Kalamazoo, Michigan: Air Zoo

Less than 2.5 hours away from Chicago, we keep coming back to this place. Plenty of restored planes to learn about. Some small interactive stations. The NASA docking station is my personal favorite.

During Covid-19 there's not a lot to do. If you purchase tickets in advance you can still enjoy the day. No crowds, bonus! Staff is eager to speak to someone, so take this opportunity to ask your questions. You'll almost get a personal tour for free. We can spend 3 hours there and feel we zipped right through the exhibits.

There are two buildings that are beautifully done. We bring a Subway lunch as there is an eating area. A great destination that grandparents and grandchildren both enjoy. Antique plane rides available for a fee.

Two buildings of airplanes, military history, simulators -- and it is located down the road from the Kalamazoo International Airport. The first building you come to is the newer of the two, opened a few years ago. There are approximately 12 or so planes in this building, the most exciting (to me) being the Blackbird. This is also the building where the gift shop, a small cafe and the ride simulators are located.

The simulators are of a jet and a space shuttle. There is a weight limit of 250 lbs on the the jet ride. No weight restriction on the space shuttle ride, but it is cramped. If you are inclined to motion sickness, the herky jerky movements of this ride are not for you. There is also a "magic motion" type of WWII historical fiction movie, featuring movement, fog, wind and a lot of sound, all in "3D." It is a real tear-jerker -- you have been warned!

The 2nd building, the original Air Zoo, houses a whole lot of airships and memorabilia. We (as two adults) spent much more time in this building. The best part is that you are able to walk in and/or through several of the planes. The grounds also have planes casually scattered over them.