Viewing platforms and staircases surround the nine historic planes guarding the gates of the Prairie Aviation Museum. Inside, its exhibits offer insight into aviation, from model planes and engines to a flight simulator and the history of local astronauts. Make a close-up inspection of the aircraft on the museum’s Chuck Schumacher Aviation Airpark.
Consider the military history of the aircraft. Among the helicopters used in the Vietnam War are the Bell AH-1J SeaCobra and the Bell UH-1H Iroquois. Marvel at the impressive bodies of the Cessna 310, the McDonnell-Douglas models and the North American F-100 Super Sabre.
The internal part of the museum features a piston engine, a jet engine and other memorabilia. Kids can pretend to be pilots on the small simulator that makes them feel like they can fly. Learn from the passionate docents and volunteers about the aircraft and the context behind them. The museum also takes part in repair and preservation projects.
Open Cockpit Days in summer offer visitors the chance to get inside the airplanes. Snap photos of your kids chatting with former pilots in the cockpit.
Check out the temporary exhibits on aircraft-related themes. Choose from the variety of items for sale in the gift shop, which stocks books, jewelry, toys and model aircraft.
There is a fee to enter the museum, with discounts available for kids and free entry for toddlers. Pay an additional amount for a tour of the museum, which opens Thursday through Sunday from late morning until late afternoon.
The Prairie Aviation Museum is on the northern side of the Central Illinois Regional Airport, to the east of Bloomington. Ride a bus from downtown to get to the museum in about 45 minutes. Nearby sights include Eastland Commons Shopping Center, Clearwater Park and Lakeside Country Golf Club.
