
KALAMAZOO AVIATION HISTORY MUSEUM
We are a world-renowned, Smithsonian affiliated, aerospace & science experience near Kalamazoo, MI Preserving the legacy of flight for present and future generations.

Kalamazoo Aviation History Museum
The Kalamazoo Aviation History Museum, currently operating as the Air Zoo, is a U.S. nonprofit aviation museum and indoor amusement park. It was founded in 1977 by Sue Parish, a former Women Airforce Service Pilot (WASP), and her husband Pete Parish, a World War II pilot[2].
History
Initially established to preserve military and historical aircraft, the museum grew significantly, becoming one of the largest nongovernmental aviation museums in the U.S. It opened its doors on November 18, 1979. The name was changed to the Air Zoo in 1999, reflecting the numerous aircraft in its collection with animal nicknames, such as the Warhawk, Hellcat, and Bearcat[1][2].
Expansion and Development
From 1999 to 2003, the museum underwent major renovations to transform into an indoor amusement park with flight simulators and rides. The new facility opened in April 2004, featuring attractions like a 4-D theater and a large mural titled "Century of Flight"[1]. Further expansion occurred in 2011 with the addition of a 50,000-square-foot facility, incorporating themes on space and World War II aircraft[1].
Exhibits and Attractions
The Air Zoo showcases more than 50 rare and historic aircraft, including the SR-71B Blackbird and the F-117 Nighthawk, and offers amusement park-style rides, full-motion flight simulators, and interactive exhibits like the 180-degree theater and the RealD 3D/4D Missions Theater[1][4]. It houses the Michigan Aviation Hall of Fame and the Guadalcanal Memorial Museum[1].
Mission
The organization aims to preserve the legacy of flight for present and future generations, serving as a research and educational facility[3].
Governance
The museum is governed by a board of directors comprising individuals from diverse backgrounds, including local business leaders and educational institutions[3]. The board ensures transparency and ethics in governance practices[3].
Edit WikiFounded
1977
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airzoo.org
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Air Zoo Aerospace & Science Museum | Kalamazoo, MI Utility Navigation Todays Hours Flight Innovation Center Mon Sat 900 a. m. 500 p. m.
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News about KALAMAZOO AVIATION HISTORY MUSEUM from their social media (Facebook and X).
- KALAMAZOO AVIATION HISTORY MUSEUM
- 2025-07-28
Take a peek inside our SBD-1 restoration 👀 It's all coming together. (fb)
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- KALAMAZOO AVIATION HISTORY MUSEUM
- 2025-07-28
On July 28, 1945 a B-25 Mitchell bomber of the USAAF crashed into the North side of the Empire State Building while flying in thick fog. (fb) ... more
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1. How can the Kalamazoo Aviation History Museum enhance its outreach programs to engage local schools and promote aerospace education among youth?
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Brooklyn Simmons
2 days ago
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2. What role do you think community partnerships play in preserving and promoting the aviation history represented at the Kalamazoo Aviation History Museum?
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Brooklyn Simmons
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Latest reviews
Together, we can make a real impact in communities around the world. Help us bring hope and support.
Just visited the Kalamazoo Aviation History Museum! 🌟 What an incredible experience to learn about the legacy of flight. Highly recommend it to anyone interested in aviation! ✈️❤

Brooklyn Simmons
Product Manager
The Flight Discovery Center is such a gem! It's amazing to see how far we've come in aerospace innovation. Thank you for preserving this important history for future generations! 🛩️💫

Brooklyn Simmons
Product Manager
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Kendall Monroe
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