I guess I just expect more since I have experienced the Air Force Museum in Dayton, this by far is much smaller, but it does offer some background into aviation of Alaska so if you are looking into something like that, by all means you will enjoy this place, they also have a plane that oddly enough the Air Force Museum is interested in. It does need some updates and does not offer much for small souvenirs like shot glasses, etc.
There are examples of restored aircraft throughout the two warehouses, that explain the unique of role of aviation in Alaska throughout the years. Anyone who likes aviation, is a pilot, or just likes history will enjoy this visit. It is close to the airport, adjacent to Lake Hood.
Since so much of Alaska's history involves flight, this is a very cool place to go. There are all kinds of planes to explore and some wonderful exhibits of historical flying! If you like planes, beware, this takes more than a couple of hours if you plan on visiting the outdoor exhibits!
The future display of the WWII Catalina brought back memories of a visit to Andora Norway in the early 60'ties while flying the Navy P2V 5 Neptune. Seeing the accomplishments of all the "bush" pilots was amazing. I recommend this museum for everyone. Don't forget hanger 2
My husband is a pilot and is completely enthralled with anything related to aviation history. The artifacts just ooze history and are very well arranged. We found it very interesting and a good value.
I loved the service and information at this museum. We even got to watch the recovery team work on one of the planes. It was so interesting and informative. Keep up the good work!
If you like planes and are interested in early flight in one of the most unforgiving environments in the world, this is for you. What a lovely museum. The history of the bush pilots is fascinating. Great spot!
While you wander through the museum and check out it's amenities, you will love what they have done both inside and outside with the planes and displays. The top of an old tower sits just waiting for you to check it out and the Alaska Airlines jet is really cool! There are some interactive displays that kids will enjoy too.
While in Anchorage I decided to pay a visit to The Alaska Aviation Museum and needless to say I was not disappointed! Flight is so critical to the Alaskan way of life that a person can get a pilots license before they can drive a car or vote here I'm Alaska. This museum is a nod to all the fliers past and present and the Alaskan Flying Spirit! Vintage Planes are at every turn and tons of vintage flying equipment is everywhere you look. One hangar is dedicated to Military Planes from a bygone era and you can't help but feel patriotic as you walk through it. There is a brand new Flight Tower just adjacent to the Museum. It overlooks the lake that planes take off and land on, with your admission you get access to the tower as well, and you can even hear the actual tower air traffic controllers working with the light planes. Over all this is a great experience for anyone and fliers will go crazy and need to he dragged away! The entry is less than $20.00 and it's worth it too see all the great classic planes and equipment. Parking is free and depending in how fascinated you are with the place you will need two to three hours to do it right! I really enjoyed my time there and if you love planes and flying, you will enjoy it as well. Take time to see this great attraction if you are in Anchorage.
The Alaska Aviation Museum, although having a range of aircraft on display, is more directed at the background of the bush pilots and the history of aviation in Alaska. I have visited many aviation museums around the world and found this museum very interesting and informative. I can certainly recommend this museum to aviation enthusiasts as it gives a good insight into an area of aviation not usually shown in other museums.