Exploring Michigan: A high-flying family adventure awaits at the Air Zoo

PORTAGE, Mich. — The Air Zoo, located in Portage, is soaring to new heights as a must-visit destination for aviation enthusiasts and families alike.

With over 100,000 artifacts in the collection, the museum offers a comprehensive look at aerospace heritage and innovation.

"The Air Zoo is an all-encompassing aerospace and science experience for the whole family," said Troy Trash, President and CEO of the Air Zoo Aerospace and Science Museum. "We are part air and space museum. We have over 100 incredible aircraft and spacecraft, some one of a kind in the world."

First established in 1979, the Air Zoo has grown to now welcome over 200,000 visitors annually. Thrash attributes the success in part to the museum's interactive nature, saying, "We are part hands-on science center, so we've got all sorts of hands-on exhibits to bring the science, the technology of the aircraft and spacecraft to life for people of all ages."

Among the museum's prized possessions is the SR-71B Blackbird, the fastest and highest flying aircraft in history. The double cockpit "B" model was used to train all pilots who flew the aircraft, and it's the only one of its kind in the world.

Beyond its impressive collection of aircraft, the Air Zoo offers indoor rides and flight simulators at no additional charge for visitors seeking a more immersive experience. Guests 48 inches or taller can ride in the museum's full-motion flight simulators, even see what it's like to barrel roll in the sky.

The museum has several indoor amusement parks rides, including a 26-foot indoor Ferris wheel, which provides an awesome view of the main exhibit floor.

The Air Zoo has also become known for their work in aircraft restoration. A team of nearly 100 volunteers meticulously restore planes to their former glory.

"We do this very uniquely. We do this work right on our exhibit floor," Thrash said. "So as a guest, you can interact with our restoration volunteers who love to tell the stories of the aircraft, the work that they're doing and why they're so passionate about doing that work."

The museum has come to specialize in restoring World War II era aircraft pulled from the Great Lakes. Some aircraft restored at the Air Zoo can be viewed at aviation museums across the country.

Thrash highlighted the museum's goal to inspire future generations, saying, "We want them to leave here dreaming bigger. We want them to leave here thinking, I love this stuff. And I can be a future engineer, a future scientist, a future pilot, a future explorer."

For those planning a visit, it's recommended you set aside at least 3 to 4 hours to check out most of the exhibits across the two buildings. Admission is $18 for adults, $16 for children ages 5-17, and $15 for seniors. Children under 5 get in free.

Follow meteorologist Will Haenni on Facebook, X, Instagram and TikTok. Have an idea for a location we should check out as part of our Exploring Michigan series? Email Will at wchaenni@sbgtv.com.