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Atwater, California: Castle Air Museum: Parking Lot Jets

Collection of airplanes from a closed air base. Has a small-size Air Force One used by Reagan and Clinton, and behemoths such as the B-36, B-52, B-50, and KC-135. Also indoor exhibits about aviation history.

Address:
5050 Santa Fe Drive, Atwater, CA
Directions:
South of Modesto and north of Merced on CA 99. Signs on freeway provide guidance - can be reached from Applegate or Buhach Rd exits, approximately 1.5 miles on Santa Fe Rd.
Hours:
Gates open daily 9-4 (Call to verify) Local health policies may affect hours and access.
Phone:
209-723-2178
Admission:
Adults $20.
RA Rates:
Worth a Detour
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Visitor Tips and News About Castle Air Museum: Parking Lot Jets

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Aerial view of the Castle Air Museum.

Castle Air Museum

Castle Air Museum.

[Matt Bearup, 02/16/2008]

Matt provided several aerial views he photographed of this collection assembled from a closed air base.

Vulcan jet as seen from air.

Castle Air Museum

We took our two little girls and went to the Air Museum and had a blast. There are at least 30 planes to see. There is a restaurant on site that is a little pricey, but the food was good. You won't get to go inside any of the planes, but we found out that the week previously they had an open house and I guess the planes are open during that time. The Air Museum has an indoor museum also with lots of photos and memorabilia.

[Stephanie, 02/24/2007]

B-36 bomber seen from air.

Castle Air Museum

The Castle Air Museum displays numerous military aircraft from the different branches of the US military and at least one British Vulcan aircraft. In the front parking lot is an SR-71 Blackbird.

[Bob Longobardi, 05/27/2006]

The museum has about 50 aircraft on display, most acquired from the collection at Castle Air Force Base after it closed. In addition to the outdoor exhibits, there's an indoor museum and gift shop.

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