Air Zoo Aerospace & Science Museum | Kalamazoo

The Air Zoo Aerospace & Science Museum, located at 6151 Portage Road in Portage, Michigan, is a world-class aviation and space museum known for its extensive and diverse collection of historic aircraft, interactive exhibits, and immersive experiences. Affiliated with the Smithsonian Institution, it is widely regarded as one of the top aerospace museums in the United States, appealing to aviation enthusiasts, families, students, and history buffs alike.

History and Background

Founded in 1979 by Suzanne “Sue” Parish, a former Women Airforce Service Pilot (WASP), and her husband Pete Parish, a World War II Marine aviator, the museum began as the Kalamazoo Aviation History Museum. It was renamed the “Air Zoo” in 1999, inspired by the animal-themed nicknames of many of the museum’s aircraft, such as the Wildcat, Hellcat, Bearcat, and Flying Tiger. This playful naming reflects the museum’s commitment to making aerospace history accessible and engaging.

Facilities and Layout

The Air Zoo operates two main facilities: the Flight Innovation Center and the Flight Discovery Center, located within close proximity to one another. Together, they cover approximately 60,000 square feet of exhibit and activity space.

Flight Innovation Center: This building is designed like an indoor amusement park with numerous flight simulators, full-motion rides, and hands-on STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) exhibits. It includes state-of-the-art flight simulators that replicate the experience of flying various aircraft, making it a thrilling experience for visitors of all ages. The STEM exhibits educate visitors on principles of flight, aerodynamics, robotics, and space science.

Flight Discovery Center: This center focuses more on the museum’s extensive aircraft collection and restoration efforts. Visitors can explore over 100 historic aircraft and spacecraft, ranging from World War I biplanes to cutting-edge stealth jets. The Discovery Center also features an active aircraft restoration hangar where visitors can watch expert technicians restore rare and vintage airplanes, including a WWII-era FM-2 Wildcat that was recovered from Lake Michigan.

Collections and Exhibits

The Air Zoo boasts one of the most impressive collections of aircraft in the country, with highlights including:

The SR-71B Blackbird, the world’s only remaining example of this legendary supersonic reconnaissance aircraft.

The Lockheed F-117A Nighthawk, the iconic stealth fighter.

A variety of WWII fighters, bombers, trainers, and experimental aircraft.

Space-related exhibits that showcase the evolution of space flight, including models and memorabilia from NASA missions.

Additional exhibits include:

Missions Theater: A unique 180-degree theater that shows immersive 2-D films recreating historic aviation missions such as a B-17 bombing run during World War II, allowing visitors to feel as if they are part of the action.

Restoration Center: An educational space where visitors observe the meticulous process of restoring historic aircraft, learning about the craftsmanship, technology, and historical significance of these machines.

Educational and Community Programs

The Air Zoo emphasizes education through a broad array of programs targeting students, teachers, and families:

Hands-on workshops and summer camps focused on aviation and aerospace science.

Outreach programs that partner with schools to encourage STEM learning.

Special events, guest lectures, and themed exhibitions that highlight aerospace history and innovation.

Programs honoring aviation veterans and promoting the history of women and minorities in aviation.

Special Exhibits and Upcoming Features

The museum regularly hosts special exhibits that broaden its educational reach and cultural impact. Some notable upcoming or recent exhibits include:

Black Wings: American Dreams of Flight — a comprehensive exhibit exploring the contributions of African Americans to aviation history.

Women in Air & Space Timeline — an interactive timeline showcasing over a century of women's achievements in aerospace.

Alien Worlds & Androids — an exhibit exploring the search for extraterrestrial life and the technology involved in exploring remote planets and solar systems.

USS Kitty Hawk Artifacts — opening in mid-2024, featuring a massive anchor and sections of the flight deck from the famous aircraft carrier.

Visitor Information

Admission: Tickets are reasonably priced with discounts for seniors, children, and free admission for kids under 5 and museum members.

Hours: Open Tuesday through Sunday with extended evening hours on Fridays and Saturdays. Closed on major holidays such as Thanksgiving and Christmas.

Accessibility: The museum is fully accessible with accommodations for visitors with disabilities. Free parking is available on-site.

Overall Experience

The Air Zoo Aerospace & Science Museum offers a rare combination of historic preservation, educational enrichment, and engaging entertainment. Visitors leave with a richer understanding of aviation history, the science behind flight, and the cultural significance of aerospace exploration. Its immersive flight simulators, interactive STEM exhibits, and rare aircraft collections make it a standout destination in the Midwest for families, school groups, and aviation aficionados.