Evergreen Aviation and Science Museum

What is it?

Literally built around the museum’s famous and largest exhibit, the Spruce Goose, The Evergreen Aviation and Science Museum is a world class museum born out of an individual’s dream to not only celebrate aviation’s rich history but to honor the patriotic service of our country’s veterans.

Captain Michael King Smith, an F-15 pilot and Lead for the 123rd Fighter Squadron of the Oregon Air National Guard, along with his father, Delford M. Smith, began collecting vintage aircraft setting up shop in a hangar at their headquarters in McMinnville, Oregon.

In 1990, the opportunity presented itself for father and son to purchase for their museum one of the most famous aircraft in aviation history, the Spruce Goose. By 1993, their purchase had arrived at the inadequate hangar turned museum where restoration on the Spruce Goose began. Unfortunately, Captain Smith did not live to see the completion or fulfillment of his dream, having lost his life in an automobile accident in March 1995. His father was determined and invested in seeing his son’s dream and ambition come to fruition, and he continued with the plans to erect a world class aviation museum now in memory of his son as well as veterans. Eight years and a brand new facility later, the aircraft museum saw its grand opening.

Why would you want to visit?

In 2006, the museum opened its space flight museum which proudly became affiliated with the Smithsonian Affiliations program in 2009. The space flight center boasts a Titan II missile as its centerpiece, along with the SR-71 Blackbird and exciting flight simulators for young and old alike.

Another of the museum’s attractions is the Pacific Northwest’s largest IMAX theater, which towers 6 stories tall and seven stories wide. The IMAX is a cinematic experience the family won’t soon forget.

Where is the Evergreen Aviation and Science Museum?

It is located 3.5 miles southeast of McMinnville, Oregon, on Highway 18 across from the McMinnville Municipal Airport. The museum recommends you use “500 NE Cumulus Avenue’ for the street address when using a GPS Device.

Visitor Tip: Combine your visit to the air and space museum with a visit to Portland as it is approximately a one hour drive from Portland.

Special Information:

Hours:
The museum is open daily from 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.

Tours: Guided tours are provided daily at 11 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. Volunteer docents are located throughout the museum to answer any questions. Self-guided tours are available from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. You are provided with free brochures, including a map and detailed information about the museum’s exhibits.

Food: There are two cafes to keep you fueled for the fun, eventful day you’ll spend at the museum. The Spruce Goose Café and Cosmo Café both serve healthy gourmet meals made from ingredients purchased from local farms. Both cafés are open daily from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Cost:
Adult (17-64): $20 · Senior (65+): $19 · Youth(5-16): $18
You might want to consider purchasing a campus pass which includes entry to the Aviation Museum, Space Museum, the Firearms Exhibit, one ride on the Evergreen Biplane Carousel, and one IMAX movie.
Adult (17-64): $27 Senior (65+): $26 Youth (5-16): $25

IMAX Theater Pass:
Adult: $11 · Senior: $10 · Youth $9

Contact Information:
Phone Number: 503-434-4185