Evergreen Aviation & Space Museum/Wings & Waves Waterpark

Evergreen Aviation and Space Museum in McMinnville Oregon, founded in the memory of Cpt. Michael King Smith, is a testament to the men and women whom have devoted their lives and careers to reaching the ultimate goal of pursuing the never ending dream, the longing for man to fly. Housing 2 museums, a water park and a movie theatre, Evergreen is dedicated to the education and science of flight.

In 2001, 9 years after purchasing , un-assembling and transporting from Long Beach California - the main attraction, the original Spruce Goose Airplane - was reassembled in it’s new and final home, a hangar in McMinnville Oregon. The “Spruce Goose”, the largest (by wingspan 230 ft) airplane ever built, made of 93% wood was built to carry 750 troops and 2 Sherman tanks during WWII.

Also housed in the museum you will find an exact replica of the Wright Brothers first plane, the Wright Flyer, along with planes such as the Curtis Jenny, the Sopwith Camel, and a B-17 Bomber. Although most of the planes are replicas, the DHC-4, tagged the “flying coffin” by the pilots who flew it, and the Messerschmidt BF 109 G-10 Gustav are actual planes flown during WWII. With US Military Veterans acting as docents, you will get a real life explanation of what life was like for the pilots, aviators and mechanics working with and flying the planes housed in the museum.

The Space Museum is dedicated to the science of space travel. Inside you will find a replica of the Space Rover and Spacesuit from the 1969 first man moon landing, along with rockets, space capsules and actual military missiles. Also housed in the museum are US Military helicopters and fighter jets, including Cpt. Michael King Smith's actual F-15 Eagle. Coming soon to the museum, a Desert Storm Veteran, the A-10 “Warthog”.

Kids of all ages will enjoy the Waterpark, with attractions such as the water slides, (named appropriately) Sonic Boom, Tailspin, Mach 1, and Nose Dive. Splashdown Harbor, a Leisure Pool, Vortex Pool and a Youth Slide round out the swim activities. Also housed in the building is the H2O Hands On Science Center.

The theater plays movies daily such as Deepsea Challenge 3D, Hidden Universe and Fighter Pilot. Outside finds a playground, a chapel, military tanks and planes, a picnic area and vineyard. You will definitely need a full day to explore each aspect of this moving tribute to the co-founder Cpt. Michael King Smith born 1966, died 1995.

Museum Hours and Admission: includes admission to the aviation and space museums & one movie Open Daily 9am - 5pm, closed Thanksgiving, Christmas and Easter Adult Pass: $27.00 Senior(65+): $24.00 Youth(5-16): $19.00 Spruce Goose Cockpit Tours: $50 per person, 45 minute tour & photo $25/4 people, 15 minute tour & photo Waterpark Hours and Admission: Dry Pass: $10.00 includes access to more than two dozen interactive exhibits Under 42” tall Pass: $20.00 includes access to science center, wave pool, leisure pool and play structures Over 42” tall Pass: $33.00 includes 747 slides, science center, wave pool, leisure pool and play structures. Check website for hours and restrictions.

Located 3.5 miles southeast of McMinnville on Hwy 18, across from the McMinnville Municipal Airport. Physical Address: 500 NE Michael King Smith Way McMinnville OR 97218. When using a GPS device, input 500 NE Culumbus Ave. McMinnville, OR 97218.