visited. It houses planes ranging from a DC-2 to the Concorde.
When the real flight crews visit theMuseum of Flight
The museum encourages flight crews who visit to leave their signatures on inconspicuous areas of their planes (like the front wheel well). While we saw this in a few spots, the most impressive to me was the space shuttle flight crew of the STS-135 signatures on the FFT at the Museum of Flight:
There’s much more. This is only some of it:
- The Flight Zone allows kids hands-on experimentation with cockpits, instrumentation, a balloon gondola basket, and more. Special workshops or activities are available on weekends.
- A simulated air traffic control tower overlooks the King County International airstrip.
Getting to theMuseum of Flight: Will you drive or fly?
You’ll find the Museum of Flight about 9 miles south of downtown Seattle at 9404 East Marginal Way.
While there is plenty of free car parking available, there are also five airplane spots. Importantly, if you have a private plane, and plan to use it to arrive, be sure to book one of the spots at least a day in advance.
Things to know before you visit the Museum of Flight
- The museum is open daily from 10am to 5pm.
- On the first Thursday of each month, the museum has a late night with free entry from 5 to 9 pm.
- You can experience the museum on your own, join a docent-led tour, or rent an audio guide that is available in seven different languages.
- There is a cafe with sandwiches, snacks, and beverages.
- The Museum of Flight is a Smithsonian Affiliate institution.
Reserve your entry tickets in advance.
Final thoughts
Having enjoyed both the Cite de L’Espace in Toulouse France, and MOTAT’s Aviation Hall in Auckland New Zealand, my expectations were high, yet they were still vastly exceeded. It is more than the sheer magnitude of exhibitions, it is the impressive nature of the aircraft and the tie to our lives that really hit me.
I am sure there is something to catch the attention of everyone here. Despite being off of the beaten path, I honestly believe that the Museum of Flight is a must-see in Seattle. Allocate at least two hours, four would be better, and if you want to see it all, and try out everything, give it a day.
We visited as part of a road trip in America that brought us to Seattle for the better part of a week. While there are tons of cool things to do in Seattle, the Museum of Flight is a definite highlight.
There are quite a few other things to do in the Seattle area. Check out this list of day excursions from Seattle.
Reserve your entry tickets in advance.
Save on your trip with these resources
These are our go-to companies when we travel. We believe this list to be the best in each category. You can’t go wrong using them on your trip too.
- Flights: we use Expedia for the best and cheapest flight options.
- Accommodations: we use Booking.com (hotels), VRBO (self-contained), or Hostelworld (budget).
- Cars (gas or electric): we use RentalCars to search for deals and dealer ratings.
- Motorcycles: we have heard good things about BikesBooking.
- Private guides: we often find the best option is to work with a private guide from Viator.
- Travel Insurance: while not required, we always opt for travel insurance and start at InsureMyTrip to compare coverage plans.
Check out our travel resources page for more companies that we use when you travel.
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Have you been to the Museum of Flight? Will you add a Shuttle Trainer Tour when you visit?
Disclaimer: We were guests of the Museum of Flight’s PR department, and given a complimentary tour. The opinions expressed here are strictly my own.
Faylinn
Because I have always been interested in aircraft, I think that I would be very interested in going to this Museum of Flight. I especially think that I would like to visit the WWII Gallery. However, do you know whether or not the planes that are in that exhibit were actually used by people from the Washington area. If so, then I think that that would be really personal and cool.
Rhonda Albom
The planes were real and most were used in military service. I have no idea where the pilots were from.
kid can doodle
I recall going to see the Spruce Goose when I was little and thinking it was so boring! I’ve been to Nasa and similar museums.
Rhonda Albom
This museum might surprise you. I was never bored.
JOY
Wow! Thanks for the tips!
Rhonda Albom
๐
Rhonda Albom
And there is so much more than I covered here.
Patrick Weseman
Loved that place when I was there. It is a wonderful place.
Rhonda Albom
It just keeps on getting better. The Aviation Pavilion opens next week.
Cascia Talbert
I lived in Washington state for 4 years, but never visited Seattle. That museum looks really cool!
Rhonda Albom
Such a beautiful state. Funny how we all tend to skip things closer to home.
JM Illinois
My older son and I went to a flight museum in Hartford, CT area and enjoyed it very much. If I ever get to state of Washington, I would enjoy visiting this museum. Impressive! Very nice photographs.
JM
Rhonda Albom
I would keep it on a must see destination list when in Seattle.
Merlinda Little (Glimmer of Hope)
Ummm WOW!
We have a museum near us and its nothing compared to this! My son would love to be there and I am sure he would never wantto leave!
Rhonda Albom
You captured my first thoughts as we entered the initial big room.
Lexa Cain
How wonderful! I bet your husband was in heaven. I’m amazed the 1914 plane is still in relatively good condition. They must take especially good care of it. The shuttle looks like it has 1000 switches in there! Funny that they showed you the toilet!
Rhonda Albom
Yes, hubby was in his element, happy as larry. As for the planes, many are refurbished, and all are well cared for. The shuttle – yes, way to many switches for me to remember what they all do. It’s a small space, and the toilet is a interesting element of it.
indah nuria
Seattle certainly has a lot to offer! I haven’t got a chance to visit this beautiful city ๐
Rhonda Albom
Honestly, I had no idea I would enjoy it so much. I think it is now my favourite US city.
Hilary
Hi Rhonda – it must be amazing to have gone round with your knowledgeable expert hubby … what an array of machines … thanks for the photos – cheers Hilary
Rhonda Albom
Even better we had a guide from the PR department and he could answer either of us in a way we each understood. Plus my niece was with us, so it was an awesome day.
Gina Gomez
This is very informative and a big help for our young geniuses who wished to be an astronaut someday. Actually, I met a child a week before I came across this site. I asked Him what he wanted to be when he grow up. He answered me that He wanted to be a Pilot someday. I was amazed, in his little age, he already has a plan for his life. I wish that kid could take a visit at this place. I’m pretty sure he will enjoy it.
Rhonda Albom
Maybe someday he will.
Joyce Lansky
We need to go back to Seattle since we missed this museum.
Rhonda Albom
I really enjoyed Seattle, it was full of interesting things to do (and my favorite niece joined us for the weekend).
Alex J. Cavanaugh
Nope, would not want to use that toilet!
Fascinating. I would’ve wandered for hours as well.
Rhonda Albom
LOL – Remember, you would be up in space, for days or weeks – I think you would have to give in at some point and use it.
Brenda Marie
Looks like you had fun. I love going to museums.
Rhonda Albom
So much fun, and more than I imagined making it a double win.
Comedy Plus
I would love to see that for real. How fun and educational.
Have a fabulous day. ๐
Rhonda Albom
Oh, it was only a few long hours away from your recent trip ๐ Maybe next time you can plan to include Seattle. It’s a great city.