Alaska Aviation Museum — Attraction in Alaska

To begin, I am a Lifetime Member, so frame the review as needed with that knowledge.

If you are an aviation enthusiast you should plan ample time for your trip to the museum. The displays are thorough and there is a lot to explore. Alaska bush flying is legendary and the chronicle they present is likely one of the most comprehensive in the world. You’ll get the chance to learn about pilots like Wagstaff, Pedersen and all the others who pioneered flight in the 49th state.

The gift shop is a lot of fun, with a great book section too. The place is great for kids with several displays that they can learn from and play on and in.

They rent the facilities for private events and they sponsor many different programs as well, such as their upcoming “Fly By Festival” in July (visit their website for information and tickets to any of their special activities).

If you opt for a membership you can go whenever you want, even if only to sit on the deck of the tower and listen to the radio traffic and planes take off and land on Lake Hood.

Many of the map apps apparently bring people in a side entry which is difficult to get out of, so please pay attention to the signs and either park in the small lot across the street from the outdoor plane display or head to the entrance area (take the road between the Rust’s Building and the Museum) toward the Orin Seybert Tower. That is the...

The Alaska Aviation Museum is a must-visit for aviation enthusiasts and history buffs alike! Located on the shores of Lake Hood in Anchorage, the museum offers a fascinating journey through Alaska's rich aviation history. From the early bush pilots who opened up the state’s wilderness to the modern aircraft that continue to connect remote communities, the exhibits are both informative and captivating.

The museum houses an impressive collection of planes, ranging from classic floatplanes and vintage military aircraft to helicopters. Many of the planes on display played a critical role in shaping Alaska’s development. The staff is incredibly knowledgeable and eager to share stories about the exhibits, providing an engaging learning experience.

One of the highlights is the restoration hangar, where visitors can watch as historic aircraft are carefully restored to their former glory. The museum also offers a flight simulator, which adds an exciting hands-on experience for visitors of all ages.

The location, right next to the busiest seaplane base in the world, adds to the charm. You can watch seaplanes take off and land while exploring the museum. Whether you’re an aviation expert or just someone interested in Alaska’s history, the Alaska Aviation Museum offers a memorable and educational experience that’s well...

Such a cool spot! I will warn that it is in large warehouse-like spaces, so it is LOUD. No matter where we went, there were kids screaming or treating the aircrafts like a playspace. There weren't even that many people there, and it was a Tuesday, so I can't imagine what it was like on a weekend! If you have auditory issues, bring headphones- but hopefully, you won't be escaping multiple horrible parents like we were!

That being said, the museum is incredible! The aircraft are amazing, and the history is great, especially for someone outside of Alaska- I had no idea of Alaska's role in WWII. I really loved the tower and getting to hear ATC of the floatplanes. The gift shop was also great, lots of AAM specific stuff, but also fun aviation-related stuff! The staff was FANTASTIC- we had read online there were lockers to keep our luggage in. This was NOT the case, but they were so happy to keep our ridiculous amount of luggage in their staff kitchen area. They were so nice and wonderful to chat with- thank...