Air Zoo Aerospace & Science Museum

About

The Air Zoo Aerospace & Science Museum in Portage, Michigan (just outside Kalamazoo) is one of the Midwest's most exciting destinations for aviation enthusiasts, science lovers, and families alike. Spread across more than 200,000 square feet of gallery space in two connected campus buildings, it's a place where history takes flight - literally.

The collection features over 100 rare and unique aircraft, from World War II fighters to experimental planes you won't find anywhere else. But the Air Zoo isn't just about looking. It's about doing. Hands-on science exhibits let visitors of all ages experiment with the principles of flight, physics, and engineering. Interactive simulators put you in the cockpit. And for those who want a real thrill, the museum includes amusement-style rides right inside the building.

The two campus centers sit just south of I-94, making them easy to reach by car. They're also connected by a short five-minute walk. The museum is open 360+ days a year, so you'll almost always find the doors open when you're ready to visit.

Families will appreciate the mix of experiences here. Younger kids gravitate toward the hands-on exhibits and rides, while older visitors and history buffs can spend hours among the aircraft displays and educational galleries. The multi-sensory approach means there's something engaging no matter how you prefer to learn - whether through reading, touching, watching, or experiencing.

Plan for at least a half day to see both buildings comfortably. The museum sits in a broader Kalamazoo area rich with restaurants and hotels, making it easy to build a full trip around your visit. Group visits are welcome, and the staff is known for being helpful and enthusiastic about sharing their passion for aerospace.

Whether you're a lifelong aviation fan or just looking for something different and genuinely fun, the Air Zoo delivers an experience that's hard to match.

Accessibility

The Air Zoo Aerospace & Science Museum is designed to be accessible for visitors with disabilities. The facility is wheelchair accessible, and its two campus buildings feature wide gallery spaces that accommodate mobility devices throughout the exhibits.

Service animals are welcome at the Air Zoo. The museum follows the U.S. Department of Justice's ADA requirements for service dogs - dogs must be trained to provide assistance to a person with a disability.

The two campus centers are connected by a short walk along an accessible route. Parking is available on-site, and the buildings are easily reached from I-94.

The museum's hands-on exhibits and multi-sensory approach can benefit visitors with different learning styles and abilities, as many displays engage multiple senses including touch and sight. The large, open gallery spaces generally allow comfortable movement for wheelchair users and those with mobility aids.

For specific questions about accessibility features - including accessible restrooms, assistive listening devices, sensory accommodations, elevator access between floors, or accommodations for particular needs - contact the Air Zoo directly at (269) 382-6555 or visit their website before your visit. Staff can provide current details about any accessibility services or accommodations available during your trip.

More accessible places in Michigan

• Detroit Institute of Arts (Detroit)
• Michigan Science Center (Detroit)
• Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore (Empire)
• The Henry Ford (Dearborn)
• Tahquamenon Falls State Park (Upper Peninsula)
• Flint Institute of Arts (Flint)