Aeropark Aviation Museum is an open-air collection of historic aircraft beside Budapest Airport where visitors can walk among Soviet-era jets, military helicopters and passenger planes that chronicle Hungary's aviation history across the twentieth century and beyond.
Oregon: McMinnville – Evergreen Aviation Museum
✈️ Evergreen Aviation & Space Museum – McMinnville, Oregon
We’d been driving for what felt like the better part of a geological era — actually just over an hour from Portland — when we finally pulled into McMinnville, a perfectly pleasant small Oregon town that gives absolutely no hint of what’s lurking just down the road. We’d heard there was a decent aviation museum nearby. We were not prepared.
The Evergreen Aviation & Space Museum turned out to be one of those genuinely brilliant finds that makes you feel slightly foolish for not having heard more about it. We’ve been back a couple of times since that first visit, which tells you everything you need to know.
🏛️ A Modest Start in a Car Park Hangar
The museum had somewhat humble beginnings, which is perhaps the understatement of the aeronautical age. It was first envisioned by Captain Michael King Smith, son of Delford Smith, the founder of Evergreen International Aviation — a company you may not have heard of unless you’re the sort of person who spends evenings reading about cargo logistics, in which case, good for you. The museum opened in 1991 with a small collection of vintage aircraft housed in a hangar at the company’s own headquarters. Modest, yes. Forgettable, no.
🦢 The Spruce Goose – Yes, That One
Here’s where things get properly interesting. In March 1990, The Walt Disney Company — yes, the Mickey Mouse people — announced they were shutting down their Long Beach, California, exhibit of the Spruce Goose, formally known as the Hughes H-4 Hercules. This extraordinary machine was designed and built by the Hughes Aircraft Company as a prototype strategic airlift flying boat. The idea was to transport troops and supplies across the Atlantic during the Second World War without the bother of U-boats sinking everything. Sadly — or depending on your perspective, predictably — it wasn’t completed in time to be useful to anyone fighting anyone.
The aircraft made precisely one brief flight, on 2nd November 1947, and that was that. Howard Hughes, never a man to be rushed, had spent an absolute fortune on a plane that flew once. The thing was built largely from wood — birch, mostly, despite the nickname suggesting spruce — because wartime aluminium restrictions made conventional construction impractical. For decades it held the record for the largest wingspan of any aircraft ever to have actually flown, a title it clung to until the Scaled Composites Stratolaunch finally nudged it aside on 13th April 2019.
When Disney pulled the plug on the Long Beach exhibit, the Aeroclub of Southern California went looking for a new home. In 1992, the Evergreen Museum won the competitive bid by proposing to build an entire museum around the aircraft — a rather sensible approach, we thought. Disassembly began in August 1992, the parts were carefully transported up to Oregon, and the last piece was finally installed on 7th December 2001. Nine years. For context, we once spent three years trying to get a bathroom renovation finished, so we appreciate the patience involved.
We would cheerfully drive the full hour from Portland just to stand and gawk at the Spruce Goose. Its sheer scale — the wingspan runs to 97.5 metres — and the audacity of its construction remain a genuinely jaw-dropping testament to what human beings can do when they’re given enough money and left largely unsupervised.
🚀 Growing Up Fast
Since the Spruce Goose took up residence, the museum has grown rather impressively around it. An IMAX theatre opened in 2007, and in 2008 a second exhibition hall arrived, dedicated to the Titan II intercontinental ballistic missile and space technology. It’s the sort of place where you walk in thinking you’ll spend a couple of hours and emerge, blinking, four hours later, slightly overwhelmed and possibly hungry.
🛩️ The Collection
The aircraft collection spans the full sweep of human flight, from the earliest and most terrifyingly fragile contraptions of the pioneer era right through to modern jets. We’ve visited a fair few aerospace museums across the United States — including the excellent Museum of Flight in Seattle and the mighty Smithsonian in Washington D.C. — and we’d rank Evergreen right up there with the best of them. That’s not faint praise, that’s genuine admiration dressed in sensible shoes.
Beyond the aircraft, there are some thoughtful exhibits of aerospace-related artwork and — and this is a detail we didn’t expect to enjoy quite so much — a fascinating collection of flight attendant uniforms spanning several decades of aviation history. Say what you like about the 1970s, but nobody was afraid of a bold colour scheme.
If you’re anywhere near McMinnville, Oregon, do not drive past.
In Summary …
- The Evergreen Aviation & Space Museum was an unexpected surprise – the quality of the exhibits is amazing
- Seeing the Spruce Goose was worth the entry ticket price alone!
- If you are travelling as a family think about staying in the area and enjoying the adjacent waterpark.
Planning your trip
📍 Location
Evergreen Aviation & Space Museum 500 NE Captain Michael King Smith Way McMinnville, Oregon 97128 United States
The museum is situated just off Oregon Route 18, directly opposite McMinnville Municipal Airport, and is easily accessible by road from Portland, which lies approximately an hour’s drive to the north-east. Visitors arriving by road from the south via Interstate 5 should follow Highway 22 through Salem before connecting to Highway 99W northbound towards McMinnville, then taking the Highway 18 East exit and continuing for approximately four miles. The museum entrance will be on the left-hand side.
🌐 Website
📞 Contact
Telephone: +1 (503) 434-4180
For general enquiries and messaging, a contact form is available through the museum’s official website.
🕘 Opening Times
The museum is open daily from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm.
The museum is closed on the following dates each year: Easter Sunday, Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Eve, and Christmas Day.
🎟️ Entry Fees
Admission passes cover access to both museum pavilions, free 3D educational films at weekends, docent-guided tours, and additional experiences including the Skunk Works Experience and Restoration Centre Tours.
Single Day Admission Pass
Adults (aged 16 and over): $24 Seniors (aged 65 and over) and Veterans: $21 Youth (aged 5 to 15): $14 Children under 5: Free Active Military Servicemembers: Free
Two-Day ‘See It All’ Pass
For visitors who wish to spend more than one day exploring the museum, a two-day pass valid over a seven-day period is available.
Adults (aged 16 and over): $45 Seniors (aged 65 and over) and Veterans: $35 Youth (aged 5 to 15): $20
RVer’s Two-Day Pass
A special pass priced at $60 includes a two-day museum admission plus one night of complimentary overnight parking in the North Lot. This is ideal for those touring the region by motorhome or campervan.
Discount Programmes
A number of reduced admission options are available, including:
Oregon college students: $12 Yamhill County residents: $4 off the standard admission price at all ticket levels Museums For All (EBT cardholders): Adults $3, Youth $1 AAA members: $2 off up to four tickets (must be purchased at the admissions desk) Blue Star Families: Free admission for qualifying military personnel and up to five family members from Armed Forces Day through to Labour Day each year
Tickets may be purchased online in advance. Online passes are valid for one year from the date of purchase and are fully transferable, making them a practical option for those planning their visit ahead of time. Only one discount may be applied per adult admission.
🏛️ What to See
The museum complex is spread across three main buildings. The West Pavilion houses the original aviation exhibits, including the iconic Spruce Goose and a remarkable array of historic military and civilian aircraft. Notable exhibits include the SR-71 Blackbird, the F-117 Nighthawk, and the A-10 Warthog, among many others. The East Pavilion is dedicated to space exploration, featuring spacecraft and related exhibits that trace humanity’s journey beyond the atmosphere. The Aerodrome Giant Screen Theatre offers large-format films on aviation and space themes, providing an additional layer of entertainment and education.
Guided tours with knowledgeable volunteer docents are included with admission and are highly recommended for making the most of your visit. The museum’s sheer scale — spanning more than 250,000 square feet in total — means that most visitors should allow at least half a day, and ideally a full day or more, to see everything comfortably.
🍽️ On-Site Facilities
The Aviator Café is located within the museum complex and provides a convenient dining option for visitors during their visit. The museum also offers a flight simulator experience, a restoration and preservation centre where aircraft are actively maintained and restored, and a gift shop. Group visits, educational field trips, and private event hire are all catered for, and enquiries can be made via the museum’s website.
The Best Time to Visit Oregon
Oregon is one of the most geographically diverse states in the USA, encompassing rugged Pacific coastline, dense temperate rainforests, volcanic peaks, high desert plateaus, and fertile river valleys. Knowing when to visit — and where to go — makes all the difference between a memorable journey and a soggy disappointment. This guide breaks down the best times to visit by season and by region, with packing advice for each time of year.
🌸 Spring (March–May)
Spring is a season of dramatic transformation in Oregon. Wildflowers carpet the Columbia River Gorge and the Willamette Valley bursts into colour with cherry blossom and tulip blooms. The crowds are thin, prices are reasonable, and the landscape feels genuinely alive.
Willamette Valley & Portland Portland springs to life in April, with the Japanese Garden at its finest and the International Rose Test Garden beginning to bud. The city’s famous food markets and coffee culture are best enjoyed without summer queues. Expect overcast skies and regular showers through March, gradually giving way to mild, bright days in May. The valley’s wine country — particularly around Dundee Hills — is lovely in spring, with green vineyards and damp, fresh air.
Columbia River Gorge This is arguably the finest time to visit the Gorge. Waterfalls are thundering at full capacity from snowmelt, and the wildflower displays on the eastern side — particularly around Rowena Crest — are extraordinary in late March and April. The Historic Columbia River Highway is fully accessible and relatively uncrowded.
Oregon Coast Spring brings dramatic, brooding skies and powerful surf to the coast. While swimming is out of the question (it nearly always is), storm-watching and grey whale migration viewing (March–May) make this a compelling time to visit. Towns like Cannon Beach and Newport are quiet, and accommodation rates are significantly lower.
Central Oregon & the High Desert Bend and the surrounding high desert thaw slowly. March can still be wintry at elevation, but by May the Smith Rock State Park trails are in excellent condition and the crowds have not yet arrived. Wildflowers begin appearing on the desert floor in April and May.
Southern Oregon (Crater Lake, Rogue Valley) Crater Lake typically remains snowbound into May or even June. The rim road is often closed, though the park itself is accessible for snowshoeing. The Rogue Valley — home to Ashland’s Shakespeare Festival — opens its theatre season in February and runs through autumn, making spring an excellent time to combine culture and scenery.
🎒 What to Pack for Spring Layering is essential: a waterproof shell or rain jacket, fleece mid-layer, and moisture-wicking base layers. Pack waterproof walking boots for trail use, a compact umbrella for city days, and sun protection for the high desert and clear-day hikes. Temperatures swing considerably between coast, city, and high elevation — a light down gilet bridges the gap neatly.
☀️ Summer (June–August)
Summer is peak season across most of Oregon, and for good reason. The Cascades are fully accessible, the coast is reliably cool and bright, and long daylight hours give visitors maximum time outdoors. It is also the busiest and most expensive time to travel.
Portland & the Willamette Valley Portland summers are warm and largely dry — a genuine surprise to many visitors expecting Pacific gloom. Temperatures typically sit between 24°C and 30°C in July and August. The Saturday Market, food truck pods, and outdoor festivals are in full swing. The valley’s lavender farms and wineries welcome visitors from June onwards.
Columbia River Gorge Waterfalls are lower in volume than spring but the hiking trails are at their best — dry underfoot, with sweeping views along the gorge rim. Popular trails like Angel’s Rest and Dog Mountain can become very busy on weekends. Visit on weekdays or arrive early to secure parking.
Oregon Coast The coast is never hot — that is part of its charm. Summer averages sit around 16°C to 19°C, with frequent morning mist burning off by midday. The coastal towns are busy but not overwhelmed. Cannon Beach, Seaside, and Pacific City all have a relaxed, unhurried atmosphere even at peak times. Haystack Rock’s tide pools are best explored at low tide during long summer evenings.
Central Oregon & the High Desert Bend transforms into a hub of outdoor activity in summer. Mountain biking, white-water rafting on the Deschutes River, rock climbing at Smith Rock, and hiking around the Three Sisters Wilderness are all at their prime. Temperatures can exceed 35°C in July — hot by Oregon standards — and afternoon thunderstorms are possible. The high desert air is very dry, so hydration is critical.
Mount Hood & the Cascades Timberline Lodge is open year-round, but summer offers the full grandeur of the mountain without snow obscuring lower trails. Wildflower meadows bloom below treeline in July, and the Ramona Falls and Mirror Lake trails are among the finest day hikes in the state. Crater Lake’s rim road typically opens fully by late June, revealing one of the most vivid blue lakes on Earth.
Southern Oregon The Rogue River is superb for rafting and kayaking in summer. Illinois Valley is warm and dry, perfect for exploring the Oregon Caves National Monument. Ashland’s Shakespeare Festival is at its most vibrant in July and August, combining outdoor theatre with excellent local wine and food.
🎒 What to Pack for Summer Breathable, moisture-wicking layers work year-round on the coast; add a light fleece or windproof jacket for evenings. For the high desert and Cascades, sun cream with high SPF, sunglasses, and a wide-brimmed hat are non-negotiable. Carry at least two litres of water per person for any hike above 900 metres. Sturdy trail shoes or boots, lightweight waterproof layer for afternoon thunderstorms, and insect repellent for forest trails round out the kit.
🍂 Autumn (September–November)
Autumn is many locals’ favourite season — and for good reason. Summer crowds fade, temperatures remain pleasant, the foliage turns spectacular, and the harvest season transforms the Willamette Valley and Rogue Valley into culinary destinations.
Portland & the Willamette Valley September is arguably the finest month in Portland. The city is warm, dry, and still lively, without the peak-season pressure. The Willamette Valley’s wine harvest begins in late September, and many wineries open their crush pads to visitors. October brings golden light and falling leaves to Forest Park — one of the largest urban forests in the USA — and the city’s autumn food scene is outstanding.
Columbia River Gorge Autumn foliage along the Gorge is stunning from mid-October into early November. The eastern end of the Historic Columbia River Highway offers particularly vivid colour against the basalt cliffs. Waterfalls return to reasonable volume as autumn rains begin, and weekend crowds drop significantly after Labour Day.
Oregon Coast Storm season begins in earnest by November, which is precisely why storm-watchers descend on Cannon Beach and Depoe Bay. September and October offer the most pleasant coast conditions — mild, bright afternoons and dramatic wave action. The famous grey whale southward migration begins in November.
Central Oregon & the High Desert September remains warm and dry in Bend. Smith Rock is glorious in autumn light, and the crowds thin considerably after the school holidays end. By October, nights are cold at elevation. Snow can arrive at altitude by late October, making early-season snowshoeing possible around Mount Bachelor.
Mount Hood & the Cascades Snow arrives at Timberline Lodge as early as October, and the ski season can begin by November. The autumn foliage in the Hood River Valley is among the most beautiful in the Pacific Northwest — paired with the valley’s famous apple and pear harvest, it makes an excellent weekend destination from Portland.
Southern Oregon Crater Lake in autumn is exceptional: cooler temperatures, thinner crowds, and the possibility of first snowfall dusting the rim for dramatic contrast against the lake’s deep blue. The Rogue Valley harvest season peaks in September and October, with farm stands lining the highways.
🎒 What to Pack for Autumn A quality waterproof jacket becomes increasingly important as the season progresses. Warm mid-layers, a wool or fleece hat, and gloves are sensible from October onwards. Waterproof walking boots are strongly advised for trail use. Pack a few lighter layers for early autumn warmth, transitioning to heavier insulation and thermals for November visits, particularly at elevation.
❄️ Winter (December–February)
Winter Oregon is not for everyone — but for those who seek solitude, dramatic scenery, and a genuine sense of wilderness, it offers something remarkable. Prices plummet, crowds disappear, and the landscape takes on a raw, elemental quality.
Portland & the Willamette Valley Portland winters are grey, damp, and mild — rarely below freezing in the city itself, but consistently overcast. This is the city at its most authentic: independent bookshops, coffee houses, museums, and covered markets come into their own when outdoor activities are curtailed. The Portland Art Museum and OMSI (Oregon Museum of Science and Industry) are excellent rainy-day options. Occasional ice storms do occur and can disrupt travel — worth monitoring forecasts.
Columbia River Gorge Winter transforms the Gorge into something ethereal. Waterfalls partially freeze in hard cold snaps, ice coats the basalt walls, and the whole landscape is stripped back to its geological bones. Multnomah Falls is spectacular year-round and accessible even in winter. Many of the higher trails are closed or icy — check conditions before setting out.
Oregon Coast Storm-watching is the headline winter activity, and the Oregon Coast does it superbly. Hotels in Cannon Beach, Lincoln City, and Depoe Bay offer storm-watching packages during the roughest weather. The grey whale northward migration (December–January) is another draw. The coast remains relatively mild compared to inland Oregon, though wind chill can be brutal.
Central Oregon & the High Desert Mount Bachelor near Bend is one of the finest ski resorts in the Pacific Northwest, with a season typically running from November through April. Snowshoeing and cross-country skiing are popular alternatives for non-downhill skiers. Bend itself is surprisingly lively in winter, with a strong après-ski culture and a thriving local brewery scene.
Mount Hood & the Cascades Timberline Lodge — Oregon’s most iconic building — comes fully into its own in winter. Skiing and snowboarding on the mountain are excellent, and the historic lodge itself is a destination in its own right. Government Camp and surrounding communities offer a genuine mountain winter experience less than 90 minutes from Portland.
Southern Oregon (Crater Lake) Crater Lake in winter is one of Oregon’s most dramatic sights: the deep blue lake, the snow-covered rim, and the near-absolute silence. Access is limited to the south entrance, and the rim drive is closed, but ranger-led snowshoe walks are available on weekends. It is not easy to reach in winter, but for those who make the effort, it is genuinely unforgettable.
🎒 What to Pack for Winter Thermal base layers, a heavy insulating mid-layer, and a fully waterproof and windproof outer shell are essential. Waterproof boots with good ankle support and grip (or attachable microspikes for icy trails) are strongly advised. Pack warm accessories — hat, gloves, buff or scarf — and carry emergency layers if venturing to elevation. Driving in winter may require snow chains in mountain areas: check Oregon DOT road conditions before any mountain journey
🌟 The Overall Best Time to Visit Oregon
If forced to name a single best time to visit Oregon, late May through early October offers the most dependable conditions across the widest range of regions and activities. September stands out as the sweet spot: the summer crowds have thinned, the weather remains warm and mostly dry across the state, autumn colour is beginning in the mountains, the Willamette Valley harvest is under way, and accommodation rates start to ease. The coast is at its most pleasant, Crater Lake’s rim road is still open, and Portland is warm enough to explore entirely on foot.
That said, Oregon rewards visitors in every season. A winter storm-watcher on the coast, a spring wildflower hiker in the Gorge, or a ski week at Mount Bachelor will each find their own version of the state at its finest. The real key is matching your chosen region and activity to the season — Oregon is too varied and too dramatic to be reduced to a single best time. Choose your landscape, then let the season follow.
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