Museum of Flight

Seattle’s huge museum of flight explores every part of the country’s association with aircraft, from the Wright brothers’ modest first aerial forays to the space programme’s flights throughout the solar system and everything in between.Suitably located close to Sea-Tac International Airport at Boeing Field, this mammoth museum encompasses six levels of more than 150 aircraft – and spacecraft – as well as a hangar dedicated to aviation-related artefacts. Among the amazing flying machines on display are the first ever presidential Air Force One and a retired Concorde Jet. The SR-71 Blackbird may not be as well known but this top-secret spy plane, developed in the 1960s, was once the most advance machine of its type and was capable of travelling at a speed of 3,530 kilometres per hour.It’s not just vintage planes to keep you occupied in the museum however there are also a number of interesting interactive exhibits which let you experience something close to the thrill of flying. You can jump inside the cockpit of a decommissioned fighter jet or try your hand at the flight simulator to see what taking the controls would really be like. Hardy souls will even have the opportunity to feel the wind whip through their hair with a ride in an authentically restored biplane.Other attractions of note are the Personal Courage exhibit, which honours the planes and pilots of the two World Wars, and a futuristic car-plane – a prototype of a car designed to turn into a mini airplane! With so much to see, you should set aside at least half a day for a visit to the Museum of Flight but if you just want a brief glimpse then come on the first Thursday of the month after 5 p. m. when admission is free.The onsite Wings Café is a good place to end your visit here, with decent snacks and superb views across the museum complex. Located 121 kilometres south of Seattle, the Museum of Flight has lots of free parking and is also served by a bus from downtown which will bring you to the door.