Pearson Air Museum
It is said that everyone needs a hobby. And if you are looking for one, the Pearson Air Museum may be just what you are looking for! This museum has been around since 1942 and was started by Mr. Harry G. Pearson to commemorate his son, who died during World War II. The museum houses over 200 aircraft of various sizes and types and other military vehicles from both World Wars I and II. There is also an outdoor airpark with more than 60 planes!
Located on the edge of historic Fort Vancouver, Pearson Air Museum is a premier attraction for those interested in history and aviation. The museum is home to several vintage aircraft and exhibits that tell the story of aviation in the Pacific Northwest. Visitors can explore everything from early airmail service to modern fighter jets.
If you are a fan of history, or just aviation in general, Pearson Air Museum is worth a visit! And if you have kids, they will love it too.
History of Pearson Air Museum
The Pearson Air Museum was founded in 1976 by Alan and Peggy Pearson. The museum is dedicated to preserving aviation history and features exhibits on the Klondike Gold Rush, early aviation in Washington State, and the development of airmail service. The museum is also home to the restored Boeing B-29 Superfortress “Fifi,” the only airworthy B-29 in the world.
In 1998, the Pearson Air Museum merged with the Fort Vancouver National Historic Site and is now administered by the National Park Service. The museum features over 200 aircraft on display, including several rare and historic planes.
Facts About Pearson Air Museum
– The Pearson Air Museum is located in the historic district of Vancouver, Washington.
– The museum features exhibits about the history of transportation and aviation in the Pacific Northwest.
– The museum is housed in a building originally constructed as a military hospital in 1913.
– The museum is home to the only airworthy B-29 Superfortress in the world.
– The Pearson Air Museum merged with the Fort Vancouver National Historic Site in 1998.
Aircraft on Display at Pearson Air Museum
The Pearson Air Museum is home to over 200 aircraft of various sizes and types. The museum features several rare and historic planes, including the following:
- Boeing B-29 Superfortress “Fifi”
- de Havilland DH 98 Mosquito
- Consolidated PBY Catalina
- North American T-28 Trojan
- Grumman F11F Tiger
- Douglas A-26B Invader
- Boeing B75N Stearman
- North American B-25J Mitchell
There are 60 planes on display outdoors, which visitors can tour. The outdoor airpark is open from April through October and features several rare aircraft, including the following:
- Boeing P-26A Peashooter
- Vought OS22U Kingfisher
- Ryan PT-22 Recruit
- Curtiss P-40E Warhawk
- Lockheed T-33A Shooting Star
The museum also has several interactive exhibits, which allow visitors to explore the history and science of aviation. These include the following:
The Wright Experience – Learn about the Wright brothers and their invention of the airplane.
Flight Simulators – Experience what it’s like to fly a plane.
Mail Delivery Exhibit – Learn about the history of airmail service in the United States.
Northwest Aviation History Exhibit – Explore aviation history in the Pacific Northwest.
US Air Force Exhibit – See the history of aviation in the US military.
Pacific Northwest Transportation Exhibit – Explore the history of transportation in the Pacific Northwest.
The Spirit of St. Louis – Explore the story of Charles Lindbergh and his historic flight across the Atlantic Ocean in 1927. This exhibit is accessible to visitors during regular museum hours, but space is limited, so reservations are recommended.
Pearson Air Museum is a must-see for anyone interested in aviation or history. With exhibits on everything from early airmail service to modern fighter jets, the museum offers something for everyone.
Flight Simulators and Restoration Center
Pearson Air Museum also features several unique exhibits. The Flight Simulation Center is a replica of the original Boeing factory where the B-17 was built in Seattle during World War II. Visitors can explore what it was like to work on the assembly line and learn about life as a World War II aviation worker.
The restoration center is home to some of the giant planets in the museum, including the B-29 Superfortress “Fifi,” which features prominently outside of Pearson Air Museum. The restoration process takes months or even years for larger planes, and visitors are welcome to watch the technicians at work.
Things Not to Do at Pearson Air Museum
Pearson Air Museum is a fun and exciting place to visit, but certain things are not allowed on the premises.
- No pets of any kind are permitted in or around the museum, including service animals.
- The interior exhibits feature delicate artifacts that should not be touched without permission from a staff member first.
- Smoking, eating, and drinking inside Pearson Air Museum is prohibited.
- Visitors are welcome to bring cameras, but tripods and monopods are not allowed inside the museum for safety reasons.
- Keep all personal items in sight at Pearson Air Museum or risk losing them. The museum is not responsible for lost or stolen items.
Things to Bring at Pearson Air Museum
Pearson Air Museum is a fun place to visit, but there are certain things that you should bring with you before coming.
- Come prepared for the weather if visiting Pearson during one of its outdoor exhibits. The museum can get cold in the winter and hot during summer months, so come dressed appropriately.
- There are no food options or restrooms on-site, so come prepared with snacks and drinks if necessary.
- Be sure to bring a camera to capture all the unique aircraft on display at Pearson Air Museum.
- If you have a child under the age of 12, be sure to bring them along for the free Junior Ranger program, which runs from 11 am-noon every Saturday.
- Finally, be sure to check the museum’s website or call ahead before coming to make sure no special events are happening that day that may affect your visit.
The Wright Experience exhibit is a great way to learn about aviation history.
At Pearson Air Museum, you can experience what it’s like to fly a plane.
How to Get to Pearson Air Museum
Pearson Air Museum is conveniently located just minutes from downtown Portland.
– Driving – Take I-205 north towards Vancouver, WA
– Parking in the museum’s lot costs $12 per car or motorcycle and can accommodate up to 700 vehicles.
– Public transportation – Catch bus route #44 on Division Street between 12th Avenue and 11th Avenue.
– Walk or ride a bike – The museum is easily accessible by foot from several nearby neighborhoods. The Springwater Corridor trail runs right through Portland International Airport, just one block away from Pearson Air Museum.
Admission rates are as follows:
– Adults (18+): $12.50
– Youth/Seniors (65+)/Military w/ID: $11.00
– Children (12+) $11.00
– Toddlers/Infants: Free!
Hours of Operation: April – October; Daily from 11 am to close. November – March; Friday and Saturday only from 11 are until close. They closed Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Eve/Day, and New Years Day.
Parking: There is plenty of parking in the lot, which costs $12 per car or motorcycle.
Address: 1115 E 5th St, Vancouver, WA 98661, United States
Phone: +1360-816-6232
Website: pearsonairmuseum.org
If you’re looking for a House Cleaning in Portland, you can book with us!
Next Thing To Do In Portland:
The Freakybuttrue Peculiarium and Museum
