Look, learn, and get hands on at the Kalamazoo Air Zoo

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on May 15, 2013 at 2:37 PM, updated May 17, 2013 at 9:54 AM

In Kalamazoo, there is a zoo unlike any other. This zoo doesn't have animals, but rather aircrafts. The Kalamazoo Air Zoo features over 50 aircrafts, multiple exhibits, murals and art, rides, and lots more. 

The Air Zoo is a place where families, adventure seekers, and history buffs all converge. It's a place that cultivates adventure, excitement, entertainment, and discovery—for all ages. It's a must attend whenever in the Kalamazoo area, and definitely worth a car ride.

You'll get up close to giant aircrafts from all generations. You'll see planes like the Curtiss P-40 Warhawk, and the overpowering F-14 Tomcat—a plane you might recognize from Top Gun.

The Air Zoo isn't just about looking, but learning as well. The National Guadalcanal Memorial Museum is a nationally recognized memorial and it's located right in the Air Zoo. It chronicles one of the longest and bloodiest campaigns of World War II, which is known as the psychological and geographical turning point of land war in the Pacific. There is also the Space: Dare to Dream exhibit, which pays tribute to the history of space exploration and ancient cosmology. Women in Aviation and Space is another popular exhibit at the Air Zoo, which honors women in aviation and space like Sally Ride and Amelia Earhart.  

It doesn't end at looking and learning at the Air Zoo—be prepared to get hands on. Between flight simulators and interactive rides, there's lots of fun and adventure to partake in at the Air Zoo, no matter your age.

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You can journey out of your comfort zone through the 3D Space Shuttle Ride. You'll learn about your mission objective and be part of the crew as you maneuver pieces of the space station into place. You can also slide in and strap down in one of the most advanced Full-Motion Flight Simulators in the world available to civilians. You'll be control and put your Fighter Plane through stomach-churning barrel rolls and hair-raising touchdowns on landing strips. 

Those with kids will also enjoy rides like the ferris wheel, the Flying Circus Bi-Plane Ride, the Montgolfier Balloon Race, and Paratrooper Jump. 

No matter how deep your interests in aircraft goes, you'll be able to enjoy everything the Air Zoo offers.
